North To Go South

The adventurer in me was itching for a "giddy up and go". So Rick and I put all four wheels on the road and headed the car north to find south...southern tradition, that is. The first destination was Raleigh, North Carolina.
Mid-Florida we drove into a fierce storm with bursts of lightening (red cells), strong winds and reduced visibility from rain blowing like gauzy, white curtains across the road. The skies turned black and day looked like night. As fast as it developed, it left as we drove on.

Fast forward...we stopped in South Carolina and had lunch at Jasper's Porch Restaurant. Let me just say this - one of the greatest things about travel is absorbing the atmosphere and culture through food. We had reached the land of "sweet tea and a porch = heaven". Jasper's was that perfect match. After being greeted by the local ducks, Rick and I were seated on a large covered back porch overlooking a lake. We watched turtles, an alligator and more ducks swim by while we ate. After our meal, we took a walk around the lake under whispering pine trees blowing gently in the breeze. Nice. Time to continue northwards...

North Carolina had a relaxed vibe, possessed a lush, green landscape and just oozed charm and American history. The reference of "y'all" to a group of people is a perfect, grammatically correct statement in North Carolina. We were also in the state that gave birth to Cheerwine, a burgundy colored, black cherry carbonated soda. 

Grits and biscuits were the staple of any breakfast menu and no holiday or big family gathering was complete without "greens" (collard greens). Cotton was the "King of the South" and North Carolina happened to be the fourth largest producer of the fluffy, white stuff.

As I mentioned earlier, food becomes a delightful part of our travels and this was no exception. We were in the land of debate when it came to the topic of barbecue...well, let's say the dispute was as old as the hills. Types of sauces, best meats to cook, how to cook them, temperatures and length of cooking time is just a start on this cultural holy grail for those who take their "Q" seriously. The topic could become even more in depth when discussing which sides are served with the meat (like coleslaw and hush puppies) and whether you heap the sides on top of the "Q" or next to it...it is an endless variety of details and a very revered tradition. North Carolina is known for its legendary barbecue joints and their style is slow cooking whole hog on an open wood fire pit (called "Pig Pickins") using a vinegar based sauce. One of those famous places is "The Pit" in downtown Raleigh where we had dinner. I tried a platter called the "Big Boy Combo" with a sample of all of their barbecued meats and sides of Brunswick Stew (chicken in tomato broth with veggies) and brussell sprouts baked with olive oil, red onion, chili pepper and crispy jowl bacon. Rick dug into a full rack of baby back ribs. We couldn't eat another bite...until our waiter graciously brought us a gratis plate of homemade banana pudding made with "nilla" wafers and heaped with fresh meringue. Wow!

Check out the trolley pub - a unique way to bar hop. You bring your own drinks, meet new people and get exercise while having fun. It's a pedal cycle on steroids - everyone pedals and the trolley rolls.

The next day it rained on and off most of the day. But that didn't stop us. We took a self guided walking tour around historic downtown Raleigh. Loved the character in the architecture of the older houses along Blount Street, a highly sought after address in Raleigh and I could see why. Along the way, markers/signs (evident in some pictures below) were posted giving brief descriptions of buildings or sites that was of historic significance. 

Notice the concrete block by the street in front of the yellow house (below). Back in the days when horses were used as transportation, this mounting block was used when getting on and off a horse.

Governor's Mansion.

The trees were huge, healthy and so lush in Raleigh. 

This was the Lieutenant Governor's office known as the Hawkins-Hartness house. I took a seat in one of their comfy rockers on the front porch for a bit. 

Giant symbol of the city located in Moore Square.

Krispy Creme was long popular in North Carolina (also the birthplace) before the rest of America learned that when the "Hot Now" sign lit up in red, it was time to eat some fresh, warm doughnuts from the fryer. The "Southern Summer Classic" doughnuts were being advertised: carrot cake and banana pudding. I HAD to go in and smell the sugar and watch the doughnuts being made. 

Smokey Bear was celebrating his 70th year representing the fight against forest fires.

We stopped at the Museum Of Natural History and wondered around the outdoor gardens that taught onlookers about the various plants, herbs, fruits and vegetables grown in North Carolina. Ever hear of a Scuppernong? It's a big, white grape that appears greenish in color and part of the muscadine family. It was "discovered" in 1755 along the banks of Scuppernong Lake located in North Carolina and thus the name came to be. Then there was the tobacco plant...of course. Tobacco put North Carolina on the map and made them a powerhouse in the industry. I was surprised how large the leaves actually grew. 

Rick saw this marker as we were walking down the center of the Raleigh business district. 

When it was time to eat...again...we headed to Beasleys, famous for their fried honey chicken and waffles. I tried their popular chicken and waffles while Rick had a fried honey chicken biscuit sandwich with green tomatoes and mustard. A side dish of roasted beets and onions caught my eye so I ordered that too. The yellow and red beets were chunked and roasted and served with sweet onions marinated in beet juice. Awesome food!!!

 

The next day Rick and I drove to the suburbs of Raleigh to visit with a dear friend of mine who I hadn't seen in a few years. We spent the afternoon with Angela, her husband Joe and their son "Master Dude" Jacob along with their ever faithful, good natured Westie named Bettis. That evening, we all went to the 2014 Downtown Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo on Fayeteville Street, a 1/2 mile of food trucks and restaurants stretched out over 11 city blocks. Over 50 food trucks showed up and parked nose to tail down the streets. From gourmet coffees to gluten-free Vietnamese food, it pretty much ran the gamut in choices. The best food trucks had the longest lines of patrons. It had grown warm and humid by that time and the crowds proved too much. We didn't stay very long after we checked out the variety being offered. The day ended. I was so glad we had time together, Angela. Thank you again, doll...and to Joe...for your great hospitality and friendship. And "Master Dude" and Bettis, catch you later!!!

Join me as our road trip continued further north: Virginia