This is a trip that has been in the works since the last MawMaw road trip to Toccoa GA for the family reunion. That trip was in 2022 shortly after our first visit with the Sartins to the Ark Encounter. MawMaw had spoken about going up, and I figured we could bring her along on our next road trip up that way. And well, life happens, and time keeps marching on, so that trip finally arrived three years later. This was the kid's Spring Break, but Sam was still in school, so he could not be with us. And we had some other plans that fell through when Jude decided to get married on the Saturday of this week, but we had a good plan even for a short trip of two nights. We had to cut the Creation Museum out of the trip, but I think the Ark Encounter is much better anyway.
Even after a late night at the Concert Hall the night before, I was surprised that we made it out of the house on schedule. Ruby, my early buddy, helped me get things situated and to the van. But she gave me a weird look when she looked at my listing of things to remember...cables, toiletries, pillows, medicines, drinks and snacks. "Why did you write that?" I replied, "so I would not forget those things". She grinned, but "Why did you write that?" pointing to toiletries. Because toiletries are important I answered, and I have forgotten them before. She smiled and said "Oh, I thought that was Toilet Tries, and you were making sure we used the toilet before we left". We both laughed as I shared examples of what toiletries are.
The drive up to Kentucky just set the tone for all driving on this trip...crazy! Before we had gotten through Birmingham, the car directly in front of us crashed into the car in front of them during some bumper to bumper traffic. It took me a while to get into another lane. Magan is already jumpy every time she sees red lights or someone farts loudly, typically scaring me into Joe Pesci Home Alone mumbling about her going to kill us. And her jumpiness had now been elevated to springing to the grab handle anytime anyone in the state ahead of us applied their brakes. But finally she went to sleep allowing my heart to beat at a regular rhythm.
Ruby was dead set that we had to get Kentucky Fried Chicken while in the state of Kentucky, so we stopped there for lunch. We all tried the mashed potatoe poppers, which was fried mashed potatoes that you dip in gravy and then lie down in a coffin they now keep in the restaurants. I was not a fan, but glad we tried them, and really just glad for all the extra gravy they gave us. KFC gravy is da bomb, and on french fries or anything, it is amazing. Ruby ordered a hamburger here (It was a KFC/A&W) but she did eat a bite of Davis' chicken to mark it off her "bucket" list.
On a strange detour within Lexington, we passed by the Kentucky castle, and then among some really beautiful backroads that Waze led us down past fields where it looked like they would train these horses that Kentucky is so famous for. I really have no idea where we were at, but it was a nice sidetrip. Thank you Waze.
The Kentucky Castle (www.thekentuckycastle.com) is a unique property with a storied history. Previously known as Castle Post, Martin Castle, and the Versailles Castle, this 110-acre estate is located just outside of Lexington in Versailles, Kentucky. Rex Martin and his wife Caroline Bogaert Martin began construction on the castle in 1969, after they were inspired by the beautiful architecture of Europe during their honeymoon. In spite of an ambitious start, construction met with many obstacles over the next few years and was ultimately halted completely when the Martins divorced in 1975. Despite the castle being put up for sale, the property never sold. As the unfinished castle sat vacant for almost 30 years, tourists became captivated by it as a roadside attraction. Over the last five years, the new owners have devoted themselves to bringing new life to the castle grounds offering memorable and unique experiences. Today, The Kentucky Castle offers boutique hotel accommodations, an estate-grown farm-to-table restaurant, and an event center for both private and public gatherings.
And then we finally made it to the hotel, where we could look out our window at the Ark. We had two rooms that were joined, so MawMaw and the girls grabbed one room, while Davis, like in a dream, sat on his very own bed during a vacation. I hope you enjoyed it Davis, it may never happen again. We drove up to the next exit and enjoyed some Cracker Barrel, all of us eating some pancakes for our dessert. Davis had more chicken breasts, and was laughing about getting his limit, as that is also what he ate alot earlier in the week at the beach. Back at the hotel, the kids had to try out the pool, and while it was super packed with kids, I know our three still had a good time...especially Ruby. I left them down there with Davis, and he brought them back early. Then when I asked Ruby if she wanted me to take her back down for a few more minutes, her big smile said it all, and made it all worthwhile. While down there, that girl set the world record for a one armed handstand (got to hold nose with other hand) and held it perfect for 9 seconds.
MawMaw wore her princess slippers with her pajamas that nearly matched with Ruby. They chatted a bit before bed, and I slipped back to the Davis and Magan room, where we turned on Shark Tank. And even as Magan grunted and hollared, we still made it thru one more pitch before finally having to turn it off and listen to very loud white noise. It was a good first day.
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