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Travel Archives - Page 3 of 4 - Purple Rosemary

Purple Rosemary

Tag: Travel

  • Renaissance Festival Fun

    Renaissance Festival Fun

    Read Time:2 Minute, 16 Second

    In my previous post, I told you about Murfreesboro and all the great food and drink we had there. Now, it’s day 2 and we are finally going to the Tennessee Renaissance Festival.

    Breaking our Fast

    We spent the early morning with coffee and Abby (old dog) in the sweet garden at the Childress house. I found a book on the historic homes in the area and found our Airbnb in the book. I love little details like that. On the way out of town we stopped at Coffee Fusion. They had so many great treats, it was hard to choose just one. I got a biscuit stuffed with eggs, cheese, and I don’t remember what else. But it was gooood.

    Golden Retriever Abby was happy to keep us company while we broke fast in the garden.
    Inside Coffee Fusion, it was hard to decide what to order.
    Historic homes in Murfreesboro. The airbnb we stayed in was in this book.

    Entry

    We made our way to the festival, after a slight traffic delay. We got there at exactly the same time everyone else did. But traffic moved fast and we were inside the faire in no time. Pro tip: buy your tickets online. The will call line was completely empty so I was ready to enter the faire in no time. But my friends had to wait in line to buy their tickets. The good thing is the line moved quickly and we were in the gates, ready to faire.

    ©Sharon Popek
    My friend and I as we enter the Faire

    Travelers of all kinds

    What I love about the Renaissance Festival is that it is full of travelers. It’s a safe bet that most of the people we saw have never been on an airplane or out of state or maybe they’ve never even left their home town. But when you visit the Faire, it’s like walking into a completely different world. People are dressed up as everything. There are knights, princesses, queens, peasants, elves, aliens, everything imaginable. The vendors are artisans. They make what they sell from jewelry to clothes.  I bought a staff and the man offered to put my initials on it. I thought I’d leave it and come back. He said, “it won’t take long.” (see pic below). It’s all there and most of it is handmade. We drank some lovely dark ale and ate giant turkey legs as well as pretzels. We watched several comedy shows. And yes there is jousting.

    handmade drinking horns
    Jousting overseen by the Queen herself.
    Swash and Buckle are a family friendly comedic duo.
    Staff with my hand carved initials. He did this while I stood there.

    Time to go back to the real world

     

    After we had Ren faired ourselves to exhaustion, we headed out. But before leaving Murfreesboro, we had to stop at The Green Dragon for one last ale and a snack. It’s a hobbit’s life for me.

    Charcuterie board at Green Dragon
    In front of the Green Dragon
    Pub Cheese and Pretzel Chips

     

    About Post Author

    sharpop

    mieren47@gmail.com
  • A visit to Murfreesboro, TN

    A visit to Murfreesboro, TN

    Read Time:2 Minute, 24 Second

    It’s May, that means it’s time for the Renaissance Faire in Middle Tennessee. The Faire takes place in Arrington, TN on the grounds with an actual castle. It takes place each weekend in May. My friends, S and P, introduced me to this awesome event!

    Arrington is located between Franklin and Murfreesboro, TN. It’s a 3 hour drive for us, so we spend the night in Murfreesboro, so we are nice and rested for the Faire.

    The Green Dragon Pub and Brewery

    We drove to Murfreesboro on Friday afternoon. We stopped at the Green Dragon for pints and snacks. The Green Dragon Pub and Brewery is an homage to Tolkien’s works. The owners are true Tolkien fans and it feels exactly like I image a pub in Bywater would be. We love it! They always have great beers and the food is perfect. It’s not bar food. It’s real food.

    Ale menu.
    The Green Dragon has every kind of brew you can imagine. They also have some great mead.
    These stuffed mushrooms aren’t your average bar mushrooms.
    Found in the privy at the Green Dragon

    Our Airbnb

    After drinks and snacks we went to our Airbnb called Childress House: The Gardner.  This was my first Airbnb and I’m pretty sure it was a perfect way to start a new trend for me. Our host was Sandi, a sweet lady who lives in the downstairs of the historic house. In addition to our full apartment, we were given access to the Parlor, a lovely outdoor garden area, and the large porches. Sandi also provided cream twists for snacking. Oh, and there was a Keurig in the apartment with coffee.

    Our little kitchen reminded me of an apartment I had in college.
    The living room wasn’t big, but the sofa folded out and was fairly comfortable to sleep on.
    Our sweet host provided us with fresh flowers throughout the apartment as well.
    The full bath was clean and the water pressure in the shower was perfect with plenty of hot water.
    This retro bathroom is located in the downstairs of the house. Pink everywhere.

    Around Town

    The Gardner was located within walking distance of downtown, so off we went. Murfreesboro has a thriving downtown with bars, restaurants, shops, barbers, salons, and some friendly people. We had a pint at Liquid Smoke, located on the main square. The smoke was too much for me, so we sat outside and did some people watching.  Some great signs from downtown.

    I love this Puckett’s sign. A guitar at the top and a fork at the bottom. Food and music, the best combination.
    A simple sign in downtown Murfreesboro, TN. But eye catching with the dark blue against the light metal. A very vintage feel.

    We had a reservation for dinner at Five Senses. It was too far to walk, so we got a Lyft to the restaurant. Where we ate some of the best mushroom soup I have ever eaten. There may have also been a stop for a pint at a nearby bar. We Lyfted back to the Gardner where we had those cream twists awaiting us.

    Perfectly cooked and soft as butter.
    This mushroom soup was so simple but fantastic!

    Down to the garden we went for dessert. We were greeted by dear pup Abby and a couple other dogs which were a bit too timid to visit with us.  We also enjoyed our morning coffee in this quiet back yard.

    Abby kept us company in the garden.
    Our host provided us with cream twists and fresh strawberries, an excellent late night snack.
    An inviting garden patio for guests of the Childress.

    After our first rounds of coffee and Abby pets, we were off! Renaissance Faire details in the next installment.  I’ll give you a hint, there might be some drinking and eating.

     

    About Post Author

    sharpop

    mieren47@gmail.com
  • Where ever I go, there I am

    Where ever I go, there I am

    Read Time:25 Second

    The weekly photo challenge is Place in the World.  Where do you belong?  I belong everywhere. When I feel like I’m in a creative rut or need some inspiration, I don’t go to a safe place. I try to go somewhere that I’ve never been. I try to learn something new. Whether it’s a large city or a small town, it’s where I belong in that moment. The travel and newness wake me up!

    A subtle tone shift in the background really makes her stand out.
    Overlooking Prague
    Krakow Nights
    Prague Street Market

    About Post Author

    sharpop

    mieren47@gmail.com
  • What have I been doing?

    What have I been doing?

    Read Time:28 Second

    I haven’t written a blog in awhile. I don’t know why. I guess I haven’t had much to say. I don’t have much to say today either. Enjoy this gallery of new photos. I’ve been running around Kentucky and Knoxville taking photos. Comments and feedback are always welcome. Feel free to also share your own gallery.

    Downtown Knoxville, TN

    The Howard Baker Courthouse in downtown Knoxville, Tn in black and white
    ©Sharon Popek 2016
    Tennessee Theatre Marquee Black and White. The sun was going down and the marquee was lit. Perfect timing.
    Bijou Marquee at night creates a glow in the dark.
    The black and white gives this night time photo of downtown Knoxville a vintage feeling

    Downtown Williamsburg, KY

    Drugstore sign in Williamsburg, KY.
    Empty shops and peeling paint in downtown Williamsburg, Ky.
    The Whitley Co. Courthouse is not very impressive on it’s own. But the giant flag was eye catching.

    Downtown Richmond, KY

    The Madison Co. Courthouse in downtown Richmond, Ky was finished in 1850.
    The Madison Co. Courthouse in downtown Richmond, KY.
    The H on the rooftop sign is missing completely. But it’s still a cool sign
    Glyndon Hotel Sign is a cool old sign on a hotel with a rich history in Richmond, KY
    Purdy’s is a great little coffee shop in downtown Richmond, KY
    Currier’s Music is located in downtown Richmond, KY. While this store is empty, they haven’t closed. They’ve moved just around the corner

     

    About Post Author

    sharpop

    mieren47@gmail.com
  • Tuesday Trekkin’ Cades Cove and Elkmont

    Tuesday Trekkin’ Cades Cove and Elkmont

    Read Time:2 Minute, 2 Second

    We finally got back on the road for Tuesday Trekkin’. My Tuesdays have turned into take the cat to the vet day. We have 6 cats and 4 of them are seniors, so vet visits are a way of life. Anyway, back to the real reason we’re here.

    Plans? What plans?

    We had been planning to go to Jonesborough, the first town in Tennessee. However, plans are more like suggestions for us, so that didn’t happen. It was cold and I didn’t fancy walking around outside in the cold. We decided a car ride might be a better option. We could see things and still enjoy the heated seats. There was also the lure of possible snow in the mountains. Snow can make pretty pictures.

    Lunch

    We planned to eat at a bbq place in Townsend, but we got there and it was closed for the season. We found a great little Italian place, Brianna’s Italian Restaurant and Cuisine,  just down the road instead. It proved to be a happy accident. Walt had the stromboli and I had the eggplant parmesan. Both were excellent! We will definitely be going back.

    Cades Cove

    Cades Cove was a bit of a disappointment as there was only a bit of snow here and there. Winter in the mountains is brown. Cades Cove is a valley in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The road is an 11 mile loop where you can see tons of wildlife, some old historic cabins, and a few old churches. We took the shortcut though and saw none of that. Onward we went.

    They just blew a whole in the mountain and made a tunnel.
    The trees are bare and there is a dusting of snow. You know that water is cold!
    The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is full of trails and paths
    Winter in the Cove is quiet.

    Elkmont

    Walt decided we might try Elkmont, but the sun was setting fast. We weren’t sure we’d make it in time. They close a lot of the roads after dark due to possible hazardous conditions in the winter. But we made it! I had not been there before and found it pretty cool. It’s a small resort community in the mountains where people could stay in the summer. Most of the leases were up in 2001. After that, it became a ghost town. The Wonderland Hotel was once in this area, but in 2005 it collapsed. Most of the historical items were removed and a small annex was left. The annex burned down in 2016.

    Several houses in the Elkmont Community are still standing and in decent shape.
    A log cabin in the Elkmont Community
    A summer cabin in the Elkmont resort community
    The steps to the Wonderland Hotel
    Sitting on the steps that go up to the ruins of the Wonderland Hotel
    The chimney of the Wonderland Hotel stands alone at sunset in Elkmont.
    An old sink from the ruins of the Wonderland Hotel.

    About Post Author

    sharpop

    mieren47@gmail.com
  • New Travel Maps

    New Travel Maps

    Read Time:12 Second

    I’ve been working on some new maps. I love these! Let me know what you think!

    All of these are available as prints in my gallery.

    A photo of Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna is composited with an antique map of Austria and a city map of Vienna.
    A composite map of Budapest with an antique map and a recent photo of the Budapest Parliament Building
    A map of the Kingdom of Poland composited with a modern photo of the Old Town Square in Krakow.

     

     

    to view other map art, click here.

    About Post Author

    sharpop

    mieren47@gmail.com
  • Tuesday Trekkin’ Burlington

    Tuesday Trekkin’ Burlington

    Read Time:27 Second

    We’ve been having a hard time getting out of Knoxville the last few Tuesdays. It seems Tuesday has become errand day. Maybe after the holidays, we can get started up again. Today’s gallery is from the Burlington area of Knoxville, TN.

    Burlington is east of downtown Knoxville. It is currently full of empty and run down buildings. But there are quiet a few people trying to rebuild it and bring new life and prosperity to the area.

    The Homer Hamilton is an amphitheater in Chilhowee Park. It is used for concerts during the Tennessee Valley Fair.
    Ace Building Golden Gloves Arena in Chilhowee Park
    Greenlee’s Drug Store has long been closed for business.
    The Lunch House in Burlington is a popular spot for breakfast and lunch.
    Keeton’s Jewelers sign. I have a thing for clocks on signs. This is a favorite of mine.
    Lema’s World Famous Chittlins. The red building stands out and sits next to a small fire house.
    OK Furniture I love the faded letters on the front of this building.
    Scott’s Place is known for it’s hamburgers and onion rings. But how cool is that giant ice cream cone?

    About Post Author

    sharpop

    mieren47@gmail.com
  • Tuesday Trekkin’ – Norris, TN

    Tuesday Trekkin’ – Norris, TN

    Read Time:2 Minute, 55 Second

    Tuesday Trekkin’  – November 7 – Norris, TN

    We changed plans several times for this Tuesday Trek due to weather concerns. We were originally going to go to Norris, then on up to Rugby. After checking the weather and the rain possibilities were looking good, we decided to just go to Norris, since nothing in Rugby would be open anyway. Apparently Tuesday is an off day for everybody! This morning we got up and it was a pretty steady rain, so we decided would stay in Knoxville and maybe go downtown for lunch and an afternoon movie. We’ll have a leisurely coffee and hang until about 11am then head downtown for lunch. Uh, yeah, the coffee pot is broken. So, my packrat husband found his grandma’s old percolator and we made coffee with that. It was fine coffee, if not a little messy.

    Our coffee pot this morning.
    Rural King in Halls
    Boots, boots, boots

     

    After a bit, the rain stopped. So, we debated whether we should try for Norris or stick with the movie plan. We decided to go to Norris, skip Rugby, and go to a movie when we get back into town. On the way to Norris, we stopped at a place called Rural King so the husband could buy some oil for his car, he likes to change his own oil. We were taken with the place, but didn’t buy much. I did have to drag my husband out. We finally made it to Norris. I found a little cafe in town that was supposed to be great, we went straight for it. They had some interesting appetizers, trout cakes with butter cabbage (?) and a pecan cheeseball, on the menu that we wanted to try. But guess what? They were out of both. No worries, we ordered some sandwiches. I ordered a Philly Cheesesteak and Walt ordered the grilled cheese with bacon and pickles (blech). The philly was fine. He liked the grilled cheese okay, too. We haven’t hit any home runs in the food department of Tuesday Trekkin’. But I think Tuesday seems to be an off day for most places. We will keep trying.

    We should have tried the pizza
    Sweet Cafe in Norris next to the Post Office and a general market.
    Lots of bread. The bread was great, though!
    Pickles….

    After lunch, we walked around the small town square for a few minutes. We found a museum connected to the library. So, it’s only open on Tuesday and Thursday, but it doesn’t open until 2pm. It was 1pm. We had to laugh about it. We left town to go to see Norris Dam. On the way, we spotted the Norris Musuem and around the corner an old Grist Mill and Barn with a thrasher, both moved piece by piece from other locations. The museum was closed, of course, the mill and barn were locked but we were able to walk around and get some great pics!

    It was closed for the season. But we were able to look around.
    A very picturesque threshing shed.
    He stood very still, showing very little fear of us.
    A piece of the largest Trigonia Elm found in the US. It was cut down by TVA in 1980 after it was fatally damaged by lightening.
    It’s Solar Powered and they provide power cords!
    They even provide power cords!
    Norris Dam
    One of our favorite local pizzeria in downtown Knoxville

    We finally made it to the dam where we met a nice man showing off East Tennessee to his visiting family. I had to take some pics of the visitor center with it’s midmod architecture. We made it back in town in time for Walt to take a quick nap before heading out to the movie, Thor 3: Ragnarok. The movie was great! It was patently ridiculous and silly, but I loved it. Afterward, we picked up pizza from our favorite pizza joint, Dazzo’s Pizzeria. It was perfect!

    Stone steps at the Rice Grist Mill in Norris Dam State Park. The autumn leaves have fallen and the recent rain gave them the feel of an orange water fall.
    Historic Rice Grist Mill at Norris Dam State Park is surrounded by beautiful autumn leaves.
    Orange and Yellow leaves create a fiery bed around the historic Rice Grist Mill in Norris Dam State Park.
    A rusty metal water tub at the threshing shed in Norris State Park
    Threshing Shed at Norris Dam State Park with a blue wagon waiting to be put to work.
    The colorful autumn leaves are reflected in Norris Lake on the quiet, still water.
    A heron sits still and quiet by the stream in Norris Dam State Park in the fall.

    Prints are available here.

    About Post Author

    sharpop

    mieren47@gmail.com