October 10, 2014
Soft rays of sunlight slowly peered in our window this morning. The Kentucky sky was covered in a blanket of gray clouds; the air thick with fog and mist. Jason and I groggily pulled ourselves from the cozy bed, dressed, and made our way to the hotel lobby for breakfast. The lobby was bustling this morning, a continually hum of conversation lingered in the air as we ate our eggs and biscuits. After breakfast, we returned to our rooms to properly dress for the day.
We decided to spend our last morning in Kentucky walking the streets of Bardstown. Jason and I love to walk on vacation. In fact, this has been the first vacation where we did more driving than walking. Bardstown was too beautiful to ignore for the whole trip, however. Today we made our way to the square. Brick sidewalks lined our path as we ventured into unknown shops and old antique stores.
Below is a picture of the first shop we came across. Upon our arrival this little guy, who we later learned was called "sparky," greeted us with much excitement and joy. He particularly latched on to Jason. In fact, he brought Jason a small toy for him to throw so that he might return it once more.
Look at those big brown eyes! Every time Jason would stop petting him, he'd prop up on Jason's legs, begging for more cuddles. So cute!
Below are pictures of the Bardstown square. I snapped this shot while hurrying across the road, as to avoid being run over. Spoiler: I wasn't injured or run over during the making of this photo.
Jason and I visited a few antique shops and old bookstore as we wandered through town. Unfortunately, nothing quite caught our eye. The few things that did catch our eye seemed to reach farther into our wallet than we were comfortable allowing. After some browsing, we decided to return to our car so we might embark on another adventure. However, as we walked, we came across Baskin BR Robbins (a.k.a Baskin Brobbins). This is where we had ice cream the night before:
Also, upon walking to our car, we saw this:
It's me! I'm a Peanuts kid!! They call me Charlie Brown's little sister, DaNae Brown! Apparently I like sportsball in the land of Peanuts.
Once in our car, we made our way up the mountain to find Hinton Orchard. All week I have wanted to pick my own apples or pumpkins. If you go to farm country, it's a requirement to find fresh food right from the tree or vine. Jason and I researched different places, and Hinton's website said we could pick our own pumpkins and apples! We were so excited! I even wore one of my favorite plaid shirt for the occasion. The closer we got to Hinton Orchard, the harder it was to see. Below are pictures of the dense fog bank we encountered on our way.
Soon we arrived at Hintons! Here are pictures:
We drove through two large fields of apple trees as we made our way to their store. Small raindrops began to fall on our windshield as we parked the car. We quickly grabbed the umbrella and entered the shop. It was lovely! Pretty woven baskets, jams, jellies, apples, pumpkins, and fresh fruit lined the store shelves. We decided to ask the woman at the counter about picking our apples and pumpkins before buying anything, since the rain may hinder this adventure later. Sadly, to our dismay, we learned they do not allow self-picking of their produce. I guess their website is out of date. Jason and I decided not to let this ruin the fun trip. We grabbed a woven basket (which I later purchased) and began picking jams, jellies, and other goodies to take home. Jason even grabbed a half a bushel of apples (hand-picked from the cart). It all looked amazing!
We purchased our fresh produce and made our way to our car, just as the rain began to quicken. We then looked up different places to go for lunch, particularly BBQ. Jason and I always try to eat BBQ on vacation and compare what states have the best BBQ. Jason found a place called "Arrowhead Archery and BBQ." Yes, we said "AND BBQ." Turns out this place is an archery and gun shop with a small room to the right for BBQ. I loved their sign:
Here is a close up of the sign, which was also proudly displayed in the restaurant. Maybe the word "room" would be more appropriate.
Below are pictures of our delicious lunch entrées.
My potato with BBQ Brisket, cheese, and sour cream.
Jason's pulled pork sandwich and mac n' cheese. So good!
A picture of Jason and my car at the store/restaurant.
After lunch, we began driving back to Bardstown. On the way we discussed possibly picking our own corn. Only problem is that there is no place to pick corn, unless you steal it. We decided we could not steal from farmers. For fear of guns and other moral reasons. Instead of staking out cornfields, we decided to make our way to Lincoln's boyhood home state park. I wouldn't call it a park, but more of a patch with log cabins and such. Here are pictures of us at his boyhood home, obviously a replica:
The pictures above and below are of a tavern erected in Lincoln's honor.
After visiting good ol' Lincoln, we set out for the hotel once more. In order to get to the hotel, we had to pass through downtown Bardstown again. Jason was able to get some pictures of the lovely homes near the square:
Now safely back at the hotel, we took pictures of what we purchased. Below is the basket I bought for grocery shopping. I plan to use this when we go shopping at home. Great basket for very cheap!
below is Jason with the apples. They were delicious!
Below are pictures of some jams and jellies we bought!
The apples we chose to eat when we got back:
My first bite of an apple straight from a tree:
Jason's first bite of an apple straight from a tree:
Both Jason and I loved these apples! Best apples I've ever had. Crunchy and sweet!
Us with our apples... we may have had waaaay too many pictures of this but we were excited.
Jason blogged when we returned to the hotel as I took a short nap. The rainy weather was not conducive to productivity, at least not for me. Soon we were close to dinner time. Jason woke me up and told me I should start getting ready for dinner, since the Dinner Train we were scheduled to board was leaving in an hour. I informed Jason that I had enough time and could dress later. He then said I take a little longer to get dressed than he does and should probably do it soon so we don't miss the train. This, of course, started a competition: who can get dressed the quickest.
Ready, set.... Jason quickly went to his clothes, which were already set out because he does that. I, however, had to go to the suitcase and get mine... Jason had quite the advantage. Not only did he have this to help him, but he also took my dress from my hands and threw it across the hotel room. So, he cheats as well!! What a bastard! In response to such a cheater, I grabbed his shirt, as best I could (for Jason still had hold of it). I was able to throw it, though not very far... only across the bed. Since Jason was so close to it, I then had to stand in his way to prevent him from getting his shirt. This, however, did not help me get to my dress. Being a cheater and extremely strong, Jason basically flung me out of the way and grabbed his shirt. I gave up a lost cause and went for my dress. In only seconds, I was fully clothed and Jason was still buttoning his shirt. I laughed and said I won as he put on his belt next. I finished and sat down. After a few seconds Jason begins to laugh, in a laugh that I am not too fond of. He then says "Ha! I win. You don't have shoes on and I do!" Cheater, cheater! Rules obviously should have been stated before this competition began. In either case, I clearly can get dressed and ready before, at, or shortly after he can... within a few minutes. I win the argument overall. Jason disagrees. Bitchard.
After dressing, fully, we set out for the dinner train. It is technically called "My Old Kentucky Dinner Train." Because of the rain and fog, we forgot and were unable to take pictures of the actual train. However, here is a link to their site where there are pictures:
Since it was so rainy, Jason grabbed our umbrella and walked with me to the station. He took hold of my hand so I wouldn't fall. Slick streets and walkways while wearing boots with heals do not make for stable footing. Once inside we gave them our reservation name and were told to wait in the station while they prepared for us to board. We found a small table with the other passengers and waited patiently. As we waited, Jason and I, along with a few other passengers, watch in horror as a large tour bus slowly backed into the station's lamppost outside. The lamppost fell quickly in a cacophony of shattering glass. A collection of gasps immediately permeated the inside of the station, Jason and myself included. Unexpectedly, the driver to this tour bus drove off, seemingly without a second though. Luckily for the station, the drive must return to pick up his passengers.
Shortly after this bit of entertainment, we were informed we could begin boarding the train. They informed us we would be entering through the kitchen's car since it was raining. We passed numerous waitresses and cooks until finding our dinner car. We were then seated at table 41 with a young couple across from us. We said hello, as did they, and began admiring the dish already placed before us. Here is a picture:
Believing this to be chocolate, which I found confusing for the first course, the taste surprised me, as it was balsamic vinaigrette and mushroom. The man across from us said he thought it was meat; he then displayed a look of deep dissatisfaction. His wife laughed and said, "I should have let him believe it was meat." I then said he could just pretend and it would be okay. As we ate our first course, a man walked to the front of our car and introduced himself to all the passengers. He was the son-in-law of the original master distiller of Willett Distillery. This was one of a small number of distilleries we were unable to tour, due to time. Apparently Willett Distillery was created in the 1936 by Thompson Willett (27 at the time) and his brother Johnny Willett.
The representative of Willett Distillery informed us we would be tasting 3 bourbons from their distillery and a special mixed drink while riding the train. The waitress soon brought a small shot of bourbon to each of us. Our first taste of Willett was of their Pot Still Reserve. I was not a fan. They like Rye in their bourbon, a lot of it. Jason and I watched as the couple across from us tried the bourbon as well. From the looks of them, they did not much care for it either. Soon we were smoothly gliding across the train tracks toward different parts of Kentucky.
The scenery was lovely, although rainy. We began to slowly get to know the couple across from us. They were lovely. We learned they were on the train for their anniversary, as we were. Apparently, they were married in October only two years before we were, and two days after us. Their anniversary is the 11th and ours the 9th. We all congratulated each other and started the next course of our meal. I unfortunately forgot to take pictures of the next course, but I can tell you it looked beautiful. Jason ordered the golden-spike salad, which had blue cheese, corn, and radishes. I ordered the classic Caesar salad. Delicious!
Here are pictures of the view as we flew by Kentucky. Keep in mind we were moving, so it will be blurry.
As we rode along the tracks, we came upon some houses. Apparently, the train goes directly behind many people's homes. Jason and I glanced out the window at just the right time, for there were three children and their mom standing at the door, waving at us. How amazing for those kids, to be able to wave at a train right outside their own home.
Below are pictures of the inside of the train:
And Jason:
And me:
Another picture of the inside, once the couple in front of us left to visit the train's balcony. Look at the guy in the bow tie. I do believe we are now in the early 1900s!
Once the couple returned to our table, they asked if we would like for them to take a picture of us at the balcony. It's not exactly the balcony, but more of a window between cars. We agreed and followed them to the window. Here are pictures of us:
We then offered to take their picture and returned to the table. We soon learned the couple seated with us is also 27, at least the wife was. Not sure about the husband. She is apparently an RN and he a lineman in Louisville. This quickly began a discussion of the horrors that reside in Louisville, which we promptly agreed. They also do not have kids and are not sure they want them. We also learned that the wife created a special drink, which we plan to try. They are not bourbon drinkers, but the wife (never learned her name) likes to drink peppermint schnapps with Hershey Syrup. She said it's a great of fun to squeeze Hershey Syrup into your mouth and chase it with schnapps. Apparently it tastes just like a Thin Mint. We are looking forward to trying this!
As we talked about how we met and how they met, our third course arrived. Below are pictures:
My Prime Rib, potato, and veggies.
Jason's Harvest Chicken, potatoes, and veggies.
We also were offered coffee, bread, and tea. Jason and I both had bread, but only Jason the tea. It was delicious. During dinner we also tried the two remaining shots of bourbon. The second shot was Rownan's Creek and the third was Noah's Mill. Again, very very heavy on the rye. I continued to give Jason my bourbon, as I had to drive when getting back. The couple beside us laughed, stating I was trying to get him drunk. Jason said, "She's been trying to get me drunk all week." I added, "With no success." We all laughed as they brought us the mixed drink next. Here is a picture of the drink, which Jason and I knew as a Old Fashion. We heard many people say "What's an Old Fashion." Turns out Jason and I were some of the only young people who had heard of this drink before. I took a sip, wished Maker's Mark had been in it, stole the cherry, and gave it to Jason.
Next came the dessert. As dessert was being served, a man blond-haired man wearing a tuxedo walked past us. I turned to Jason and said, "Did you just see Niles?" I, of course, am talking about Niles from Frazier. Looked just like him!
For dessert, both Jason and I, along with the couple at our table, ordered the Choo Choo Train For Two. Here are pictures:
Cure right! As we ate our last course, the couple across us were kind enough to take our picture once more:
During the quiet moments of our meal, Jason and I smiled to ourselves at the conversation we were unable to avoid hearing at the table opposite us. Throughout the entire train ride, the man at the next table was discussing strange topics with a great deal of vigor. Jason and I heard things like "They need to reinstate the draft." He spent the entire train ride discussing religion and politics--the two subjects most risky to discuss with people you don't know. I can't recall what absurdity this man had said which caused me to chuckle, but my laugh caught the attention of the man sitting at our table. He then looked to his wife and said, "She's laughing with me." Apparently all four of us had been silently laughing and thinking the same things about this strange character at the opposite table. Or, if you use Jason's phrasing, "this silly bitch of a man." Haha! It was fun.
The train soon returned to the station, where we said good-bye to our brief dinner companions. As we left the station, we caught the eye of the tour bus driver, appearing very distraught, learning he had caused much damage to a lamppost. We then returned to our car in the rain, which was parked directly across from our brief dinner companions. Great minds apparently think alike. Side note: the car they drove was a wedding anniversary gift that the husband bought for his wife. Apparently, they both picked transportation gifts this year, for she purchased the dinner train tickets as an anniversary surprise for her husband. Or rather, tried to surprise her husband. Apparently his coworkers informed him of where he was going.
We had a wonderful time and enjoyed our last night in Kentucky very much. We planed to try one last ditch effort to get a Mint Julep at the Tavern, but it appears those are only served during Derby. So, Jason ended his first trip to Kentucky with his first ride on a train instead! Works for us!
