Grand Canyon = no internet...

To the desert we head and the internet we leave... my blog posts may be MIA for a day or so because we'll be at the Grand Canyon!!!!

In the meantime feel free to check my Twitter where I do the most updates and constantly upload photos!

http://twitter.com/courtneyclark

C's ya lata!

Getting our kicks on Route 66

Through fields of red dirt and past angus, milkers, and brown cows, we're off to the desert! The 40 has finally given us signs of road trips past...

Remembrances of Rt. 66 can be sceen all along the 40, as well as some opportunties to hop on the bumpy road as you'll see in the album below.  Billboards of Rt. 66 muesumes, Outposts, and "Large Clean Bathrooms" clutter the roadside.

It finally feels like we're living the beat life of Jack Kerouac in "On the Road"... okay I'd be very hard pressed to compare our trip to that American classic but I do appreciate the historical relevance.

Here'e the beginnings of our slideshow:

Route 66

In the Crossroads of America - Day 4

With 1,666.8 miles down and approximately 1,300 to go, we're just over the half-way mark in Oklahoma.  We're resting our heads and our ribs in Yukon, the home of country star Garth Brooks.

There were no thunder rolls in Oklahoma but we did get our first taste of "Danny".  Actually it rained for a 15 minute hiccup through Oklohoma City so nothing like the tweets I've been getting from Al Roker.  (Yes, I follow Al Roker, he has interesting pictures and some of the most informative Tweets #followfriday!)

As for other excitment...

Grasslands.

Things are pretty dull from here on out.

I did experience my first CiCi's, which is a cheap version of Chuckie Cheese.  Then for dinner we went to a place where ribs can lay their heads at night.

"Rib Crib" is a chain similiar to "Smokey Bones".  They had a more creative menu than Bones but I liked Bones' BBQ flavors and atmoshphere better.  However, Red favored her "sweet and sticky" Rib Crib's ribs.

I did try a local Oklahoma wheat beer that turned out be a fantastic light and spicey flavor.  I didn't even get any dirty looks about having a beer with dinner consider Oklahoma's strickt alcohol regulations.

All in all, the people in Oklahoma have been the nicest people we've encountered.  I don't see myself going back anytime soon but wouldn't be upset if I had to either!

C's ya lata with news of Texas and New Mexico!

Day 3: Memphis BBQ

After our rendezvous in Graceland we headed for our hotel in downtown Memphis.  We stayed at the Holiday Inn so we could watch the rich folks stumble in and out of their Cadillacs into the famous Peabody Hotel.  Feeling adventurous we took a walk to experience some real down at home BBQ.

Neeley's seemed close and famous enough that it wouldn't be to much trouble... One piece of advice, drive, don't walk! Needless to say tourists is the most p.c. way to describe us wandering the back streets of Memphis. Actually the city appeared more threating to a couple of Upstater's than it actually was.  Though, as you can see Neeley's wasn't much to look at from the outside.

Before I get into the food, some may wonder how I found this place.  I had a list of possible "off Beale" BBQ joints to try.  Beale is Memphis's version of Bourbon Street, actually I read somewhere it's the second most visited street after Bourbon.  Either way, Neeley's is owned by Pat Neeley of Food Network's "Down Home with the Neeley's" and his brothers and sisters.  Going on that information, some good reviews, and perceived walking distance we took a chance.

GOOD CHOICE.  This slightly less corporate joint was so fast and delicious.  Not to mention to whole meal was $20 including 20% tip.

The lemonade was made fresh and the pork was smothered in sauce.  We got the small pulled pork sandwiches and were stuffed but the platters and large sandwiches looked amazing if you're going hungry!

I'd have to say I wasn't to impressed with Memphis as city overall but the Neeley's gave me reason to consider another go at it!

More to come on a night on Beale Next!

"All Shook Up"

One night in Memphis and my new blogging responsibities have fallen to the way side.  Actually we had some pretty terrible wireless at the hotel last night and blogging from my phone has proven to be unsuccessful.  Enough about my misfortunes, we've got a lot to cover.  

First things first, Graceland = over-priced tourist trap.  It was to be expected but Red and I actually had a pretty good time.  Our only big disappointment was the lack of Elvis impersonators.  That's right, not a single one.



For the goods you'll just have to see for yourself, click on the Graceland Mansion below for our photo album!

Graceland

Day 2: 1138.7 Miles In

After a nights stay at the Extended Stay Hotel (yes that's an oxymoron) we traveled through Kentucky then onto Tennessee.

We passed what I've decided with the help of Google were fields and fields of Arugula (aka Eruca Sativa or "rocket").  From what I read arugula and asparagus are pretty popular in Ohio.  More interesting, I found out that, "the first county farm bureau was formed in Broome County, New York.  That's the Binghamton area I believe, but thanks to the American Farm Bureau Federation for that fun Upstate New York fact!  (Okay it's not really that interesting or fun...)

Anyways, Big Red and I are watching some "Ace of Cakes" courtesy of the sketchy Quality Inn just North of Memphis.  Next up is "Unwrapped" on how Crackel Barrel makes their chicken 'n' dumplings ironic considering:

I had to give myself a BBQ break in order to get ready for a day in downtown Memphis tomorrow.  Expect a lot of Foodie pictures and a few shots of Elvis.  

C's ya lata.

LA Road Trip Day 1

After months of threatening to move to LA I have finally committed myself. Big Red and I began our treck this morning at 9 AM. Three pitstops later I report to you on a full belly in Columbus, Ohio.

The BBQ Tour of America included two Chipotle BBQ Snack Wraps from Mickey D's for lunch, and a delicous dish from Smokey Bones BBQ joint in Columbus.

Based on our hotels information leaflets this city seems to be an emerging fun zone. Perhaps another time I'll further extend my stay, nottttttt.

Next stop will be just outside of Memphis (obviously the BBQ will be increasing in deliciousness). Let me know if anyone has any suggestions for must see's along the 40 or any questions about the trip!

C's ya lata.

Things I'll Miss from the 315

Besides all the friends and family there are some things that a girl really can't get outside of the 315. I was able to catch a few shots of local hotspots on my way out this weekend but read through for musings on other delights I'll miss as well.

This picture actually gives Sylvan Beach about as much justice as that beach deserves - I love it anyways.

Oh Boonville, there's not much out there that offers such delights like the Woodsman's Field Days. This is a little shot I took on my home the other afternoon. I would have snapped the pig races but I think you need a press pass for that crowd pleaser.

This is the bar that helped raise me when I lived in Vienna, NY. The .10Cent Wednesday Wing night is where I first discovered that Upstate New York culinary institute.

So besides chicken wings, Saranac, Labatt Blue Light, and Dinosaur BBQ, I think I'm ready for LA.

See ya on the Left Coast.

Unintentional Birthday Message from Twitter

For those familiar with all things CC - this seems appropriate in ways too numerous for blogging.