We decided it was the 'right' time to take the kids to Disney World, but instead of flying, we decided driving would be our mode of travel. This not only afforded us lots of flexibility (schedules/luggage/the need to be spontaneous on vacation), it also allowed us to make some fun stops on the trip down. We decided that Disney would be a part of the trip, and the beach would make up the other part. A little vacation for the kids, a little vacation for the parents......
We left after school on a Wednesday and drove through the night. The kids woke up in Nashville, Tennessee Thursday morning!
After a quick search of "the best breakfast in Nashville," we landed on the Pancake Pantry. This mom and pop restaurant is known for a line that extends out around the building. I figured, if people were willing to wait that long for pancakes, it was worth a try!
Everyone was famished!
The pancakes did not disappoint! I have this thing about ordering food that has won awards, so the Pancake Pantry's award-winning sweet potato pancakes with cinnamon cream syrup were an easy choice for me!!
Next, we headed to downtown Nashville.
The Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge spans the Cumberland River.
The bridge offers great views of downtown.
We walked through the Music City Walk of Fame Park.
The kids outside the beautiful Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
Nashville was a hip, vibrant, fun city to visit!
Back on the road!
It was a picturesque (and hilly) drive through Tennessee. I had taken my turn driving through the night, so I gladly passed the keys to the Husband.
We made such good time on the trip down, we had 2 nights before our reservations at Disney. It was the perfect time to head to Hilton Head, South Carolina! I loved Hilton Head---an island that has fertile salt marshes, huge oak trees, and miles of sandy beaches!
Despite the cool weather, the kids loved the Atlantic Ocean.
Little Nora loves the water!
We were fortunate to happen upon a hotel that had vacancy for 2 nights, was on the beach, and had a great pool!
Savannah, Georgia was another place I hoped to see, and it is a short drive from Hilton Head. Back in the car, and we were off to Savannah for an afternoon!
Savannah is historic, classy, and dripping with southern charm. We really enjoyed our time there!
The regal City Hall.
When in Savannah, one must have a meal at Paula Deen's restaurant, right?! We scored lunch reservations!
My first sweet tea (and was it sweet!), and the hoe cake and cheddar biscuit you are served as soon as you are seated.
Audrey was so impressed that Paula was even on the hot sauce.
Bucking the trend, I opted for the Asparagus Sandwich, a New York Times favorite (you know my thing about ordering the award winners, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE asparagus) instead of the lunch buffet. I will be trying to make this at home, it was my favorite meal of the trip!
Husband chose the popular lunch buffet. Here he is with fried chicken and Paula's famous Gooey Butter Cake. YUM!
We did not meet Paula, but couldn't resist this photo op!
We needed to walk off our lunch and found an elegant little chocolate shop. The owner, Adam Turoni, looked vaguely familiar to me, and I realized Audrey and I had recently watched him one Saturday morning on The Food Network. The chocolates were fantastic! Adam was sweet and great with the kids. It was cool to watch him work!
What an exciting start to our trip. Next stop....Disney World!
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