#32. World’s Longest Yard Sale – August Trip of the Month

OK. So here’s something you should know – I am not a yard sale kind of Girl. I do not get up at o’dark thirty and schlep down the road to my neighbors house to buy their gently used washcloths and slightly tarnished holiday decorations. I fancy myself as being a little more…well, fancy. I mean, I love Haagen-Dazs and Williams-Sonoma (both hyphenated and fancy) for Pete’s sake.

But for my August Trip-of-the-Month, I decided to try the famous 127 sale. Every August, scores of families and dealers line Highway 127 between Gadsden, Alabama and Hudson, Michigan.  I opted for a mini-trip that might give me a taste of this experience.

We opted to drive to Jamestown, TN – the home of the 127 sale.

We visited the old Jailhouse where the Chamber of Commerce and the 127 Sale Headquarters were located. When we arrived there was a news crew documenting the activities – I tried to catch their pic, but they prefer to shoot the pictures, instead of be in one. Anywho…

The whole idea of the 127 sale is simply to drive the highway, and stop at the yard sales 'peppering' this route running through several states. We stuck to a short route: Jamestown to Crossville, TN, which was about 30 miles. 

There were more than 50+ sales found through this little stretch of road. (we didn’t stop at all of them!)

And two larger areas where over 50+ individuals and vendors were selling their yard sale goods, antiques, etc.   

I saw items priced from true yard sale prices -$.25 to $225.00, so there was truly something for everyone!

My favorite finds include:

A fleur-de-lis doorstop, for a pesky door in my home.

$6.00

A “Vintage” luggage rack with needlepointed straps.

$18.00

Yippee! It was so much fun!

I think it will make the cut for Girl Turns 41.


Stay tuned....


GT40

#31. Magic Kingdom - July Trip-of-the-Month (Part 2)

I’ve only been once to Disney World, and that was close to 20 years ago. Thus, this “magical” place made it onto my Girl Turns 40 list.

So, Part 2 of my July Trip-of-the-Month to Orlando, was of course…to the happiest place on earth: Magic Kingdom. My work has been soooo C-R-A-Z-Y lately, going to “the happiest place on earth” seemed like a fairytale, indeed.

But yes! After a smooth plane ride (yippee!)…

and after checking in to a beautiful resort (the Hyatt Regency Cypress).

(Seriously, check out this pool!)

“Happiness” was beginning to set in.

Right away – we took off to the Magic Kingdom. The ultimate “happy” location.

And who wouldn’t feel lighthearted here?

There were parades in the daytime…

Parades in the nighttime…

Princesses…

Pirates…

And Mickey and Minnie, of course.

Oh yes, and fireworks.

It was ridiculously fun… (and ridiculously expensive. But we’re not focusing on that part.)

Happy July! 

Stay tuned for more….family fun ahead.

Girl Turns 40

#31. Wizarding World

It’s that time again – my Trip of the Month (drumroll, please…) to Orlando, Florida to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando!

And wow…if you’re a fan, you must go!

At the entrance, is the Hogwarts Express.

The design of the park is laid out as the village of Hogsmeade – famous in the books for the Ollivander’s (the wand shop),

and Honeyduke’s (the candy store), and much more…!

There are a few rides – two roller coasters, plus the big draw: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, which is everything you’d expect in a virtual reality of flying on a broomstick with Harry Potter, complete with giant spiders and snakes, and dementors – of course.  It’s not for the faint of heart, or children under the age of 21.  This Girl barely made it through, and I’m 40…you know.

My favorite part was the Village itself. The shops were great…

With entertainment, such as the Triwizard Spirit Rally showcasing Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students performing in a “pep rally” of sorts.

We topped it all off by having lunch at the Three Broomsticks.

I opted for roasted chicken, corn,and potatoes, and topped it off with a ButterBeer, of course. (BTW, ButterBeer is non-alcoholic and tastes like a foamy, butterscotchy cream soda. It’s good!)

Soooo much fun for Muggles everywhere!

 - Girl Turns 40

Girl Turns 40 - June Trip of the Month: New Orleans, LA! - Part 1

Or rather, “N’Awlins” as the locals say…..

(Sorry I haven’t posted in such a long time – it’s been so crazy, and just back-to-back trips and Girl-blog stuff! I hope to catch up on lots of posts this week as there’s much to share as I continue my journey of Girl Turns 40.)

So – New Orleans was my June TOTM – and what a city!  I wasn’t sure about the state of tourism in New Orleans, but it did not disappoint…Post-Katrina, everything is looking up for the good people of N’Awlins, and the streets were full of happy vacationers.

Bourbon Street

(Seriously? Bourbon Street makes Las Vegas look like a Disney vacation. )

It was so raucous and raunchy, but made a great stage for people-watching.

This was Saturday night – and people were on balconies all along Bourbon, throwing out beads…

Plus , the famous Pat O’Briens.

…with dueling pianos.

…and flaming torch-fountains.

Architecture

Beautiful architecture down on the bayou…

The wrought iron…

The tucked away gardens down every alley….

The Food (my favorite!)

Oh my. The food was truly outstanding.

We tried crawfish at the The Gumbo Pot. (I had never tried it, didn’t know how to peel it, so the cooks from the kitchen helped us!) It was delicious!

And I had the best shrimp and grits I’ve EVER had at Mr. B’s Bistro. And of course, we had beignets and coffee at Café du Monde…

We also happened upon the Oyster Festival in the French Quarter – pronounced the “UR-ster” Festival, by the locals…

  

The oyster-eating contest had just finished, where the winner had eaten…

(brace yourself)…39 dozen oysters! Yes, dozen – or 468 oysters in about 10 minutes. Ugh!

Whew – the Girl is exhausted from all the festivities, but I "heart" New Orleans!

Stay tuned for Part 2.

 GT 40