May – Jun 2024

Road Trip to Laurel

Sunny skies and clear roads (hopefully) as we drive south through the US. Read more

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May 28, 2024
Road Trip to Laurel
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- Day 1
- Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 8:32 PM
- ☁️ 17 °C
- Altitude: 191 m
- Canada Pelton 42.250593, -82.96311842°15’2” N 82°57’47” W
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Hamilton to Windsor
May 28, 2024 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C
The road trip begins!
Kim and I left Hamilton after work, and had a smooth drive all the way to Chatham, when the heavy rain started. Lucky for us, it stopped as we arrived in Windsor, because we had our first photo op of the trip at the Windsor sign on Walker Road at Provincial.
We are settled in with Anita now, toasting our vacation officially beginning.
Can't wait to see Suzanne first thing in the morning!Read more
TravelerHave a great trip!!
5/28/24Reply
Traveler Awesome! Drink up ladies 🍹
5/28/24Reply
TravelerMany more photo op's to come.
5/29/24Reply
Have fun [Barbara PEDERSEN]
5/30/24Reply
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Road Trip to Laurel
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- Day 2
- Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at 7:20 PM
- ☀️ 21 °C
- Altitude: 171 m
- United States Greenwood 36.929646, -86.41873236°55’47” N 86°25’7” W
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Windsor to Bowling Green
May 29, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C
A relaxed start in Windsor at 9am, crossing in to US on the Ambassador Bridge. We had a good look at the new Gordie Howe Bridge, still under construction, but it's beautiful.
Our first stop was in Toledo for breakfast, and a quick mural tour. Back on the I75 to Cincinnati where our lunch plans on the riverfront were thwarted by a Reds game, so we hopped on the I71 and ended up at a grocery store deli counter in Crescent Springs Kentucky.
A bit of a tour through Louisville (looking for a mechanic, that thankfully we didn't need in the end).
The drive along I65 through Kentucky was amazing, I didn't expect the hills, or the road cut out of the rock. Really pretty. We were hopeful for a sign announcing change from EDT to CDT, but no luck.
Arrived at our hotel in Bowling Green at 7pm on the dot, a quick look at the room and then off to dinner at Cracker Barrel (you have to go at least once, so I'm told).
Back to the hotel for a swim and soak in the hot tub, a shower and bed.
Good night all!Read more
Traveler Looking great ladies! Have fun 🤩
5/31/24Reply
Traveler Amazing mural
5/31/24Reply
Traveler Another beautiful mural 🎨
5/31/24Reply
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Road Trip to Laurel
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- Day 3
- Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 1:00 PM
- ☁️ 25 °C
- Altitude: 202 m
- United States Franklin 35.924133, -86.8701135°55’27” N 86°52’12” W
Merridee's Breadbasket
May 30, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C
Lunchtime in Franklin, we were hoping for a cozy bakery or deli - we found both at Merridee's.

Merridee’s Breadbasket has been featured in Southern Living Magazine, on the Food Network’s “Best of Baker’s Show” on Nashville Public Television’s “Tennessee Crossroads” and has received the Sizzle Award from Southern Exposure Magazine for being voted Best Bakery in Williamson County… three years in a row!
We can see why Merridee’s continues to be a favorite place for local folks and visitors to gather and share good food, good conversation and good coffee.

“It is a privilege to carry on the traditions and the heart of Merridee’s Breadbasket. We take great pleasure in the way people enjoy their experience in this little hometown bakery. Stop by, take a moment to sit, meet the friendly staff and discover the simple pleasure of Merridee’s.” – Jim Kreider, ownerRead more
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Road Trip to Laurel
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- Day 3
- Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 2:00 PM
- ☁️ 25 °C
- Altitude: 199 m
- United States Franklin 35.925184, -86.86892235°55’31” N 86°52’8” W
Whitney's Cookies
May 30, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C
We stumbled across Whitney's Cookies while looking for murals. This was an unexpected surprise!

Whitney auditioned for Masterchef at just 22 years old, setting her on career path that she couldn't have imagined.
During the 13 years of being featured at events and cooking on stages and in kitchens across the world, Whitney’s most requested dessert item was her brownie cookie. Its popularity sparked the idea for Whitney to create her own cookie company so that everyone could enjoy her cookies, and with that she launched Whitney’s Cookies.Read more
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Road Trip to Laurel
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- Day 3
- Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 9:00 PM
- 🌙 21 °C
- Altitude: 212 m
- United States Dodge City 34.074518, -86.86395234°4’28” N 86°51’50” W
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Bowling Green to Laurel
May 30, 2024 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 21 °C
I can't believe we saw so much today! We travelled through Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi, and finally arrived at our farmhouse airbnb in Laurel well after dark.

Started the day in Bowling Green KY, first stop at Harley Davidson to pick up some souvenirs, and then onto the Interstate 65 to Franklin TN (after a quick drive through Franklin KY before we realized it was the wrong state!). Loved Franklin, so quaint! We had lunch at Merridee's, picked up cookies at Whitney's and of course found a mural.
Back on I65 towards Birmingham, and stopped for a stretch at the Gov. Guy Hunt Rest Stop... Alabama wins for the best rest stop.
We opted to push through to Mississippi instead of stopping for dinner, and picked up pizza and snacks at Aldi's.
We are settled in with drinks and TV, pajamas and quilts. Happy.Read more
Traveler Speed Demon lol 😂
5/31/24Reply
Traveler Love the red door
5/31/24Reply
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Road Trip to Laurel
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- Day 4
- Friday, May 31, 2024 at 9:30 AM
- ☀️ 24 °C
- Altitude: 78 m
- United States Laurel 31.686547, -89.13538431°41’12” N 89°8’7” W
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A day in Laurel Mississippi
May 31, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C
We saw so much today!
We started our morning with coffee on the screened porch, and then a walk through downtown Laurel before our tour with Bolton Hometown Tours. DJ was an amazing guide, 100% recommend.
The open-air tour gave a peek at some of the homes and business highlights, which we then spent the afternoon exploring.
We visited the Hellfighters USA Motorcycle Shop, stopped to see the Mississippi Blues Trail marker, and then the Leontyne Price Music Park - an opera singer who received more than 20 Grammy Awards and received the longest recorded standing ovation - 45 minutes! The Music Park was next to the Outdoor Art Gallery, with some fantastic local muralists.
We asked DJ from Bolton Tours for his bbq recommendations, and he gave us his top 3... we decided on #2 Hog Heaven for dinner - so good 👍Read more
Traveler Great picture of all of you lovely ladies 🤗
6/7/24Reply
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Road Trip to Laurel
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- Day 4
- Friday, May 31, 2024 at 1:30 PM
- ☀️ 30 °C
- Altitude: 89 m
- United States City of Laurel 31.694051, -89.13061231°41’39” N 89°7’50” W
Wilson's Commissary
May 31, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C
Becki said when we go to Laurel, we HAVE to eat at Wilson's Commissary!
I'm so glad we took her advice.
It was a fun restaurant, colourful, upbeat and busy. Friendly servers and great food. 10/10 recommend.

"Come fill your hearts and bellies with our homestyle southern comfort food. We guarantee that you will lose a notch on your belt!"Read more
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- Day 4
- Friday, May 31, 2024 at 5:00 PM
- ☀️ 28 °C
- Altitude: 89 m
- United States Laurel 31.693443, -89.13027431°41’36” N 89°7’49” W
Laurel Murals
May 31, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C
So many beautiful murals all around Laurel!
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Road Trip to Laurel
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- Day 4
- Friday, May 31, 2024 at 6:00 PM
- ☀️ 27 °C
- Altitude: 72 m
- United States Jones County 31.653276, -89.17006631°39’12” N 89°10’12” W
Hog Heaven BBQ
May 31, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C
We asked our Laurel tour guide DJ Bolton for his best bbq recommendation, and he did not disappoint!
We found Hog Heaven BBQ on Google Maps and drove out of town to a rural highway, a packed parking lot, and a line up winding through the restaurant - all good signs!

Good BBQ, good folks, and good times: That’s what we’re all about here at Hog Heaven, where this husband-and-wife team has been sharing delicious BBQ and Southern comfort food favorites with our community since 2004. We’re a relaxed, easy-going place, but we’re serious about the food we serve, and we hope you can taste our hard work in every meal you enjoy with us.Read more
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Road Trip to Laurel
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- Day 4
- Friday, May 31, 2024
- ☁️ 30 °C
- Altitude: 89 m
- United States Laurel 31.699577, -89.13310831°41’58” N 89°7’59” W
Laurel's Homes
May 31, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C
Some of the homes from the HGTV show Hometown, and some of their neighbours, photographed from the back of a golf cart during our tour
TravelerBeautiful homes 🏡 with lovely colours
6/7/24Reply
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Road Trip to Laurel
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- Day 4
- Friday, May 31, 2024
- ☀️ 30 °C
- Altitude: 89 m
- United States First Trinity Presbyterian Church of Laurel 31.694927, -89.13124131°41’42” N 89°7’52” W
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Bolton Hometown Tour
May 31, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C
Erin and Ben continue to help revitalize their hometown of Laurel, Mississippi through home renovations and small business restorations. It is hard to believe that over 100 homes have been renovated by the Napiers .
The Bolton Hometown tour gave us a behind the scenes tour with a little bit of history thrown in.
In 1882, Laurel, a quiet town in the southeast region of Mississippi was officially founded. At that time, it was nothing but miles of timber and a lowly population of around 800 people. The Eastmans and Gardiners are two prominent families that were substantially influential in the initial development of the town. Lauren Chase Eastman and George and Silas Gardiner were shared owners of Eastman and Gardiner Lumber Company. In 1894 they packed up their families, and moved them to one of the most isolated settlements in Mississippi. By the 1920s, Laurel was shipping more yellow pine than any other location in the world.
Fifth Avenue is were the wealthy lumber barons resided in their mansion homes, Fourth Avenue was for the managers, Third Avenue was for the foreman, and Second and First Avenues were for the workers, and Sixth and Seventh Avenues were reserved for the merchants.Read more
Traveler It is important to remember the problems of the past, so we all learn and continue to move forward.
6/20/24Reply
Traveler How beautiful
6/23/24Reply
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Road Trip to Laurel
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- Day 5
- Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 6:30 PM
- ☀️ 22 °C
- Altitude: 183 m
- United States Leeds 33.544521, -86.58621233°32’40” N 86°35’10” W
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Laurel to Chattanooga
June 1, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
Checked out of our Airbnb and made a quick stop in Laurel for souvenirs, then got on the road. Our first stop was Buc-ee’s in Leeds Alabama for a bathroom break and some shopping. We stopped at another beautiful rest area in Alabama for a leftover BBQ picnic. We were surprised to travel into our 7th state, Georgia, but sadly the sign was knocked down. Next stop - Lookout Mountain. We were too late to catch the last ride on the incline railway but that didn’t stop us from getting to the top. The rain stopped long enough to enjoy the gorgeous panoramic views of the Chattanooga Valley from the observation deck. We checked into our hotel after 8:00 pm so we walked through the “Drive-In Sonic”, that was across the street, for a quick dinner.Read more
TravelerSo pleased Anita was able to get up to Look Out Mtn as well. How is her new hip holding up?
6/2/24Reply
TravelerAnita is doing great!
6/2/24Reply
Traveler Loves it!! Canada 🇨🇦
6/7/24Reply
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- Day 6
- Sunday, June 2, 2024
- ☁️ 25 °C
- Altitude: 216 m
- United States Jersey 35.067493, -85.20629135°4’3” N 85°12’23” W
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The Homefront Tea Room
June 2, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C
We read about Tea in the Depot at the Tennessee Valley Railway Museum while planning our trip to Laurel, and made sure we included Chattanooga just to experience it. It did not disappoint, everything tasted so good, and there was plenty to eat.
We enjoyed looking at all of the displays and chatting with the hostess and server Thatcher.
It was surprising to learn that the Tea has only been operating for 2 years, and all of the items displayed were donated by the community.Read more
TravelerMmm! Cream Tea, you gotta love it.
6/3/24Reply
TravelerIt was such a nice museum and lunch, I'm glad we planned for it. Too bad about the rain though!
6/3/24Reply
Traveler Wow 🤩 Amazing picture!
6/7/24Reply
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- Day 6
- Sunday, June 2, 2024
- ☀️ 22 °C
- Altitude: 237 m
- United States Sparta 38.704961, -84.90870738°42’18” N 84°54’31” W
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Chattanooga to Sparta KY
June 2, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
After our beautiful lunch at the Railway Museum, it was time to go. On our way south we took the Interstate, anxious to get to Laurel. Driving back north again from Chattanooga TN, we decided to take the slower roads... or as a local fella said "Ya'll takin the scenic route".

We drove through some pretty towns, twisty mountain roads, farmlands and towering forests into Kentucky.

The last part of the drive from Lexington to Sparta was rainy, and it was dark, so we didn't get to see too much of the area. It was 9 when when we checked into our Ramada by Wyndham rooms. We hung out in Anita and Suzanne's room for drinks and a bit of tv.Read more
Traveler The long and winding road
6/7/24Reply
Traveler Beautiful clouds ☁️ on the blue sky
6/7/24Reply
Traveler Amazing view!
6/7/24Reply
TravelerIt was beautiful, all of those layers 🩷
6/7/24Reply
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Road Trip to Laurel
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- Day 7
- Monday, June 3, 2024 at 8:03 PM
- ☁️ 24 °C
- Altitude: 175 m
- Canada Windsor 42.320372, -83.03886542°19’13” N 83°2’20” W
Sparta KY to Windsor ON
June 3, 2024 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C
Last day on the road, we started the day with a lobby breakfast at the Sparta Ramada, and then crossed the road to the Kentucky Speedway - closed since 2020, but still used for the Richard Petty Driving Experience. We only took photos, not lessons!

Our first stop heading out of Kentucky was at Rabbit Hash, located on the banks of the Ohio River, to see the historic General Store, operating in the same site since 1831. We enjoyed browsing the Artisan shop and General Store, and learning a bit of the area's history.
A quick lunch at Wendy's and then we got on the Interstate 75 for a direct drive home (eta 4.5 hours)

We did get off the highway for a short shopping trip at Hobby Lobby, and another stop for gas and snacks.

The border crossing was quick and painless, thanks to having our paperwork in order, and we slipped into Windsor before the sun set.

Dropped off Suzanne at home at 8pm, and picked up Chinese for a late supper.

I'm not ready for our trip to be done!Read more
TravelerWhat a great trip! Thanks for sharing 😀 So many beautiful places and really yummy-looking food!!
6/4/24Reply
TravelerLooks like a fabulous trip! Love all the pictures, especially the murals! Memories to hold onto for all of you lovely ladies 🥰
6/7/24Reply
Traveler❤️
6/7/24Reply
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Road Trip to Laurel
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- Day 8
- Tuesday, June 4, 2024
- ☀️ 30 °C
- Altitude: 178 m
- Canada Sutherland 42.308916, -83.0720742°18’32” N 83°4’19” W
Signs, signs, signs
June 4, 2024 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C
“ROAD TRIPPIN’ WITH MY FAVORITE ALLIES – FULLY LOADED, WE GOT SNACKS AND SUPPLIES. IT’S TIME TO LEAVE THIS TOWN, IT’S TIME TO STEAL AWAY. LET’S GO GET LOST ANYWHERE IN THE U.S.A.”
– RED HOT CHILI PEPPERSRead more
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- Day 8
- Tuesday, June 4, 2024
- ☀️ 26 °C
- Altitude: 225 m
- United States Hickory Valley 35.044724, -85.16094735°2’41” N 85°9’39” W
So much food!
June 4, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C
A good vacation depends on good food, right?
We had fast food, slow cooking, picnic, take out, eat in, high tea, grocery store deli counter and local favourites. We tried new things. Some was good, some was great, and nothing was bad.Read more
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Trip end
June 4, 2024