Kickin' it Like a Kennedy in Cape Cod

Yeah baby!  After Plymoth, it was off to Cape Cod for some New England clam chowder and lobster tails.  Yum!

Cape Cod

I was happy to find that Cape Cod is much more humble than a simple southern girl like myself would have expected.  The little villages were absolutely charming, and I loved the tiny restraunts and shops along the coast.  What a wonderful place to spend a summer!

Dealers Gone Wild in Cape Cod

We had a wonderful time hitting the beach a low-tide.  There were hundreds of little tide-pools full of wildlife, perfect for exploring at sunset.  The only downside was the chilly wind...no wonder Cape Cod doesn't really start happening until May! 

Dealers Gone Wild in Cape Cod

Pilgrimage to Plymouth

Lucy is on a mission into the unknown. Not knowing exactly where she is headed or what she will find when she gets there, on she travels in search of a better future for car buyers everywhere. Therefore, it was only appropriate that Lucy make a stop on Plymouth, MA in order to see the land of the origional Pilgrims.

Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth MA

Our first stop was Plimoth Plantation, a great live action museum and a great place for kids to learn about the life of the early pilgrims and native people of Massachusetts. They have recreated both an early colonial village and a Wampanoag homesite as they would have looked in the early 17th century.  The museum staff even spoke as if they were pilgrims.  Very educational. 

Colonial Village at Plimoth Plantation

Near Plymouth Rock is a recreation of the Mayflower--the ship that the pilgrims used to sail the Atlantic.  It is called the Mayflower II, and you can tour it.  I couldn't believe how small the ship was!  Those were very brave and hardy souls who sailed over!http://www.plimoth.org/features/mayflower-2/

Mayflower II

Lucy Goes Ivy League

Lucy had to take a few days to relax and see the sights of New York, but after that it was time to get back on the road.  The clock is ticking, and it was time to let some of the smartest people in the world know about Dealerz Gone Wild.  That's right, Lucy took Yale!

Harkness Tower, Yale University

It was a little intimidating to be at the alma mater of 5 US Presidents, national heroes such as Nathan Hale, and movie stars like Jodie Foster, but as soon as we heard the bells of the Yale Memorial Carillon, we felt right at home and let the bright young minds of Yale know about the May 1st launch of Dealerz Gone Wild, the best place to buy a certified used car on-line.

 

Yale University

New Haven is a charming town, and the are around Yale is full of all kinds of interesting shops.  We had a great day.  However, we'll have to see how smart those Yale kids really are after they buy their next certified used car.  I'm sure they'd hate it if kids at Harvard outdid them!



New Haven, CT



Lucy Takes Manhattan

 Lucy spread the word about Dealerz Gone Wild to The Nation's Capital, The Cherry Blossum Capital of the World, The Crab Cake Capital of the World, The Live Music Capital of the World, The City of Brotherly Love, The Classic City, The Star City of the South, The South's Playground, The Big Easy, and even The Big Guava, but nothing could have prepared her for The Big Apple.  That's right, Lucy was headed for New York City to tell both Yankees and Mets fans about the launch of Dealerz Gone Wild on May 1st.

Times Square

As you may know, parking is a rare and hot commodity in New York, so Lucy was thrilled to hang out on Park Avenue and Seventh while I took my daughter to dance on the big piano at FAO Swartz and do some shopping on Madison Avenue.  

Park Avenue, New York City

My daughter was especially excited to visit New York City, as it is the home of Pinky Dinky Doo, one of her favorite cartoon characters.  I of course had to take her to the Central Park Zoo, home of the Penguins of Madagascar and King Julien, and to Brookly Heights, the origional home of Sesame Street!

Brooklyn Promenade

Lucy Declares Independence in Philly!

Lucy headed to let the City of Brotherly Love know about the upcoming launch of Dealerz Gone Wild on May 1st.  The news is exciting enough to make that Liberty Bell chime once more!

Philidelphia, PA

Downtown Philly is lots of fun.  We had a great time driving the historic streets, and my daughter and I even took a ride on a horse-drawn carriage.  All of the history in Philidelphia is overwhelming!  At the Free Quaker Meeting House we listened to a presentation on the Quaker history of Pennsylvania.  Did you know that Pennsylvania was not actually named for William Penn, but for his father?  William Penn actually asked the King of England to change the name of the territory, as Quakers did not think it was appropriate to put your name on things.  How funny!  I guess the request was not respected!

Downtown Philly

We had so much fun in Philidelphia, and I could have easily spent several days exploring the downtown and learning the history of the city. However, Lucy must continue her mission, so we are off to the Big Apple to let the good people of New York know how they can save some Benjamins on their next certified new car!

Inner Harbor Kicks in Baltimore

On to Baltimore for some nautical adventures in the inner harbor.  This is a fun town; I loved the red brick apartments and alleys along the water, and Lucy had a blast.

Baltimore's Inner Harbor, MD

Among other famous ships in Baltomore is the USCGC Taney; "The Last Survivor of Pearl Harbor."  The USCGC Taney was only Coast Guard ship to survive the attack on Pearl Harbor during the Second World War, and by the late 1960s is was the last US vessel that had seen action during the attacks that was still in commission.  What an honor to see this historic ship!  Baltomore's inner harbor is full of historic ships. 

USCGC Taney, "The Last Survivor of Pearl Harbor," Baltimore MD

Baltimore is also home to the National Aquarium, counted among the best in the United States.

National Aquarium, Baltimore MD

The aquarium is truly amazing, and we had a lot of fun learning about the great nautical history of Baltimore.  What a fun town!  Lucy ended her tour in Baltimore's Little Italy, which is right next to the Inner Harbor.  I ate some great Veal Marsalla at Cafe Gia's--a beautiful little cafe covered in art on the inside and out. 

Baltimore, MD

Next stop, Philly!  Watch for Lucy on Independence Mall, and don't forget to Go Wild for Dealerz Gone Wild, launcing May 1st! 

Capital LUCY!

After meandering through the gorgeous hills, valleys, and towns of Virginia, Lucy decided that it was time to get back to business.  That's right: Washington had to be informed about the best place to buy a certified used car on-line, Dealerz Gone Wild.  The sight launches on April 15, and the clock is ticking!

Action Alert:  Call Congress and tell them that Dealerz Gone Wild is the best place to buy a certified used car on-line!

National Mall, Washington DC

As Lucy was scurrying through the streets of downtown DC on a mission to spread the news about Dealers Gone Wild, she passed by the folks of Family Radio, who had also come to DC to make sure their voices were heard in our nation's capital.

The Family Radio Cult in Washington DC

As you can see, they promise that the world in going to end on May 21, 2011.  Since Dealerz Gone Wild launches on April 15, 2011, that only gives us 5 weeks to experience the wonder of this new way to buy certified used cars!  Lucy sped up and sprung into action, making sure that all the Washington movers and shakers were informed before it was too late.  And then, tragedy struck:

Towed in DC!

Lucy had parked on a corner next to the US Supreme Court and the Smithsonian.  While the little Prius that could was making her mark on our nation's history, and she was towed away!  As I was wandering the streets of Washington with a toddler and comtemplating the end of the world a mere 5 weeks after the launch of Dealerz Gone Wild, I was not in good spirits.  However, I met a very kind man in front of the US Border Patrol building who advised me to take a taxi to the tow yard, and then gave me $10 when I naively asked if the cabs took credit cards!  Oh kindly gentleman, know that Lucy and Dealerz Gone Wild salute you!  This lifted my spirits, and inspired me to continue with Lucy on her mission.

A Virgin no More; Lucy takes Virginia

After hitting White Sulpher Springs, Lucy was wild and ready to take on Virginia's Shenandoah Valley.  According to my trusty Lonely Planet guide to the USA, this is "God's Country."  They weren't kidding!  This is a perfect drive for history buffs, especially if you are into Civil War history. 

Cedar Mountain Battlefield, near Culpeper VA

On the way to see James Madison's Montplier residence just outside of Orange, we passed through Culpeper, which saw the Brandy Station and Cedar Mountain battles during the Civil War.  Did you know that 60% of the Civil War was fought on Virginia soil?

Orange, VA near James Madison's Montplier residence

Lucy also had to swing through Charlottesville and let the bright young minds at the University of Virginia know about the launch of Dealerz Gone Wild on April 15, 2011.  The UVA campus is spectacular--fitting for a university that was founded by no less than Thomas Jefferson himself!

The University of Virginia

Virginia is a truly spectacular state. At that, I'll leave you with this inscription from the University of Virginia's Medical School:

"Enter by this Gateway and Seek the way of Honor, the Light of Truth, the Will to Work for Men."  University of Virginia

Wild and Wonderful in White Sulpher Springs, WV

Lucy took a wrong turn and got lost leaving Lexington.  I guess she knew that the people of White Sulpher Springs, West Virginia needed to hear about Dealerz Gone Wild before the April 15 launch!  Did you know that White Sulpher Springs is home to the historic Greenbrier resort, one of the most luxurious and exclusive in the country?  26 US presidents have stayed there!  It is also home to America's first golf course.  I love getting lost!

Christmas Shop at the Depot, White Sulpher Springs, WV

White Sulpher Springs, WV

I tried to get a room at the Greenbrier, but it is out of Lucy's humble budget.  However, I think that our little Prius deserves a place in this resort so that the affluent guests may learn about Dealerz Gone Wild, the best place to buy a certified used car on-line.  So don't forget to visit DRS Buy Now and Dealerz Gone Wild on April 15.  Send Lucy to the Greenbrier!

Lucy Loves Lexington, VA

From Natural Bridge to historic Lexington, Virginia.  This small town is as cute as can be, and set in some gorgeous countryside.  Lucy just drove and drove as I gazed out the windows in wonder!

Along the Maury River, Buena Vista VA

 The historic downtown is absolutely charming, and we wandered for hours up and down the streets.

Downtown Lexington, VA

 Lexington is a rather prestigious small town, as it is home to Washington and Lee University and the Virginia Military Institute.  We stopped and visited Lee Chapel on the Washington and Lee campus.  General Lee was president of the university after the Civil War, and is buried on the campus.

Washington and Lee University

Natural Bridge VA is Wild!

Today Lucy took a rockin' and wild trip to Natural Bridge, Virginia.  Caverns, hiking, two zoos, a wax museum, and dozens of other quirky roadside exhibits made this small town too fun!

Natural Bridge, VA

Check out the random dinosaur on the side of the road:

Random Roadside Dinosaur in Natural Bridge, VA

How about "Foamhenge," which is kind of like the English Stonehenge, only made of foam?

Foamhenge in Natural Bridge, VA

As the sign says, the Natural Bridge Caverns are the deepest on the East Coast:

Natural Bridge Caverns, Natural Bridge VA

Lucy really went wild at the Natural Bridge Safari Park.  We took a long, slow trip though the park and fed zebras, llamas, emus, camels, and even bison through Lucy's window.  I hope these camels remind their friends to log on to http://www.dealerzgonewild.com/ on April 15! 

Camels at Natural Bridge Safari Park, Natural Bridge VA

Natural Bridge Safari Park, Natural Bridge VA

Of course, the crown jewel of Natural Bridge is, well, the Natural Bridge.  This stone formation was carved by millions of years of erosion.  Legend has it that a young George Washington once scaled the side of the rock and carved his initials into the stone!  The land was also owned by Thomas Jefferson.  Lucy was unable to drive to the "Rock of Ages," but my daughter and I did hike down, and were sure to catch the evening light and music show, the Drama of Creation.  What a trip!  A reading of the Genesis creation story accompanied by chamber music and a light show on the stone brige.  This town is heaven for fans of quirky roadside attractions! 

Lucy Does the Blue Ridge Parkway, America's Favorite Drive.

As reported by DRS Buy Now, Lucy did decide that Asheville, NC was too beautiful to leave. However, her mission to let the world know about Dealerz Gone Wild must go on, so we packed our bags, gave back the bongo drums, and hit "America's Favorite Drive," the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The Blue Ridge Parkway outside of Asheville, NC

As one would expect, the views are spectacular, and I was compelled to stop every few miles in order to take in yet another grand vista.  Thank goodness for the 45 mph speed limit, or Lucy may have found herself hanging from a cliffside tree somewhere in the Blue Ridge Mountains! 

Gorgeous view of the Blue Ridge Mountains

I was able to talk to a lot of very nice people at the scenic overlooks.  There are locals who volunteer to clean up litter in order to preserve the natural beauty of this drive.  Drivers, please don't throw trash out of your car window.  Us Texans are proud to say "Don't Mess with Texas," but few outside of the state know that the slogan started as an anti-littering campaign.  We take that attitude with us when we travel.

Scenic Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway

On the Eastern Continental Divide, we had lunch at the Mountain View Restaurant and Motel in Little Switzerland. A large wood deck with gorgeous views of the mountains, and some great pot pie!

Mountain View Motel and Restaurant, Little Switzerland, North Carolina

As can happen when one opts for a scenic mountain road over a sensible interstate, part of the parkway was closed and Lucy took a plesant detour.  We passed through a handfull of postcard-perfect small towns and dozens of Christmas tree farms.  Once again, I love getting lost in North Carolina!

"Mental Floss With God's Word to Avoid Truth Decay," punny sign at the Pine Fork Baptist Church, Laurel Springs, North Carolina

Christmas Tree Farm, Sparta North Carolina

After crossing into Virginia we stopped at the Mt. Airy Granite scenic overlook and saw the largest stone quarry of its kind in the entire United States (parkway tip: once you cross into Virginia many of the scenic overlooks also include historic markers and educational descriptions.)

Mt. Airy Granite Marker on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia

Lucy may have done too much ambling on America's Favorite Drive, because night fell long before we made it into Roanoke. I could dimly make out several lovely sights as we cruised along in the dusk.  Perhaps Lucy will have to return to tell the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia about Dealerz Gone Wild?

Lucy Rocks in Asheville, NC

Asheville, North Carolina! I can see why my friend decided that, of all the cities in the USA, this was the place he would hang his hat. No sooner did we step out of the car by the city skate park than the relaxed and friendly vibe of the town overtook me!  There were musicians all over the street and locals stopping with their kids to watch the music and enjoy the fresh mountain air.



Downtown Asheville, North Carolina

As we strolled through downtown, we happened upon the open doors of MAIN-FM 103.5, a local independent radio station.  The volunteer DJ was standing outside and told us that the weather was so nice that they decided to open the doors and spread the word about their efforts by letting everyone hear the music. The music was indeed great, and my daughter had an inpromptu opportunity to learn about radio broadcasting.  What a friendly city!

Drum Circle in Downtown Asheville, NC

It was such a nice evening that locals had gathered in downtown for a drum circle, an Asheville tradition when the weather is nice. We had fun grooving with all of the families to the improvised beats of dozens of drums.  One lady even leant my daughter her bongo drum so that she could join in the fun.

Mountains by Asheville, North Carolina

I was eager to try some of the local fare, but my daughter insisted on Waffles from Waffle House.  I try to avoid chains while on the road, especially in a city like Asheville, but what can I say?  I'm a sucker for Waffle House too.  Besides, it's educational for kids to see how they cook the food, don't you think?

Waffle House in Asheville, North Carolina

I had such a good time in Asheville that I contacted the President of Dealer Remarketing Solution and told her that Lucy may just hang her hat here too.  What a great town!

Lucy Goes Wild in Carolina

On to Carolina, both the Northern and the Southern.  We left Athens this morning and are off to spread the word of Dealerz Gone Wild to the Carolinas. 

On Lake Hartwell, South Carolina

In North Carolina, I took a detour by the city of Tuxedo to check out the gorgeous mountain lake.  We ended up on a winding road that went all around the lake.  A few times, I was scared that little Lucy would get stuck in the mud, but it was a great drive.  I love getting lost on long road trips, especially when you are in somewhere as beautiful as North Carolina!

Camp Greystone, North Carolina

Old Bridge in Green Cove, North Carolina

Tuxedo, North Carolina

Eventually, I had to take a detour up a winding mountain dirt road.  I did get a little worried, and called the President of Dealer Remarketing Solution to give her our last known location, as I was fairly certain that we were in "Friday the 13th" territory!  Happily, Lucy eventually found her way to the adorable town of Saluda.  We had ice cream on the street and visited with the friendly locals.  This town has a great playground donated by the summer residents who call Saluda "the perfect place."  Like I said, I love getting lost, and North Carolina is gorgeous!

Saluda, North Carolina

Next stop, Asheville!  I had a friend who packed up and traveled the country looking for the perfect home.  When he found Asheville, he unpacked and has been there ever since.  Can't wait to see it!