Our 1st Family Road Trip: Day 1, Visiting Davis, CA

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We have been itching and yearning for a road trip since before Ruby was even born, and we knew one destination we’d  definitely plan on would be Northern California. There is some serious Kim family history in Davis, Ed’s sister Shannon lives in Petaluma, and Ed + I both love San Francisco — so there were many reasons to make the trip. Now that Ruby is a little older (and much happier in the car), we decided to go for it. We are proud to report that Ruby did very well the whole way — that’s our cool Kim in training! :)

The destination for Day One was Davis. Aside from the fact that Davis is where Ed’s aunt + uncle lived for many years and where he would come as a kid to visit often, all three of his grandparents are buried here. Before we were married, Ed’s mom planned a special trip for me to go up to Davis to visit these gravesites and be introduced to his Halmoni and his “Sacramento Grandpa and Grandma”. Now that Ruby is here, Ed has been anxious to take her up and do the same. It was a very special visit, and very moving for all of us.
davis

Ruby did a great job with the flowers, and then drew a special picture for each great-grandparent.

 
 

We took our time there and Ed told Ruby + I some special stories about each of his grandparents. It was a beautiful day and the 1st of many trips to come (A few more pics here). We’re off to Petaluma first thing in the morning!

 

Tennessee Super Kitschfest! Day 2, Roadtrippin’ to Pigeon Forge

 

Today was another whirlwind of a day, this time we drove 3.5 hrs east of Nashville to Pigeon Forge. The main reason for the trek is to visit Dollywood (which we’re doing tomorrow), but today was full of more fun Southern surprises. We were very grateful for a sticker book during this long drive — it kept Ruby busy!

Since Dolly herself is from Seviersville, which is in the Smoky Mountains, we decided if we really wanted a different experience, we’d rent a cabin in the Smoky Mountains instead of a regular motel on the Parkway. Boy are we glad we did! It’s just too bad that we don’t have more time here … there is an enclosed porch with a swing, a hot tub, a full kitchen, a whirlpool bath tub and a jacuzzi! We could easily stay a week here, it’s very quaint and peaceful.

After getting settled we met up with our Michigan relatives Kay + Dave, and had a Southern style dinner at Huck Finn’s. This place was COUNTRY: the menu lists “fixins” and “vittles”. Dad even ordered Fried Frog Legs, and I saved enough room for Banana Pudding!

Now it’s bath time and off to bed to be ready for a BIG dose of awesome kitsch overload at Dollywood tomorrow!

More pics here:

Tennessee – Day 2

Super-Kitschfest 2012!

We are headed off for Tennessee to have the most over-the-top vacation to date — we’re headed to Dollywood, Graceland + Nashville! Yep, all those things and more in one vacation … we can’t wait! Less than 48 hours, and we’ll be arriving in Nashville…

Stay tuned … we’ll be blogging along the way (we think!), just like the good ol’ days. Bring on the BBQ, Patsy Cline Impersonators and the Fried Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwiches!

The Great FOODCATION of 2010!

About 6 months ago, we were having dinner with our dearest friends, The Hammonds, and we were talking about Wade’s big 40th Birthday that was coming up this year. Wade and his talents are no stranger to our blog – not only is he one of our fellow 4 Foodies, he’s also a self-taught gourmet chef who has prepared many amazing meals for us! (Check out his incredible skills on the Summer Tasting Menu he prepared, as well as Brittany’s Birthday Truffle Dinner!) He came to the conclusion that there was no better way to bring in his 40th year than to head up north to both Napa & San Francisco to eat at some of the best Michelin-star rated restaurants possible! Lucky for us – we were invited! We happily accepted and thus began the planning for a most epic adventure – The Great FOODCATION of 2010.

Wade planned out a great itinerary … here are the places we’ll be visiting:

Monday 5/10 – Napa/Yountville
Dinner: Ad Hoc (Chef Thomas Keller)

Tuesday 5/11 – Napa/Yountville
Lunch: Redd
Terra Valentine Winery (Tour & Tasting)
Dinner: Bouchon (Chef Thomas Keller)

Wednesday 5/12 – San Francisco
Lunch: The Slanted Door
Dinner: Walzwerk (Ed’s Birthday Dinner request – East German cuisine)

Thursday 5/13 – San Francisco – Wade’s 40th Birthday!
Lunch: Boulevard
Ferry Building (For Snacks)
Dinner: Fleur De Lys (Chef Hubert Keller)

Friday 5/14 – San Francisco
Lunch: Luce

As you can see, this is no regular vacation! Ed and I decided this is the last time in a long, long time we’ll be able to do something this decadent, so we’re going for it!

Our first two days will be spent at the Glen Ellen Inn, which turned out to be super awesome! For just $129/night, we got hooked up with an incredible room! Here are a few photos of our “Secret Cottage” we borrowed from their website:

Double-sided Fireplace!
The "Living Room"
Bedroom
Jacuzzi Tub!

We are settled and comfy and will tell you all about the amazing dinner we had at Ad Hoc tonight very soon!

2,292 miles. And that’s a wrap, folks!

Howdy faithful readers (and new ones, too!)

We had a blast on “The Great Southwest Road Trip of 2009” and hope you’ll enjoy our posts below recounting each day! That’s where all the good stuff is … and you get all the lovely details, of course.

For those of you who are curious (and aren’t intimidated by our 421 photos!), feel free to check out the whole album. Click here to see each and every photo!

Thanks for stopping by!
c+e