Dale & Debbie Part 56 - Exploring the South

Our latest adventure took us through some charming Southern towns, starting with Laurel, Mississippi—yes, that Laurel from HGTV’s Home Town! I just had to see it for myself, and while we didn’t spot Erin and Ben, it was still a fun experience. From there, we met up with friends in Montgomery, explored the Alabama State Capitol, hiked to stunning waterfalls, and made our way to the Smoky Mountains. Read on for the highlights of our trip.

 

Laurel Mercantile Co. owned by Erin & Ben Napier

    

 

This is as close as I got to seeing them!  Lol!  Not that I expected to.

    

 

There is a large glass window to look thru at Ben’s shop. People can watch them work and film.  Unfortunately, nothing was going on the day we were there.

    

 

We met up with Barb, Henry and one of their friends at Gunter Hill Campground in Montgomery mainly to tour the Capitol building together. They liked our idea of touring capitols and now have several under their belt. We haven’t been in the same part of the country this much since they began traveling, but it wasn’t long until we headed in two separate directions.

 

The ceiling of the Alabama State Capitol dome and beautiful stained glass at the top of the rotunda.

    

    

 

First White House of the Confederacy in Montgomery, AL. In the spring of 1861, the newly established Confederate government rented this house as the official residence for President Jefferson Davis and his young family.

    

 

A life-size bronze statue of country music legend, Hank Williams, one of Montgomery's most celebrated citizens is located near the Riverfront.

 

The guys, one in particular, wanted to eat at this old hot dog joint, so I was a good sport and just had some french fries. Many famous people have eaten here, including presidents and Elvis.

 

Next stop, Desoto Falls State Park, AL. We hiked to some very pretty waterfalls!

    

    

    

    

    

 

Moving on to Tennessee... Not all travel days are sunny and bright, nor free of traffic back-ups.

 

This was our view through the windshield at our campsite on the Pigeon River in Hartford, TN.

    

    

 

Turkeys always walk with their heads held high.  But she slouched when walking past me as if she was trying not to be seen.

    

    

    

 

This was taken in a Mexican Restaurant. How do they keep their remotes straight?!

 

We had not been to Gatlinburg in quite a few years, and it’s not the way we remembered. It’s gotten rather crowded.

    

 

Up Next: Damascus, Virginia