HITTING THE MISSISSIPPI BLUES TRAIL

Da Palace Juke Joint along the historic Mississippi Blues Trail

This spring included a road trip through some of the more beautiful parts of the south, including a cruise down the Mississippi Blues Trail. The old highway is still dotted with juke joints and classic barbecue stops, and we took full advantage of the latter. Make sure you make your way to Yazoo City for the pulled pork sandwich at award-winning Ubon's restaurant.http://ubons.net/http://www.msbluestrail.org/

GETTYSBURG ON MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

There is no better way to honor our servicemen and women than by visiting Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. And to do that on Memorial Day Weekend simply added to our visit to these hallowed grounds. The battlefield, which covers thousands of acres, is best explored via one of the many tour operators. You can also purchase a CD guide that will enhance your tour in your own car. The new visitors center offers a multi-media experience that we recommend as your first stop.  Loaded with artifacts and historic photographs that put you in the thick of the battle.  We stayed at the Quality Inn which was adjacent to the battlefield and within walking distance of restaurants for all budgets. If you want to treat yourself walk down to the Dobbin House, Gettysburg's oldest home built in the 18th Century.http://www.dobbinhouse.com/

VISIT THE BILTMORE ESTATE

We just complete a fantastic visit to Asheville, North Carolina with a special focus on Biltmore Estate, the largest private residence in North America built by the Vanderbilt family.  We recommend following Route 81 through the Shenandoah Valley.  It seems as though every other exit offers antique malls with all kind of well priced collectables. In Asheville we recommend staying at the Homewood Suites.  We arrived on a rainy night and were thrilled that the hotel offered a delicious complimentary dinner with wine and beer (unlimited !) Monday thru Thursday (we arrived on a Monday night). A full breakfast is also included seven days a week. www.hotels.com had rates from $152 to $183 a night. The hotel website offers the same rate,but booking through hotels.com will give you credits towards a free night at any hotel in the future.