Friday, March 13, 2009
Travel Advisory Road Food: Dining with the Griswolds
Posted by Carrington Fox on Fri, Mar 13, 2009 at 6:06 AM
It's spring break for the Griswolds Foxes, and this weekend, we're loading up the family truckster minivan and driving up 'e country, as my people say, to visit kinfolk in the Middle of Nowhere. The route to our own particular MON leads east on 40 until we ultimately take a left toward Appomattox, Va. It's about an eight-hour drive--less if you're Christie Brinkley in a red Ferrari--but we're budgeting closer to 24 hours, just in case. We have a lot of poop issues. Plus, we've been trying to find time to watch High School Musical 16 times in a row.
Anyway, this is all to say that I will be out of pocket for the next week as we wind our way to Virginia, stopping along the way in Asheville, N.C., maybe Gatlinburg, maybe Lynchburg, Va. We'll for sure dine at Aunt B.'s in Appomattox, and you can bet I'll file a thorough report on my return, but other than that, we don't have many plans.
Anyone got any spots--dining or otherwise--we should hit along the way?
Comments (12)
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Gosh will that be a fun ride. Be safe, don't be afraid to use sweets as a bribe, and take lots of pictures and xanax!
Does the route go through Front Royal? What a great town that is. We stop there every time, but heck if I can recall the places we eat.
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Foamhenge!
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/9209
It's just a little further up 81 from where you'll turn off.
And you know Asheville is one of Yvonne the Traveling Vegetarian's favorite places to eat.
Litton's in Knoxville - just off the Broadway exit on 40. Great food and very kid friendly. Just remember to save room for dessert. Travel safe!
I was just in Asheville a couple of weeks ago and you should definitely go have a sweet potato pancake at Tupelo Honey Cafe. I also spent way too much money in the French Broad Coffee Lounge. Such good truffles and hot chocolate (and local Coffee stout beer).
Tupelo Honey! Yes, thank you for reminding me of that place. I had a great breakfast there about five years ago. I totally forgot about it.
We went to Asheville for spring brk 06 wit C's cousin. We had an outstanding, creative, nu-south meal at Tupelo Honey for $75 for three people, which included an appetizer, soup, two glasses of wine, an extra side dish or two, and three entrees. We had a vegetarian meal in downtown Asheville, too. Can't remember the place but I'd know it if I heard it. Anyone?
Nicki - are you referring to the Laughing Seed Cafe in downtown Asheville? It has incredible vegetarian food, especially the "Harmony Bowl"--their specialty. Don't let the Rainforest Cafe-like decor deter you.
The Green Sage Coffeehouse also has good soups and sandwiches and is very vegetarian friendly.
Not sure how Asheville is on the way unless you're just making a meandering trip out of the whole thing, but have always had an incredible meal at Salsa when there. It's also downtown, 6 Patton Avenue.
We're just meandering, trying not to be in the car more than about 4 hours at a go. I love Asheville. We've actually eaten at Salsas -- it was so clever and fresh. My other favorite place was Rezaz, where I don't think we will get to go with kids. I saw a man there order a shrimp appetizer that was so delicious he canceled his entree and ordered two more of the appetizer.
Early Girl Eatery in Asheville is awesome. If you have the kids along hit up Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company http://www.ashevillepizza.com/ They show movies too so you can have a really good family evening
You're in my old stomping grounds. For the best East Carolina style barbecue you've got to check out the Silver Pig, two miles north of Lynchburg on 29 (tell Jim that Dave, Mary and Max say hey.) Breakfast at the city market is great. I think the place is called Irene's. For good food try out Isabella's trattoria or Emil's. Both very good. Oh and if you have time check out L'brg's Old City Cemetery. It's great! Oh yeah, there's a Thai restaurant off 29 on Tye River Road just over the Nelson County line that is rumored to be some of the best Thai you'll ever eat!
