This is my fourth post in a series about my 11-day family road trip. At the moment, I am sitting in the Marietta, Georgia home of Ken Cook, my BlogTalkRadio co-host on Social Media Edge, listening to him play guitar for all of us. I just completed two days at RE Tech South, which I'll write about in another post sometime soon, perhaps after returning to Austin.
So, to pick up where I left off before, we spent most of Tuesday in Birmingham, Alabama. My wife Pam and I fell in love with the Inverness/Hoover area, where we stayed. It was hilly and treed and lovely. Even the air smelled sweet outside our hotel - it seemed to be a fragrant tree of some sort. The weather was just about perfect that day, clear and sunny and about 70 degrees. In fact, I haven't experienced a day like that in awhile.
We decided to spend the afternoon in the Birmingham Zoo, after reading some great reviews online. We were NOT disappointed. In fact, it might have been the finest day at the zoo that I have ever had, although part of that was almost certainly because of the weather. The drive there from our hotel took us through a portion of town that felt like a charming small village with blooming springtime foliage. I felt a little bit like I was in the movie "Pleasantville" (if you haven't seen this one, it's a long explanation).
Following our visit, we tried to find a local restaurant via Yelp (and some other websites) that would be somewhat authentic and good, but the place we chose was out of business. So much for that idea. We ate at O'Charley's instead, which turned out to be....not all that clean and...pretty expensive.
We drove into Atlanta and arrived here Tuesday night around 8:30pm.
I find it to be an amazing tribute to the power of social media that I first met Ken in person that evening, yet I brought my entire family to stay at his home for almost a week. Read that sentence again. Yes, he invited all of us to stay here without ever meeting us in person. :) Ken and his wife Myra have been more than gracious hosts, and I will truly miss them when we leave. We've had a terrific time so far, and we'll be back on the road Sunday.
Funniest quote:
From Abby (4) - "There's no giraffes or pigs, so I don't like this zoo." I can't honestly say that I have ever seen a pig in a zoo, but there you have it.
Next stop: Mobile, Alabama
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First of all, I didn't know you were gone. But after reading this post, I'm so glad you are enjoying yourself. I just came back from a 10-day road trip myself (Frisco to Manhattan & DC and back again). The 2.5 year old survived too.
Well I hate you're in Georgia and I'm not getting to meet you and the folks. But do have safe travels. Oh and tell Abby you should have gone to the Atlanta zoo. it has both giraffes & pigs, at least it did last time I was there.
Sounds like a terrific little family trip you have got going. And a great time of year to do it too.
Great series of posts, I'm living vicariously through your posts.
Bill
Hi Jason... sounds like y'all are having a fun trip. I'm going back to read the earlier trip posts now! :)
JAson...
Sorry I missed you. All heck broker loose here and I have been putting out fires for days. I hope that you enjoyed Atlanta.
I couldn't agree more. How could an self respecting zoo not have a pig or a giraffe? Enjoy the rest of your trip!
Jason, so cool for you to share your family and trip with us. I love AR more everyday! Have fun!
Good morning Jason,
Sounds like the road trip is going well and your all having fun! I saw your picture with Debe so know for sure you made the RE Tech South conference!
Jason, I don't know if you remember it but 2 years ago, Sarah Cooper, Kim Wood, Desiree Daniels, Heather Elias, Diane and I hopped on planes and met up at Dez's mom place in Ashville, N.C. We had never met face to face but just wanted to get together.
We were right at home from the beginning with each other.
Hahahahahaaaaa! Abby is priceless. :-)
Hey man, glad to see you enjoying the journey, I've followed some of your travels on Twitter and it's sounding like a great time. See you when you get back!
Jason - it was great meeting you at ReTechSo! Hope to see you there again. Sorry about the restaurant thing. Some zoos have petting zoos where you might find a pig.
Tell my buddy, Ken, hello. You know, I never tell folks when I'm on vacation because of internet robberies. I always tell my stuff after the vacation now. I hear that a huge amount of robberies are a result of vacation announcements on facebook and twitter. I'm not a paranoid dude, but it does make sense. Just my .02 cents JC. (I know now you are sure that I'm a freak, but really I'm just an anal attorney and lender wanting to protect my homeboy!). Have fun and tell KC that Bettag says hi!
Jason, I know you made it because I saw your picture in Debe Maxwells post, have a great time...
You are traveling through my old stomping grounds. I love that area of the country. Tell Abby to come visit the Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek, Michigan. We have giraffes she can feed face to face, and pigs too!
Let's face it, people get to know us by reading our blogs. You don't have to meet someone in person to know them. We're like penpals. It's nice to know that friendships like this still exist today.
Sounds like a Ken Cook is a great guy. Also sounds like you are having a great adventure. I wish Abbey had an email address so I could send her a message and tell her how easy it would be for Daddy to go and buy a pig...
Ha!
Hi Jason,
Making more memories...!!!!! What a great trip....Always like to hear about Zoo's....Birmingham Zoo....I'm putting it on my list.
Safe travels
Jason glad to hear that you are having fun on your road trip. And I learned from you today that Ken cook is a good guitar player. Thanks for sharing. Have a great weekend and safe trip back to Austin TX. Great post.
Birmingham is actually a pretty nice twon. At least when I was there a couple of years ago. Mobile is OK, been there many times. If you have time go across the bay and find some restaurants in Spanish Fort.
WHAT!? No giraffes OR PIGS? What kind of a zoo was this?
Isn't it great to make such good friends who can just know your character on-line without having to meet you? Amazing world we are living in!
I know what your daughter should get for her next birthday gift....I'm talking stuffed animals here, no worries.
Jason, Just found your blog and am enjoying catching up on your posts. Glad to hear you are on vacation and love the adorable comment from your daughter great comments like that just can't be beat!
Hi Jason--I just had to stop and comment here that Ken is SUCH a nice guy! I thought you guys had worked together on projects but, I had no idea that you hadn't met. Doesn't that say so much for our AR family?! I know one thing--if you and your family are ever visiting here in Charlotte, you're more than welcome to stay at my home for as long as you'd like! (And that's even after having met you!! LOL)
Have a safe trip home...
Debe - Who knows? I might just take you up on that. :) I've never been to Charlotte before - maybe we should check it out sometime, right?
Jason, I'm catching up on your travels now.
Let me guess that sweet smell for you: the first time I ever noticed it was in New Orleans. Could not for the life of me find the source. It would just waft in on a slight breeze, over and over.
Several years later, at someone's home, I noticed it and was introduced to the Sweet Olive Tree. The blooms are so tiny, you won't notice them if you aren't looking. I bet that's the scent that was in the air.....
Jason - WOW! To never had met Ken & his wife yet spend a week there. Amazing. The power of social media just keeps on giving.
OH, what a treat it would be! You and my hubby would hit it right off! And you know our home is your home!
Debe - Be careful about putting it out there publicly - I've already proven that I'm not afraid to show up with the entire clan in tow! :) I know that Ray and I would get along fabulously.