We don't sit around during dull times, even when visiting. Wanderlust sets in, even with only a few spare hours - and the car beckons us to go. On another quiet day, we went for a ride on I-24 S, and came across the sign for the towns Bell Buckle and Wartrace. Curiosity set in, and we exited on to some two lane roads.
Our first stop was Bell Buckle, population about 500, an artsy and antiquey little place by active railroad tracks. (And it IS Bell Buckle...not Belt Buckle!) It also is home to the Webb School, a rather expensive boarding high school for those privileged few with sufficient means to pay over $40K per year to board and privately-educate each of their offspring (it's reportedly co-ed.) Per the internet, their average class size is 10 and student/teacher ratio is 6 to 1, so it BETTER be a REALLY GOOD education...if not, it's just an expensive baby-sitter!
Nice mural...notice the Moon Pie and RC Cola emblems painted prominently on the wall!
The little shops were mostly closed when we were there (early), but the cafe was highly recommended by the one open shop. (Which had some cute - but pricey - stuffed animals.) However, I heard a train whistle, and had to trot over to the tracks to grab some pix....
This one was certainly moving along, at an estimated 60 mph! Made quite a breeze as it roared by.
After we finished looking around in Bell Buckle, we followed country roads to Wartrace, population about 600. We were surprised to find very few artsy/antique shops. The biggest occupied storefronts were the local lawyer's office, a hobby shop (closed that day) and The Tennessee Walking Horse Museum (closed, but with no signs showing when it is actually open.) That would be an interesting one for a future visit! The biggest activity was a local farmer selling his wares in the parking lot.
Unfortunately, we didn't need what the vendor was selliing...
A spectacular old house in Wartrace
Now, with the time creeping past 1:30, we came through downtown, and found the only restaurant open (more appropriately, the only restaurant in town!) Being hungry, we parked and went in. The hostess seated us two "ladies" by the lighted gas fireplace, a nice gesture that we both enjoyed (while sunny, it was a bit chilly.) Food was fabulous - a delightful country buffet. I didn't notice any undue attention from other customers, in this politically conservative area. The all-female waitstaff continued to address us as "ladies" through the meal, and asked if we wanted two checks or one, placing the bill between us. Before we left, we both used the restroom, which was unisex. It's all good.
However, apparently the elderly male clerk at the cash register saw right through my androgynous outfit and feminine cues. As I checked out, I heard the dreaded "S" word. Several times. Aw shucks - this "stuff still happens!" There's a killjoy hiding behind every bush, shrub and counter. But this time, it really didn't matter, since I was just being "my androgynous self" - not Mandy - that day.
Great little restaurant in Normandy...
Last section later....
Mandy
There are wonderful places to stop and visit almost everywhere. It does seem that on a day in and day out basis you do tend to be identified as a lady more often than as a man.
ReplyDeletePat
Yes, there are many such sights to be seen...and I'm plotting a couple more for the next trip!
DeleteI enjoy the recognition as a woman, even when in androgynous mode. Now that it's springtime, I'll be wearing pantyhose instead of black tights, and my flats will show up nicely, enhancing my feminiinity!
Unfortunately, all this family travel lately is starting to "get in the way" of my Mandy time. A couple of the "Mandy" car shows I'll have to miss are scheduled when we're out of town But it's OK, everything we're doing is "family necessary" - and there's always my planned trip to Chicago and New Orleans in a couple months. That's still "on."
Mandy