2026 Aug 1, Mystery Trip (Chattanooga, TN & Scottsboro, AL) with Backroads Tours LLC

 We had to be on the bus in Madison, AL, by 7 A.M. We were up by 4:30 and on the road by 5. We are traveling on bus 1048 Eagle Christian Tours, Rome, GA. Driver Barbara Dudle

We stopped at Bojangles in Athens for breakfast. Hubby ordered a steak and biscuit, and I ordered a sausage and biscuit. We spent $10.75.

We arrived around 6:30, and the bus was already there waiting for our guide, Kelley Wolfe, before we could load. 

We were on the road headed to Scottsboro to pick up additional passengers. Around 8 A.M., we were headed to our Mystery stop. 

We arrived at 9:58 A.M. at the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway, which was built in 1895. 

The incline uses a cable system where two cars are connected by a cable, allowing one car to ascend while the other descends.

America's Most Amazing Mile climbs to 1,450 feet. On a bright day, you can see for miles, but the day we were there, it rained and was very overcast.

Our guide purchased our tickets.

We made a group photo, used the restrooms, and then loaded onto the incline. 

If you have trouble walking or climbing, I recommend sitting at the top of the Incline car. 

The car is sitting at an incline, so you have to climb up and down steps to get in and out. 

We began our ten-minute journey up Lookout Mountain at a 72.7 percent grade at the steepest part.

At the top, we visited the gift shop where we purchased a bag of mini moon pies. 

We walked to the observation deck to see the view below, but it was very foggy and began to rain. 

We went to the lower level to see the 100-horsepower motors in operation. You could feel the motors vibrate when you sat down in the restrooms.

After an hour at the overlook and gift shop, we once again loaded onto the incline, which did not seem as steep as when we loaded at the bottom. 

On the way down, we saw a buck deer in the forest and a fake owl. 

Once below, we unloaded the incline and headed to our bus for our next stop.

We stopped at the rest area in Jasper for a restroom break. 

Then onto Scottsboro, where we meet up with our guide, Angie. 

We ate lunch and did a quilt craft at a new small business called Still Water Studios in Scottsboro.

The food was catered by Simply Yaya.

Which consisted of Classic Chicken Salad Croissants, Ham & Swiss Sliders, Italian Pasta Salad, Vegetable Platter, Fruit Platter, Chips, Chess Bars & Bottled Water included.

Our next quick stop was at Payne's Soda Fountain and Sandwich Shop, where everyone was treated to a scoop of their favorite ice cream.

We enjoyed eating our ice cream on the bus while Angie gave us a quick historical tour of Scottsboro.

We said goodbye to Angie and the passengers parked in Scottsboro around 3:30 P.M.

We arrived at our destination, Gabe's in Madison, around 4:30 P.M.

Loaded into our car and began our journey home.

We stopped at Walmart in Athens to pick up a few items.

We stopped at Lash's in Rogersville for our take-home Low Country Boil (dinner). 

They have the best seafood in town. It was a very busy night for them.

We had a great time with old and new friends exploring new places and new faces.

Photo

8554-8585 Incline Railway 9:58–11:09 A.M.

8586 Group Photo

8587-8591Tennessee Welcome Center Jasper, TN 11:03 A.M. time change

8592-8294 Still Water Studios Scottsboro, AL 12:09–12:14 P.M. Lunch

8595-8599 Payne's Soda Fountain and Sandwich Shop 3:12–3:17 P.M.

8600-8605 Tour of Scottsboro, AL 3:23 P.M.

June 28-July 2, 2026 Spending time with AVA

 Day 1: 

We met Ava at Sky Zone for Hazel's fifth Birthday Party at 4 P.M. The kids enjoyed jumping and playing on all the equipment.

Next, they were served pizza, Cokes, and water, which some devoured quickly while others just nibbled.

Next, they sang Happy Birthday to Hazel Cate. After Hazel blew out all 5 of her candles, the cake was cut and served. There were cupcakes for those who did not want a slice of the strawberry cake. There were dipping dots for everyone. 

Next, Hazel opened all her presents while the kids crowded around to watch. 

After the party, we took Ava home with us.

Day 2:  

I went back to the dentist at 11 A.M., but it was the wrong day. So we rode into town to run errands.

We ate lunch at Captain D's. Ava ordered chicken and fries. I ordered fish and fries, and Hubby ordered salmon, which Ava ate some of.

Day 3: 

I was up early before it got too hot to plant some bulbs. I had to prepare the ground first. 

Ava was still in bed. 

We ate lunch at Cracker Barrel. Ava ordered Chicken fingers and fries. I ordered pinto beans, fried apples, and cornbread. Hubby ordered fried pork chops with creamed potatoes and broccoli. I paid the bill with my Christmas Gift cards for Cracker Barrel.

We went to Sam's Club for ice cream, but their machine was broken, so Ave ordered a Cherry Slushy and a salty pretzel.

We went to the Blue Door, a thrift store, where AVA picked out a couple of pairs of earrings, a pair of shorts, and a T-shirt.

On the way home, we stopped at Foodland. Hubby wanted some banana popcycles. We stopped to talk to Ronnie (Ava calls him Johnnie).

Day 4: 

Today, we rode to the Cooks Museum in Decatur. Ava and I walked through the museum (we have been there several times). The honey bees were back. We saw bats hanging in the cave. I climbed up into the treehouse. We watched the fish swim, and Ava took my photo in front of the jellyfish.

We rode to OH'Bryan's in Hartsell for lunch. I ordered a catfish plate with one piece of fried catfish, a baked sweet potato, coleslaw, onion, and hushpuppies. I could not eat the cole slaw because my mouth was still sore from having 3 teeth pulled.

Hubby ordered one trip to the salad bar, steak, and baked potato.

Ava wanted McDonald's, she ordered a hamburger, Chicken nuggets, fries, and Coke. She ate some of Hubby's steak and two of my hushpuppies.

Day 5: 

I went outside early and heard and saw a red-tailed hawk fly into a nearby tree. 

I went inside to get my camera, but saw him fly away before I could take a photo.

I went back inside to get the keys to the gator and my camera. I was going to ride around to see if I could find the hawk and listen for other birds.

I got on our John Deere Gator, and a red wasp landed on my inner leg and popped me a good one. I went inside to put some medication on the sting.

I went back outside, taking the wasp spray with me. I thought I would get that wasp if it was still flying nearby.

I didn't see it, so I cranked up the gator and out came several red wasps.

I got stung again on the top of my hand.

I sprayed and killed several wasps.

They must have built that nest late yesterday because I rode the gator yesterday.

Everyone, be careful before getting on anything outside, those red wasps could be hiding just waiting to sting you.

Ava wanted to go to the Splash Pad at Heritage Park, so I packed a cooler full of ice and Cokes.

I packed a bag with towels and sunscreen. We both put on our swimsuits.

When we arrived at the splash pad, no one was there, and the water was off. A couple of women were sitting on the sidewalk. They had been on the walking trail.

We asked why the splash pad was closed, and one said it was because of the drought.

So, we rode to Walmart to pick up a few items.

We ate lunch at Arby's. Ava ordered chicken fingers and cheese sticks; I ordered beef and cheese sandwiches; and Hubby ordered a roast beef sandwich, curly fries, and two peach pie rollups.

We rode to McFarland Park so Ava could play on the playground equipment. I walked to the restroom and back. I saw a Great Blue Heron, several Canada Geese, and several waterfowl. Hubby sat in the air-conditioned car, watching AVA. We did not stay long; it was just too hot.

Every day, Ava watched SpongeBob and played in the playroom we set up just for kids.

Nevada came to pick her up around 4 P.M.

She loves to come to our house, but she was ready to go home.

I think she wanted to spend the night with her friend Cloey.

2026 May 21, Day Trip to McMinnville, Rock Island and Monteagle, TN (with Backroads Tours LLC)

 Day Trip to Falcon Rest, McMinnville, Rock Island State Park, and Mountain Goat Restaurant, Monteagle, TN 

6841-6842 Stop at Loves Hillsboro, TN @9AM

6844-6859 Travel Viola, McMinnville, Rock Island 9:41 A.M.

6860-6923 Rock Island State Park Rock Island, TN @ 10:15–11:40 A.M.

6924-6937 Falcon Rest Mansion Museum & Murder Mystery McMinnville, TN @12:03-2:06 PM

6938-6945 Travel Viola, McMinnville @3:01-3:20 P.M.

6946-6960 Stop at Mountain Goat Restaurant, Monteagel, TN 4:01–4:30 P.M.

We were up at 3:30 A.M. and left the house at 4:30 A.M.

We stopped at Jack's in Athens for single gravy and biscuits and a Diet Coke. 

My biscuit wasn't done, so I returned, and they gave me one that was cooked.

But it still gives me gas, and I burped all the way to Tennessee.

Our first stop was the welcome center at Rock Island State Park. The park ranger told us about the park and offered to give us a guided tour. So we loaded back onto the bus and followed the park ranger. 

We stopped at the Beach Area, and everyone got out and walked around. 

Our next stop was the short waterfall and the old abandoned cotton mill. 

The ranger turned on his flashing lights and removed the roped-off area so we could park on the grass. 

Everyone got out to take pictures of the waterfalls and the surrounding area. We thanked the park ranger and began our journey to Falcon Rest, about an hour away, for lunch and a murder mystery show.

We arrived at the visitor center and were greeted by our guide and owner.

We were all led into the mansion and listened to the guide, then each was given a role in the murder mystery while we enjoyed our lunch.

Hubby played George Beech (the town drunk), and I played his wife, Marie Beech.

For lunch, we were served Strawberry Pretzel salad, Baked Chicken, Potatoes, green beans, a roll, and Chocolate cake topped with a cherry and a dab of whipped cream.

After lunch and a show, we were given a guided tour of the mansion. No photos were allowed inside the mansion.

We took a group photo on the mansion's front porch.

We shopped at the gift shop, thanked our guide, and headed to our next stop.

History of Rock Island 

Rock Island State Park is a state park in Warren and White Counties, Tennessee, in the Southeastern United States. The park is named after the community of Rock Island, Tennessee, which in turn was named for an island on the Caney Fork, upstream from the confluence of the Collins River and the Great Falls Dam. Rock Island State Park is centered on a peninsula created by the confluence of these two rivers and extends downstream to the headwaters of Center Hill Lake.

We stopped at Mountain Goat Restaurant and gift shop, located in Monteagle, TN., where Hubby and I enjoyed a slice of Chocolate Cheesecake topped with pecans and drizzled with chocolate and caramel, a Diet Coke, and a coconut chocolate bar. 

Took a few photos, then loaded onto the bus and headed to Scottsboro.

We arrived a little before 6 P.M., with a two-hour ride home. 

No stopping until we reached home a little after 8 P.M.

Another wonderful day trip with Backroads Tours LLC

Bus number 3004 on Eagle Christian Tours, Rome, GA, with Barbara Dudley as our driver. 

Angie, our guide. 

2026 May 9, Day trip to Nashville Ryman Autidium and Backstage at the Grand Ole Opry with Backroads Tours LLC

 We were up by 5 A.M., dressed, and rode to Madison. 

We stopped at Burger King in Madison for 2 cinnamon apple pies, a choice A/G/C, and a Diet Coke. Spent $10.06 

The bus arrived around 8:30 A.M. Everyone loaded onto bus 1047, driven by Mr. B (Basil) of Eagle Christian Tours, Rome, GA. Our guides were Kelley Wolfe and Veronica Woodall.

Our first stop was the Tennessean in Cornesville, TN, where I bought a Diet Coke and a bag of Cheetos. Spent $10.

Our next stop was to tour the backstage area of the Grand Ole Opry &  Museum. 

Our guide told us stories about the Grand Ole Opry and entertainers who have graced the great stage. 

We watched a film narrated by Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood. 

We got to walk on stage where the performance once stood and looked out over the empty seats of the audience. 

We took pictures outside with the famous signs and quitars.

I visited WSM Museum,  a commercial AM radio station that broadcasts country music. The former home of Roy Acuff. 

We boarded the bus and rode to downtown Nashville to eat lunch at the Pharmacy, located at Broadway Place next door to the Ryman Auditorium and Museum.

Hubby and I split a Pharmacy Burger with lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, yellow cheddar, and yellow mustard. Served with tater tots.

After lunch, we walked to the Ryman, stopping to take photos of the statues of entertainers outside. 

At 2:30, we entered the Ryman Auditorium & Museum & watched "Soul of Nashville" in the theatre.

After the movie, we were taken on a guided tour led by Mason, a very knowledgeable guide who kept us entertained the entire time. Thank you, Mason!

We got to see the Ryman the way entertainers see it when they perform. We got our picture taken standing in front of the microphone.

After touring the Ryman, we began our journey home. We stopped once again at The Tennessean for a restroom break and a cup of Moose Tracks Ice cream. 

We arrived at Gabes in Madison around 6:30 P.M. and shopped, where I bought a tablecloth and some socks. 

We stopped at Dollar General in Rogersville, where we bought 6-12 cans of Diet Coke for $27.95. at 8:04 P.M. and arrived home around 8:30 P.M.

Photos:

6434-6437 The Tennessean Cornersville, TN @9:15 AM-9:26 A.M

6438-6509 Grand Ole Opry Backstage & Museum 10:35–11:56 A.M.

6510-6514 Nashville Traveling 12:35 P.M.

6515- Lunch at Pharmacy Burger in the Mall near the Ryman (Assembly Place, Broadway Place, Nashville, TN)

6516-6518 Mall Near the Ryman

6519-6558 touring the Ryman Auditorium Backstage & Museum 1:32–3:40 P.M.

6559-6578 Leaving Nashville @4PM

6579-6580 The Tennessean Cornersville, TN @5:07-5:28 P.M. 

Tickets Opry Backstage Tour Grand Ole Opry House Sat 9, 2026 at 10:30 A.M. 

Account 10750300

order # 5578672 

ticket # 171323159318620

Ryman Guided Tour Ryman Auditorium & Museum Sat May 9, 2026 at 2:45 P.M. 

ticket #15461850200023

2026 May 2, Golden Girls Experience Kirkwood, Atlanta, GA @ Pullman Park (Day Trip) with Backroads Tours LLC

 First Stop was McDonald's in Huntsville, where we purchased a sausage with cheese biscuits, two drinks, two burritos, and hash rounds.

The second stop was Bruce's Foodland in Scottsboro for a restroom break, a Diet Coke, and a Diet Mt. Dew.

We arrived at Patches, and the bus was already there. We loaded onto the Eagle bus, Rome, Ga 1041, and began our journey at 9 A.M.

Our driver was Wayne, and our group leader was Angie.

Our next stop was for a restroom break at the Racetrack in Adairsville, G, where we spent 8.93. (Bought some snacks)

Arrived at Kirkwood in the Pullman Yard, where we dined in a pop-up restaurant, inspired by the  Golden Girls Sitcom.

Hubby and I split "The Lanai: Miami Style." Cuban Sandwich,

which consists of pulled pork, ham, Swiss cheese, Dijon mustard relish, on Cuban bread, served with fries. A cup of water and a slice of cheesecake. 

The drinks we ordered included the Shady Pines Spritz Mocktail, which consisted of Mango, Pineapple, Lime, Gurva, Fruit, and Soda.

Marina Margarita consisted of tequila, lime, rum, and agave.

We left Atlanta around 4 P.M., arriving at Buc-ees in Calhoun, Ga around 5:45P.M. (restroom break)

Buc-ees was buzzing with activity, with a long line at the restrooms and checkout. You would have thought it was grand opening day. 

Loaded back onto the bus and finished our journey to Scottsboro.

It was still two hours to home, and we arrived around 9:30 P.M.

6258 Full moon @5:45 AM

3736-3742 (iPad) Menton, AL @9:37 AM

6260-6264 Summerville, Ga @ 11:01 A.M. 

6265-6266 Racetrack Adairsville, GA @ 11:55 A.M.

6267-6274 Downtown Atlanta, Ga @ 1:15 P.M.

6275-6312 Golden Girls Experience @1:44-3:52 P.M.

6313 Buc-ees Calhoun, GA @ 5:49 P.M. 

2025 Dec 5-7, Christmas Tour of Homes Trip to Eufaula, Al with Backroads Tours LLC

 Day 1: Friday, December 5:

Today we traveled to Scottsboro, a two-hour drive. 

We stopped at McDonald's in Huntsville for breakfast, where we bought a sausage and Biscuit, and a Sausage, egg, and Biscuit, and spent $6.74.

We traveled US 72 to Huntsville and then to Scottsboro. We stopped at McDonald's in Scottsboro to use the restroom. 

We boarded the Eagle bus out of Rome, Ga, number 1031 at 7:15 and were on the road by 7:30 A.M. 

Guide Angie Himburg and bus driver Barbara Dudley.

We pick up passengers in Fort Payne (8:10 A.M.)and Springfield (9:15 A.M.)

We stopped for a Restroom break at a Travel Center.

We arrived at the Old Mill Kitchen in Opelika at 12:07 P.M.

Old Mill Kitchen Opelika 

Key Lime Pie 

Baked Chicken, creamed potatoes with gravy, Peas, and cornbread.

I ordered baked lemon pepper chicken breast, with field peas & snaps, Mashed potatoes & gravy, cornbread, and for dessert, Key Lime Pie. 

The bus was too tall, and it was raining, so we just stopped for a look at the 

drive-thru Museum of Wonder in Seale. 

Drive-thru Museum

We checked into the Hampton Inn by Hilton Hotel around 3:30 P.M. in room 206. 

At 5:30 P.M., we were served a private welcome dinner at the Shorter Mansion.

Table setting 

Homemade  bread pudding with white Chocolate Sauce 

Salad Spring Mix with fresh fruit and a raspberry vinaigrette 

Smoked pork tenderloin with Jezebel Sauce, green beans, and creamed potatoes

The meal consisted of a salad, pork tenderloin, roasted haricot vert (green beans), baked loaded potato, and chocolate bread pudding. 

Before we sat down to eat, we toured the Shorter Mansion. 

We returned to the hotel around 7:30 P.M., took a hot bath, and went to bed. 

Iphone photos

2153-2157 Old Mill Kitchen Opelika @ 12:07 P.M.

2158-2169 Downtown Opelika at 1:40 P.M.

2170-2177 Drive-Thru Museum of Wonder @2:17 PM

2179-2188 Eufaula @2:50 PM

2192-2248 Shorter Mansion Tour @7:05 PM

2249-2253 Meal at Shorter Mansion @6:05 PM

2272-2274 Hampton Inn at 7:32 P.M.

Steps 8,298, Zone 32, 3.11 Miles, Cal 1,555

Day 2: Saturday, December 6:

I walked to Walmart to buy Hubby a couple of diet Mountain Dews and a white top for myself. And spent $25.47. 

At breakfast at the hotel, I had scrambled eggs with cheese, a biscuit, cream cheese, grape jelly, and apple juice.  

We boarded the bus around 8:30 A.M. and began our tour of eight homes decorated for the holidays.

We had lovely weather up until noon. 

We toured the Stinson House, Fendall Hall, and Gatty-Arnold Home and Kendall-Utley before returning to the Shorter Mansion for a boxed lunch. It contained chicken salad, pasta, broccoli salad, and a cookie with water to drink. 

Getty-Arnold House 

Fendall Hall 

The Stinson House 

It had begun to rain, so everyone returned to the bus to get their raincoats and umbrellas.

We had two more homes to tour. The two homes were close by, but it was pouring rain.

We toured the Martin Cottage and the Bray-Bennet Home, then returned to the hotel to change clothes and rest before heading downtown to shop.

Bray-Benton House 

Martin Cottage 

Kendell- Utley House 

Later that day, we loaded onto the bus and headed to the Church Bazar and downtown shopping. 

The rain had stopped by now.

I bought a small bag of White chocolate pretzels at the Big Mouth Store. 

We returned to the Shorter Mansion for entertainment, hors d'oeuvres, and wine.

It was dark when we returned to the hotel. I took a hot bath and wrote in my journal. 

Iphone photos

2275 Breakfast @7:15 AM

2276 Hampton @ 7:33 AM

2277-2291 Downtown Eufaula @8:50 PM

2297-2328 Toured the Stinson Home @9:13 AM

2329-2379 Toured Fendall Hall @9:54 AM

2380-2381 rode passed the Holy Redeemer church @10:42 AM

2382-2410 Toured Gatty-Arnold House @10:48 AM

2411-2425 rode passed old building with windows out and more homes @11:222 AM

2424-2447 Toured the Kendall-Utley House @11:29 AM

2449-2453 We stopped for lunch at Shorter Mansion at @12:20 PM

2455-2497 Toured the Martin Cottage @1:16 PM 

2498-2518 Toured the Bray-Bennett House @2:06 PM

2519-2525 We rode downtown to the Christian Bazar and downtown shopping at @4:05 PM

2526-2537, we toured Eufaula at 4:22 P.M.

2530-2533 We stopped at Large Mouth Store @7:27 PM

2534-2535 Martin Theatre @5:04 PM

2536-2537 Lights @5:06 PM 

11,169 steps, zone 60, 4.11 miles, cal 1,728

Day 3, Sunday, December 7:

I ate white chocolate pretzels with a Diet Coke for breakfast, which I had bought the night before.

I walked to Walmart, where I bought three Christmas soaps and a large bag of hot chocolate, and spent $29.89.

I gave the soaps to Angie to give away during Bingo.

We loaded onto the bus at 8:15 and were on our way at 8:30 A.M.

Our first stop was a Travel Center in Montgomery, where we spent $10.64.

We stopped to see the town of Specter, which is a movie set on a private island on Jackson Lake.

During the rainy season, you cannot reach the town of Specter. We crossed over onto the island after paying an entrance fee. 

Several of our group were trying to throw a pair of shoes on the pole where other shoes were hanging. 

The Movie Town of Spectra, Shoes hanging on line, and goats 

I began walking around, taking pictures, and was returning from the lake when a truck pulled up next to me. I said I was with the bus tour, and he asked me if I wanted a couple of bags of carrots to feed the goats. 

When the goats saw that we had food, they came running. They loved the carrots but would not eat any that were dropped onto the ground. 

We ate lunch at Copper House Deli in Wetumpka, where we bought a Hoogie with a moggie two chip and two diet Cokes, and spent $22.40. 

It was a small restaurant that was usually closed on Sundays but opened just for us. 

After everyone finished eating, we walked around Wetumpka.

The Grinch & Max 

Santa and Reindeer 

Bought 10 silver charms and a bottle ottle of Necked Bee lotion, spent $18.48.

I took photos of the historic and Military markers at the courthouse. Took pictures of the town, the Santa and his two reindeer, some metal art, and the Alleyway murals full of art, culture, and the history of Wetumpka. 

Alleyway Murals 

Wetumpka has been the film location of "The Grass Harp" (1995), "The Rosa Parks Story" (2002), and 

"Big Fish"(2003), "Sons of the South" (2019), and HGTV Hometown Takeover (2021). 

The Big Fish 

The Big Fish House used 

Big Fish Movie 

The Rosa Parks Story was filmed at this location 

We played bus bingo on our ride home. 

We began our journey home, stopping in Springfield to drop off several passengers, then in Fort Payne to drop off more.

Finally, we arrived in Scottsboro, loaded everything into our car, and began our journey home. 

We stopped at Krystal in Athens for some Krystal Cheeseburgers and fries.

We ate then on the way home. 

It was late when we arrived home. 

Iphone Photos

2538-3541 Bus and Hampton Inn @6:57 AM

2542-2543 Traveling at 10:31 A.M.

2544-2552 Coosada @11128 AM

2553-2567 Town of Wetaumpka 12:36 P.M.

Canon EOS R6

6636-6686 Town of Specter @ 12:18 Bigh Fish Movie 

6689-6849 Town of Wetumpka @1:25 PM

8,045 steps, zone 79, 3.01 miles, 1,589 cals 

There were six governors from Barbour County

1. John Gill Shorter

2. Willima D. Jelks 

3. Braxton Bragg Comer 

4. Chauncy Sparks 

5. George C. Wallace

6. Lurleen B. Wallace

The Homes we toured:

1. Shorter Mansion 340 E Eufuala Ave 

2. Bray-Bennett 413 N Randolph St 

3. Wilde-Gray House 703 N Randolph St 

4. The Martin Cottage 119 Shorter St 

5. Fendall Hall 917 W Barber St 

6. Gatty- Arnold House 125 Cherry St 

7. Kendall Utley House 238 Sanford Ave 

8. The Stinson House 148 Anderson Dr.