Bloomington, Indiana Road Trip, Sep 2019

… aka #IndyTrip with my father and me.

Jump:
Here Be Dragons
Nephew
3 States
Route 66
Big Things
BuffaLouie’s
… vs. Flying Tomato
American Pickers

Purpose

The trip held three different goals:

For my father and me to visit my brother Stephen and his family in Tulsa, Oklahoma
For me to visually document The Gables, a historic building in Bloomington, Indiana
For Dad to explore Antique Archaeology, a store run by the American Pickers folks in Nashville, Tennesee

Path on a map for Road Trip Routes

Because of health issues, I was not able to operate a vehicle, so Dad did all of the driving on this trip. I am very lucky to have a father who’s willing to do this kind of thing for me. Thank you, Dad!

Day 0: Friday, September 27

Round Rock, Texas

Here Be Dragons

On Friday, September 27, one day before the trip, Dad came down from Greenville, Texas to Round Rock, Texas to help us celebrate my daughter Julianne receiving her Round Rock High School senior jacket at Dragon Stadium.

Leslie, Dad, & Jay // photo by me Senior Jacket // photo by me Turn of Events // photo by me

Dad & Julianne at Dragon Stadium photo by Leslie

Path on a map for Round Rock, Texas to Greenville, Texas

Day 1: Saturday, September 28

From Round Rock, Texas to Greenville, Texas

Objective

The objective of Day One of our journey was to make it from my home in Round Rock, Texas to Dad’s home in Greenville, Texas before sunset, which is a fairly easy goal.

This first leg of the trip would keep us inside Texas for the entire day. It was not a bad way to begin a road trip.

Cat Hollow Signs – Round Rock, Texas

At 9:45am on Saturday Dad and I waved goodbye to the Cat Hollow neighborhood signs and set our sights north.

Cracker Barrel – Temple, Texas

Our first stop was for lunch at Cracker Barrel where we hoped to find a jar of lemon drops to (1) enjoy as we traveled and (2) help with a minor medical condition of mine. Fortunately, our hopes were rewarded, and we procured a full supply of lemon drops for the trip.

Cotton Patch Cafe – Greenville, Texas

For dinner, we ate with Aunt Janice, Uncle Phil, and Philip, Jr. at the Cotton Patch Cafe in Greenville. After our meal, we gathered at Aunt Janice’s home to play cards until bedtime.

Mom and Me photo by me

I was happy to find this not-often-seen photograph of Mom and me waiting in my Dad’s guest room. At this age, I always seemed to be holding a small ball or some other toy. I sure do miss her.

Path on a map for Greenville, Texas to Tulsa, Oklahoma

Day 2: Sunday, September 29

From Greenville, Texas to Tulsa, Oklahoma

Objective

Day Two’s objective was to make it from Dad’s home to Stephen’s home before dinner so we could visit with him and his wife Kathleen and so I could meet the newest member of their family, my nephew Karson.

This second leg of the trip would take us from Texas to Oklahoma with significant emphasis on Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Due North on Johnson Street – Greenville, Texas

Driving Service with a Smile! photo by me

Relax. This guy is a professional.

Paris

City Limits – Paris, Texas

After arriving in Paris, Texas, we headed right for the replica Eiffel Tower near the Love Civic Center and the Red River Valley Veterans Memorial. Although he’d been through Paris before, Dad had never seen the tower, so we both experienced it for the first time.

Me

photo by Dad
Eiffel Tower

photo by me
Dad

photo by me

Now that is one big cowboy hat.

Alex’s Mexican Tacos Menu photo by me

After visiting the Eiffel Tower, we headed over to Alex’s Mexican Tacos because Dad’s favorite seafood place was closed. Dad (rightfully) pointed out that I should order Mexican food in a Mexican restaurant, but I have a soft spot for chicken fried steak. I’m a Grandy’s kid at heart.

Red River – Texas/Oklahoma State Line

Crossing the Red River from Texas into Oklahoma began a troubling and unpleasant ride on the worst-maintained highway I have ever seen, the Indian Nation Turnpike. Dad’s truck shook so much that my smartwatch was convinced I was exercising.

(Welcome to) Oklahoma

Presumably, we are welcome.

McAlester Service Plaza – near McAlester, Oklahoma

I learned that along the 100+ mile Indian Nation Turnpike there is only one restaurant, a McDonald’s (of course). It’s part of a large travel center near McAlester, Oklahoma.

McAlester Service Plaza photo by me

And it’s a popular stop. Opened in 2014, the plaza includes a gas station and an EZ GO convenience store.

McAlester Service Plaza Plaque photo by me

Nephew

City Limits – Tulsa, Oklahoma

Stephen & Karson // photo by me Karson Dances // photo by me Karson & Uncle JD // photo by Dad

After arriving at Hancock Outpost Tulsa we relaxed for a bit, and I met my nephew Karson for the first time. He is as smart as he is cute, so he learned the word “uncle” in short order. It’s worth noting that he hadn’t mastered “Granddad” yet. Just sayin’.

Life! Liberty! Lettuce! photo by Dad

When we were ready for dinner, we headed over to Red Robin for hamburgers and high-concept comedy.

Stephen Takes Charge photo by me

My brother understands the importance of charging the mountain of devices I carry around. Thus ended Day Two of our trip.

Path on a map for Tulsa, Oklahoma to Greenville, Illinois

Day 3: Monday, September 31

From Tulsa, Oklahoma to Greenville, Illinois

Objective

The loose objectives for Day Three were to discover some interesting Route 66 roadside attractions and to find a place to spend the night along the way to our second destination, The Gables in Bloomington, Indiana.

This third leg of the trip would take us through Oklahoma and the tip of southeast Kansas, across Missouri, and well into Illinois. Though we hadn’t really planned a Route 66 road trip, Day Three kept us on or near the Mother Road.

Braum's Breakfast Burrito Braum’s Breakfast Burrito photo by me

The Braum’s restaurant chain doesn’t seem to extend south enough to cover the Austin area, so it had been a while since I’d enjoyed their food. I decided to try something from their breakfast selection, and it was pretty good.

Center of the Universe

Center of the Universe – Tulsa, Oklahoma

My friend Cheryl’s daughter Alyssa first alerted me to this odd spot in downtown Tulsa. Known locally as “The Center of the Universe,” it’s a completely unmarked location that allows you to experience an unusual acoustic anomaly. While you’re inside the spot you can speak and hear an echo of your voice, while anyone outside the spot only hears normal speech. The auditory effect might be due to the way the surrounding architecture bounces sounds waves back towards their source.

It’s quite a strange phenomenon and worth a visit if you’re in the area. Dad and I took our first selfie of the trip while standing inside it.

Dad & Me at the Center of the Universe photo by me

Route 66

Blue Whale – Catoosa, Oklahoma

Northeast of Tulsa lies a great aquatic beast that cannot be missed. Once part of a family-run roadside waterpark, the Blue Whale of Catoosa is one of the largest and most iconic attractions along Route 66.

If you look very carefully, you can find a familiar figure stuck in the whale’s ear-chute.

The Blue Whale of Catoosa photo by me

Familiar Father Figure

photo by me

Will Rogers

Will Rogers Archway – Vinita, Oklahoma

Nicknamed “The Glass House,” the Will Rogers Archway opened in 1958 and was the first “over-the-road” travel center in the world. Dad and I stopped here to fuel up, wander around, and pick up a couple of touristy T-shirts.

The Will Rogers Archway photo by me

JD's Route 66 T-shirt JD’s Route 66 T-shirt photo by Jay

Three States

Tri-State Marker – Kansas/Missouri/Oklahoma State Lines

At the end of an old gravel road near the Downstream Casino Resort in Quapaw, Oklahoma you can find two different markers that indicate you are three different states: Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Dad and I stopped here to rest, learn about the markers, and admire the local rocks.

Dad Selfie // photo by Dad Stone Structure // photo by me History // photo by Dad

We read the history of the stone structure on a nearby sign (with some minor spelling and grammar issues).

The cartographical marker on the ground near the stone structure was also interesting. It was placed on the exact three-state corner location in 2004 by the Missouri Association of County Surveyors.

Dad Shoes Selfie

photo by Dad
Marker Text

photo by Dad
My Shoes Selfie

photo by me

JD's Triangular Rock JD’s Triangular Rock photo by Jay

I found a triangular rock near the stone structure that I may or may not have forgotten to drop back on the ground when we left. Oops!

Ozarkland

Ozarkland – Sarcoxie, Missouri

Ozarkland General Store photo by me

We stopped at Ozarkland, a cross between a dessert stand and an old five-and-dime store. Here we stretched our legs and put some ice cream in Dad’s personal fuel tank. We didn’t venture across the parking lot into the Antique Mall, though I was tempted.

Cimarron Antique Mall photo by me

Whole Hog Cafe – Springfield, Missouri

At the Whole Hog Cafe in Springfield, Missouri, I decided the #5 sauce was the best blend of flavors. For a barbeque chain, the food here was tasty and satisfying.

Whole Hog Cafe photo by me

The Gateway Arch

I-44 – St. Louis, Missouri

We didn’t have time in our schedule to devote to the Gateway Arch, a structure I’d never seen before, but we did enjoy watching it slowly slide through the cityscape as we drove through St. Louis, Missouri.

St. Louis Gateway Arch photo by me

Mississippi River – Missouri/Illinois State Line

With a quick hop over the Mississippi River, we found ourselves in Illinois.

Welcome to Illinois

Super 8 – Greenville, Illinois

It was with a sense of irony that we bedded down for the night in a town with a familiar name, “Greenville,” Illinois. Like some kind of ancient prophecy, before our journey was over we would sleep three times in a Greenville.

Super 8 Mat in Greenville, Illinois photo by me

Huddle House photo by me

The Super 8 hotel was a great choice for us, and we took full advantage of the Huddle House next door. After having breakfast for dinner we returned to our room where I did a little roadside attraction research before relaxing into a restful sleep.

Path on a map for Greenville, Illinois to Joelton, Tennessee

Day 4: Tuesday, October 1

From Greenville, Illinois to Joelton, Tennessee

Objective

Day Four’s objectives were to take photos of our second destination, The Gables in Bloomington, Indiana, and to find suitable lodging near our third destination, Nashville, Tennessee.

This fourth leg of the trip would take us through Illinois, into Indiana, across the western part of Kentucky, and into Tennessee. We would discover big things in Casey, Illinois and buffalo wings in Bloomington, Indiana.

Greetings from Greenville, Illinois photo by me

We woke to a fine (free) hotel breakfast and then hit the road once again.

Big Things

Cross at the Crossroads – Effingham, Illinois

If you ever find yourself, “feeling very cross,” Effingham, Illinois has a roadside attraction that might be right for you, the awe-inspiring Cross at the Crossroads.

America's Largest Cross America’s Largest Cross photo by me

City Limits – Casey, Illinois

Filled with a prodigious list of roadside attractions, Casey, Illinois is known as “the small town with the big things.” The Guinness World Record representatives occasionally come here to find the newest “world’s largest” stuff created by the local residents. It’s a genuinely charming place that I wish we’d had more time to explore. Even so, what we did see was impressive.

World's Largest Golf Club World’s Largest Golf Club photo by me

At one end of the main street, we found an over-sized golf club, pencil, mailbox, mousetrap, and barber’s pole.

Giant Pencil photo by me

World’s Largest Mailbox // photo by me Giant Mousetrap // photo by Dad Giant Barber’s Pole // photo by me

At the other end of the street, we found gigantic wind chimes, a huge teeter-totter, and a massive rocking chair.

World's Largest Wind Chimes World’s Largest Wind Chimes photo by me

Giant Teeter-Totter photo by me

World's Largest Rocking Chair World’s Largest Rocking Chair photo by me

We quickly made our way out to the country club to find the world’s largest golf tee before heading out of town.

World's Largest Golf Tee World’s Largest Golf Tee photo by me

At the time of our trip, Guinness World Records officially recognized these “world’s largest” objects in Casey, Illinois:

Largest mailbox
Largest clogs / wooden shoes
Largest golf tee
Largest pitchfork
Largest rocking chair
Largest wind chime
Largest gavel
Largest bar/swizzle spoon (entry not yet posted)
Largest golf club (entry not yet posted)

US-40 – Illinois/Indiana State Line

Still thinking of all those “big things” we found in little Casey, Illinois, we entered the land of Indiana.

Welcome to Indiana photo by me

BuffaLouie’s

Indiana Avenue – Bloomington, Indiana

BuffaLouie's at The Gables BuffaLouie’s at The Gables photo by me

The Gables building across from Indiana University Bloomington has been in popular use since the 1910s. Designed by a local architect in 1914, over the decades it has served as a book store (“The Book Nook”), a music parlor, an unofficial student union, a restaurant (“The Gables”), a pizza joint (“Garcia’s Pizza”), a sandwich shop (“Roly Poly”), and finally a beer and wings place called “BuffaLouie’s.”

Book Nook 1916-1932 and The Gables 1932 photo by me

… vs. Flying Tomato

The interior of BuffaLouie’s today bears a striking resemblance to the Flying Tomato pizza place from the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas during the 80s. I imagine that the Flying Tomato brothers could have been inspired by The Gables when designing and expanding their network of pizza places.

As we headed south toward our next major destination — Nashville, Tennessee — we looked for a “Welcome to Kentucky” kind of sign but never saw one. Where’s the love, Kentucky?

US-24 – Kentucky/Tennesee State Line

Welcome to Tennesee photo by me

Days Inn – Joelton, Tennesee

The Country Junction Restaurant

We ended a busy Day Four just north of Nashville at a Days Inn that shared a parking lot with The Country Junction Restaurant. We had a homestyle meal at the restaurant and drifted to sleep at the hotel.

The Country Junction Restaurant Menu photo by me

Path on a map for Joelton, Tennessee to Greenville, Texas

Day 5: Wednesday, October 2

From Joelton, Tennessee to Greenville, Texas

Objective

The objectives on Day Five were to explore our third destination, Antique Archaeology in Nashville, Tennessee, and to make it back to Dad’s home in Greenville, Texas.

This fifth leg of the trip would take us through Tennessee, across the middle of Arkansas, and back into Texas. At Marathon Motor Works we would pick from the pickers.

Daybreak Breakfast photo by me

We woke to another fine (free) hotel breakfast and then hit the road once again.

American Pickers

I-40 near Marathon Motor Works – Nashville, Tennesee

The Marathon Motor Works campus is impressive. Once a fully-operating automobile factory, today it’s a mix of open-to-the-public stores and private offices. I could have spent hours just gawking at all of the neat equipment preserved from the site’s industrial heyday.

Marathon Motor Works photo by me

My wife Leslie has an affinity for metal roosters and large (or small) moose, so I took this photo for her in a shop inside Marathon Motor Works. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the name of the shop.

Moose and Chicken photo by me

The Antique Archaeology store was a mix of antiques from all different eras, touristy paraphernalia, and display-only items from the American Pickers show. Dad purchased some old lights as his souvenir. Wolfboy was not available for sale.

Antique Archaeology // photo by Dad Wolfboy // photo by me Buck Rogers // photo by me

Memphis Pyramid

Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid – Memphis, Tennesee

We did not stop at the huge Bass Pro Shops in Memphis. I’m not exactly the target demographic for that sort of place, but even I was tempted to go in there just to see what it was like.

Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid photo by me

Mississippi River – Tennessee/Arkansas State Line

For much of our ride through Arkansas Dad and I listened to Lum and Abner, an old comedy radio show based in the fictional town of Pine Ridge, Arkansas that aired from 1931 to 1954.

Welcome to Arkansas

More:
Wikipedia

I-30 – Arkansas/Texas State Line

“Come back to Texas!” It was nice to be in our home state again.

Welcome to Texas

As we arrived again at Dad’s place, it seemed that my camera was as tired as we were, because it captured this strange lighting effect. Other than being cropped, this photo has not been altered.

Dad's Home Dad’s Home photo by me

Path on a map for Greenville, Texas to Round Rock, Texas

Day 6: Thursday, October 3

From Greenville, Texas to Round Rock, Texas

Objective

Day Six’s objective was to get me back home to Round Rock, Texas and then to get Dad back home (again) to Greenville, Texas.

This final leg of the trip would keep us inside Texas for the entire day. It was not a bad way to end a road trip.

Braum's Lunch Braum’s Lunch photo by me

We stopped again at Braum’s, this time for lunch, and we weren’t disappointed.

Safety Rest Area photo by me

I had never visited one of these emergency shelter rest areas designed to help people in extreme weather and other dangerous situations. I was glad to discover their existence.

Ear Cleaning photo by me