Louis times two

Until the other day, it hadn’t occurred to me that Louisville and St. Louis both have Louis in their names. Thinking about weird connections is one of the many things you have time to ponder if you are driving cross country.

Anyway, we made it to both of them in one full day of driving. And, we even had a little spare time for investigating some of the delights they have to offer. Certainly, if you are going to visit one of these cities, I recommend leaving more time for more exploring. But, this was one of our driving days so we were thrilled to manage even a couple of their highlights.

Louisville

Mr. C is amazed by the size of Churchill Downs. It is a rare occasion for him to comment on something like this, which should tell you how truly massive it is. Unfortunately, with all the pets in tow, we only stop for a quick look at the front gates. I’d love to come back someday and actually go to the Kentucky Derby. I’d better start shopping for a hat…

From there we head to St. James Court. They still use gas street lamps! I strap Jasper to my back and we all go for a walk to gawk at the pretty houses and stretch our car weary legs. It’s a lovely street. And really folks, the gas street lamps are something special.

St. Louis

The Gateway Arch is taller than expected. And, much to my dismay, completely surrounded by construction. The plans for the new park look amazing, but the huge cranes next to the arch do not. Never mind, we saw it. We snapped some creative photos to limit the construction views. And, we got pictures with all of us, including the cat in the backpack!

And, we’re in Missouri, which is one of the states well known for its…(cue the trumpets) da da da dat dada…barbecue. I wouldn’t say that it’s a beautiful word, but it certainly is a beautiful taste. In fact, it’s one of the things I’ve been looking forward to the most during this first act of our adventure. And, let me tell you, I am not disappointed. Ribs tender and dry rubbed, with five different sauces for doctoring them up any which way I choose! Yum. Have you noticed I like talking about food? That’s because I like eating food. Good food. And these ribs are lip-licking delicious.

As an added bonus, the patio is dog friendly. And, apparently, cat in a backpack friendly too. At the table next to us is a youngish couple who can’t believe I have a cat in a backpack sitting on the picnic table bench next to me. Their cat would never tolerate such an event. A bit later, they are replaced by a gentleman who drives up with soul music flowing like oxygen out of his open windows. He calls the waitress darlin’ and wants to know if she has a table ready for him, or if he’ll have to wait. He’s accompanied by his momma, a tiny little thing who, bless her heart, has trouble seeing us at the table next to her, but has somehow managed to arrive perfectly coiffed and well dressed. She is adorable. She tells us she has a dog named Chance who, like the cat owners before her, would never tolerate such an event. She is fascinated by the dogs. She’s never met a dog without a tail before.

Unfortunately, we don’t have much time in either city. I have no doubt we miss a lot of amazing places and many interesting people, only the more reason to come back. All in all, a very good day. G’night y’all!