Aaaaaand we’re off! First day of driving is one of the longest stretches. Nashville, TN was our ultimate destination, but we absolutely had to make a stop at a place we hit last year, Smokey Pig BBQ in Bowling Green, KY (no website). Last year we made the mistake of letting ourselves get too hungry after exploring Cave City, KY and, unfortunately, succumbed to an evil force: WENDY’S. “Oh, we’ll just get some things off the dollar menu to tie us over.” A $6 feast later, we were still full by the time we pulled up to Smokey Pig. As soon as we entered and smelled the sweet tangy scent of sauce (and saw the cheap menu), we knew we had made (in the voice of GOB Bluth) a huge mistake. The food was crazy delicious, but we were a little too full to really enjoy it. And that’s why the general theme of the 09 trip was “No Wendy’s”.

This year, the workers definitely remembered us (groups of Asian girls taking photos of their plates evidently don’t come around too often in Bowling Green), and we chatted for a while with them. I can’t even begin to describe the crazy turns the conversation took. Needless to say, we had a great time at Smokey Pig.

After we managed to ease ourselves back into the car, filled with pork and slaw, we hit up some scary looking thrift stores while in Nashville, including the Southern Thrift Store (the sign says “Just trying to make ends meet”), and Unique Thrift Store. Ultimately we spent about 4 hours at a place called McKay Books, which is an incredible book/media warehouse. Incredibly organized and well priced, this place is a GEM. I got old school Matt Groening “In Hell” books for $1.50 each, and the Antiques Roadshow Primer for $6.50. I figured the latter would be great for psyching us up for the yard sale. Early end to the night as we had a big day ahead of us…

(Next comes the Unclaimed Baggage Center, Miss Mary Bobo’s, and…the YARD SALE!)