Outer Banks Day 10

Went to Churchill Downs and took 8:30 Barn and Backside Tour. Saw horses training, including Derby hopeful Decisive Moment. Then took Historic Walking Tour. We saw stadium, winner's circle, paddock, etc. Both tour guides were impressed with J's knowlege. Museum itself was very well don. B liked the simulated betting (it even printed your ticket, then you watched a recorded race and scanned your ticket to see how much you'd won). The kids also liked the mock race where you were the jockey and the booth where you could call a race, then watch it back with your voice recording. After a trip to the gift shop (J scored big), we headed out around noon.

Outer Banks Day 9

Left hotel around 8 am and drove to Savannah. Walked down waterfront and stopped at a candy store for lots of free samples. Kids each got to pick out 1/2 pound of candy - they were very excited! They kept weighing their bags until they were exactly 0.5 pounds. Then we drove a little through the city, but really didn't have time to get a great feel for it. From what we saw, Charleston seemed prettier/more well-cared for.

Then we drove to Atlanta for 4:00 Coca-Cola Tour. Liked the "4-D" movie. Kids loved it! Also liked the samples of Coke products from around the world.

Making a toast with their "free" bottles of Coke.

Arrived at hotel in Louisville at 12:30 am.

Outer Banks Day 8

Slept in a little, then drove to Magnolia Plantation. Took Slave Cabin Tour, which was fascinating, then walked through the gardens. Beautiful! Spotted 2 alligators in a pond and briefly visited petting zoo. Had a quick picnic lunch in parking lot (kids were starving), then headed back to hotel to let them rest up for more walking.

Around 3:00, drove into city and walked Battery and Waterfront Parks and surrounding areas. J continued her dog-petting collection and met 19 more breeds today. (A dog park helped a lot.) Ate supper at Tommy Condon's Pub, then kids wanted to go back to hotel so we bribed them with ice cream to keep walking. Worked beautifully!

Outer Banks Day 7

Took 10:00 bus tour of Charleston (historic homes, market, Battery, Rainbow Row, Citadel, etc.) then met up with friends at Bubba Gump for lunch. Tried to take 2:30 Fort Sumter tour, but boat was full so we drove to Patriot's Point for 4:00 boat. Fort is very cool - kids played tag inside and grown-ups explored. Had supper at Sticky Fingers - excellent BBQ restaurant. Drove to our friends' hotel for late evening swim before bed.

Outer Banks Day 6

Had to get up early for the 7:30 ferry to mainland. Very windy (as always) and cloudy today. Drove down coast of North and South Carolina (through Myrtle Beach) to Charleston. Stopped at Visitors' Center to secure reservations for tour tomorrow. Checked into Comfort Inn (Bee Street) and drove into town for supper at TBonz - very good - loved my sweet potato fries. Walked around French Quarter as the sun set. Gas street lamps - very cool.

Outer Banks Day 5

Souvenir shopping and one more trip to outlet mall, then on the road down the Outer Banks. Stopped at Hatteras Lighthouse and had a picnic, then drove all the way to the ferry to Ocracoke. 40 minute ferry ride. Island is small. A lot of it is still closed for the season, but we saw British Cemetary, Ocracoke Lighthouse and Springer's Point (nice little hike to bay where Blackbeard liked to anchor). Had supper at Howard's Pub for some seafood, then spent the evening in the hotel (Anchorage Inn - nice) and watched UConn beat Butler in the NCAA final.

Outer Banks Day 4

Early breakfast, then more shelling, but it was cold! Drove to Roanoke Island and went to the North Caroloina Aquarium. We liked the sea otters and the shark tank where we got to ask questions to the divers. (We were one of the few families there!)

Drove to Fort Raleigh, where the "Lost Colony" was. Had a picnic and played soccer and catch in the park. Went back to the room to relax and M flew his kite on the beach. Had supper at Applebee's.

Outer Banks Day 3

Woke up early and walked the beach - collected lots of shells. Then had breakfast. Drove to Wright Brothers Memorial. Heard a ranger talk, then explored field where they flew. Had a great time playing around statues commemorating first flight and took crazy pictures.

Had a picnic lunch at Jockey's Ridge State Park, then played on the dunes.

Kids and dad went back to the room and I shopped at the outlet mall across the street. Had supper at Outback, then drove through The Brew Thru.

Outer Banks Day 2

Quick breakfast, then on the road by 8:15 am. Raining a little as we left, then turned to snow! Yuck. Brightened up in Maryland. Finally getting a little warmer - 48 degrees in Virginia.

Arrived at Yorktown battle site around 2:45. Watched 3:00 movie and took 3:15 tour with Ranger Mac. Became cannon experts and saw earthworks dug by soldiers. Stood in field that separated the British from the French and colonists. Drove to Victory Monument and through a few streets in Yorktown.

Ate supper at Barefoot Bernie's in Kitty Hawk. Then arrived at Comfort Inn - right on the ocean.