We Be Trippin': The Great DIS-nee Road Trip

[Suz D]

Wow! is right! I had no idea Georgia was so beautiful. Jeff had the opportunity to apply for a position there and I really thought I'd have no desire to live there. I was wrong!!

I think it would make a great vacation destination. That has been such a neat thing about our thread. Makes you want to travel to all of these places.

Suz

 

[KigerKat]

No trip to the North Georgia Mountains would be complete without a stop in Dahlonega to pan for gold!!

"Few words in the English language create the fervor that the cry of "Gold" does in man. A driving force in the colonization of America, gold was the primary reason for Hernando De Soto to visit the North Georgia region in the early 1540's. Indians along the Chattahoochee River north of Atlanta routinely panned for gold and found significant amounts of the material. Spanish miners joined them and formed minor settlements that operated almost continuously until the early 1700's.

After the Spanish were forced from Georgia, interest in gold died for a number of years, but mining continued off and on throughout 18th century and into the 19th century. As early as 1819 there is evidence that gold was being mined by whites near the Cherokee town of Sixes. Although people knew of the gold, Frank Logan "discovered" it in White County in 1828. Benjamin Parks is frequently credited with the discovery in Lumpkin County mostly because that's what he told anybody who would listen to him for almost 70 years. By 1829 mining operations had begun in White County (then part of Habersham County). Later that same year operations began in Lumpkin, Union, and Cherokee . This promise of easy money literally floating down a river brought large amounts of men and money into the region. It also caused much pain.

The Cherokee controlled most of the land in the gold region. The Georgia legislature began to plan their removal almost immediately after the discovery of gold. This eventually led to the "Trail of Tears."

By 1830 more than 300 ounces a day were being produced in the area from north of Blairsville to the southeast corner of what is now Cherokee County. The center of gold production shifted to Auraria(Latin for "City of Gold"), just south of Dahlonega(Licklog). It became a boom town overnight and quickly had a major road, newspaper, post office and hotel owned by John C. Calhoun, then Vice-President of the United States. There was so much gold being produced in the region that the Federal government completed a mint in Dahlonega in 1838, however by that time production had begun to decrease. The rush continued until 1849, when word of gold in California reached Georgia and many of the miners left. By 1858, most of the gold mining had ceased. That year, hydraulic mining was introduced to the state. Production of gold reached a low point during the Civil War, but by 1880 mining was again flourishing, thanks to hydraulic ming, which devastated the environment. Although mining continues in the area today, production has been decreasing steadily since 1915.

Some people say the streets of Atlanta are paved with gold and they are. Building materials from North Georgia frequently have measurable amounts of the metal in them. In fact, when the Mint was torn down bricks used to build it were crushed and the gold was extracted. After heavy rains the employees of water treatment plants in Atlanta have found gold nuggets. Runoff from rivers like the Chattahoochee and Peachtree Creek does contain small amounts of the metal.

In 1958 the citizens of Dahlonega presented the state with a gift of gold. The metal was pounded into thin sheets and attached to the top of the State House in Atlanta. The gold dome remains as a lasting symbol to the first of our nation's gold rushes."

Now, let's see if we can be a part of the Gold Rush, and visit Consolidated Gold Mines!

Look! We found some gold!!

Then again, this is a VIRTUAL trip, so why not hit the motherload?

​

 

[KigerKat]

Alright, we are on our way over to see MadBrad in Alabama! Along the way, we will drive by one of the most recognizable landmarks in Atlanta history - The Big Chicken. Yes, you read me right - The Big Chicken. "What is The Big Chicken?" you ask? Well, it's a big chicken - of course!!

"Johnny Reb's was a Marietta (Marietta city history) greasy spoon with a challenge. Owner Tubby Davis was facing increasing competition and he needed a means of attracting customers to his establishment. "Reb" burgers at 15 cents a shot were no longer unique, but his fried chicken might just do the trick.

He turned to Georgia Tech ('57) graduate Hubert Puckett to design and build the sheet metal structure that rose 56 feet above the ground. Puckett was employed by a division of Atlanta Steel, a structural design and building firm. The eyes were designed to rotate and the beak would open and close. A ruffle on the top of the Big Chicken's head would move from side-to-side in the wind.

Over the years the structure created at the corner of Highway 120 and U. S. 41 gained a certain renown with local folks who used the chicken as a landmark for directions. "In the shadow of the Big Chicken" or "first light south of the Big Chicken" are still common phrases used on television and radio to describe a location in Marietta. In fact, Marietta Square is just six blocks west of the Big Chicken.

Time and the elements took its toll on the last remnant of Tubby's fast food restaurant. First the mechanical beak and eyes were shut off because of malfunctions. The structure needed a good paint job. The riveting, holding the sheet metal to the steel skeleton, was in constant need of repair.

Finally, in 1993, the end of the Big Chicken was near. After a period of neglect and damage from an unnamed stormed, the roadside landmark had seen better days and the cost of repair would be too great. When plans of the Chicken's demise were leaked to the public an unexpected outcry of support forced the owners of the KFC franchise to rethink their options.

They did and turned to Atlanta Steel (now part of Timken Corp.) to help with the repair. Although Mr. Puckett no longer worked with the firm, they were more than happy to help reconstruct the now famous landmark. Technological advancements made it easier to create the movement in the beak and eyes; a new coat of paint (actually, several coats of paint) and the Big Chicken was once again ready to stand duty on US 41 in Marietta.

Today the Big Chicken stands in front of a KFC (the new name for Kentucky Fried Chicken). Inside the building is a gift shop with all kinds of Big Chicken memorabilia."

And after living in Atlanta for 6 years now, I don't know how many times I've gotten directions for something in that area and it is described as being North or South of The Big Chicken! (Just another roadside oddity for DISGeeks!!)

On to ALABAMA!!​

 

[KigerKat]

Here's a slideshow of the great trip we had in Georgia:

Click here for the music

And here for the slideshow.

Enjoy!!

(I know it's not the best...I kind of thew it together this morning)

 

[HauntedMansionFan]

I love Helen, GA..... it looks like a little German village. So beautiful Kat!

 

[FirstTimeCaller]

So…this is the story of Helen, the miracle of a small, remote mountain community who revitalized itself in various ways throughout several centuries, and who today hosts millions of visitors each year."

Sounds very similar to a village in the Pacific Northwest, Leavenworth WA.

I enjoyed the Atlanta tour, thanks!

 

[3guysandagal]

That was wonderful KigerKat!!
Between you and BTM I have decided that Georgia will definately be a stop we will have to make!!

Trip update.
So far we have travelled 3008 miles!!
Our current position is Marietta Georgia...

Google maps will only allow me 25 placemarks so this is a good time to start a new map!
Here is our route thus far.....

As we wave goodbye to Georgia, the bus hums along smoothly.
Good thing this is a virtual trip as breakdowns are non-existant!!!

Marietta, Georgia to Florence, Alabama coming up!!

 

[BigThunderMtn]

That was wonderful KigerKat!!
Between you and BTM I have decided that Georgia will definately be a stop we will have to make!!

Trip update.
So far we have travelled 3008 miles!!
Our current position is Marietta Georgia...

One quick pitsop on the way out please. Tripp has been "super" busy between work and DJ'ing weddings (tis the season) and I thought it would be nice to drop by his work

to say "Hi".

I think we surprised him:

He is very happy to see everyone...and look...he even changed outfits...that was quick.

WOW! In the blink of an eye that happened...wonder how he did that.

Sorry, couldn't help posting this one more time.

 

[Disneyfalcon]

Love your photo editing Big Thunder!!

Excellent trip KigerKat. I lived in Atlanta when I was little. You really showed us some neat things!!

 

[KigerKat]

Love your photo editing Big Thunder!!

Excellent trip KigerKat. I lived in Atlanta when I was little. You really showed us some neat things!!

I figured BTM could hit the major tourist attractions in the city, and then I'd take everyone up in the mountains for some of the not-so-well-known sights. And it's so great to know that the mountains are only about 2 hours (at the most) from the city.

 

[KigerKat]

Sounds very similar to a village in the Pacific Northwest, Leavenworth WA.

I enjoyed the Atlanta tour, thanks!

Wow! That does look a lot like Helen!!

 

[BigThunderMtn]

Love your photo editing Big Thunder!!

Excellent trip KigerKat. I lived in Atlanta when I was little. You really showed us some neat things!!

Thanks. We don't have to change directions, but I just noticed FL isn't on our trip plans. I was thinking Savannah, GA could get a brief mention going from AL to FL...oops!

Here is a nice slideshow I found for you to view at your liesure drive to AL.

Savannah, GA

Also, let's text Tripp at 84790 and request the song:

"Why Georgia" by John Mayer to play on our way out of GA.

Click Here to Listen just in case it doesn't make in on the air today.

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

Hi folks! I'm back on board -- and extremely behind in this thread.

Please forgive all of my long overdue comments. (I don't mean to mess up the chronology... )

Of course, considering it looks like we've stalled (Does our Party Bus have a flat?!? ), maybe my posts can serve as an "intermission" between our destinations!

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

No visit to Loudoun County would be complete for tourists if they didn't go to the Udvar-Hazy Center better known as the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum companion center near Dulles International Airport.

America's newest air and space museum is a 760,000 square foot hangar facility with over 125 military and commercial aircraft and 130 major space artifacts on display for the first time in a museum setting.

The collection includes the Space Shuttle "Enterprise," an SR-71, the Dash 80 prototype of the Boeing 707, the B-29 Superfortress "Enola Gay," and the de Havilland Chipmunk aerobatic plane, to name a few. This genuine treasure trove tells the history of aviation and space flight and will eventually display over 200 aircraft and 135 spacecraft. An IMAX theater, flight simulators, and observation tower over Dulles Airport add to this awe-inspiring attraction.

The Boeing Aviation Hangar at the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is the length of three football fields and 10-stories high.

Two of the most popular artifacts on display at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center are the Lockheed SR-71Blackbird (foreground) in the Boeing Aviation Hangar and the space shuttle Enterprise (background) in the James S. McDonnell Space Hangar.

View upon entrance to the James S. McDonnell Douglas Space Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. Visible objects include the Space Shuttle "Enterprise" (center), Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (directly above), and Manned Maneuvering Unit or "MMU" (above left).

YAY! My DH recently commented that we really need to check out this place. I'm glad we get to do so ... virtually, at least!

'Ya learn something new each day: I didn't even know the museum existed until recently. It was created to provide the Smithsonian enough space to showcase the thousands of aviation and space artifacts that can't be exhibited at the National Air and Space Museum on the Mall. (And, there's even a second phase in the works...)

National Air and Space Museum - Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

 

[Mrs. Fleagle]

I'm here and checking in...just waiting for our next stop.

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

Now a quick jump to the Maryland side of the Potomac and we can climb the infamous "Billy Goat Trail".
Billy Goat Trail -- Maryland Side

I can happily say that I did this. It was lots of fun .. but a bit scary too!

Great Falls frequently gets flooded during spring and esp fall hurricane season. See the high-water marks here.

Ahhhhh! "The Billy Goat Trail"!!! ... Another great choice, Marshay!

Actually, it was on my "wish list" of places to visit during my leg of our Virtual Road Trip; however, it was really, really rainy and wet the days my family trekked around town with our camera, so we opted to skip it.

It was probably for the best, too, considering I actually had a nightmare that I'm sure was triggered by my apprehensions about taking Little Man (DS2) for a hike along the trail.
You're right: It is a bit scary!

In fact, I was thinking that you're one brave mommy to include your DD on the trip! Then again, you had a pretty good 2:1 parent-to-child ratio. Ours would be 1:1. And, while I'm pretty confident that my DD5 wouldn't try any funny stuff, Little Man is at that age where he laughs and runs the opposite direction whenever I call his name. Something tells me that wet, slippery rocks, high cliffs overlooking water, and one naughty little boy (who "does not follow instructions well" ) could be a bad combination! 'Just call it a mother's "intuition"...

'Ya know: I just recently learned about letterboxing. (It's a past-time that combines "orienteering, art and puzzle solving" [Wikipedia] in a "charming 'treasure hunt' style outdoor quest." [Letterboxing.org] ) Anyway, apparently there's a four-part series hidden along "The Billy Goat Trail," entitled "Disney Takes a Hike." (It features members of the Fab Five.) I hope to check it out sometime soon!

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

Incidentally, here's a link to an article about letterboxing that ran in the April 1998 issue of Smithsonian magazine. That article has been credited with popularizing the hobby in the United States.

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

According to Culinary websites, this restaurant has been voted one of the:

Top 10 Restaurants in the World; and
Top 20 World's Most Expensive Restaurants

So do you have your good clothes on??




... Eat slowly and plentifully ... we'll spend the night at the Inn (rooms are only $400+/night and I booked the entire Inn just for us!!

WOW! Sounds like the money from our [Virginia Gold Cup] horse-racing "win" has stretched a long way!

I'd better enjoy this virtual tour of The Inn at Little Washington, since it's the closest I may get to an actual stay for a long, long while!

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

Excellent Job, Marshay!

Thanks for fitting us in so beautifully when you had so many other things to do!

Hope you have a fabulous trip!

Marshay - Thanks for the good times and good virtual eats!! I'm doubly impressed that you fit it all in just after your many incredible crafts and before your trip.

Wishing you the best trip ever -

Agreed!

HA! ... And to think I'm actually wrapping up your portion of our Virtual Road Trip after you've already returned from your Disney World vacation! (I told you I was behind ... ) I can't wait to read a trip report!! Please post a link on this thread once you've finished.

Maaaaan, I'm starting to feel a little lonely -- posting my string of back-to-back comments...
Is everyone feeling "car sick," or did you simply hop off the Party Bus for some stretching at the nearest rest stop?

 

[Marshay]

Feel free to hang our here in Virginia Beach for the day. Forecast is 78º and sunny...showers late this afternoon. So we should be able to get a full day of beach fun in and then head out later for our next stop on the road trip.

Before you leave us for the day we have a little parting gift for you.

It's a DisBoard Adventurosity Club Colonial Hat to remind you of your time here with the Fleagles! Enjoy!

Thanks for coming over and we hope you enjoyed your stay!

Trying to catch up! I love the hat!!!