Our 9th and final of the "500." (Portland your food rocks!) I've also seen Voo Doo Donuts featured on Food Network and No Reservations, so this was a must stop. Voo Doo is famous for their kooky concoctions from Double Bubble to Coco Puffs. Of course I had to try the Maple Glazed Bacon. Yes, I said BACON!
Yes, we were still hungry. Or at least not ready to burst yet. Our 8th of the "500," Halibut's is famous for it's house made clam chowder. Thick, creamy, chunky and bacony! Halibut's also makes great fish & chips, but we had to draw the line somewhere.
The 7th of "500." The authors proclaim Saint Cupcake to be some of the best they've ever tasted! Mini versions are available in all flavors.Pictured here from top left: chocolate with vanilla, banana chocolate chip, toasted coconut, and pumpkin spice.
Our 6th of the "500." Pine State makes biscuits that would rival any found in the South. We waited in line for 30 min. just for a taste. Ant had the "Reggie Deluxe" with fried chicken, bacon, egg and gravy. I had the "McIsley" with fried chicken, mustard, pickles and honey. And a side of fried green tomatoes, of course ...
Attended Dan and Adrienne's wedding on their family farm. Hobbs looked very handsome in his bow tie. BBQ tri tip, salmon, baked beans, and mac and cheese for dinner! The bride even made jam for favors. The night ended with Hobbs taking a dip in the creek with his new friend, Sharky.
Just a few minutes away from our hotel is Tumwater Falls Park. Hobbs loved our morning walk there!
If you are a fan of "Twin Peaks," you'll appreciate this. Saw the Double R Diner featured in the show in North Bend, WA. Didn't try the famous cherry pie, but bought some delicious rainier cherries on the road.
Stopped by Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane, WA, specifically to see the giant Radio Flyer wagon! Can you see me? Hobbs also enjoyed the view at Spokane Falls.
Strolled around Coeur d' Alene Lake after lunch. What a view!
This is our fifth of the "500." Hudson's Hamburgers have been keeping it simple since 1907. You have three choices: (1) single or double patty, (2) onions and/or pickles, (3) spicy ketchup/mustard or regular ketchup. No fries served here. So good, Anthony went back for seconds!
Our last day of driving before reaching the wedding site in Tumwater, WA (near Olympia). Hobbs was exhausted after our river adventure yesterday! He slept all night on the bed next to Anthony :) ps. Sorry the updates have not been in real time. We haven't had good Internet service from our phones since Iowa! Should imp ...
Our 4th food from the "500 things," huckleberries are a sweet summer treat in the Northwestern states. We've seen huckleberry jam, ice cream, and pancakes, but finally got a chance to try some huckleberry pie for ourselves at Elkstroms Stage Station in Clinton, MT. So good, hopefully it will not be our last huckleberry ...
Western Montana is the most beautiful part of the country we have driven through so far, from the snow capped mountains to the rolling plains. But to really experience Montana you must get out on one of its many rivers. Met up with Anthony's med school friend, Justin, who is from Butte, MT. He took us "floating" on his ...
If you are keeping track, this is our 3rd of the "500 things." John's Pork Sandwiches started from a street cart in the 1930's and grew to three locations in Butte and Bozeman, MT. The original sandwich is a pounded pork chop, breaded and fried, served with mustard, onions, and pickles on a bun. If you order the "delux ...
Quick Pit Stop at Dino Park in Rapid City, SD. They reminded me of Pee Wee Herman's Big Advenuture! Can you spot Anthony and Hobbs in the Brontosaurus pic?
Wall Drug is South Dakota's most famous stop with billboards for hundreds of miles out beckoning travelers. This historic store started serving free ice water and 5 cent coffee during the Great Depression to attract customers and continues to do so today. Had a hearty lunch of their trademark hot beef sandwich, buffalo ...
Old 1880 is a collection of historic buildings reformed into a small town in Murdo, SD. Best attraction so far, especially because it was pet friendly. For a mere $5 each we were transported back to the wild west with full costumes! Had lots of fun taking photos all over town. Here are just a few for now.
Kuchen (means cake in German) is the state dessert of South Dakota. It's a dough like crust filled with custard and fruit, and can be pie sized or individual. Typically kuchen is made in the southeastern part of the state, but with the help of some locals I found some at the neighborhood store.
Hobbs swam in the Missouri River tonight. The weather was still warm as the sun began to set around 9pm.
Staying in the small town of Chamberlain, SD. Buffalo Burger and New York Strip Steak for dinner from Al's Oasis (one of two sit down restaurants in town). Love that they serve hash browns with dinner! Veggies in the Midwest have been sparse, but there's homemade pie a plenty (strawberry - yum). Check out the giant buf ...
Saw the Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD. Every summer (since 1892!) the palace is decorated with corn and grains in a new theme. It's completed at the end of the season, so it was still a WIP.
Uneventful drive through Iowa. Aside from the loosemeats not much to see there. Pulled over to sit out a thunder storm. Hobbs stretched his legs in a corn field.
Stopped off in the small farm town of Brandon, IA to see the state's largest frying pan. The last couple days have been so hot we probably could fry a few hundred eggs on it!
Our second "500 Things" (yes, two in one day -don't judge us!) Loosemeats is a Northwestern Iowa regional sandwich. The beef is crumbled rather than patty formed (like a sloppy joe sans sauce) served with mustard, pickles, and onions. We got ours at local chain restaurant Maid Rite. Hobbs loved it!
We made a short detour to The Root Beer Stand Drive In just to take a pic with The Root Beer Man. The homemade root beer was creamy and refreshing served in a frosty mug. The price could not be beat at just $1.50 a glass!
Our first stop of "500 Things to Eat Before It's Too Late." Lake Perch is a Northern Indiana specialty (reminded us of fish and chips). The Cavalier Inn is a local Polish joint so the pierogies were also recommended.
So far our gas and toll expenses have exceeded our food cost! Turn Pikes are the worst - $25.35 for PA, $10.25 for OH, and $6.75 for IN. The roads are pretty smooth out here though...maybe we need a Turn Pike on the 5 in CA? Here's me and Hobbs making a pit stop.
Caught Hobbs sleeping this morning on our bed's comforter :) La Quinta - our go to hotel because pets are welcomed (no charge). ps. This pic is just another reason why I don't use hotel blankets!
Hungarian chili dogs at Tony Packo's made famous by the tv show M*A*S*H. Another house specialty - fried pickles. This location was across the street from the Toledo Mudhens Stadium.
World's Largest Big Mac featured at McDonald's/Museum. Looks good enough to eat!
Hobbs enjoying the view 15 minutes into our road trip.
From Philadelphia, PA to Olympia, WA. Continuing south to Berkeley, CA.