The day started off bright and sunny but clouds set in as we headed toward Oxford, MS. We weren't up too early but we gained an extra hour as we changed time zones. So far this trip we've gone through NY, PA, WV, VA, NC, SC, TN, GA, AL and MS - about 1600 miles since we left Chaumont. Hmmm I notice that all but two of those States are "RED" ones and us with our yankee NY plates. Good thing we took off our Hillary bumper sticker. While on the road we most often listen to Sirius Radio that Ron has tuned to the 60s channel. As we were listening to DJ Phlash Phelps Ron said I should call him and see what places he would suggest for us to visit. If you've ever listened to Phlash you know he is always talking about his travels and the interesting places in different parts of the country. In fact he just completed his second tour of each of the 50 states and this time he did all 50 in 9 months, four days. Well we got through and he knew Chaumont was north of Syracuse and he had visited the Thousand Islands and Boldt Castle. He talked to us for quite a while and gave us all sort of places to stop and a short segment of our conversation was even on his national broadcast. Oh the things you do to liven up long car rides. We passed through Tupelo, the birthplace of Elvis, but didn't stop as we were heading to Oxford to channel Faulkner rather than "the king - Elvis." We drove the back roads this part of the trip and there is a lot of open spaces in Alabama and Mississippi. It hearkened the image of the old south. Driving through Scotsboro conjured up a darker period. The temp was 71 degrees and sunny. It felt like summer! Arrived in Oxford and we visited the home of William Faulkner. As with many writers he was to say the least an "interesting" character. I have to admit he wasn't my favorite in grad school. I remember writing a paper on Light in August and wanting to scratch my eyes out but I feel I need to give him another chance since he is so acclaimed.(Nobel prize in Literature) The house seemed very modest but maybe it was because we were at the Biltmore yesterday. From there we went to Courthouse Square, which is their quaint and historic downtown with nice shops, restaurants and book stores. In fact MSN had a list of the quaintest towns in each of the 50 States and Oxford made the list. Ron bought a couple of Ole Miss shirts. In a blog I'd read that Ajax Diner in that area was good so we went their for our fix of southern cooking. I had red beans and rice, fried okra, coleslaw and corn bread. Ron ate a "doctored" meatloaf with red beans and rice and cheese grits topped off with some pecan pie. YUM!!! The area around the university reminded us of our days in Greenville, NC. We didn't stop at the university but did head for Greenville - Mississippi that is - to spend the night. Another nice day!
Views of Rowan Oak
Rowan Oak - Home of William Faulkner |
Faulkner's home from 1930 - 1962 |
Typical Southern Home |
Faulkner's Study |
He did his writing here until he added on to the house to add a study in the back |
Faulkner's Parlor |
His Wife Estelle's bedroom where she painted |
Oxford Mississippi Courthouse |
Oxford City Hall |
Ron in conversation with Faulkner |
Some of the many shops in Courthouse Square |
Great southern food at Ajax Diner |
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