Working half a day on Thursday we left shortly after lunch. John drove us up 95. Great drive and when we passed the turn off to 40 we knew I mean really knew we were in for an adventure. Normally we turn up North on 40 to Tennessee, not this year though. I mapped out the plans & picked around the Florence area. Wasn't happening though, we drove on to Lumberton North Carolina. Looking at the Days Inn (DUMP!) Whew the bed stank, the shower was pitiful let's not even discuss the door lock. Driving across the street we stayed at the Country Inn & Suites, good price, great bed and the very cold air conditioner! The breakfast bar was not what we expected so drove to Hardee's then back onto 95. We arrived in Alexandria around 2pm found King St. & followed the yellow brick road to Holiday Inn. Looking back I realized we didn't know we passed through a poppy field but, the good witch of the north saved us. The Holiday Inn was our Emerald City. When you walk in great lounge, excellent customer service. Check in was so easy with a priority club card & let me tell you we had the red carpet treatment the entire trip. Early check in, free roll away, free parking ($20 day), free shuttle to King and great staff. I will be posting on Trip Advisor real soon. Found that site last year LOVE IT!
We picked Murphy's Grand Irish Pub for dinner. Standing outside hovering over the menu a gentlemen walking in said "Don't ask me but the foods great" bing, bing, bing those are the warning bells I should have heard. The hostess informed us that was the owner OK well here we go to the table. A few people inside so it was early OK no big deal it should fill up fast. We ordered from a blond who is now pressing herself into my husband's back to take our order. Was it because the tables are cramped or did she really want a tip. Here's a tip sister I help pay the tab so why don't you make eye contact with me and stop rubbing on my husband. John thought it was rather amusing watching me frown and my daughter ready to throw her drink on the poor girl. Nobody I mean NOBODY messes with her Dad, I love my daughter she is very protective which leads me to another grocery store story to keep in the bag. Anyway on goes dinner and I'd rather not bore you so if you are on King Street and see Murphy's just order a drink & appetizer then keep shopping. Turning in for the night was great. Did I mention we loved our room?
