ROADTRIP 2015 AWARDS!!!!

Posted on August 9, 2015 | 12 Comments

IMG_0423The judges have decided—the votes are in! Having traveled more than 8,000 miles and scoured the country for the very best, here are the 2015 DOWNING ROADTRIP AWARDS…in order of encounter.

  1. BEST HISTORIC SITE: Gettysburg National Military Park, http://www.nps.gov/gett/index.htm  Gettysburg, PA

    Linda Johnston and me

    Linda Johnston and me

  2. BEST HIKING GUIDE: Linda Johnston, http://www.lindasjohnston.com
  3. BEST COLLEGE REUNION: Laurie Graybeal, Charlotte, NC.
  4. BEST MUSEUM: Museum of the New South, http://www.museumofthenewsouth.org Charlotte, NC
  5. BEST NIGHT OUT: Nashville, TN http://www.nowplayingnashville.com/org/detail/32141/Music_City_Nights_LIVE
  6. BEST DINNER RESTAURANT: Etch, Nashville, TN http://www.etchrestaurant.com
  7. BEST HISTORIC HOUSE: Graceland, Memphis, TN
    The ceiling in Elvis' media room

    The ceiling in Elvis’ media room

    http://www.graceland.com

  8. BEST WEIRD ATTRACTION: The Peabody Ducks, Memphis, TN http://www.peabodymemphis.com/peabody-ducks/
  9. BEST UNEXPECTED GEM: a tie between Augusta, MO, and Manitoulin Is., ON, Canada http://www.augusta-missouri.com & http://www.manitoulin-island.com
  10. MOST GENEROUS LOCAL: Eunice Boevehttp://www.euniceboeve.net

    Angela Bates, Eunice Boeve, me and Cristal at Ernestine's BBQ, Nicodemus

    Angela Bates, Eunice Boeve, me and Cristal at Ernestine’s BBQ, Nicodemus

  11. BEST NATIONAL PARK: Nicodemus, Nicodemus, KS
    Lake Estes

    Lake Estes

    http://www.nps.gov/nico/index.htm

  12. BEST OUTDOOR ACTIVITY: Walk or run around lake in Estes Park, Rocky Mt. National Park http://www.evrpd.com/marina/lake-estes-trail-a-picnic-areas
  13. BEST DRIVE: Lake Estes, CO to Rock Springs, WY http://www.visitestespark.com & http://www.rswy.net
  14. BEST PLACE TO STRETCH YOUR LEGS AND HAVE LUNCH: Steamboat Springs, CO http://www.creekside-cafe.com & http://www.steamboatchamber.com
  15. BEST TRAVELING COMPANION: Karen Casey Fitzjerrell
    Karen Casey Fitzjerrell

    Karen Casey Fitzjerrell

    http://karencaseyfitzjerrell.com

  16. BEST HOME STAY: Lazy P Ranch, Buffalo, WY http://www.vrbo.com/656153IMG_2105
  17. MOST SCENIC DINNER: Buoy’s in Gore Bay, Manitioulin Is., ON, Canada, across from the Queen’s Inn http://www.buoyseatery.com & http://www.thequeensinn.ca

    Buoy's at closing time

    Buoy’s at closing time

  18. BEST LAKE: Lake Huron, Great Lakes, Canada and USA http://www.great-lakes.net/lakes/huron.html
  19. BEST HOTEL: The Omni King Edward, Toronto, ON, Canada http://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/toronto-king-edward?gclid=Cj0KEQjw0ZauBRDOnoGQ2PTb9YoBEiQAQ6m_7LgtH67avVzFAsgyGSjTKKV5LSAw4Kzuvv50zDu-JHsaAjAY8P8HAQ
  20. BEST HIGH SCHOOL REUNION: Gemma Wain, Editor, Toronto, ON, Canada
  21. BEST LUNCH RESTAURANT: Signs, Toronto, ON, Canada http://signsrestaurant.ca
  22. BEST PLACE TO AVOID AT ALL COST: Taylor’s Tea Room, Dundas, ON, Canada http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g2645488-d4853835-Reviews-Taylor_s_Tea_Room_Takeaway-Dundas_Hamilton_Ontario.html
  23. BEST AND MOST PRIZED PURCHASES: Two photographs by Janusz Wrobel, studio in Dundas, ON, Canada, and Honorable Mention to hand blown glass by Sam Stang http://www.januszwrobel.com/#1 & http://www.samstang.com
  24. BEST WATERFALL: Niagara, ON, Canada & NYS, USA, with an
    NIagara

    NIagara

    Honorable Mention to Munising Falls, Munising, MI, http://www.niagarafallstourism.com & http://www.gowaterfalling.com/waterfalls/munising.shtml

  25. BEST WINE-RELATED ACTIVITIES (OTHER THAN THE NIGHTLY DRINKING OF IT): Canandaigua Wineries Visits http://canandaiguawinetrail.com

Thanks again for traveling with us. If you have any questions or comments related to our awards, they’ll be gratefully received!IMG_0822

 

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12 responses to “ROADTRIP 2015 AWARDS!!!!”

  1. paulcolt | August 9, 2015 at 1:47 pm | Reply

    Great trip, Andi. Thanks for taking us along. Don’t envy you the Post Office tub of mail. Welcome home.

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  2. fitzjerrellk | August 9, 2015 at 2:03 pm | Reply

    Whoa!! Had no idea I was up for the “award.” Please don’t tell anyone I was the ONLY traveling companion to jump on board for a week of fun exploring. My fav was the Theodore Roosevelt Nat’l Park, the buffalo, and wild horses.

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  3. Doris | August 9, 2015 at 3:31 pm | Reply

    How fun. Thank you again for allowing us to travel with your. Doris

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  4. Rolynn Anderson | August 9, 2015 at 4:41 pm | Reply

    Whew! I’m worn out and I sat at my desk! I trust the judges on the picks. Most important: you had a great time! Welcome home.

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  5. Alice Trego | August 10, 2015 at 5:54 pm | Reply

    A nice array of awards to commemorate your travels. I agree with the judges — these award picks would be mine, too!

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  6. Eunce Boeve | September 4, 2015 at 4:04 pm | Reply

    Well Thanks! I made #10 for generosity. You can’t beat that. You two are sweethearts. Hope we’ll meet again one day.

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