"If God had meant for us to fly, he wouldn't have given us the railways..." :)

For our recent anniversary, we visit the Crescent City of New Orleans, LA. We did not fly...we did not drive...instead, we took a TRAIN! This ingenious idea spurred from the mind of my ever-planning, creative husband and let me tell you, everyone should travel via train at least once in their life!

Our adventure on the rails began in Birmingham, AL since Chattanooga does not have an Amtrak station, nor does anywhere in TN besides Memphis I believe. This is something that I plan on writing some letters about in the near future! Back to Birmingham though...it definitely started as an adventure because the train station was straight up sketchy...it looked like an abandoned warehouse from the outside and I personally did not take any photos, but just to give you and idea:

Think circa 1970 (might be pushing it) with a touch of horror movie meets antique store

However, as it goes most of the time, there was more than meets the eye to Amtrak. Once we boarded the train, we found our seats in coach relatively cozy and cushiony (yes, I made up a word - move on - it's called artistic license). Please see this lovely photograph our train mates took of us:

Also, this is the train we road on "The Crescent"

As one can see, we are impeccably dressed for travel - personally, I never go anywhere on a train without my lucky ruffled blouse..haha. Moving past the sarcasm, I loved this photo because honestly, this is what it looked like! Mike and I were able to stretch out our 6 feet plus bodies on a train, which was good because it was a seven hour trip. Forget 7 hours in coach on a plane!

So, after our fun weekend in NOLA, we boarded the Crescent once again. However, this time we had a sleeper cabin! It was so neat! Check out the pictures below (some are mine and some are Amtrak's):

In our cabin!

The couch I am sitting on turned into a bed! Cozy!

We got to eat in the dining car twice (breakfast and dinner) - it was yummy!

In the dining car! We enjoyed talking to all of the other passengers on our train...

 The photo to your left is a better view of what the sleeper cabin looks like when you first enter it - there is a sink, a shower, a toilet, bunk beds, a chair, and a table - all in that tiny, but comfortable space! Definitely splurge for this when you go Amtrak! Also, to add to the benefits of a sleeper cabin, your meals in the dining care are included - and it is great food!

Overall, it was an excellent way to travel! We are looking forward to making a trip to Washington D.C. via Amtrak soon!

HullabaLOU Highlights!!!

Mike and I just got back from an awesome weekend in Louisville, KY at HullabaLOU! Between time with our friends, Kelly and Joey, the excellent line-up, lots of frosty beverages, and great weather, it was a BLAST!!! Oh, and did I mention the people watching? Holy canolli - it was a people-watching paradise! What Not to Wear could have made 500 episodes at least! But, people watching is a hobby that the Holtzhower's share, so good times for us!

This is what we saw each day as we entered Churchill Downs. How beautiful is this? It's crazy to think that we are in the middle of the city of Louisville and not out in farm land.

First Night: The only act we got to see was Bon Jovi. (Note the sarcasm on "only") They rocked! We had to look up his age while at the concert - 48! Definitely put on a show though...I don't think we sat down the entire concert! Did I mention it was like 98 degrees too? Fun times :)

Oh, Dierks Bentley performed before Bon Jovi and he came out on the stage during their concert and sang Wanted with Bon Jovi...see photo below...

Day Two: This was the longest day we spent at HullabaLOU - all of the acts were just too good to miss! Also, Mike and I wandered the festival grounds in the heat. However, we did find a sweet tea vodka booth - how could we pass that up???

One of the FOUR stages with a handsome man in front of me!

First up on Saturday was Sara Evans - I had seen her before and she was just as good, if not better! It's amazing how an artist can sound the same live as they do on a recording. That is true talent...also, she is 38? And I was and still am obsessed with her shirt. I need it in my life.

Winner of Most Surprising Act at HullabaLOU: Jason Aldean.

Seriously, we knew that we liked his music, but what a performance too. Not only does he look like some guy you would run in to at the grocery store or gas station up the road from your house, but he is awesome on stage! Now, we love his music! Check out the GA Bulldogs shirt...oh, and those jeans aren't too shabby either. ;)

The Main Stage at Dusk

The headliner for Saturday was Kenny Chesney. Mike had never seen him, so he was surprised at how great his show is.

I will be selling this photo for $10 a piece. Geeze, I love our camera.

Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, and Rastafarian Man?

Day Three: Last day :( We finally had getting to the festival down to a science and we had the best seats of the weekend! Seriously, there were crazy people sprinting to get seats every day. We never sprinted and always had great seats...haha...and we got a koozie and ray bans out of it because crazy sprinters would drop their stuff and never come back to get it.

Southeast Diesel Shout-Out

Me and Mike!

The Zac Brown Band was sooooooooo good. They jammed out the entire concert and even played The Devil Went Down to Georgia -wow. We loved them so much and they are so patriotic. I am glad that young people are listening to their music because so many of them do not realize how and why we are free and why we are so lucky to be free.

Life Milestone Moment of the Weekend: Dave Matthews Band

Dave was the most gracious performer - he said thank you to the crowd after every song. Also, they were the happiest band...and Dave's hippie dancing was contagious. I got to hear my favorite DMB song, #41, and that totally made my weekend complete.

Shout out for HullabaLOU: Like music? Want to see TONS of performances for the cost of about three single concerts? Then HullabaLOU is for you! Check out their website in the future for info. about the 2011 festival!

Later!

Ash

Headed to HullabaLOU!

This weekend, me and my wonderful husband are heading to Louisville, Kentucky to spend some quality time with our good friends, Joey and Kelly Nunn at Hullabalou. You may be asking, "Just what is this Hullabalou you speak of, Ashley?" Well the answer will now be revealed....

Welcome to Hullabalou! A three day music festival at Churchill Downs in the rolling, horse-filled fields of KY! 

Churchill Downs from my Helicopter

 Yes, ladies and gentlemen, in that green expanse of horse-racing wonder, there will be four smaller stages and one MAIN stage. The festival will run from 1-11PM each day and the headliners are as follows:

Friday Night: BON JOVI....most excited about THIS song being performed:

Saturday Night: Kenny Chesney...ready to sing to this song:

Sunday Night: Dave Matthews Band...soooo want to hear this one:

Not to mention all of these other people....Dierks Bentley, Gladys Knight, Doobie Brothers, Train,  Colbie Caillat, The O'Jays, B 52's, Jason Aldean, Huey Lewis and the News, Al Green, Sara Evans, Ben Folds, Steppenwolf, Zac Brown Band, Steve Miller Band, Dwight Yokam, Loretta Lynn, Black Crowes, Kansas, 38 Special, and many, many, more!!!

There are a few goals for this excursion:

1. Have at least one celebrity interaction - must have documentation

2. Take at least 200 photos

3. Enjoy beverages...

4. Buy T-Shirts

5. Possible purchase of Bon Jovi poster for classroom display

Prepare yourself for a massive post with photo and video upon our return! HullabaLOU here we come!!!

Take it easy!

Ashley