After breakfast we proceeded to the Depot in downtown Greensboro.  Train stations in the South are different from the ones up north.  Here you hurry up and wait (kind of feels like herding cattle).  After checking in at the Depot we had to wait for almost 30 minutes at the locked door that allowed you entrance to platform #2 where our train #80 would pick us up and deliver us to the NC State Fair.

The breeze on the platform was a bit brisk while we waiting for the train which was a few minutes late.  On board the train we quickly found seats got settled and off we went.  The train proceeded down the track and shortly there after Tony and Bobby took off to find snacks.  They returned with cookies, coffee, soda and red pepper hummus.

After a few short stops to pick up and drop off passengers we arrived at our destination – The NC State Fair.

We exited the train in the middle of the road and crossed over to the entrance to the Fair.  We started this part of the adventure with a walk through “As Seen on TV”.  Honestly – live infomercials.  The one most tasty treat that we did discover was Maple Cotton Candy (which we returned at the end of the day for our own bag of this delectable treat).

After walking around for a short period we decided that it was time for lunch.  The food frenzy began with gumbo (chicken, shrimp and sausage), then hushpuppies, apple fries, ginger ale, funnel cake and yes one of our quests – pig lickers (chocolate covered bacon), hot dog, and BBQ.

We saw cows, goats, sheet, rabbits, clowns, weird inflatable shriners, people of all sorts, gigantic pumpkins and water mellons, beautiful landscaping, crazy rides, live music, arts and crafts and yes as mentioned before – “As Seen on TV”.  Even thought the day was quite chilly is was fun and well worth the time.

On our way out of the park – as promised – we stopped for a bag of maple cotton candy.  Arriving at the tent beside the train tracks which was our holding pen for our return train ride – we were informed the the train coming from NY was running about an hour late.  At least we were under the tent (which had sides and gave us some protection from the brisk breeze).  It was most humorous to hear everyone commenting on our delay – you can just imagine how some people reacted.

About an hour late – the train (#79) out of New York arrived and stopped on the railroad crossing  and we began the loading process.  We found our seats – waited somewhat patiently for the conductor to come check us in and then we were off to the lounge car.  Cheese burgers, Cabernet and beer began our dinner in the lounge car as we road down the tracks towards Greensboro, NC.  After the cheese burger was gone – dessert was – yes indeed – the mapple cotton candy and another Cabernet.  We all decided that the train ride was the most fun of the entire day.

With our trip over and the work week beginning we have started plans for a longer trip.

Disney here we come.

Great selection of wine, beer and food.
Tonight’s entertainment is Mood Swings (Oldies, beach, swing and big band)

Join me there tonight.

Dinner Photo

This past weekend I had the pleasure of enjoying this fabulous merlot with friends and family.  It was full of flavor and fruity aromas.  It went very well with the cheesy shrimp and grits meal that I served.

The tasting notes state that it will pair well with lamb, burgers or tomato based pasta dishes.  However, if you enjoy a rich full flavored red wine with your meal, this merlot will go quite nicely with just about any menu.  It even worked with the fresh fruit dessert.

Enjoy!

Rich, plum color with cherry notes and a touch of vanilla accentuate this wine’s soft flavors and finish.  This is a perfect wine to serve to those guest who might not be avid red wine lovers.  Coastal Vines Pinot Noir will not impress all the would be wine snobs as it is a very smooth and mellow pinot.  The soft flavors of this wine make it easy to enjoy with just about any cuisine.  This wine goes well with everything from burgers to salmon.

I hope you enjoy.