We got up early this morning so we could be at the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum when it opened, as we didn't have enough time the past few days. The museum is named after Joseph Augustus Biedenharn, an American businessman credited in the summer of 1894 with having first bottled the soda fountain drink Coca-Cola. The museum was not what we expected, but then again we really didn't know what to expect! It was okay, but if one is a hard-core Coca-Cola collector, then this is the place for you!
Prior to the opening of the museum, we stopped in at the Highway 61 Coffee Shop for coffee and a bagel. The coffee shop is unique with an abundance of local artisans' work and unique décor. Thom's bagel was okay and mine was absolutely horrible! I very politely wrapped my weird-tasting bagel in a napkin and then disposed of it outside their shop. I have never had a bagel that horrible (cinnamon raisin, not that unusual).
After coffee and the museum we headed back to the campground to head west to West Monroe, LA, which is where we are parked just for the evening. We are in the no-frills Pavilion RV Park just off I-20; an easy off, easy on location. The drive over was a mere 88 miles and we took our time.
As I am posting this blog, there is a special weather alert indicating possible quarter-size hail with strong thunderstorms and possible flooding. I think we dodged the brunt of the storm because there is no wind, no hail, very little thunder, and the sun is coming out!
After we unhooked the Jeep from the RV, we headed to Duck Commander (a/k/a Duck Dynasty). NO, we did not see any of the Robertsons but we did recognize the shop from the show on A&E! We also saw their RV and two of their 18-wheelers, which were on-site. After touring the "store", we headed to Willie's Duck Diner for lupper, the meal we are eating these days. Thom had Miss Kay's Meatloaf and I had the Zydeco Salad (shrimp, crawfish, and grilled chicken). We also had a side of Miss Kay's macaroni and cheese. The food wasn't that bad actually, unlike when we hunted down Roseanne Barr's restaurant in Ottumwa, Iowa years ago to eat a "loose meat sandwich"! The only complaint was Miss Kay's meatloaf was quite spicy (Cajun spices added, cooked with bacon). My salad was excellent, as was the mac & cheese. The best though was the corn bread, rolls, and hushpuppies! Excellent! We were told John Luke and Godwin were there earlier and that we had just missed them! Darn!
After lupper we went searching for other Duck Dynasty landmarks that were listed in the brochure, that have been on the show. We found Haskell's Donuts but they were closed, the Pawn Store, and their church, White's Ferry Road Church of Christ. After finding these locations, we headed to Antique Alley where we visited just a few shops but no purchases. It was a good way to walk off our meal!
The Jeep is hooked-up and we are ready to go in the morning, heading for Little Rock, Arkansas, which will be about 158 miles. We will be there for 3 nights. We are hoping the weather is our friend so we can catch a few Arkansas Travelers games (minor league baseball). From there we have not made plans as yet! We may wing it again in a freebie space!
As for this "no extended reservations" trip of ours, I have to say I am really enjoying the life of not having to be somewhere, at a particular day, or meeting a planned schedule! Who knew!
Enjoy the photos from today. Remember, you can view the photos one after another in full screen by clicking on one of the photos!
Until next blog ...
Historic Vicksburg at 8:00 a.m.
One of the many old buildings, this one dated 1910.
Highway 61 Coffee Shop
Coca-Cola upon Coca-Cola memorabilia
The original bottling equipment.
Another view.
I remember this!
Bottle washing machine!
Coca-Cola bottles through the years (and below)
Era 1900 soda fountain
We found another cannon (see description below)
Vicksburg sidewalk art!
A few of the older buildings look like New Orleans - very pretty.
I-20 West - West Monroe, LA here we come!
This barge was going so fast I almost didn't get this photo without it be totally obstructed!
This RV park reminds us of Raton, NM, where we stayed in 2013, but just a bit better!
We have seen this site of the Duck Commander building on Duck Dynasty so many times that it just felt right.
This did not surprise me - the door handles to their store!
Where it all began ... Phil Robertson's duck call machine!
If you watch Duck Dynasty, you will recognize their RV. That was one of the funniest shows ever!
Another familiar site! Yes, we are fans!
Willie's Duck Diner
As much as I don't really like dining with dead animals, this is actually appropriate given they are avid duck and deer hunters!
Menu
Zydeco Salad
Miss Kay's Meatloaf, rice and gravy, and macaroni and cheese!
Antique Alley, West Monroe, LA on a Friday afternoon.
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