[music, travel, books]

[wispfox]

The line in Ghost, by the Indigo Girls, which says "the Mississippi's mighty, but it starts in Minnesota at a place which you could walk across with five steps down" means I just added seeing the source of the Mississippi to the things I want to see, in my year of wandering.

Because of this, I'm wondering if there are any other places in the US that I should visit, based on lines from songs. Alternately, suggestions from books.

Anyone have any musical or literary suggestions for places to travel in the contiguous US?

Comments

[trista.livejournal.com]

In Florida:

The Suwannee River (http://www.50states.com/songs/florida.htm). As you drive on I10 from Jacksonville to Tallahassee (or Tallahassee to Jacksonville), you'll see a sign just before the river that actually has a few measures of the music written out.

Tallahassee Lassie (http://www.rockabilly.nl/lyrics4/t0044.htm). Florida's capital city, where I lived for about ten years. The most interesting tourist attraction is the Capitol, and it's important to approach it from Apalachee Parkway. You'll drive around a bend in the road and suddenly, there it will be in all its majestic glory. There is a dome for the Senate and another for the House, and a 22-story tower between the two. The Capitol is commonly refered to as The Dick on the Hill. So is Jeb, though, so the two are occasionally confused.

Pensacola (http://www.stlyrics.com/songs/j/joanosborne2040/pensacola96771.html). It's right on the Gulf of Mexico, and the beach is absolutely breathtaking. Clear green water and miles of sand so white it looks like sugar. The beaches on the Gulf have spoiled the rest of the world's beaches for me because nothing measures up. You'll also find incredible seafood there, and there are loads of little historical things to see. I lived nearby for ten years and quite liked it.

As for places from books, Carl Hiaasen's books are all set in South Florida, and they are hilarious.

[metahacker.livejournal.com]

I'll be heading to Pensacola in a few weeks on business, most likely -- any recommendations for expensive places to eat, or things to do in the evening?

[trista.livejournal.com]

Expensive places to eat? Sure!

Angus on Scenic Avenue, near the Bay, is not horrifically expensive but if I remember correctly is on the higher end of moderate. The steaks are fantastic and so is the seafood.

Sam's Seafood is not expensive or fancy, but it is wonderful. The seafood is always fresh and it tastes heavenly. Sam is my friend's brother so I like to plug his restaurant when I can.

I've heard that Jackson's on Palafox is incredible. I haven't been there, but I've heard the seafood and steaks are really good and that the restaurant is impressive. If it's a business thing this might be a good choice.

Skolepos (http://www.skopelosrestaurant.com/) is also fantabulous. It's considered by many to be Pensacola's spiffiest. I absolutely loved it the few times I went.

As for things to do at night, it has been a gazillion years since I've been there so I don't have many suggestions. McGuire's Irish Pub is hugely popular. If you're going with a bunch of rowdy people you'll want to staple dollar bills to the wall, drink Irish Wakes, and kiss the moose. (http://www.mcguiresirishpub.com/) ()

[wispfox.livejournal.com]

Yay! Suggestions! Thanks. :)

[trista.livejournal.com]

You're welcome. :)