migration north - part 1

It's that time of year again - time for us to get out of the heat and head up to Maine!

Here are some of the highlights from the first half of this year's trip.

How could we pass up stopping at a place called Duke's - especially when it has a dog run!

Our big stop for the first half was something we've been wanting to do since we started taking the RV back and forth between Texas and Maine - the Jack Daniel's Distillery!  We did the Angel's tour which took us through all the buildings and we really got to learn all about the process of making Tennessee Whiskey.  We got to see every step of the process.  It probably sounds strange but it smelled so good in there!

This is where they make the charcoal that they filter the alcohol through to make it Tennessee whiskey.

The reason it's in the middle of nowhere is all because of this spring - apparently it's the perfect water for making whiskey.

Did you know Jack died of a broken toe?  Well, technically he died of blood poisoning but it was all because he kicked this safe and broke his toe!  Crazy, right?

Here we are with Jack.

Also, did you know that they make all their own barrels - and only use them ONCE?!?!

After the tour we got to do a tasting of 5 of their higher end whiskeys.  Whiskey is not my drink but it was really interesting to taste how different they can become when they essentially have followed the same exact process and recipe - all except where the barrels are placed for storage.

We also spent a little time walking around the square of Lynchburg, Tennessee.  Highlights included grilled cheese on crack at a little BBQ joint, the Jack Daniel's souvenir shop and Jack Daniels fudge.

Oh and how could I forgot how excited Sean was that there wasn't a pin in Bangor yet - so he got the honors!

We highly recommend the tour if you happen to get to that area!