Day 8

Then: Phil and Tim had enjoyed the most amazing pancakes the day previous and were now sleeping in their Charleston, WV hotel. They were hopeful that Charleston held something for them in the morning.

Now: The Mission: Find food in Charleston, Charleston Capitol Flea Market, head to Pittsburgh to check in to The Priory, eat at Big Jim's and also take in the sights inside the doors of the Warhol Museum.

Though the boys had called it an early night they were still unable to heed their alarm clock's shrieking, they snoozed right on through. When they woke up a decision had to be made and the brothers resolved to skip the flea market and see the Warhol Museum instead. Opening his laptop Tim found a place for them to eat, First Watch, a cafe diner type situation it seemed.

Driving through the town it seemed much more lively and had much more to offer than the likes of Little Rock. Maybe with some exploring they could find other things to do around here; alas they had other things to do, their trip was coming to an end. Arriving at the cafe the boys took note of the surroundings, neat alleys with shops and other interesting spots littered their path. Phil and Tim were greeted and seated, coffee was poured and drank, orders were given and smiles exchanged. This place was quite nice the brothers decided, Thanks Charleston for not being a total let down. A carafe of coffee was left behind on their table for the boys to drink to their hearts' content, different flavored creamers in a bowl to the side.

Tim's Order: Avocado, Bacon and Tomato Scrambled Eggs atop Hashbrowns (onions as well please). Fruit cup. Coffee was assumed before they even walked in, mugs resided upon each table.

Phil's Order: Breakfast Scramble - Scrambled eggs, ham, peppers, cheese and hollandaise over multigrain toast. Fruit cup. Coffeeeeee

As the boys were digesting a bit their waitress came over to ask if they were set and Tim asked sweetly, "Do you have any to-go cups for this delicious coffee?" and she responded pleasantly and returned shortly with large cups full of freshly brewn coffee. Sometimes just asking for things you wants works out, try it sometime. Things like this work especially well when you use your boyish charms or doe-eyed feminine wiles, for the ladies out there.


Back on road the brothers traveled the windy twisty and hilly roads of West Virginia to their next destination, Pittsburgh, PA. The road seemed to never end, their stomachs twisting just as much as the roads from the constant loop-dee-loops they were forced to make. Pennsylvania came and with it less crazy roadways, thank goodness, though still pretty twisty. The boys checked into their next lodging, a wonderful old monastery, called the Priory, it had been converted into a hotel. Every detail of the location was thought of, hinges, furniture, artwork, etc, it was a great choice to stay there.

The Priory:


After looking about their room and hotel the boys were feeling some hunger coming on. "Let's check out the museum and see if there is anything to eat near by," Phil and Tim discussed. Leaving the hotel, they hit the road and were to the museum in just a few minutes. Big Jim's was a recommended location and it was only 10 minutes away from the museum, the brother's decided to hit it up instead of just look around the area. Lost. Wrong turn after wrong turn. Turning around to find their way again the boys had turned this ten minute drive into a half hour adventure, good thing the museum closed at 10pm. Finally making it to Big Jim's the boys realized it was in a shit part of town, a dive it must be, and parked in the lot, excited to try it out though still leery of the area.

Inside the brothers were greeted, seated and menus dispensed. So many amazing sandwiches, what would be their sandwich future?

Tim's Order: Two-bill Sandwich (1/2 lb corned beef with cole slaw, cheese and a fried egg a top on rye bread, housemade thousand island dressing on side). Water

Phil's Order: Rueben (1/2 lb corned beef with sauerkraut, cheese on rye bread with housemaid thousand island dressing on side). Basket o' fries. Pepsi

Great choices, the boys were deeply satisfied. Phil ate half his sandwich with a few handfuls of fries while Tim couldn't stop himself from eating his entirely along with the rest of the fries. A to-go box was brought and jokes were shared at the cash register, all in all a pleasant experience. The boys exited, hoping to not get shot on the way out… not really I'm joking.

Big Jim's "in the run" (First Watch also in slideshow):


The trip back to the museum wasn't as difficult as getting away from it was, the boys pulled up, parked and went in, greeted by Warhol's bulls and brilo pad boxes through glass doors. The girls at the desk checked them in and sent them on their way to experience this prolific artist, 7 stories full of art, and that isn't close to even a drop in the bucket. A brief history on the first floor was given, as well as a movie theatre of an interview with him, then the boys were to go to the 7th floor to begin their gallery adventure. Floor by floor the rooms were filled with Warhol's work as well as artists whom he worked with and inspired, directly or indirectly. By the end of their inspection the boys were left… I think… flabbergasted is the only word to describe it. Sadly they did not allow photography on the upper floors.

The Warhol Museum:


The boys gassed up and got bottled waters as well as some breakfast buns for the morning drive.. it was to be a very very early one. Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater was tomorrow at 8:30am and it was a 2 hour drive. Stopping into The Priory's Monk's Bar the boys procured two brews, Tim's of a local persuasion ipa, Phil's a monk's ale from New Mexico, both were delightful. There they sat working on their previous blog entry as other roomers slowly trickled into the space, all the while the noise level rose. When the entry was over so was the boys' patience for the "louder-than-a-college-bar" scene filled with mid-life adults.

Sights:


Phil decided to shower, which then sounded like an awesome idea for Tim who followed suit afterward. When Tim got out Phil was fast asleep, snoreless. Exhausted from walking the museum and driving for so long the boys rested on one of the most comfortable beds they had stayed on these past several days. Goodnight little ones, tomorrow is the last day and you have to wake up ever so early, earlier than breakfast is served. The rooster doth not crow for you.