Love for the Odyssey Lounge

YES. This has long been one of my favorite landmarks on I-20 between Atlanta and the 'Ham, located one exit west of the Talladega Superspeedway.

What the HELL is it? Is it a dance club? A shady dive bar? It appears abandoned, but I have often seen cars parked outside. A cover location for a remote FBI weapons storage unit? Perhaps it's an underground gambling parlor for NASCAR enthusiasts. Stay tuned...I intend to find out...

You're three months early, dear...

I've noticed that in some small Southern towns people tend to act like every day is the 4th of July.

Perhaps the people of Chelsea, AL should purchase a calendar.

But all the cool, scrunchie-wearing kids are doing it....

Very wise words conveyed by an anti-smoking sign posted outside Center Street Middle School in Birmingham, AL. I really, REALLY wish I'd had her outfit for the 90's-themed party. Although LS did have the denim vest :) The mismatched earrings are key.

What you doin'? Nuthin...chillin' at the Holidae Inn...

The Holiday Inn - Birmingham Airport did not disappoint! The surprising amount of equipment, flat screen TVs, and a water cooler ALMOST made up for the terrifying sketchiness of the neighborhood in which the hotel is located (and the poor quality of the hotel restaurant, Iron City Steakhouse). I give this fitness room FOUR big stars!

If only Snoop Dogg, with his delightful relaxed curls and bell-boy uniform, had been singing in the hallways...I wish I had been hangin' with Chingy and Luda at the Holidae Inn.

Awwwww

This gem is courtesy of Byrd Dan in Pensacola. Apparently baby-shaking is a big problem in the Redneck Riviera.

So is the availability of wife-beaters/muscle-ts.



I had a lovely trip to southern Alabama (about an hour from Baby Shaker Territory) last month, and my favorite part of the trip involved my hotel: the Best Western Atmore. It is usually terrifying and horrible (the hallways alternately smell like vomit and old salad dressing), but on this occasion I was given a flashlight when I checked in. Because the power was turned off all night. Since it is the only hotel within an hour of my destination, I had no choice but to suffer through the chilly night. You bet I took that flashlight with me when I left.

No fitness room to evaluate, so negative 10 stars.

Socks & Hookers

If anyone needs socks, let me know before my next trip up to Huntsville. Fort Payne is also the home of the Alabama Fan Club Headquarters and Museum, so put in your requests for Dixieland Delight-related merchandise.

And home to these two lovely ladies: http://www.dlisted.com/node/15348.

31-65 Club 4 Life

Yesssss I know where I'm throwing my birthday party next year. So conveniently located halfway between Birmingham and Montgomery! 31 and 65 are two of my favorite highways!