Corbin, Kentucky

Yesterday we left the craziness of Pigeon Forge.  As more and more car show people arrived, it was getting more insane.  It was our original intent to leave on Friday morning.  We were not driven out of town by the car show.  As we left Pigeon Forge and headed to Corbin, Kentucky, we made a couple of detours.  On purpose detours.  But with us, you never know.

We went to Cumberland Gap, Tennessee, a quaint, beautiful little town.  We did not hike up to the Cumberland Gap, but that definitely has been placed on my to do list.

It was a short drive on to Corbin.  We entered the tunnel in Tennessee and when we exited, we were in Kentucky.  I had never been in that part of the USA.  I thought every second of the drive was gorgeous.

Corbin is not a very large town and I knew nothing about it except our friends the Toadvines live there.  Steve and Ann and their children welcomed us into their home.  We had two great meals and great fellowship.  Come to find out, Corbin is quite famous.  It is the home of the Cumberland Falls and Kentucky Fried Chicken.

We were not in a hurry today.  The Toadvines took us out to the falls.  We went to the vista points and hiked part way up one of the trails.  How many stairs can be in one tenth of a mile?  I did not count, but there was a bunch. 

After a good Italian food lunch, we then visited the first Kentucky Fried Chicken.  It was not known as KFC then.  It was called Sanders Cafe.  The Colonel also owned a motel and a gas station, neither of which remain.

Inside is a museum of sorts and a regular KFC.  There were menus and such from the original little diner.  At the time the diner was opened, recipes from the menu were printed on little cards and given to the customers upon request.

 One thing Marc and I found interesting was an old paycheck that was displayed.  The year on the check was 1954.  The amount was 2.57.  The net amount.  The gross amount was $2.63.  There was a six cent deduction for old age insurance, what is now known as FICA.   I feel sure that lady has gotten her investment back.

We enjoyed our time in Corbin with the Toadvine family.  Another great day in the USA.

Terri