For the past few months I’ve been using BWI airport in my travel because of the best deal on airline ticket. I usually take the early morning flight in order to avoid the morning rush hour traffic at 495 Beltway and Interstate 95. In booking my return flight, I love the last flight because the airport is almost empty and that Highway 95 and the Beltway are free from traffic jam.

Two weeks ago, I decided to explore the Southern States of Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana because of my special interest on the history of the Civil War especially the Confederate Movement in the South. Although I have not thoroughly read the Civil War history but the monuments and museums that I’ve seen in the States of Virginia, Mississippi, Georgia, West Virginia and North Carolina are tangible proofs on how Democracy has really evolved in this country.

In order to maximize my travel time, I did a thorough Internet research on the historic places that I have to go to in each State. After which I did a map quest on the directions from one place to the other and from one State to another. With all the information and directions with me, I found it easy and my road trip in the South went on smoothly. I never got lost (thanks to Mapquest.com) because I literally followed my itinerary and the sequencing of the museums and places that I have to visit. While driving the mountains of Kentucky on my way to Tennessee, I almost gave up because of the long hours involved but then I got motivated by my desire to explore the mountains and valleys of America. From the Blue Grass State of Lexington, Kentucky to the hometown of the big T (the University of Tennessee VOLS) is a 175 miles drive of mountains and forest. From the Great American Park of Cincinnati Reds (Ohio) to the home of 2007 Super bowl Champion – the Indianapolis Colts (Indiana) is a 116 miles drive of farms and historic towns. It was a great ride to remember with some quick nap in the rest area and a little snack of “carb pumping” in order to keep me energized.

At the heart of Indianapolis, Indiana is a huge monument in the center of the Rotunda dedicated to Indiana Volunteers who fought during the War for the Union, that with Spain, Mexico and the Indian and British War. The Indiana World War Memorial is a magnificent building whose architecture is reminiscent of the Roman Empire and Ancient Egyptian. Adjacent to the monument is the Christ Church Episcopal Cathedral established in 1837 with its gothic spires typical of the churches in Rome. One hundred miles South of Indianapolis is the old Church and Convent of Immaculate Conception located at Oldenburg, Indiana founded in 1851 by the Franciscan Sisters, which now serves as the Motherhouse of the Sisters of the Third Order of Saint Francis.

At the center of Cincinnati’s history is the William Howard Taft National Historic Site. William Taft is the first Civil Governor of the Philippines from 1901 to 1904. Five years later he was elected and served as President of the United States from 1909 to 1913, eight years after his last day in the White House in 1921, he was appointed U.S. Supreme Court Justice until his death in March 8, 1930. Until today, Taft is the only person to serve as President and Chief Justice of the United States. Of equal significance is the Taft Museum of Art owned by Charles (half brother of William) and Anna Taft, which exhibits 17th to 19th century not only Dutch paintings but British, French, and American paintings. The museum includes a collection of Chinese porcelains, 18th century sculpture, 18th century French commodes, world-renowned collection of French Renaissance Limoges enamels and 17th to 18th century watches. Going South on Interstate 75 is the Blue Grass State of Kentucky. I stayed in Lexington, the horse capital of the world and had a good tour of Kentucky Horse Park which houses more than 40 breeds of horses, the International Horse Museum, Walnut Hall Stud Horse Cemetery and the monument in honor of “Man O’ War”, the greatest race horse and leading money winner during his day and has generated a total earnings of $3.5 million. Also famous to the place is the Lexington Cemetery where hundreds of Confederate soldiers were interred. Also at the 18th century cemetery is a monument erected in the gravesite of Henry Clay, one of America’s greatest Statesman and Orator and who served as House Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and Secretary of State during the Presidency of John Quincy Adams.

Knoxville, Tennessee was my last frontier and I was determined to continue on driving through Interstate 75 South. Established in 17th century, Knoxville, Tennessee is the home the Supreme Court of Tennessee and of Blount Mansion. William Blount was Governor of the Territory South of the Ohio River and was delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and a signer of the Constitution of the United States. Located on the hillside of Knoxville is the Immaculate Conception Church built in the 1800 where Father Abram J. Ryan, confederate chaplain and poet of the Confederacy served as pastor from 1865 to 1867. I drove around the town of Knoxville and discovered how the folks are crazy about the BIG T (Tennessee Vols). After two hours of joy riding around Knoxville, I decided to hit Highway 75 North, back to Lexington, Kentucky where I will spend the night. The following day, I was behind the wheel early morning in order to explore more the beauty of Kentucky. After 1:00 in the afternoon, I got exhausted and was ready to hit the Blue Grass Airport where the plane will take me back to BWI airport in Maryland.

Now, the next Road Trip is either Highway 65 going up North from Arkansas to Minnesota or Highway 81 from Oklahoma going up towards North Dakota. Anybody wants to go? My e-mail is rene19va@yahoo.com