Hello Friends!
Is It Spring Yet???
Happy February! We're one month closer to spring praise God! I'm sitting here covered up with a warm blanket, with my fur babies in my home state of KY; writing to y'all, dreaming of sunshine filled days and long summer evenings by a campfire somewhere. OK, so I am sitting by a fireplace fire, but outside my window there is no sunshine, only snow–gently falling on this cold silent winter evening. Cozy? I guess. Winter does have it's moments, but I prefer a beach...just sayin.'
Is it spring yet?
Urban Adventure
How was your weekend? Part of mine was spent on a little urban adventure with friends in a super cool establishment in Huntington, WV. Y'all know how I love historic places; well if you're ever in that direction, check out 21 at The Frederick. https://www.21atthefrederick.com/
The Frederick Hotel opened in 1906 and was described as being the grandest hotel from Pittsburg to Cincinnati. The hotel is built in a neoclassical style and was named after George Frederick Miller, financier of the building project. In 1973, the hotel closed its doors but fortunately was not torn down.
Makes me think of the game 'Clue'–Col. Mustard, in the study, with a candlestick!
Today it houses a restaurant called 'The 21,' as well as shops and offices. The upper floors now serve as apartments. This is a perfect example of what can be done with historic buildings and why it is so important to save them. If only all municipalities could see this vision and understand the value.
21 at the Frederick, Huntington, WV
We took in food and cocktails at the 21 until closing, then moved into the lobby, sinking up in soft, cushy couches, enjoying conversation and more cocktails from the elegant bar trimmed in red leather.
Cocktail & spirit selection was impressive!
Dim lights, heavy wooden doors, gorgeous stained glass pendent light fixtures, and black and white tiled floors was for me, reminiscent of old Hollywood; luxurious, very swank and stylish. I felt like I was in a Bogart & Bacall movie. It's pricey, but you're also paying for the experience...which was awesome!
Thought I heard Bogie say "Here's looking at you, kid"
No Oven? No Milk? No Problem!
So what else have I been up to? Well, y'all know I've been working and hanging out a lot in my vintage travel trailer. It has a propane stove but no oven. I'm thinking of getting a stove top camp oven, and maybe even a solar oven, but in the meantime, I thought I would share with you how to 'bake' without an oven...because when there seems to be no way–you just make one! That's what our ancestors did, and being from the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, I love the old timey ways. I'm so glad I grew up here and in the time period I did. I came in on the tail end of the old way of doing things and learned a lot–which comes in handy if you're boondocking or living off grid!
From uptown to downhome, I love it all!
For my no oven baking demonstration, I chose to make HOMEMADE cornbread. That's right kids–no store bought mixes here! Normally, I would use buttermilk, but this demonstration also shows you how to make homemade cornbread with no milk at all. I don't like milk; never drink it, but I do cook with it. Since I've been doing the low-carb thing, I've been staying away from bread, as well as milk. However, sometimes us southern folk just have to have a "pone" of cornbread!
From cocktails to cornbread y'all!
This is one of those old-timey methods–substituting milk with a magic ingredient; which also has many other uses. Again, handy to know because when you're camping, traveling on the road, or boondocking. Multi-purpose products are a must. You don't want to be carrying several items when one can do the job. To view video of this demonstration and learn what the magic ingredient is, click here:
And just like that...this gal can go from cocktails to cornbread! That's what they call versatile y'all!
Birthday Trip Booked!
If you've been following along on the YouTube channel, you remember I said my childhood friend and I were coming upon a milestone birthday and were contemplating where to celebrate? Well, we came up with a pretty elaborate location! How's 'built in 1778' for historic? I'm super excited and you're invited to come along!
Stay Tuned, More Exciting News Soon!
Exciting news coming soon–so be sure and SUBSCRIBE to the blog here AND to the Gal Gone Camping YouTube channel. Also follow along on Facebook & Instagram! Stay safe and stay warm!
Until Next Time, Remember...DON'T WAIT TO LIVE!
See ya down the road,
Catrina
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