Run over an outlaw

Is it true, or is it just a myth? Is a notorious outlaw from the 1890's actually buried under the busy Tennessee Street? Many believe so. This landmark shares the absurd story. "Mountain" Tom Clark was well known and quickly established a hideous reputation often boasting about killing 18 folks. He was finally arrested and was housed in the local jailhouse. A mob of angry citizens forcefully took Tom and two burglars from the jail. Within minutes, all three were hanging from a local elm tree. Tom was known to also boast that “No man will ever run over Tom Clark!” Some locals dug him up and buried him under the road where he lies today being run over again and again. True or Myth? I prefer the myth.

After being entertained running my car over Tom several times, I drove a few miles to Bunyan's Bar-B-Que. Every local I spoke with confidently told me while in town to stop for a slaw dog. Many claim the "dog" as the best hot dog on planet Earth. As I pulled into the parking lot, I Googled it. Yep, it does carry a serious reputation. The building is a simple, neighborhood BBQ joint. You stand in line, order your food and then go out and sit at one of the old, beaten picnic tables located in the parking lot. I bought two. The presentation does not give it justice. The mustard slaw blankets the bright red-hot dog. The bun soaks in the slaw sauce immediately creating a soggy feel when eating. I ate both dogs in a matter of a minute or so. As I wiped some slaw residue off of my lower lip and chin, I smiled immensely, agreeing that it was the best hot dog in the world.

Leaving the town of Florence, I head to the streets of the neighboring Muscle Shoals. Since the 1960's, two music studios, FAME and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, continue putting out tunes for us to enjoy. Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart and Areatha Franklin are just a few who recorded hit after hit in this small northwestern city. Both studios are open to the public and offer tours. In the popular Lynyrd Skynyrd tune, "Sweet Home Alabama" the band members give a shout out - "Now Muscle Shoals has got the Swampers and they've been known to pick a song or two.....Sweet home Alabama, Where the skies are so blue, Sweet Home Alabama, Lord, I'm coming home to you". By the way, Swampers are southern musicians who put out a funky, soulful sound. As I depart back to my trailer for the day I search my music app for - yep you know it - "Sweet Home Alabama".