Monday, March 17th, it was time to bid farewell to Fort Knox and our time there. Eric officially "signed out" on leave. Our household goods had been packed and started their journey the week before. Now it was time for us to drive both our cars to Fort Bliss in El Paso, TX, and start our adventures there.
Since this trip was a little longer than our normal road trips and we were driving in separate cars; we decided to take full advantage of the "extra time" and have a mini vacation along the way. We looked for off-the-beaten path attractions as we planned our moving trip. I tried to plan some so we could see a few friends along the way and ensure we had a place to stay; but we also left some time to just explore this part of America together.
That Monday morning, of course, started with a spot of coffee (don't fret, the rest of this post will include more about teapots) one last time at Fort Knox:
We planned the first leg of the trip only to Memphis, TN, which is about 5.5 hours from Fort Knox, KY. This wasn't too bad for the first day. PLUS, I found something super fun that was about half way to Memphis - the Teapot Collection in Trenton, TN. I found it online and started looking at pictures there, and decided we MUST go. Eric was willing to go see something different, and he knows how I do so love tea.
Once in Trenton, we started seeing all sorts of signs shaped like teapots and referencing the collection.
Actually finding the "museum" took a little doing, but that is ok. Eventually, a postman directed us to City Hall, where they have a large room full of teapots. A lady there turned on the lights so we could see them. This is a permanent exhibition. Who would have thought that Trenton, TN, is recognized as the World's Largest Collection of Porcelain Veilleuses-Theieres? Not I, but it is! We found it! The teapots on display are dated from 1750 to 1860. They have a FEW teacups here and there, but the focus is teapots and even most of those also have little spots to put a candle. They are from all over the world.
So we took this opportunity to break up our travels for the day, see something "new", and stretch our legs with a bit of fun.
The teapots were mostly behind glass. Here I am, playing around like I am about to pick it up:
Eric was surprised to enjoy this museum a bit, too.
There were MANY teapots. This is just one side of the room:
There was something special about the 4 teapots with an "N" for Napoleon. We found all four of them.
I liked the variety.
Did I mention that there were a few teapots in this collection?
You know how I love elephants!
So very many pretty teapots!
I think I can get this shot...
My handsome Eric, looking through the literature there, which was slightly underwhelming. (the writeup was boring, NOT my Eric)
There was also this special China set.
Why yes, I def will kiss my sweetie by the teapots!
There is a teapot for everyone here... from the fun & silly to weird and bazaar, beautifully elogent, historical, fascinating, cute, etc.
So there was just this big room and most of the walls were lined with glass-encased shelving for teapots. There was also a nice chandelier hanging at the far end of the room:
Outside of the main display room, there was a wall by a window with some different glasses and a few teacups:
I did like some of these tea cups. The glasses were pretty, but I enjoyed the tea cups much more.
Then they had a display case with some other teapots and a few historical items from the county/area. Oh, and then they had ALL these SPOONS, like this:
We aren't sure what all the spoons, well, why? There was no sign explaining them... Maybe you need spoons to go with the cream and 2 sugars in your tea? Ha.
Trenton is very proud of the teapot collection. There are banners and signs all over town:
Above the spoons, there were penguin salt and pepper shakers and some other figurines, including this creepy doll. We don't know why.
Front of city hall also reminds you that they have some teapots there.
People have signs in their yards, like this, to remind you that they are proud of their teapots. Some of the address markings for houses include a small teapot picture, as well. Or, just a random teapot cutout in their yard. (I mean, why not?) This bit of whimsy does seem fun, but then again I love tea. It also makes it a little more difficult when you are looking for a teapot museum and keep seeing teapot signs all over the town, but not many clearly directing the way to said teapot display...
Anti-litter campaigns can use teapots, too.
Not sure if you can see it in this picture or not - but in this house, waaaay up on the third floor in the window, they have a few teapots on display. Fun.
So there was just this big room and most of the walls were lined with glass-encased shelving for teapots. There was also a nice chandelier hanging at the far end of the room:
Outside of the main display room, there was a wall by a window with some different glasses and a few teacups:
I did like some of these tea cups. The glasses were pretty, but I enjoyed the tea cups much more.
Then they had a display case with some other teapots and a few historical items from the county/area. Oh, and then they had ALL these SPOONS, like this:
We aren't sure what all the spoons, well, why? There was no sign explaining them... Maybe you need spoons to go with the cream and 2 sugars in your tea? Ha.
Trenton is very proud of the teapot collection. There are banners and signs all over town:
Above the spoons, there were penguin salt and pepper shakers and some other figurines, including this creepy doll. We don't know why.
People have signs in their yards, like this, to remind you that they are proud of their teapots. Some of the address markings for houses include a small teapot picture, as well. Or, just a random teapot cutout in their yard. (I mean, why not?) This bit of whimsy does seem fun, but then again I love tea. It also makes it a little more difficult when you are looking for a teapot museum and keep seeing teapot signs all over the town, but not many clearly directing the way to said teapot display...
Anti-litter campaigns can use teapots, too.
Eric & Hannah, and a few teapots!
That's it for our first day of moving adventures. After exploring Trenton and seeing ALL the teapots for a bit, we returned to our cars and continued. We went to a hotel just outside of Memphis, made sandwiches in the hotel to celebrate St. Patty's Day, and got some rest. The hotel was AWEFUL - mainly a paint thinner smell... but that's another story. I have since complained... and will mainly focus on the teapots for this first day because they were so much more exciting than the hotel. But it did serve it's purpose and we got some rest before the second day of driving.
As for the teapots, we really liked visiting the teapot display. If you've never heard me sing (& act out) MY version of "I'm a Little Teapot" - def. ask me to do so next time you see me. Yes, I did this - in the teapot museum. (How could I not?) Eric may or may not have a video of this...
