Last week we headed to the “motherland” of Southwest Virginia (yes – that is where my mom is from) for a few days of rest, relaxation and fun with some friends.  Had a great time in Abingdon, ate well at Shatley Springs and started on an awesome adventure on the New River.  Unfortunately the rain decided to make the canoe trip a little less than desirable.  We survived and plan to go on the trip next year.  We may or may not canoe again but we’re definitely up for a campfire and hanging out on the river.

Thanks again to Nick & Amy who planned the camping/canoe expedition.  Also – thanks to everyone for only giving us a little grief for packing up and heading out the second night.  The “motherland” happened to have a parent’s house in it with a hot shower, warm meal and dry bed.  We thought about stay – for a minute – and decided you all would really want us to take advantage of the warm and dry environment.

I am not an authority on cheesesteaks – nor for the purposes of this post will I claim to be.  Cheesesteaks have roots in Philadelphia and to date I have not been anywhere but the Philly airport and that did not give me enough time to get a cheesesteak from any of the places famous for making such items.  So this review will not make any claims regarding how this sandwich may compare to anything outside of the greater Raleigh metropolitan area.  I’ve seen It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and I don’t want to disturb the crazies by making such claims.

All that aside and disclaimers out of the way – Anvil’s Cheesesteaks is likely one of the best in the geographic area from which I am allowed to comment.  The bread was fresh, the mix of meat, onions and peppers was right (not too much of one or not enough of the other) and the staff was really friendly.  It is a small thing but the nice lady behind the register introduced herself when she asked for my name on my order.  It is rare and very nice when that happens – makes you appreciate the small town feel of a place as Raleigh climbs towards being a bigger city.

The menu is simple and the food is excellent.  A sandwich and a bag of chips will run you well under $10 and I won’t be hungry again for a while. They are located in the Swift Creek Shopping Center off of Tryon Road so they might be a little out of the way for most people but worth the minimal amount of extra effort for the food and hospitality.

Every lightsaber ignition and retraction in the movies – in order.  Pretty cool.

This can only mean one thing…  a return to ?@&!ing television for Kenny Powers and Eastbound & Down.  Yes – the video has harsh language and probably shouldn’t be viewed by children, parents or anyone with a relative moral compass.

Miss the first season of Eastbound & Down?  You have until September 26th to catch up.  The show is set in Shelby, NC and from what I’ve seen does a pretty good job capturing the “Charlotean” spirit.  (Yes – I expect hate mail on that one.)

I know – a lot of YouTube posts today.  Go figure – the rain is making me surf.