Snappers, Shanks, and Saxophones: Marshall Mini-Break

Well, we did it. Joe and I survived our "long-haul" trek from Pittsburg, Texas. Now, I know what you’re thinking: "Tonya, that’s barely an hour’s drive." But try telling that to Joe. He lives to be behind the wheel, treating our sixty-minute jaunt like we were trailblazing the Oregon Trail. He was in his element, and I was in mine—which mostly involves pointing out the scenery he’s ignoring and reminding him that the speed limit is a suggestion for safety, not a personal challenge.

Dinner at The Ginocchio: Where History Meets My Appetite

Our first stop was The Ginocchio, and let me tell you, the ambiance is simply fabulous. The restaurant is tucked inside a grand old hotel right outside the old train station. You can almost hear the steam whistles and see the ghosts of travelers past—though most of the "traveling" Joe was doing was from the bread basket to his mouth.

The food? To die for:

• For Me: The Red Snapper. It was light, flaky, and sophisticated—the polar opposite of Joe’s driving style.

• For Joe: The Lamb Shanks. I’m convinced the plate needed structural reinforcement to hold them. Joe tackled those shanks like he hadn’t seen a square meal since the Reagan administration.

Then came the clincher. Our server informed us that the pastry chef makes all the desserts in-house daily. Well, you don’t have to tell me twice! We shared a slice of Mousse Cake that was so light and airy, I’m fairly certain it didn't have any calories at all. (Don't correct me on that; I've decided it's a scientific fact.)

A Night at the Hall: A Little Too Shiny?

Post-cake, we waddled over to Memorial City Hall to catch the Glenn Miller Orchestra.

Now, I’ll be honest: I expected the music hall to be a bit more... "fabulous." After coming from that gorgeous old hotel and train station, the hall felt a little too new for my taste. I like my theaters with a bit of dust, some velvet curtains that have seen a thing or two, and creaky floorboards that tell a story. This place was a bit too polished for a woman who prefers her history with a side of character.

But then, the band started, and I forgot all about the shiny floors.

Swingin’ with Glenn (and Jenny!)

The orchestra was absolutely charismatic. You forget how much "oomph" that Big Band sound has until it’s vibrating in your chest. They had a guest singer with them named Jenny, and it was just lovely. There’s something so special about hearing a young, fresh voice bring those World War II-era songs to life. It reminded me that good music doesn't have an expiration date—unlike Joe’s patience for red lights.

By the time Joe whisked me back to the car for the "expedition" home to Pittsburg, I was humming In the Mood and Joe was already planning our next pit stop. Marshall, you were a treat!