Three or four miles into our walk, we stopped at a tiny, pink building on the side of the road, called Hi-Lo Burgers and Shakes (17111 Lee Highway), and ordered up a couple of foot-longs. OK, so not all Virginia pit stops qualify as “fine dining,” but this one certainly qualified as “tasty.” Richard also got an Oreo shake, once again showing me up, and then we retired to a picnic table at the edge of the parking lot to devour our chili-laden dogs. And let me just say, wow, Hi-Lo really makes a delicious dog. Perhaps it was only because I was so hungry from walking, but I can't recall eating a tastier one.

We continued our hike down to Bristol and, after posing for the requisite photos at the state line, retired to the State Line Bar and Grille, where I feasted on flounder and mixed vegetables. I hate to say it since the restaurant was on the wrong side of the street (i.e., the Tennessee side), but the meal was scrumptious.

We said our goodbyes, and Richard continued his trek into the hinterlands while I called a taxi and returned to Abingdon. It was time for my movable feast to continue. I discovered, tucked in behind a drive-thru donut stand on Main Street, a squat, wooden building that boasted fine, casual dining: The Peppermill. Sounded like a great place to end my day. It was.

Peppermill’s interior was subdued and serene. Large original art hung on the walls, jazzy riffs played over the speakers, and each candlelit table had plenty of space around it. Everything on the menu sounded good, but I settled on grilled chicken pasta, which was served in a light but spicy cream sauce that included black beans, corn, mushrooms and tomatoes. Delicious, yes, but before I feasted on that, I had to make my way through warm and wonderful honey wheat bread, a cup of potato chowder, and an appetizer of Cajun-fried crawfish tail with a Creole remoulade. My mouth is watering again just recounting this menu.