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It is made with two round graham crackers, about four inches in diameter, with a creamy marshmallow filling between them, dipped in a flavored coating. Perhaps the most popular flavor is chocolate, but they also come in vanilla, banana, strawberry, and salted caramel. Pair one of those pies with a Royal Crown Cola, and you’ve got a snack fit for a king. In my case, a Bill King!

I can’t tell you when I had my first RC Cola with a Moon Pie. I do know it was many moons ago…make that many Moon Pies ago.  I’ve had my fair share of them since then, but I had my first ones in quite some time a couple of weeks ago.

I can’t tell you which came first, the Moon Pie or the RC Cola. I can tell you, without a doubt, that those two in tandem are special. In case you’ve never had that combo, you’ve missed one of the great sweet treats of the South. I’m not exactly sure why, but many of the old timers, like myself, I guess, called that soft drink an R.O.C. cola. I can tell you where you can get both of them, plus a Goo-Goo Cluster candy bar too. A visit to Chattanooga, Tennessee, is not complete without a stop and shop at The Moon Pie General Store. They have all the standard flavors of Moon Pies, plus special ones like blueberry and lemon. Since their headquarters and bakery are right there in town, they are so fresh and soft they will melt in your mouth!   

Jean and I have been to Chattanooga twice in the past two weeks. Jean spent her childhood living in Chattanooga. Her aunt and uncle still lived there. When we learned that the Vienna Light Orchestra was coming to Chattanooga, we knew we had to go. I had also built several cigar-box guitars for folks up that way, so if figured I could drop off guitars, see the concert, and visit our aunt and uncle.

The concert was unbelievable! It was two hours filled with beautiful music by a large orchestra and gorgeous vocals. I could have stayed longer if they had played longer…and if the seats had been padded! Since the concert venue was located in the heart of Chattanooga, we decided to lodge down there. Honestly, I had no idea that Sticky Fingers BBQ, one of my favorites, or the Moon Pie store, where both located right around the corner from our hotel. I even bought some Moon Pies in beautiful tins that will make great looking guitars. I may have bought too many Moon Pies, so if you want one, come see me.

We also made time for a visit with Jean’s aunt and uncle while we were there. Little did we know that their 71st wedding anniversary would be two days after our visit. They had been married slightly longer than I’ve been, well, anything. After all those years together, I watched with great delight as I saw them holding hands during our visit. We certainly had no idea that less than a week later, he would be gone. We made a return trip to Chattanooga last Saturday to say a final goodbye. I had the honor of speaking at his funeral.

Life is short…even for those who live to be 92. Enjoy yours! Have a Moon Pie, or two, and with an RC Cola. Go hear some great music, go see those you love while you still can, and most of all, be ready when it’s your time to leave.