Who here is ready for a road trip? I know I am.
There’s something exhilarating about watching the sun wake the day while you venture out to see what the world has to offer. When the weather is nice, I like to open the windows and I always have good tunes to set the tone.
One of my favorite things about a good road trip is actually ditching the car to explore on foot. There’s nothing better than finding a nice downtown, parking the car, and taking a walk.
That’s how you see the things the car window cannot show you. It’s surprising how many historic plaques, flower boxes, alleyway murals, and nice patches of shade you’ll find when beating the pavement. Of course, this doesn’t include the smells and sounds you miss with the windows rolled up.
Ah, I just reread that last sentence. I suppose I should change it to say “with the windows closed” but I’m a young Gen Xer and car windows in my vocabulary will always be rolled. And I’m ok with that.
On pavement, you’re more apt to wander into a nice shop or to say hello to a stranger. You may even find yourself enticed by the aromas of a bakery or cafe so that you go in to sit a while.
A good road trip always includes a good road trip snack and lunch. That’s part of the fun. I don’t make the rules. That’s just how it works.
Some towns reveal many secrets on these walks. Brick sidewalks and pocket parks, chalk drawings and cats in shop windows are some favorite things to discover.
I like to take pictures of things I see both to have a record of the journey and because it changes the way I perceive the world. Looking, not for the best picture, but the most honest one is my technique these days.
Depending on how far you go, a road trip could be just for the day or for many days. It could cost you some lunch and some gallons of gas or it could be an all out Thelma and Louise adventure. Just don’t end it the way they did!
By the way, I’ve been to Canyonlands National Park in Utah where they shot that movie. Now THAT was an epic road trip. If you ever get a chance, Utah is a wonderful road tripping state.
But there are things to explore all across this great nation. So exit the interstate and look for the interesting.
These little towns, city neighborhoods, and rural roads through forests and farmland are the beating heart of this country. It’s where life happens. So take the drive but remember the journey is the destination. Slow down to enjoy it. Slow down and make the journey fun.
PS- The dog pictured isn’t mine but I spotted him in a car parked next to me recently and he seemed like a good (if not judgmental) boy waiting to feel the wind in his ears.
Yes, yes to exiting the interstate and traveling the back roads of beautiful America!
It’s the best way to go!
We also have rituals for our roadtrips. Upon crossing the Ohio River, we break out either a half of homemade ham salad sandwich or homemade egg salad sandwich. We celebrate the beginning of our yearlong -anticipated beach journey. The stress and tension roll off our shoulders and sweet memories begin. Ah, let’s get moving!!
That sounds divine. I love a good egg salad sandwich and it is a classic road trip goodie!
That dog really does seem to be giving you the side-eye!
I’m planning to do a walking tour of nearby Dolores this summer. It’s always been a pass-through place for me, but I’ve gotten a few tips recently of things I shouldn’t miss there.
lol. That dog cracked me up because he stayed that way for a long while.
You’ll have to report back on Dolores. You never know when I’ll be back in your area and looking for somewhere to explore!
I’m a huge fan of road trips as well. And agreed, Utah is a fabulous spot to take a road trip, especially in the south with all those national and state parks. We’re actually planning to take a three week road trip in August to New Brunswick and the Gaspe Peninsula in Quebec. I can hardly wait.