I know we were supposed to leave Maryland yesterday, but after working Sunday there was no way I was going to be packed and ready to get on the road by a decent hour Monday morning. So instead we packed and spent time with Mom and Dad on Monday. I can proudly say we had my car 95% packed by Monday night.
We started our adventure by going up to Hagerstown to see my grandparents and then were off on the open road. Well, I-81. Which isn’t all that exciting till you hit mid-Virgina if we are honest (and even then exciting is a bit strong of a word).
We made our first stop at the Virgina Welcome Center (pictured below).
Virgina Welcome Center
Many pamphlets, brochures, and maps were procured (not pictured). All of which almost immediately found there way into the dark recesses of the car never to be seen again.
Pretty Fancy for a rest stop
Austin took over driving at this point and we headed further down the road. We had entertainment like Tractor-Trailer Racing:
The white truck is finally pulling ahead!
And Guess-whats-on-the-trailer:
Turns out it was just a big tank thing
It was a pretty grey and dreary drive to Verona, VA where we stopped for lunch. I was hunting on my phone for a good hometown type restaurant (No McDs for me, please) and we found a awesome place called Armstrong’s.
Armstrong's
Austin and I were probably the youngest ones in the place and the only ones the waitress did not know by name. My hot roast-beef sandwich (with mashed potatoes and gravy) was awesome as were the few bites of Austin’s Philly Cheese-steak I managed to grab.
Bellies full (and ready for a nap if I am honest) we headed back out on the road.
Going down I-81
From then on out out main focus was to make it to the hotel. We were exhausted and ready to be out of the car. Road-trips are fun in the day light. Once dark hits I am ready to be out of the car and into a bed.
Night time driving
We reached Dandridge, TN about 7:30pm – checked into our room and headed back out to find some food. The hotel clerk recommended a Chinese place 5 minutes down the road so back in the car (ugh) to grab some carryout.
Yes, we pulled the desk over to a bed as a table
After dinner, showers, and updating this it is way past bedtime. We hope to get to Nashville for lunch and a bit of wandering around town before making it to somewhere in Arkansas for the night.
Loved reading about the road trip. Please keep updating!
Glad you are enjoying it! Don’t worry, I will keep updating.
Wow, you really did find unique, local, Mom & Pop place to eat! Nice work. It sounds like you guys made the best of a rather rainy day on the road.