This week I began a journey. I decided to, with my best friend, drive up to his home in Hooksett, New Hampshire! I began writing this from the car as we drive through Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia and finished on a couch in a warm home in New Hampshire. This road trip was amazing because I hadn't seen snow (not ever) and with every state line the temperature dropped just a little and I became just a bit more excited about the prospect of seeing snow! Come along with me and meet the people I met, see the sights I saw on my journey to the north!

Each state we stopped and took pictures at the states’ Welcome Centers! This was reliving memories for me because in 8^th grade we traveled to D.C and at each state, we took pictures with the welcome signs! Although, after Virginia my friend and I just wanted to get to his home so we decided not to stop so often!

Day 1

Georgia!

The Carolinas!

In South Carolina we stopped at a Burger King for lunch and as you can see I wore my University of Tampa sweatshirt. This nice lady was staring at me from across the room and eventually she walked over. She began to tell us how she and her husband were on their way to Tampa to leave on a cruise for the Caribbean! They were so kind to us.

She told us how she was originally from just south of Buffalo, New York. How that is where they spent the summers because it is too hot in South Carolina. Her and her husband were so excited for me to see snow. He told us how he grew up in a home built in 1840 and he would wake up and run to the window to see snow then sit by the furnace to stay warm. He told us of "how much [he] missed" not seeing snow. As they departed she said, "Think of me in the keys" and he, "and me at the blackjack table!" and so we parted ways.

Virginia

Virginia was the end of Day 1 and thanks to our friend Brandi we had a home to stay in. I loved Virginia and her dog Fat Boy! He became my best friend. I cannot thank her and her family enough for inviting us into their home!

Brandi

Fat Boy!

Day 2

On the second day, we were up early! For breakfast we stopped at a local Subway where we met another person who made our day, his name was Ravi. Ravi was the owner of this Subway near Portsmith, Virginia who just recently purchased this store. We walked in around 9 am and this man was just opening for the day. Frantically, he apologized and rushed to make sure our experience was good. We told him not to rush on our part and struck up a conversation with him. Turns out, Ravi had just purchased this store but owned another in Williamsburg and couldn't find workers so he is the only man at this branch at the moment. This man was so nice and full of kindness, he gave us free cookies and sent us off with well wishes. His kindness stayed with us.

The Northeast

This is New Jersey - Where I saw snow for the first time!

I was absolutely mesmerized when I saw New York!

Traveling the Northeast was amazing! In New York, I saw the Empire State Building and Freedom Tower! I think my inner nerd showed most passing by Terry Town and Sleepy Hollow, I swear I saw the headless horseman. Then in Jersey where I saw snow for the first time! Then we moved on to Connecticut where we passed Waldo Pond! Finally sliding into New Hampshire at a brisk 18 degrees, the coldest weather I have ever been in!

At this point, I still haven't seen snow fall, but it should be coming soon! This trip was an absolutely full of unique experiences and I made memories I won't forget. I spent two days - 24 hours total - in a car with my best friend and had an experience I could not have imagined. One of the best parts was having a support group through Facebook that included friends and my family where each post they would comment and follow us on our journey. It was amazing to see my friends comment, "that is my home!" and "I grew up there!" on my pictures and updates - thank you!

Tell me about your favorite road trip! And tune in next week for a recap of my 5 days in New Hampshire!