The tail end of the summer is when we usually pack our bags and head out for some summer fun across US or Europe.
This year we have decided to take on a 4,000 miles or 6,400 kilometers journey across US traveling through 10 states in 30 days.
First Stop The Show Me State
We spent a week with family doing all sorts of activities from cooling off at the pool, grilling, and attending the local county fair. It was great to go down memory lane and visit Washington and St. Louis again.
The kids loved the St. Louis Science Center, Purina Farms, Gateway Arch, and the Zoo. It was pretty easy to stay on budget as most of the activities were free except the Gateway Arch tram ride up to the top. Which makes it quiet possible to have an awesome & affordable time in the city.
No trip to the St. Louis area is complete without a stop at Imo’s Pizza. Mostaccoli, toasted ravioli, and St. Louis style pizza, are considered a midwestern delicacy. Thanks to the Heggemann family, we enjoyed home made ice-cream; which was a recipe dating back to their great-great-grandparents.
Second Stop-The Volunteer State
Despite the oppressive heat and humidity, we managed to do few fun activities and stayed cool. We spent our time in Memphis visiting with family and friends and exploring various areas of the city.
We visited Bass Pro Shop at the Pyramid, The Children’s Museum, The Peabody Hotel, and of course the Peanut Shoppe on Main Street. The Peabody ducks is also a must see Memphis tradition.
Memphis is known for their pork barbecue and fried chicken. In our opinion, it’s the best the nation has to offer. Our personal favorites would be the pulled pork sandwich from Corky’s and the Hot Fried Chicken Sandwich from Hattie B’s. The kids loved the popsicles from Mempops and Jerry’s Sno Cones. So yes, we ate our way through Memphis.
It was a packed week but the kids learned a lot and were excited about the experience.
Third Stop-The Lone Star State
Texas heat is no joke, especially in summer. Everything really is bigger in Texas, and the heat was no exception. It was really hot and humid so we kept it cool and let the kids swim at Aunt J’s pool. We literally spent four days by the pool. Even though we had plans to see the Loan Star Aviation Museum and check out the Miller Outdoor Theatre our plans fell through because the pool just felt so good.
The atmosphere, the lunch break, the rose garden and everything about it just felt really nice. Plus, it was nice to spend more time with Aunt J. On the same note, we enjoyed seeing the Kennedy and Handal families.
As you know BBQ is considered religion in Tennessee, Texas, and the Carolinas, so we were in for a treat. Tennessee barbecue is all about pork, while Texas barbecue is all about beef, and Carolina’s barbecue is all about “little bit of both” and mustard sauce.
Let me tell you, brisket sandwich at Killen’s barbecue was exceptional.
Excited to see more family and friends time really got away from us in Houston and we are definitely going to have to take another trip back, perhaps when the weather is little cooler.
Fourth Stop-The Tar Heel State
After three epic weeks visiting family and friends across the country, it was time for us to head to the beach. This year, we vacationed with another family to a beach they have come to love; Topsail, NC. While we are used to the Gulf of Mexico, aka 30A, we were happy to try another beach and one that was closer to home. This, Atlantic Ocean beach did not disappoint. We enjoyed 7 days of clear water, soft sand, clean beaches, and endless sun. We had the best time and loved getting to know the whole Vorndran family even more. This is the view we enjoyed for 7 days, enough said!
Final Thoughts
There you have it. Without a doubt, this road trip was an experience of a lifetime. It took us several months to iron out the logistics, but it was all worth it in the end. Our kids learned and experienced so much from state to state and city to city. We realized that there is so much to see and do in our own country. Even though we spent most of our time in four different states, we took full advantage of our short stop overs to check out the scenery, architecture, and indulge in local delicacies.
I really enjoyed the laidback lifestyle of the South and the sweet, sweet people of the Midwest. It made me realized how similar yet different we all are, but most importantly, we share the same underlying values in life. Who doesn’t want to dream big, have a happy life, and receive a good education?
On the flip side, a thirty day family road trip is nothing to sneeze at; there were many ups and downs along the way. But I will be honest, we did not regret taking our kids on a family road trip halfway across the US. We were also blessed to have the pleasure of my sister join us for a portion, and also my mother-in-law. There was no shortage of family on this FAMILY vacation.