The Journey is Part of the Fun

When planning a vacation, it never occurs to me to check prices of flights. Instead, I grab my phone and open Google Maps to see where the drive will take me. To me, getting to my destination is part of the fun. Whenever possible, I’ll even avoid the interstate system in favor of the road less traveled. The adventure begins as soon as I buckle up and pull out of the driveway.

My parents planned some great vacations growing up, and those road trips with the family fostered my love of the open road. We drove down the east coast on our way to meet my grandparents in Florida. We traveled through the mountains of Pennsylvania and New York to experience places like Gettysburg and Niagara Falls. We even drove across the mind-numbing plains of Ohio to visit family.

“I’m taking the scenic route” is a phrase I’ve uttered on just about every road trip since I started driving. Our country is full of hidden gems, hiding off the beaten path just waiting with all their charm for an unsuspecting motorist to happen upon them. Sure, the view from 30,000 feet is incredible, but the pilot isn’t gonna land just because I absolutely HAVE to stop at South of the Border or Mr. Ed’s Elephant Museum!

Road trips are designed to make memories. First of all, who doesn’t love stopping at a gas station convenience store and grabbing some junk food for the ride? You fill up the gas tank and grab some fuel for the soul. Reese’s pieces and candy cigarettes never taste as good as they do in a car headed out of town. Then there’s the prospect of that perfect meal from the only diner you’ve come across in 100 miles. Some of the best food I’ve ever enjoyed came from places I didn’t know existed. There’s a hole-in-the-wall bar on Rt 30 in Boswell that has a phenomenal burger called the 50/50. I’ve never tasted anything like it. Absolutely nothing beats the thrill of coming up on a colorful billboard alerting you to the must-see attraction just a couple miles down the road. That’s how my sister and I discovered Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth, MI. It wasn’t exactly on our way, but who could resist?

Last year, a road trip across our great Commonwealth on Lincoln Highway led to the discovery of Mr. Ed’s Elephant Museum and Candy Emporium. Let me assure you that even traveling through the mountains in a snowstorm, those billboards will grab your attention and tug at your soul. We were on a time crunch and resolved to stop on our way back home in a few days. Unfortunately, the impending blizzard wrecked those plans and we had to race back home on the turnpike, thus missing out on a trip to Mr. Ed’s. Ever optimistic, we just decided that another road trip was in order. As soon as we get the green light from the powers that be, you can bet we’ll be jumping in the car and heading East.

Did I mention that my sister is one of my absolute favorite road trip companions? She shares my enthusiasm for the unexpected treasures, and we rarely disagree on which music should be the soundtrack for the ride. Conversations are better on road trips too. Sometimes it’s just easier to talk when you’re staring out the window watching the world go by.

I’m over this whole stay-at-home business. I understand why it’s necessary, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it. I’m waiting, as patiently as I possibly can, for that glorious moment when I can jump in my Subaru, roll the windows down, crank the music up, and hit the road on a new adventure. Honestly, the destination isn’t even as important as the journey in my opinion. Remember to enjoy the ride!!