The Spice of Life

Yesterday, Meredith and I went on a random road trip. Actually, it was more of Mer calling me to say she was in the mood to take a trip in her Jeep and I happily accompanied her. So, at 10:30 am, she picked me up and we just went. We had something of a plan, knowing that she wanted to take a route towards Lake Seminole. However, we did not really have a plan. We just went.

Our day trip turned into about seven hours of randomness. We covered three states: Florida, Alabama, and Georgia. We explored a random dirt road. We saw ridiculous billboards touting that abstinence education is the way to save our teenagers. We stopped to read historical markers. Around 1:30 we decided to find a roadside adventure for lunch. Our first attempt was when we both caught a sign for "The Crazy Bear."

How could we not stop there? Well, it was closed. Sad day. So we turned around and continued our trip. As we left, we saw a handmade wooden sign for the "Big Bad Wolf Saloon." Thus began attempt number two for lunch. So in Ft. Gaines, GA, we found the place to stop.

Not only did we find a place to eat, but we found a fabulous place to eat. The first sign of a good decision was number of motorcycles sitting outside. You know you have found a good place when (dot dot dot) and we did. Hands down, one of, if not the best burgers I have had since I moved. Completely a locals kind of restaurant/bar and owned by such nice people. Delicious.

After lunch, we started to head back toward Florida. We stopped at a gas station along the way and decided to grab some ice cream. Hint: do not try to eat an ice cream bar in August while driving a Jeep with the top down. After the ice cream, we stopped at some cute antique shops in downtown Havana. Then we headed home.

The morals of the story: do not waste a beautiful day inside, and you do not always need a plan. The weather was so gorgeous, and the trip was much needed therapy. Even on semi-planned trips, Mer and I are starting to be known for our random sidetracks (like the smallest church in America we found on our way to Columbia...or our history lessons on our way back from Jacksonville). But really, what could make a trip better?

Actually, you do not even have to leave town. Even today, Meredith, Kinsley, and I just made random trips around town that provided some pretty good entertainment. Plus, Meredith and I found an event downtown for the evening. Although, this event just made us realize 1) most local bands should not cover classics 2) people watching always makes good conversation and 3) Tallahassee has nothing on South Carolina when it comes to cheering for your team in a true traditional style. Sorry friends, but it is true.

Oh, and we never really saw Lake Seminole. Not that we needed to.