7 States in 7 Days - Epic Road Trip Adventure!
Hey there, it’s Ray! Buckle up because I’m inviting you to join me on an ambitious seven-day road trip to the East Coast and back—a journey that turned out to be so much more than I expected. Along the way, we ventured off-road in Missouri, drove underwater in Maryland, got a little Zen in Indiana, paid heartfelt respects in Pennsylvania and made pit stops for some seriously yummy BBQ and plant-based eats. Plus, you’ll get a dose of my stream-of-consciousness musings. Ready? Let’s hit the road!
Day 1: From North Texas through Oklahoma
It all started early Thursday morning in North Texas, heading east with big plans and even bigger excitement. Crossing into Oklahoma, the journey began uneventfully, aside from the state’s notoriously bumpy roads. The most heart-wrenching moment came when I passed a flatbed truck with dogs tied to the back. My mind instantly went into rescue mode, wishing I could scoop them all up and give them better lives. After that emotional detour, I pressed on into Missouri.
That night, I stayed at a charming motel along old Route 66 in St. Robert. Nostalgia was thick in the air, and I was feeling the vibe of the open road.
Day 2: Off-Roading in Missouri and Indiana Zen
Missouri greeted me with a meet-up with Mario from Adventure Gear TV on YouTube. He took me to a dispersed camping spot in Mark Twain Forest. Let me tell you—it was breathtakingly beautiful and peaceful, even though my minivan struggled with some dips and bumps along the way. Mario’s kindness and the serene environment made it a highlight of the trip.
The next stop was Richmond, Indiana, where I kicked off my morning with a power walk in the picturesque Glen Miller Park. This place is steeped in history, spanning over 100 years and filled with lush trails, a fountain and even remnants of a zoo and cemetery. Fun fact: it’s named after a railroad exec, not the famed orchestra leader Glenn Miller.
Day 3: The Emotional Heart of the Trip in Pennsylvania
After powering through Ohio and briefly dipping into West Virginia (thanks for the surprise, GPS), I found myself in Pennsylvania. The highlight here was the Flight 93 Memorial. It’s both sobering and inspiring—a tribute to the heroes aboard the doomed flight who made a difference in the face of tragedy. The Tower of Voices, a 93-foot tall wind chime structure, filled the air with haunting - yet beautiful sounds. It was a moment of reflection and gratitude, the kind that sticks with you long after the trip ends.
Day 4: Fall Colors and Jersey Dreams
Next up, New Jersey! The Garden State was in full autumn splendor. I took a breezy walk in a local park before heading to Sea Girt Beach. No, it wasn’t *that* Jersey Shore, but a quieter, more serene stretch of coast. Walking barefoot in the sand, watching the waves roll in, I couldn’t help but dream of owning one of the gorgeous homes lining the boardwalk. (Spoiler alert: they’re *way* out of my budget.)
I ended the day with tacos from a local joint and hit the hay, ready to tackle the road again.
Day 5: Roanoke and a Starry Night
Driving south, I made an impromptu stop at Hungry Mother State Park in Virginia. With a name as intriguing as its lore, the park boasts lush trails, a pristine lake and a haunting backstory about a mother and child seeking refuge. It’s a place where history and nature intertwine.
By evening, I rolled into Roanoke, Virginia—dubbed the “Star City of the South.” The highlight? The Roanoke Star, a giant illuminated beacon weighing over 10,000 pounds. Standing beneath its glow and taking in the panoramic views of the city below was nothing short of magical. It was the perfect way to end the day.
Day 6: Music City Madness
After a long drive, I arrived in Nashville, Tennessee, just in time to experience the city’s legendary Friday night buzz. I grabbed some mouthwatering smoked brisket tacos at Martin’s Barbecue Joint and washed them down with a local craft beer. Then, it was off to Broadway Street, where live music, party buses and neon lights made me feel both energized and slightly overwhelmed. It was like Times Square but with short skirts and cowboy hats.
Day 7: Little Rock and the Last Hurrah
The final stretch took me into Little Rock, Arkansas just before dark. The night-life downtown was serene - nothing like the chaos in Nashville. A few people dotted the streets and the free streetcars were mostly empty.
I had a relaxing dinner and some red wine at Ariana’s Pizza. Then I popped into the convention center where festive the Christmas decorations served as a perfect backdrop for my annual holiday photo. I wandered the streets for a while, then called it a night just before 10 pm.
The next morning I headed out in the rain for a waterfront power-walk among the famous bridges. Four miles along the banks of beautiful Arkansas river where the path is expertly curated with dozens of artsy sculptures.
After a quick shower I treated myself to brunch at Flora Jeans, a quirky vegetarian spot housed in a former blue jean factory, turned bank. You can even dine inside the vault - a tiny roo. with 6-inch concrete walls and a sturdy steel door.
I had the farmer’s breakfast which included eggs, cheese grits, sprout bacon, fresh fruit and roasted rosemary potatoes with a blue jean biscuit and jam. It was the perfect farewell meal to cap off this whirlwind trip.
The Journey That Stretched Beyond 7 Days
What started as a planned seven-day journey to the East Coast and back quickly turned into a longer, richer experience. I saw so much, met incredible people and made memories that will last a lifetime.
Until next time—happy trails!