Frugal, Frosty, and Free-Spirited: A Cross-Country Winter Journey
In January 2020, just two months before the world shut down, my boyfriend and I embarked on the road trip of a lifetime. Armed with $300, a rental minivan, and an insatiable thirst for adventure, we set out to conquer nearly 4,000 miles from the East Coast to the West Coast.
You might be thinking, 'Are you two crazy?' How did we pull it off? And, most importantly, why? We’ve heard it all, but I’ll save those answers for another day. For now, I’m here to share our ultimate guide to road tripping North America in the middle of winter, an epic route filled with stunning sights, quirky stops, and a sprinkle of chaos.
The Journey Begins: New York to Washington, D.C.
We hit the road on January 11, 2020, leaving New York State behind. Our first destination? Washington, D.C.
“Why skip Pennsylvania?” you might ask. Truth is, we’d already explored plenty of quirky towns, lighthouses, and nature spots there on other trips. This journey was all about *NEW*, new sights, new adventures, and new memories.
In D.C., we spent half a day soaking up the iconic monuments and glimpsing the White House. Traffic and time constraints kept us moving quickly, but we couldn’t resist diving into a few conspiracy theories about the city’s design before hitting the road again.
Falling for the Ocean in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach was my second time seeing the ocean, and it was love all over again. Visiting in January meant we had the beaches to ourselves an off season perk we savored.
We cooked breakfast on the shore, letting the sound of waves set the perfect backdrop for deep conversations about life and our future. The clouds touched the horizon like a scene out of a mystical movie, making it one of the most magical stops on our trip.
The Carolinas: Where Food Feels Like Home
Driving south, we accidentally crossed from North Carolina into South Carolina on the same day. Oops!
This is where Southern cuisine began sneaking its way into our hearts, and waistlines. Between the mouthwatering BBQ and surprising gems like Indian cuisine in Charlotte, the Carolinas quickly became a foodie paradise. Don’t even get me started on the beautiful parks and warm, welcoming people.
Georgia: A State That Feels Like Home
Ah, Georgia. The food, the culture, the city vibes it all holds a special place in my heart.
We explored Atlanta’s Ponce City Market and Euclid Avenue, where unique shops and second hand stores gave me plenty of treasure hunting thrills. Though we missed out on seeing the iconic pink TRAP House up close (it was closed), just driving by was a cool experience.
Mississippi’s Unintentional Comedy Gold
Mississippi gave us one of our funniest road trip memories. Picture this: an old man driving a pickup truck, pulling a car, which is pulling *another* truck bumper to bumper, all tied together with string. It screamed, “I don’t need your permission,” and we couldn’t stop laughing.
Louisiana: A Feast for the Senses
In Louisiana, we immersed ourselves in the vibrant culture of New Orleans. Visiting during the off season meant quieter streets, which gave us the chance to savor the city’s French inspired architecture and iconic foods without the Mardi Gras crowds.
Beignets at Café du Monde lived up to the hype, and brunch at the Ruby Slipper was unforgettable. The French Quarter was serene almost unrecognizable from the busy image it’s known for.
Texas & New Mexico: Unexpected Turns
We crossed into Texas late at night, too exhausted to explore. Though it’s a regret, it’s a promise to return one day.
New Mexico, however, offered a slice of cinematic nostalgia. Driving through Albuquerque gave us serious Breaking Bad vibes (if you know, you know). A spontaneous late night drive up a snowy mountain turned into the most breathtaking sunrise spot we’ve ever stumbled upon.
Arizona: The Magic of Sedona
Sedona was everything people say it is: mesmerizing. The red rocks, the spiritual vortexes, and even the turquoise McDonald’s arches made it a place unlike any other.
Sedona embodied the spirit of this trip saying *YES* to new experiences and embracing the unfamiliar. Scared? Say yes. Out of your comfort zone? Say yes. It’s a mantra that carried us through every twist and turn of this journey.
Nevada: Vegas, Baby!
Las Vegas wasn’t new to me, but it felt like a completely different world this time around. We spent three weeks exploring the city both the glitz of the Strip and the hidden gems off it.
If you’re curious about all the fun we found in Vegas, comment "Vegas, baby!" and I’ll spill the details in another blog.
California: A Bittersweet Finale
California was the last leg of our road trip. Cloudy beach days and unexpected traffic led to some missteps, but we still found magic in the little moments like standing in as background extras for a game show filming in the mountains.
Our time in California was cut short by the emerging health crisis that would soon change the world. But this wasn’t the end of our journey just the beginning.
Looking Ahead
This adventure taught us to embrace change, solve problems on the fly, and say yes to life’s surprises. It’s a mindset we carry with us every day.
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