Hey Texas, you're cute ; )

Around 10 this morning, we crossed the border into Oklahoma. We decided last night that we owed it to Arkansas to actually stay one night there being we hadn’t done one single touristy thing while we were there. So we stayed the night in Van Buren, Arkansas where we met Jacob who told us that we had to go to Oklahoma City and eat at Toby Keith’s restaurant. Of course, my mother latched onto that idea almost immediately. 

“Oh! Let’s go see Toby Keith!”

“Mom, he’s not going to be there.”

“Oh! I want to get a picture and an autograph.”

“Mom, he’s not there!”

“Now, now, you never know.”

“Mom! Trust me, he won’t be there.” 

She glares at me, and we continue on through the shockingly gorgeous state of Oklahoma. 

When I think of Oklahoma, I think of cowboys and Indians. I definitely got the Indian part correct. There are signs for Indian trading posts everywhere. The rest areas have tepees erected over the picnic tables, and every town has  a crazy Native American name. Try Kickapoo, then there’s Lotawatah, and sure enough right after there is a lot of  water. Brown water to be exact. We make guesses as to why the water has such an intense reddish brown color, but who knows if any of us are correct. Traveling is not about being correct. Traveling is about experiencing the unknown. Something, I seem to be getting better and better at. 

In Oklahoma City, we do stop and have lunch at Toby Keith’s I Heart This Bar and Grill. And naturally, the very first thing mom does is ask the waiter where Toby Keith is. She is very disappointed to find out that he only comes here maybe three of four times a year. 

“What!” 

Sorry, Mom, but no Toby for you.  

Katelin orders the fried bologna sandwich and out comes the largest hunk of bologna I have ever scene. The slice smothered in cheese is almost the size of her head. She quarters it, and still its massive. The margarita-basted chicken sounds more like me, so I indulge in that and some of the best mashed potatoes I’ve ever had. I’m going to need to up my gym membership after this trip.

The coolest thing to me about this restaurant is the seats in the lobby. They’re made out of the back of truck beds...too cool. Sitting on them and dangling my cowboy boot clad feet makes me feel like a little girl all over again.  

Outside the restaurant is a riverwalk. Now, I’ve been to the riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas, so this one is just so so after that, but still I have to give Oklahoma City some credit. The river wounds through Bricktown and on into downtown and its line with gorgeous manicured lawns and neat little shops and restaurants. Props up to you, Oklahoma City. I’m growing to like you more and more. 

We feel that we cannot leave the city until we go by the Oklahoma National Memorial in honor of the victims of the bombing that took place here in 1995. The gateways are beautiful. On the lawn are marble chairs inscribed with the names of the victims who died that day. It is a sharp reminder of the tragedy of terrorism whether foreign or domestic, and how it affects everyday people in their normal everyday lives. 

Finally, it’s off to Texas. Amarillo to be exact. The home of the free 72oz steak! Well, only if you can actually eat it. Which many men have tried and few have actually succeeded. One person to succeed was an 11 year old boy. So men, don’t let an 11 year old out eat you! I challenge you to go to Amarillo and eat the steak! I, however, will not be joining you. I actually like my stomach, my figure, and my arteries. But, men, indulge yourselves! 

On the way, we pass dozens and dozens of windmills. I have never seen so many windmills. They are humongous and they’re gorgeous!! I cannot believe that I find windmills this enchanting, but they are. They are, they are! We also pass the largest cross on the highway. Or some kind if record like that. I don’t know because I whizzed past the sign a little too quickly. That’s the one thing about these roads, they are great for getting from point A to point B in a very quick time. I happen to be driving once again, so I make sure we get from point A to point B in an extraordinarily quick time.

The terrain begins to change after we cross the Texas border. It’s almost like the land knows that Texas is its own republic and therefore it must have its own special terrain. Texas might as well be its own country because the people in it act like it is. And honestly, I don’t blame them. If I were from Texas, I would claim that to the cows come home. I would be 100% certified Texan. I’m emulating that as best as I can with my boots, but there is only so much a North Carolina girl can fake.  

Texas is just vast. Look to the right, and the land just goes and goes and goes. Look to the left and the land just goes and goes and goes. I feel like dinosaurs should live here. I could just imagine them tromping through these grounds and grazing like it was no big deal because this land was made for them. Speaking of dinosaurs, it’s time for that 72oz steak! Well, we are going to watch another guy eat it. The Big Texan is Katelin’s favorite stop yet. It’s the ultimate cheesy tourist trap, but it’s quintessential Texas. If you are in Amarillo, you have to stop. It’s complete with a giant boot and a giant hallow cow. There’s also a gift shop, a shooting range, and an arcade. Everyone is decked out in full cowboy/cowgirl attire. This place just makes me smile. Katelin orders the mountain oysters, and if you don’t know what those are...well, google it, but let’s just say its not seafood. I opt for the Big Texan steak complete with sweet corn and a loaded bake potato. The steak is actually quite good considering that it is mass grilled on an open grill about 10 feet behind me. I have never seen so much meat laid out in front of me. If you let a dog loose in here, all heck would break loose!There’s a group of musicians moving from table to table singing for everyone. They take to mom and she, of course, gets her picture with them. My mom yells that Katelin and I need out picture taken with someone, so she hails one of the younger cowboys over. I tell him its ok that he doesn’t have to take a photo with two strange girl, but he informs us that its his pleasure. Southern hospitality, you see.

So the lights start flashing, and the three of us smile. 

Texas just keeps getting better...

Hello, Elvis. It's nice to actually meet you.

If I dyed my hair jet black, and sprayed it up into a beehive, could I pass for a young Priscilla Presley? Is it at all possible? 

Nah. Didn’t think so. 

Don’t even try to say yes to flatter me because I know you are feel of ridiculousness. 

We are in Memphis, Tennessee. Last night, we covered the ribs, so now its time to cover the Elvis part of the quintessential Memphis.

It’s time to grace Graceland with my presence. Confession: I am not a big Elvis fan. Don’t crucify me. He was before my time. He died in 1977. I was born in 1989. By the time, I realized what music was, Elvis just wasn’t a big topic. Growing up, the only thing I knew about Elvis was that Uncle Jessy on Full House (my favorite sitcom as a kid) was obsessed with him. I knew he wore weird looking white jumpsuits, and I knew that when he spread his arms, it looked like he had wings. The end of my Elvis knowledge. 

OH WAIT! 

Jailhouse Rock! Who could forget jailhouse rock? Ok and on...

The area around Graceland is ghetto. I am not being rude. I am always honest. And the area is ghetto. A tad sad being that Elvis was the “King!”

There’s a rumor going around that I broke the law at Graceland. Well...technically, I didn’t brake the law, I just didn’t follow the exact rules...For the record, I didn’t take drugs. I didn’t get into a fight, and I didn’t steal anything. So in my eyes, its all good. I had a slight disagreement with Elvis’s security. End of story.

Driving up onto the gated property, the majesty of the home begins to take hold. The house isn’t massive by today’s celebrity standard, but it’s beautiful. Touring through the house, I get a sense of who Elvis was a man. He’s very flashy, very giving. He seems to love to be surrounded by people. People he loves to spoil with cars, clothes, and cash. Elvis himself is a fashion icon. He had style when no one else knew what style was. The man had Christian Dior in his closet for goodness’ sakes! But I have to say, one of the coolest things ever is his couch. He has the longest white couch i’ve ever seen! I envy his couch...I want his couch! I shouldn’t but I do. It wouldn’t fit in my living room, but that’s ok because I’d knock down a wall to get this couch. And then I would want his plane. His plane is just too cool. It has gold plated sinks and seat belts...ahhhhh

Walking through his trophy room and looking at all of his gold/platinum records, I realize the icon that Elvis was. He was a superstar. I find myself the nonelvis fan before entering graceland to feeling sadness as I view his grave in the meditation garden. I’m saddened by his early death.

I leave somber and yet thrilled at my discovery of this American legend. I know have the urge to go and buy all of his records...

After all the somberness, it was time for lunch. We did the ribs last night, so now it’s time for something healthy, right?

Nah. We are on vacation.

So, we go to Huey’s Burgers. Their burgers have been voted the best since well...over a decade, and if a burger is voted that good that many years in a row...it cannot be passed up. Criminal behavior. Walking in, I get the feeling of a local guy’s ultimate hangout. There’s toothpick stuck in the ceiling as a joke, there’s rickety chairs and tables, and memorabilia nailed to every inch of the wall. Cobwebs decorate the corners. Jean makes us all laugh by wiping the table with wipes from her purse. My mom looks for a sanitation grade. Katelin and I look at the two of them and smile. I cannot help but wonder if we will be more germ phobic...well “germ aware” when we are older. Right now, we are starving and want a juicy burger. That’s the only thing on our minds. Something grabs our attention first: fried pickles! Yum! Gosh, I love pickles, but fried pickles are heaven. I order the Madison Avenue burger and I quote, “Served on a buttered, toasted sour dough bun and topped with Swiss cheese, grilled mushroom, mayo, lettuce, tomato and sizzlin' bacon.” If that doesn’t make your mouth water, I don’t know what will.Oh and by the way, their giant cut fries and massive onion rings aren’t too bad either. If you are ever in Memphis for any reason whatsoever, go to HUEY’s!

The behemoth of the Mississippi River was the only thing that stood between us and the   great state of Arkansas. Now this was a first for me. Arkansas...another state to add to my goal of the 50. I really didn’t know what to expect their either. I mean besides walmart, razorbacks, and Clinton, what else is it known for? Well, I tell you my impression of it: GORGEOUS. Driving down the I-40, I was amazed by the landscape. The greenery arrested my eyes and wouldn’t release me for anything. The road wound through grasslands and swamplands. It wasn’t anything like any of us expected. Katelin swears it reminds her of southern North Carolina, and yes, I can see that, but to me Arkansas has its own vibe. It’s own grassland feel. One thing about it, if you are on an epic road trip like ourselves, its short. Really short. We drive through the entire state in four hours. Of course, I was driving so that may have some explanation, but by this point its time for some sleep so I will forego that explanation.  

Happy dreaming

~ Albany Drake 

Welcome to Tennessee

I have decided that sleep is, in fact, nonessential. I definitely in no way need it. To prove my theory, I only slept 3hrs last night. Yes, awake for 21, sleep for 3, then head out for epic road trip. My cycle is brilliant! Road trips don't require sleep. HA! My toughness wore off and I fell asleep after we were on the road for about 30 minutes. Yes, I lasted long.

Waking up, the car was winding through the Smoky Mountains, and we were headed for Biltmore Village to grab the ever faithful vanilla latte. They are absolute necessity if you didn't know.

The Tennessee border greeted us with a grin. I was happy to be returning to my current favorite state, my future home. Oddly, I felt as if I were returning home. In Nashville, we grabbed my beloved bubble tea at Chill Spot. I chose Taro Vanilla which oddly reminds me of a spicy mocha chai if you can imagine that flavor concoction in your mouth. I slurped up every single tapioca pearl and secretly pined for my next meeting with the fat straw. Katelin and Jean found the gummy bear not to their liking. They opted for a fruitier version, but weren't huge fans. It amazes me how my taste buds crave things that others despise. Mother enjoyed a blueberry lemon and was quite content.

Debbie M. then suggested we try a new place called The Perch Cafe where their specialty is crepes! Need I say more??  I had a nutella crepe while Jean ordered a glorious s'mores one. Yum, yum! Thanks, Debbie! It was finally time for our last top for the day: Memphis, Tennessee, the home of Elvis, ribs, and the blues. I've already had a glimpse of all three! First things first, Rendezvous Ribs located right int he middle of an alley but the home of some of the best dry rubbed ribs you'll ever eat. Lining the walls are pictures of famous people who have dirtied their fingers and faces since 1948. We decided to go to Beale St. to check out any live music venues before we ended our evening. The following is why I absolutely love traveling: you never ever know what you are going to get yourselves into. Turns out that every Wednesday night in the summer is biker's night. So Beale St was literally turned into a bike rally! So, Daddy, if you are reading this, your daughter went to a motorcycle rally tonight! ahhh! My poor mom and Jean felt like fish out of the water, or a duck off the pond, or a panda out of the jungle, or whatever silly saying you want to use. Katelin and I were too fascinated to feel out of place. I wanted to interview ever single person I saw on the street and ask them what was running through their mind. I mean this was clearly an exclusive club that wasn't trying to be exclusive. They were just being them. Walking down the street, images of the height of the blues era ran through my mind. The bars and live music venues that lined the crowded street made me want to return to the different time. The roaring of a motorcycle engine would shake me out of my imagination and I would remember that I'm actually in the 21st century now.

Memphis has it's own grainy, raw feel. This isn't the town that people mess around in. This isn't the town for snobs nor is it the town for the less adventurous. It has its own favor, it's own vibe, and no one should walk in thinking that they can inject themselves into it. For some reason, I wanted Dean and Sal with me more than anyone. Memphis belongs in Kerouac's On the Road. I feel that Dean and Sal need to be here. Dean would get his kicks, and Sal would get his kicks from just watching Dean get his kicks. 

I am now going to get my kicks by attempting to sleep. Yes, it's a waste of time, but sometimes, I have no choice in how my time is spent.
I thank God for safety. I thank God for Memphis, but right now, I am really really going to thank Him for sleep.

Albany Drake returns with her biggest quest yet.

My goodness! It's been months since I've graced these halls. Well, for good reason...I haven't been anywhere! Well actually, that technically isn't true. I have been places. I have been on vacation with friends and family, but there are just some stories that must remain private. Some memories, some moments, some experiences are meant to only remain with those whom you shared them with, and so my past few months have been filled with moments like those. Memories, moments, times, that belong just to those I spent them with. But now...well now is a different story. It's time for me to get back out there.
There being the vast unknown. The mysteries, joys, and spontaneous experiences that only travelers know and can explain. The joys along the way. The unexpected cup of coffee that rocks your world. The overrated tourist trap that makes you shrug. The exhausting yet exhilarating trail up a new mountain. It is there that I must return. I must return to the open land. My feet are aching, my fingers itching to be back among the travelers.

And so outward and onward I go.

So after months and months of unreported traveling, I had to think long and hard about where I wanted to go for my ultimate summer vacation. Of course, I needed something epic to break my fast. Something so intense, something so remarkable that it would make up for long hiatus. I needed a trip to literally rock my world.

So the destinations beginning rolling around in my mind. Of course, Europe came up. Europe somehow seems to always come up. There's just too much to do there. I toyed around with ideas of the Middle East. There's a cruise that goes to Antarctica that I seriously wanted to go on, but it isn't until January, and my vacation time slot is the end of July. Ok then I thought what about the Far East! But no...that just wasn't cutting it either. I wanted company and there are only a few of my friends that I could talk into braving that mesmerizing world, so I turned to something closer to home.

After my trip to the Pacific Northwest last year, I learned that I absolutely adore road trips. I enjoy the scenery. I enjoy the time I get with my friends talking. I enjoy the pace. I enjoy the vast changes.

I turned my back to the Atlantic, and I looked West, and I made a shocking mental note. I have never been to California which seems criminal. I decided to remedy this charge on my case. My brain functioned as follows:
First, I decided to go to California.
Second, I decided that I was going to drive to California...from North Carolina. All 2,446 miles there and all 2,446 miles back. Yep! So in order to get over my dry patch, I am going to drive straight into the desert. The Sonoran Desert that is. Of course, there is no way, I am going to just drive to California. There is so much to see and do along the way. Like eat ribs in Memphis, eat a 72oz steak in Texas, drive a tom car in Phoenix, play black jack in Vegas, and brave the Grand Canyon.
How on God's beautiful green Earth could I bypass all of these monumental experiences??? Its' just unfathomable, no??

So, I'm not just going on a road trip. I am going on an epic road trip. I am not just driving. I am tasting and experiencing the great land of the United States. I am going to fulfill one of my life long dreams of crossing my great nation.

And it all starts this week.

I am returning to travel with my biggest quest yet, crisscrossing the country in only three weeks.

I'm cranking up my ipod. California Dreaming seems like a good selection to me...
Join me as I tour the nation and experience a whole new side of it - the open road.

~Albany Drake








- my tom car for the Sonoran! Yes, I'm driving this.