Since I started grad school in August 2010, I’ve had January 2013 reserved for studying for the Registered Dietitian exam. You know, so I can pass the exam, get a job and actually put my shiny new degree to use. I should know by now that with my spontaneity and sense of adventure, things rarely go as planned – especially when planned two-and-a-half years ahead of time. A lot of things have changed in the past few months. Opportunities have risen that I just couldn’t pass up.
A few weeks ago, Libby, one of the grad school girls, gave me some exciting news – she was offered a Registered Dietitian position in Phoenix! We got to talking about the logistics of her move out West – a cross-country drive and all of her potential stops along the way. Libby and I half-heartedly joked about doing the drive together.
A couple of hours and glasses of Prosecco later, we were no longer joking. We were plotting stops across the South and looking up return flights for myself from Phoenix. With my finger on the “purchase” button, I dialed up the hubs-to-be to run the plan by him. He’s driven across the country three times and said I had to do it just for the experience – studying could wait. (Best fiancé ever!!)
The Delta email confirmation hit my inbox and my first thought was “Holy crap. That just happened. (!!!)”
Needless to say, RD exam studying will commence in February. It took me 2 1/2 years just to become eligible to take the test – what’s another couple of weeks, right?
Come Sunday morning, Libby and I will be packed tightly, along with her 90-pound pup, into her cute little, turbo-powered Jetta heading to Atlanta for our first of five stops. She put together an entire itinerary including who we’ll be staying with, the yoga classes we’ll be attending and approximately what time we’ll be having margaritas in New Mexico – totally something I would do.
Our rough itinerary:
Day 1
- Chapel Hill to Atlanta
Day 2
- Visit a college friend in Atlanta
- Possible day trip to Athens to visit Lauren, one of the other grad school girls
Day 3
- Atlanta to New Orleans
- Evening drinks with a friend
Day 4
- Coffee & donuts in New Orleans
- Yoga class before dinner
Day 5
- New Orleans to Dallas
Day 6
- Relax with family friends
Day 7
- Dallas to Santa Fe
- Margaritas upon arrival
Day 8
- Possibly hitting up some hot springs – and by possibly I mean probably
Day 9
- Santa Fe to Scottsdale – Home Sweet Home!
The farthest I’ve ever driven is from Boston to Chapel Hill and never out West before. I’m so.freaking.excited. I plan to do a photo post each day recapping our adventures – words will be kept to a minimum because I get carsick if I blog too long from the car.
Well, it’s time to start packing. Have a great day!
Ever driven cross-country before? Got any favorite restaurants, coffee shops, yoga studios or running routes we can explore along the way?
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{ 27 comments… read them below or add one }
Ex and I did the mid country route – I-80 – with 4 kids under the age of 5 one year. We went from the southern tier of NY to San Jose and back. There was a two day stop in Iowa at his sister and then 10 day in San Jose at my mom’s. It was intriguing. Be flexible! Road trips are seldom like they appear on paper.
I am SO jealous! This trip will be a blast. I went to New Orleans a few times last year and loved it (aside from actual Burbon street at least.) Santa Fe is also probably the most beautiful city in the U.S. that I’ve been to.
Can’t wait to follow along with your updates!
loooks like a great trip!!! have fun!!
That is SO cool! Can’t wait for the recap posts!
This sounds so magnificent. I’ve always had my eye on a road trip, but I have yet to find somebody that will actually drive it with me. This sounds AWESOME! I’m officially 1000% jealous! Have SO much fun and I can’t wait to hear all about it.
That sounds like SO much fun! Have a great time. I can’t wait to see all the pictures of your adventures! :)
I don’t know your exact route from Santa Fe to Scottsdale, but if you have the opportunity visit Sedona AZ. One of the most picturesque communities I have ever visited! It most certainly has great wine and great yoga studios!
Wish I was coming too…although for how much I love Mr. Swirly, I dunno how much I’d love him after backseat cuddles for 10 days straight. My best advice: Don’t listen to the RD study CDs in the car or you will fall asleep and veer off the road. No joke. Safe travels! (Also, I love how I’m writing this sitting next to Lib and I’m gonna see you tonight. Haha.)
Your graphics are so freaking cute. Have such a great time!!!
You will have so much fun. It is great to travel with someone who enjoys all the things you do. I took a road trip from Indiana to Buffalo, WY this fall with 3 high school friends. We have been friends for sooooo long – graduated 40 years ago this May and some of us were friends since kindergarden. It is wonderful to be at a stage of life where you can do this and you are absolutely right to take advantage of it.
P.S. Where did you get your map graphic? I would love to do one for our next trip.
Your adventure sounds incredible! I’ve never road traveled before…except when I was in d.c. With a tour group I went to Maryland, but that’s it. I hope you have lots of fun and I can’t wait to see your pic posts!
xo,
Jessika
jessclassy.blogspot.com
Awesome! This looks like so much fun! I’ve never been on a road trip before. I mean… I’ve been on car trips in order to get somewhere with my parents, but that’s really not the same thing, haha.
That is SO FUN! I’ve only driven cross country one time before, and I was a kid (we moved from NY–>NV). Otherwise, my longest drive has consisted of multiple trips back and forth from Florida’s panhandle to New Orleans.
PS. In New Orleans, you must go to Capdeville (http://www.capdevillenola.com/). It’s this amazing locals place with great drinks and yummy food!
If you go through Amarillo on your way from Dallas to Santa Fe I highly recommend stopping at one of their many burger joints. I would say Coyote Bluff Cafe is my #1 (kind of off the beaten path, hole in the wall) they’re known for the hell burger, which is spicy and delicious (easily feeds 2 people) or Blue Sky Burger which is probably more well known and is also delicious, the green chile cheeseburger is phenomenal, lots and lots of green chiles. Both are totally worth the burger indulgence.
Also in Amarillo (I’m not from there, I just go there for work twice a year) is the Cadillac Ranch (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadillac_Ranch) it’s just a bunch of cars along the side of I-40 outside of the main city (after you drive through Amarillo) but it’s really cool to look at (there’s no signs so you kind of need to keep your eyes peeled).
And if you’re driving along 287 from Dallas to Amarillo be aware there is NOTHING along there, it’s gorgeous, but totally desolate. Get gas in Wichita Falls if you need it (I made this mistake, not good).
And maybe you’re not going to Amarillo at all and my advice is useless :) Either way have fun! I’d love to do this one day.
Oh goodness girl, I looooove your spontaneity! I always love it when people do things TOTALLY out of the norm…and have os so much fun! Unfortunately I haven’t been to many places so I have no rec’s.
Wow, that sounds like so much fun!! I’ve never gone on a cross-country road trip, sadly. The farthest I’ve ever traveled was from San Diego to Las Vegas; we go every year to visit family and I always look forward to it. Have fun on your trip!!
this sounds like so much fun! my boyfriend did this when his sister moved to san francisco–drove all the way from south carolina with three other guys to bring her car out there, then they flew back. i’d LOVE to do something like this! and how fun you have friends to stay with along the way–makes it much more “homey” than staying in crappy roadside hotels! I hope you blog along the way! have fun–and yes, studying can wait!! I LOVE your attitude toward this!
I think you should consider a future in graphic design. Umm, seriously. LOVE <3
sounds like so much fun! I’ve always wanted I road trip cross country. :)
I’m sure you girls probably have your hands full but would love the chance to meet up for coffee while you’re in scottsdale, if you have the time. Also, hit me up if you need any good restaurant recommendations in the area. I know a couple great places to hike too. have a fun and safe trip!
Yes, yes and yes! I will be in Scottsdale all day next Tuesday. Not sure what your work schedule is like but we could definitely go for an early morning run/coffee or grab a drink/bite/dessert in the evening depending on what’s works best for you. Also, Libby has a 90+ pound Ridgeback (a total love-monster) who needs a good veterinarian – she was so excited when I mentioned that we’d be meeting up!
i must say i am quite jealous… but you are going to have a fabulous time! i advise checking out this website. they have some great suggestions for shops, food, and exploring for major cities! enjoy your adventures!
http://www.designsponge.com/2010/12/atlanta-design-guide-2.html
Our time in Atlanta tomorrow is limited but Libby and I are going to try to hit up the Bill Hallman studio/store in Buckhead – We’re sure to love anything Project Runwayesque. Thanks so much for sharing this!
I am beyond jealous that you get to go to Sante Fe! Without a doubt, one of my favorite cities in the world!
You MUST run the Katy Trail in Dallas. It’s stunning. Map your route so you end at the Katy Trail Ice House… and have a post-run beer. Duh! :)
http://www.katytraildallas.org/site/PageServer?pagename=homepage
Oh! Also in the D, my favorite yoga studio: Gaia Flow. The Uptown location is amazing. I’m so excited for you to visit my city!
This road trip sounds like such a blast! :D And, it’s my kind of trip – well-planned! ;) My husband and I LOVE to plan. For us, it’s half the fun. I hope the two of you have a great time and I wish you safe travels, great conversations, and lots of laughter!