Southeastern Summer Solo Road Trip 2014 - The Planning Phase - Day 1

A few weeks ago, my boss informed me that my contract would be changing to a 10-month contract, meaning that I'd have about two months off of [paid] vacation each summer. In realizing that I haven't had two full months off from work or school since high school - in other words, about 14 years - I, needless to say, immediately began thinking of ways to get out and do some exploring and adventuring in this seemingly vast expanse of free time laying ahead of me.

First, I thought about visiting Cuba, but I think I'd rather save that for when my husband is able to travel with me - maybe we could go for the holidays again this year.

Well, today I had an epiphany.  Actually, I think this epiphany might have stemmed from some things I learned in this book I just finished reading: I Could Do Anything If Only I Knew What It Was by Barbara Sher. For instance, in Chapter 6 "I Want Too Many Things; I'm All Over the Map," I sort of identified myself as someone who is what she refers to as a "scanner."

In this chapter there is a short exercise that walks you through a thought process to help yourself realize that you can do all the things you want to do - but sequentially, and in their own time. I've always wanted to take a summer and travel around the U.S., but I've never done it. Well, now is my chance! And really, I need this! Lately I've been practically overcome by feelings of restlessness and wanderlust. My plans to travel abroad didn't pan out, but I really feel like at this very moment I am in serious need of some time to explore new places and, at the very least, temporarily feed my free-spirited nature.

So, here's what I'm thinking:

I definitely still need to tweak this plan a bit, but this will be my approximate route.  I'd like to head southwest and check out Asheville.  I've heard it is a really cool little town, and that I'd love it.  Then, I'd like to head over to Nashville and try to hear some live music and check out some must-see attractions there.  After that, I'll make a possible detour to Cadiz, KY to meet an old friend before heading down to Memphis, where I'm hoping to take in some music, food, and drinks.  I'd also like to see if I can go fishing on the Mississippi River either in Memphis or on my way south to Jackson, MS.  Honestly, I have no idea what to see in that city, but I'm sure I will discover something!

The part of the trip I'm most excited about is New Orleans - I have ALWAYS wanted to visit there! I want to eat seafood and busk on the street - even if it's just for 5 minutes. I just want to be able to say that I busked on the streets of New Orleans before I died - and if I can make enough dollars to buy myself a beer, even better!

After, Louisiana, I'd head back east through Biloxi and Mobile before heading north toward Atlanta.  Then, I'll make my way toward the coast and hit Savannah before passing through Charleston, which will be my last stop before heading home.

I figure it this way - that's 7 cities. If I take 15 days for the trip, I'll be able to spend about a day and a half or so in each city. It will be about 40 total hours of driving (that's about 5 hours over the estimate according to Google Maps, adjusting for traffic and detours).

I want to go camp, fishing, hiking, and biking; I want to get lost in used bookstores, drink coffee in locally owned cafes, eat fresh fruit and vegetables from farm markets, buy some local art, and listen to live music while drinking seasonal microbrews; and I want to learn, meditate, and just generally recharge my batteries.  [Hipster alert. Ha!]

But seriously, I want and need to do all of those things.  I'm really excited about this idea, and I'm hoping I can make it happen.