Road Trip Delights & Dilemmas

My recent road trip in parts of Mississippi and Alabama was such a mixed bag of highs and lows, of expected and unexpected, of delights and dilemmas. I currently live in Florida, so y’all should certainly understand that I am NOT accustomed to driving (or walking) in snow.

TUPELO, MISSISSIPPI

Tupelo, MS had the worst snowfall in about 24 years, or so I was told. When it is fresh it is a joy to behold. Truth be told, I’d rather just see it on television or a travel website from here on out. I did manage to get nice photos, but sloshing around in the slush was cold, dirty, and probably more than a bit dangerous for an old broad like me who must sometimes use a cane. A cane, a purse, three cameras…I was quite the comical sight and so happy to escape unscathed.

While the snow and other complications of mixing Covid craziness with a writer’s conference did present brief moments of closures and confusion, our bunch braved weather together and managed to learn a lot and laugh a lot. Kudos to shuttle driver Chiquita Bobo who is a true road warrior! She earned my deepest admiration. Kudos to organizers Melody and Taylor who smiled through their tears and showed true determination. Their travel writing can be seen at Wherever I May Roam Blog.

Although the Elvis birthplace was closed, I did slosh around and manage to get lots of pictures.

And less than a mile away I came upon this this most beautiful and breathtaking view that is simply too pretty to put into words.

COLUMBUS, MISSISSIPPI

The next stop was the adorable small town of Columbus, Mississippi. Every single person there is a profusion of sweet Southern charm. Their accents and attitudes are alluring. Many of them are characters who deserve to be celebrated. “Mother Goose” has been advocating literacy for over 35 years. Her friend Barbara Bigelow heads Columbus Main Street and is the epitome of a Southern lady.

There is a very large historic district filled with lovely antebellum and Victorian homes that includes the birthplace of playwright Tennessee Williams.

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA

The next stop was Tuscaloosa, Alabama…where you should expect to hear “Roll Tide”, often. What you may not expect is the great variety of food and attractions. While there I enjoyed Mexican and Italian dishes.

Two of the biggest surprise discoveries that I happened upon were Hurricane Creek Park and Capitol Park.

Driving back toward Florida I stopped many times to photograph old abandoned buildings and other roadside oddities.

This is what makes road trips so much fun. They combine the joy of going at your own pace, letting down the windows, and singing as loud as you like along with the radio. You just never know what wonderful sights and delights await you on your next road trip. This was a trip full of delights and dilemmas. Now my only dilemma is…when can I start my next adventure?!?!

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