“You must go on adventures to find out where you truly belong.”
>> Sue Fitzmaurice <<
This month I decided to go on a road trip. Just a little one. I realized that even though I love spending time at home, getting things (and myself) organized, and going full blast on my job search, I found myself in a rut. I was by no means bored or had nothing to do, but I had lost a lot of my motivation for the things I loved to do. At first I saw the extra time at home as an opportunity to read, do art, make music, and focus on myself. But after a few weeks, I felt my creative juices drying out & my wanderlust bubbling up. So I called up some friends in Charleston, Atlanta and Knoxville, packed a bag, and was on the road.
Charleston, SC // August 17th-18th
First stop: Charleston, SC. I absolutely ADORE Charleston. I had only ever driven through, but never stopped to explore. So my first stop was visiting my friend Lane & her lovely family for a night. Lane & I drove through downtown, grabbed a cup of locally brewed coffee (of course), and headed for King Street. After scoping out the local boutiques, Lane drove me to see Rainbow Row & some other neat must-see places before heading back to her home.
The next morning after breakfast, the Weinheimers took me on their boat to an island the locals call “Shark Tooth Island” to find shark teeth. I have never been shark tooth searching, so this was a fun little outing for me– and the results were incredible! Between the six of us, we found over 150 shark teeth!
Atlanta, GA // August 18th-21st
After a five hour drive that evening, I was on the balcony of Al’s apartment in Buckhead, Atlanta popping champagne and getting kisses from her dog, Charlie. Visiting Al was the main purpose of my road trip, and the itinerary was packed full!
Saturday morning, after a lovely little breakfast and fueling up with espresso, Al & I headed to the Botanical Garden. We meandered through for a few hours, chatting & sipping Prosecco, and ate lunch at the Garden’s cafe.
And we couldn’t head home before grabbing a cup of coffee at Hodge Podge, a local gallery & coffee shop that Al wanted to take me to. For dinner we went to a Tapas Bar & then headed out for drinks with another friend in Atlanta. A full & eventful day!
Sunday was probably my favorite day of the weekend. The lazy morning consisted of sleeping in and cuddling with Charlie before heading to Buttermilk Kitchen for (a very late) brunch. The food was incredibly delicious: from the crunchy roasted breakfast potatoes to my pimento cheese filled omelet— and I have never eaten such an amazing biscuit in my life!
Then it was off to Ponce City Market. I think Sunday was my favorite day of the weekend because of Ponce City Market. The quirky, boho shops and vintage stores filled with perfect oddities gave me so much joy. Even though some of the prices were beyond my reach (and I wanted to buy everything), being surrounded by the atmosphere & walking through the square refilled me.
Al & I treated ourselves to a watermelon mojito popsicle to cool down, and then made our way to Paris on Ponce, a quaint old warehouse, walking distance from the main market, with multiple different sections filled with everything from furniture, to old toys and costumes, clothing, home decor and many other little curiosities. This is where I caved in: I ended up buying two small cacti & a pair of sunglasses.
A sip of cold brew coffee & our fill of people watching ensued before we went back to Al’s apartment to spend time with the pup, make cupcakes & pizza, and get a little too invested in Law & Order: SVU. The perfect ending to a long weekend!
Knoxville, TN // August 21st-23rd
Early Monday morning, I packed up and was on the road once again; this time to Knoxville, TN to visit high school friends who I recently reconnected with. Jessica & her boyfriend Gabe moved to Knoxville only two months ago, and Jess offered for me to come visit her so we could scope out the city together. However, one thing on the itinerary was set in stone: the solar eclipse. After lunch, we found a patch of grass & looked to the sky. The solar eclipse gave us 45 seconds of totality, but the minutes leading up to and following the total eclipse were worth every second! It was truly an amazing experience & we definitely geeked out most of the time. Science is pretty cool!
Jessica then showed me around downtown Knoxville. We strolled through Market Square, sat down in the park, walked some more, peeked into some shops and then ate at a cafe restaurant outside on the Square. Knoxville definitely has my heart– and I knew I needed to stay an extra day!
Tuesday I desperately wanted to go to the Knoxville Art Museum, and I spent a good portion of the day there — (but can you blame me? There was an American Impressionism exhibit!)
I found myself back downtown, walking through the streets of downtown Knoxville again, peeping into the stores we had missed the night before. I couldn’t stop walking! Eventually I sat down at a bench and put my feet up right above Market Square. Even though my feet hurt, the birds eye view of the Square was worth every step.
That night, Jessica, Gabe & I ordered in Thai food, watched a movie, and played with their cat, Moose and bunny, Lola. Reconnecting with them was such a special part of my trip, and I know Knoxville will see me again soon.
Before I left for home, Jessica persuaded me that I needed to go to the Wednesday morning Farmers Market. And after an iced coffee, a sunflower and succulent later, I was ready to get on the road.
I only stopped once to see Glenmore Mansion, a beautiful old structure in Jefferson City, TN. The mansion took my breath away. I picnicked out in the open field & snapped some pictures in the glorious sunshine before continuing home.
So over 1,000 miles later I was on the homestretch, thinking about my little getaway & already daydreaming about the places I’d visit next. Originally Nashville was on the itinerary for the road trip, but I think that city needs a weekend for itself. My heart full, soul revived, and wanderlust subdued (for the time being), I realized that Sue Fitzmaurice’s quote speaks so much truth. In order to find who we are, we need to see new places and experience new things. I’m not saying I’ve found where I belong, but I think I am definitely one step closer.
sincerely, christina louise 