In light of a lot of recent travel restrictions, I thought it would be fun to look back on the crazy traveling that I did with two of my best friends, Adelinne and Madeline, over spring break. Cedarville University had its spring break relatively early, the week of March 1-7. I was so thankful to get to explore several really neat places before being recommended not to travel. We knew this was our last spring break that we would be all together, so we decided to go on a super fun road trip! So come on my trip as I highlight several fun things that we did:).
We picked the stops of our road trip based on people that we knew. We wanted to stay the night with friends and family members. From this we created a road map of our travel plans. We did a big loop of the midwest from South Carolina, to Georgia, to Tennessee, to Missouri, and ended in Illinois!
We left Cedarville University on Friday around 3 p.m. and traveled all the way down to Greenville, South Carolina, to stay with Madeline’s family.
A few fun things that we did in Greenville included spending time with Madeline’s family and friends, exploring Greenville parks and stores, and celebrating Madeline’s 21st birthday at a Mexican restaurant. We definitely made sure to have her face covered in whip cream:).
After Greenville we traveled to Charleston, South Carolina, to explore the beautiful city. We went on a horse-drawn carriage ride while learning about the history of the houses and how the city displayed hospitality. You can see a picture above. A fun fact that I learned was that pineapple is the fruit of hospitality. Have you ever heard of pineapple upside down cake? Apparently this was a dessert that you served to let your guests kindly know that it was time for them to leave. I thought this was so funny. We explored the marketplace and ended our day at Folly Beach. You could tell that we were from the North when we were the only ones on the beach wearing our swimsuits in 58 degree weather:).
After South Carolina we traveled to Georgia. We explored Atlanta, eating at the Varsity and then exploring the Ponce City Market. This was a rather slow day for us because it was raining, but we learned that parking is very expensive:). My favorite memory was trying to navigate in Atlanta’s six-lane fast-paced traffic. I am familiar with Chicago traffic but nothing compares to Atlanta. Literally nothing.
After Georgia we traveled to Tennessee. We happen to be headed toward Nashville the day after the devastating tornadoes. We could not believe that we were right there. We saw the devastation as we traveled. We decided to visit Chattanooga and Franklin to respect Nashville. We talked to locals that told us that the main strip was still OK to see. We headed there the next day.
Nashville was everything that I thought it would be and more. I loved the smell of the food and the sound of live country music on every street corner. The stores were country to the core and it was the most beautiful day. You definitely felt the different culture and it was such a beautiful thing. Nashville made me fall in love with country music:)
After Nashville, we headed to St. Louis, Missouri. We went to the St. Louis Zoo because it was free and then finished our afternoon seeing the arch. Oh, but we didn’t just see the arch, we went up into it. It was a little nerve racking but so worth it because of the view. The arch is a fun landmark that is worth the ride up. You can see my friends and I with the arch in the picture below.
We ended our crazy road trip in Quincy, Illinois, which is where I am from. It was so fun to visit my great-grandma, parents, little brother, and sister. I always love when two of my worlds collide. I am so thankful my friends got to meet my family before we needed to protect ourselves through social distancing. We were able to rest up a little bit as well.
After that, we headed back to Cedarville! It was truly such a fun and crazy time of traveling over 45 hours in the car! We put so many miles on our car but we came away with memories that will last a lifetime. I am so thankful for Cedarville and the opportunity to find friends that I can do things like this with. The time in college is so precious. Hope you enjoyed the little peek into one way that a few Cedarville students enjoyed their spring break!
Until next time!
Majoring in Strategic Communications, Class of 2020
Favorite Animal: Cow
Favorite Number: 5
Favorite Sweatshirt: Cleveland Browns Thrift Store Find
Favorite Age Group: Middle School Students:)
Favorite Vegetable: Onion
Favorite Breakfast Food: Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips
Tags: #cedarville, #memories, #springbreak
Posted in: Experience, Lifestyle, Student Life