The Left Coast: Part 2 Arkansas

It was 1:14 am, before we could even read the names of a few schools and streets in Memphis we fell into Arkansas. I wish I could tell you that something amazing happened in Arkansas. Besides realizing the lack of creativity in the naming system of the United States. I saw signs for West Memphis in Arkansas.

• The same city name in both states right next to each other?!? 
• Combo state names

There was so much of that to be discovered for me. Bristol, Virginia and Bristol, Tennessee right next to each other, Memphis, Tennessee and West Memphis, Arkansas. Texarkana! Why? I did not understand how the naming system came to be or better yet remained in place. I am sure the answer lies somewhere in a history book.

No food in Arkansas, no sight seeing, no pictures besides the state sign. We were really tired too tired for anything. 

The Left Coast: Part 1 Tennessee

We rolled out of VA and into Tennessee at about 1:00 in the afternoon.The temperature was rising but I could not let go of my hoodie. The AC from car still had my bones chilly.

From this sign it would take another 7 hours to get to Nashville. Tennessee was so green and beautiful. I listened to Biggie and Jay -Z as I zoomed up and down the hills. I found all my motivation from seeing miles to Nashville moving from triple digits to double digits.

In Virginia we had Subway as our first food stop and decided each food stop going forward needed to be more meaningful. We wanted to dine at places that recieved awards, nominations for awards, featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives or at minimal excessive positive recommendations and high ratings online.

The system went as follows, Nikky would start searching for places to eat about 30 minutes before we hit a big city. Reading the descriptions and comments a loud. A minor set back included that it was Sunday when we entered Nashville and some places were closed early or not open at all. We decided on place named Fido. I had a black bean burger with sweet potatoes. 

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After being pretty content with our meal selections at Fido’s on the way to the car we spotted Jenis an ice-cream shop. We both selected the Gooey Butter sundea. I have to tell you it was thick and rich. Far from a soft serve special. Nothing like anything in the freezer at the grocery store.

The best part is inside of the fortune cookie is a conversation starter. Mine read, “When was the last time you lied to anyone about anything?"

After Ice Cream and back on the road.

Photos by @NikkRich WEBSITE

The Left Coast: Part 0 Virginia

It all started a few months ago she said “Can I think I want to move to LA.” I was not very surprised. After all at her exact age I did the same thing. I packed a Honda and drove clear across the country alone. She planned to go with a friend but in the end it was up to me to let her go alone or accompany her.

It was official I was going on a road trip with my sister! We planned to leave August 1st after going away lunch, too bad after lunch that lunch we needed more everything; more sleep and more time with our mommy.

Finally, the next day at 7am after breakfast on Prince William Parkway we took this picture and headed towards Manassas. We were ready to drive through the sate of Virginia armed with our Hair Therapy hoodies and smiles.