The reason this Butters & Bambi coast to coast trip is taking so long is because there are many places I want to see along the way. I had 20+ locations pinned on the map of the United States. It’s an ambitious route and there are days I don’t want to put any more miles on the car. Sometimes, I want to relax in one place.
There’s a momentum to this trip I can’t put my finger on. Since embarking on April 1st, there hasn’t been a chance to simply do nothing. I want to see as much as possible on this trip and experience what it’s like to travel cross-country in an Airstream. Each mile logged brings me closer to the goal of seeing another state. It’s important for me to touch down on the 20+ locations. And during these stops, I’m taking notes on where I’d like to visit again at a later date after settling into NYC.
As we were trucking along, one of the stops along was supposed to be Nashville. But after discussing this plan with our friends, Todd and Charles, we decided to bypass the city altogether and head toward Asheville, NC sooner rather than later. That day, we needed a break because in one afternoon, we managed to cross three state lines: Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee.
As we reached Chattanooga, Tennessee, I asked Jay to look up a place for us to stop and eat. Much to our surprise, there was a vegan restaurant near the Tennessee River. We took our dinner to go, leashed up the dogs and sat at a nearby park. After dinner, we strolled across the Walnut Street Bridge and watched the sunset. It was the first sunset I had witnessed during the trip.
Standing there with Jay and the dogs reminded me to veer off schedule once in a while and see where the path takes you. Diversions can be good.
Driving along the interstate is very direct and will get you where you need to go. And there are other times when side roads are more rewarding.
Categories: Airstream Bambi Trips
Butters & Bambi 
Sometimes, to really absorb a place or an experience, you have to force yourself to stop and BE in the moment. Get off the highway, get off script, and simply take it all in.
You’re so right, Jesse! I have a problem with being in the moment sometimes. I’m always so eager and excited for the next thing! 🙂
I love following you on this trip through this space 🙂
I love that you’ve been following along. In some ways it seems like you’ve been right there too!
Was it Sluggo’s you happened to stop at to eat? We’re planning on going there on our way back from our trip East this fall. I’m looking forward to it!
I would love to be able to do a trip like you’re doing right now. There really is so much to see in each state, isn’t there?
It was called Cashew. We got a few items that were delicious but the Mac and Cheese was so good. Will you be stopping in Asheville at all? We went to Bean in Asheville. It was one of the best eateries we have ever eaten! I agree with you…there is so much for us to explore and see. 🙂
We will be there for a few nights! We’re staying just outside of it but will definitely be checking out the restaurants. 🙂
Oh yes…we had the fried pickles, fried tofu fingers, jalapeno cheddar burger (super spicy), pulled BBQ sandwich, ruben sandwich, BEAN bowl. For dessert we tried the cowboy cookies (best oatmeal cookies I’ve ever had…and I don’t even like oatmeal cookies) and the Kitty Kat Cake…everything was so good! I hope you enjoy it!
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