SO, for 4 days in early-ish October, I trekked from Denver, CO to Philadelphia, MS—stopping by 3 unforgettable wonders of U.S. nature. Following are my thoughts on this trip’s stops and where I hope to visit before 2025!

Longing for a slow 3,019 mile drive across the continental U.S. but don’t know where to start? Having dreamt of and planned my first epic road trip for nearly a decade, I’ve got you covered with at least the basics. Keep reading for my stops along Highway 50, and be on the lookout for a future post that covers how I returned home.

If you don’t want to purchase one more cheesy, mass-produced, expected souvenir (even though those things totally have a place in our hearts and dusty bookshelves), be sure to check out these three stores during you next visit to Cairo.

Welcome to the 901: the zip code with hidden gems around the corner and plenty of friendly locals to guide you with their recommendations as well. Here is my list of 9 number 1s—places you gotta see and things you gotta try when planning a long weekend getaway to one of the South’s most underrated cities.