This morning, we visited Wormsloe Historic Site, a former plantation dating back to the early 1730s. Noble Jones, an English settler, first established it on the Isle of Hope. The site is most famous for its entrance, a breathtaking mile-long driveway lined with live oaks that creates a dramatic tunnel of trees. It’s exactly the kind of grand Southern scene you’d imagine when picturing a plantation.

We made it to Savannah! Founded in 1733, it’s one of the oldest colonial settlements in the country and has played an important role throughout American history. Because of its location as a port, Savannah ended up being a prize in both the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. In 1779, American and French forces tried, and failed, to take it back from the British during the Siege of Savannah. Then, during the Civil War, it became a key Confederate stronghold until General Sherman captured it in 1864 on his famous March to the Sea.

St. Augustine is the oldest European-established settlement in the United States. Founded by Spanish explorers in 1565, it changed hands several times before finally becoming part of the United States in 1821. Spain ceded Florida after recognizing it could no longer defend the territory as its empire in the Americas collapsed. In return, the U.S. covered $5 million in American claims against Spain and gave up its claims to Texas, at least for the time being.

This morning, we visited the Tallahassee Automobile Museum. It includes a diverse collection of vintage cars, motorcycles, and other classic vehicles spanning several decades. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring rare automobiles, some famous models (some not), and unique prototypes. One section even showcases a variety of Batmobiles! They were also dog-friendly, so Bruno got to enjoy this museum with me.

We explored downtown Mobile, which sits on the Gulf Coast at the head of Mobile Bay. Founded by the French in 1702, the city was shaped by Europeans, Native Americans, and the slave trade. Over the years, six different flags have flown here: French, English, Spanish, American, the short-lived Republic of Alabama, Confederate, and then back to American. As a strategic port during the Civil War, Mobile saw battles, blockades, and occupation by both Confederate and Union forces. After Reconstruction, the city grew again through industries like shipbuilding and manufacturing.

We visited the Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge this morning. It’s the tallest capitol building in the country, standing 27 stories tall and towering over everything around it. From the base, looking up, it feels massive and almost out of place compared to the rest of the city. The Art Deco design makes it stand out even more, and at the top it’s capped with a lantern and cupola that give it a distinctive finish.

This morning, we explored Galveston’s East End Historic District, a neighborhood known for its Victorian-era architecture. The area is mostly residential, filled with grand mansions and elegant churches. Many of the homes are brick with tall windows and wraparound iron patios, the kind of detail that reminded me a little of New Orleans. Walking through, you can sense the wealth that once defined Galveston and how much pride still goes into preserving these buildings.

We almost gave up on the eclipse today. The cloud cover was so heavy that I figured there was no way we’d see anything. Still, we decided to stick it out in San Antonio through totality just to experience the darkness, and I’m so glad we did.

I visited the Alamo this morning, one of the most iconic symbols of Texas independence. Originally a Spanish mission, it was later turned into a fortress and became the site of the famous Battle of the Alamo in 1836 during the Texas Revolution. A small band of Texan defenders held out against Mexican forces for 13 days before being overrun. Their stand, though doomed, became a rallying cry for Texas independence and remains one of the most remembered events in American history.

This morning, we visited Big Bend National Park, situated in southwest Texas along the Mexico border. It’s known for its rugged beauty and vast wilderness. The park features diverse landscapes, from desert terrain to towering mountains, offering breathtaking vistas, winding river canyons, and abundant wildlife. Although we could only spend an hour inside the park due to another long drive ahead, it was enough to leave me convinced of the need to return. Perhaps next time, I’ll explore it further on my motorcycle!