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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This morning, we explored Charleston, a city that ranks among the oldest in the United States. Once a major colonial port and economic hub, it played a central role in the transatlantic slave trade, receiving thousands of Africans who were forced into labor on plantations across the South. Charleston also holds a pivotal place in American history as the site where the first shots of the Civil War were fired.

We’re in Asheville, tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The town is known for its artsy vibe and easy access to the outdoors. It has a reputation as a haven for artists, musicians, and free spirits thanks to its progressive atmosphere. What surprised me, though, was seeing so much open drug use. This is the first time I’ve noticed it outside California. It was a reminder that these problems aren’t unique to home.

This morning, we visited the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Located on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, it spans over 500,000 acres and is one of the largest protected areas in the eastern United States. The park is named for the “smoky” mist that often hangs over the mountains, created by the dense vegetation and high humidity.

We visited Rock City Garden this morning, perched high on Lookout Mountain in Georgia. The big draw here is the view. On clear days, like today, you can see as many as seven states: Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. There’s something pretty special about looking out across that much of the South from a single spot.

We visited the International Towing & Recovery Museum in Chattanooga. It’s dedicated to preserving the history of the towing industry, with a collection of vintage trucks, equipment, and memorabilia that trace the evolution of towing technology. Fittingly, the museum is located here because Chattanooga is credited as the birthplace of the tow truck.