We had quite a day! This morning, we explored downtown Mobile. Founded by the French in 1702, the city was shaped by Europeans, Native Americans, and the slave trade. Remarkably, Mobile has seen six sovereign flags fly over its skies: French, English, Spanish, American, Republic of Alabama (a short-lived independent state declared in 1861 during the American Civil War), Confederate, and a return to American rule. As a strategic port city during the Civil War, Mobile witnessed battles and occupation by both Confederate and Union forces. Following Reconstruction, the city experienced economic growth fueled by 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, the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the United States, dates back to its founding by Spanish explorers in 1565. We arrived here yesterday and plan to stay another night. Despite not knowing much about this town until recently, I’ve so far been very impressed by it.

Today, we made it to Savannah! Established in 1733, it holds a distinguished position in American history. As one of the earliest colonial settlements in the Thirteen Colonies, Savannah played crucial roles during the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. Its strategic location as a port city made it a coveted prize for both British and American forces. The Siege of Savannah in 1779, during the Revolutionary War, saw a failed attempt by American and French forces to retake the city from the British. In the Civil War, Savannah served as a vital Confederate stronghold until its capture by Union General William T. Sherman in 1864, marking a turning point in the conflict.

This morning, we visited Wormsloe Historic Site, a former plantation. It traces its origins back to the early 1730s when Noble Jones, an English settler, established Wormsloe Plantation on the Isle of Hope. Over time, the plantation grew to over 1,000 acres and became one of the most prosperous in the region. During the Revolutionary War, Wormsloe played a strategic role in the defense of Savannah against British forces. The Jones family, descendants of Noble Jones, continued to own and operate the plantation through the 19th century, contributing to Georgia’s development. In 1973, the State of Georgia acquired Wormsloe, preserving its historic core for public access.

This morning, we departed from Charleston. It stands as one of the oldest cities in the United States, having played a central role in the colonial era as a major port and economic hub for the region. In fact, it was a significant center of the slave trade, with the port receiving thousands of enslaved Africans who were compelled into labor on plantations throughout the South. Later, it was here that the first shots of the American Civil War were fired, marking the beginning of the conflict that would shape the nation’s history. We visited several notable landmarks, including the Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park, Charleston City Market, Market Hall, and The Citadel.

We’re currently in Asheville, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The town is known for its artsy vibe and outdoor recreational opportunities. The city’s liberal atmosphere and progressive mindset have earned it a reputation as a haven for artists, musicians, and free spirits. Unfortunately, it’s also the first place I’ve visited outside of California where there is an abundance of open drug use. I was surprised to see these same problems here in the South, but I guess California isn’t alone.

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.

This morning we visited Rock City Garden, located atop Lookout Mountain in Georgia. It’s known for its sweeping vistas and unique rock formations. There are narrow passageways among moss-covered boulders and bridges that meander throughout the garden. I really enjoyed walking through these narrow pathways! Although, at times, it was so narrow it was difficult for me to pass (I was carrying a lot of gear including a backpack, side bag, DSLR camera, and leading Bruno). It made me wonder what would happen if I were just a few pounds heavier. Yikes!

Before leaving Chattanooga, we visited The International Towing & Recovery Museum this morning. It’s dedicated to preserving the history of the towing and recovery industry, featuring a collection of vintage tow trucks, equipment, and memorabilia showcasing the evolution of towing technology. One little-known fact is that Chattanooga is credited as the birthplace for tow trucks, which is partly why this museum is found here.