“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” Mark Twain
That’s a wrap on our 2026 Father’s Day weekend road trip, or, more accurately, our five-day Father’s Day adventure through the Great American South.
We made some wonderful memories, shared plenty of laughs, argued minimally, ate some incredible food, and, perhaps most importantly, deepened our knowledge and understanding of some of the most painful chapters in American history. Our time at the Equal Justice Initiative’s Legacy Sites in Montgomery and our visit to Selma challenged us to confront the realities of racial injustice, lynching, and the long struggle for civil rights in America. It’s not easy to look at, but it’s necessary if we want to make progress and become better human beings.
Aside from the museums and memorials I’ve already written about, here are a few additional observations, random fun facts, and highlights from the trip.
Road Trip Stats
Total mileage: Approximately 2,100 miles (3,380 km)
States visited or driven through: 6
-
Kansas
-
Missouri
-
Arkansas
-
Tennessee
-
Mississippi
-
Alabama
Cities where we intentionally stopped or spent the night:
-
West Plains, Missouri
-
Tupelo, Mississippi
-
Montgomery, Alabama
-
Selma, Alabama
-
Mobile, Alabama
-
Dauphin Island, Alabama
-
Biloxi, Mississippi
-
Memphis, Tennessee
Billboard Olympics
I lost count somewhere between the Jesus billboards, gun and ammunition billboards, and personal injury lawyer billboards. If I had to award medals, though, the lawyers took home the gold. 🥇Memphis appeared to have the most lawyer billboards out of any city we drove through.
Apparently, if faith doesn’t save you and your firearm doesn’t protect you, there’s a lawyer standing by ready to help.
America Runs on Trucks, Trains, and Ships
One thing that really stood out on this trip was the scale of America’s transportation infrastructure.
The interstate highway system, championed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower (a Kansas native) along with the railroads, and shipping ports keep America running strong. We saw countless semi-trucks, freight trains, and cargo ships along the way. Thank you to all the workers who keep this system flowing smoothly so all of our lives operate a little easier.
Southern Vocabulary Lesson
Down South, they are called Speed Lumps and Speed Humps but not Speed Bumps.
Ask stupid questions, win stupid prizes. No, I don’t know why…it’s just what they call them.
I love that the Speed Hump sign is in the actual shape of a hump. Well played.
Random Arkansas Fact
There is a town in Arkansas named Egypt. Population: 113 (according to the 2020 census).
Gulf of Mexico…or Gulf of America?
Google Maps on my phone now labels it the “Gulf of America,” but the signage at the National Maritime Museum in Mobile still says “Gulf of Mexico.”
Apparently, we haven’t reached a consensus yet on this topic. Par for the course.
Best Food of the Trip
The overall winner remains the meal we ate at Aunt B’s Soul Food in Tupelo, MS that I previously wrote about.
A respectable second place goes to the Fillin’ Station in Biloxi, MS, specifically for their crawfish nachos.
This place was recommended by a woman we met in one of the hotel lobbies who works for Whataburger and travels extensively for her job. —- Also, Courtney gave us so much Whataburger swag and coupons for free food that I will help her marketing efforts and promote their brand whenever someone asks me about hamburgers or fast food. I’ll start now: Did you know they have amazing breakfast food including delicious cinnamon rolls? They do. Buy some..now. 🧡
The woman knows her food. She was right about the nachos – amazing!
We also shared a shrimp and oyster po’boy, gumbo, and red beans and rice. We really wanted to try everything on the menu but that’s too much greasy food and beans for a long car ride with three people. We don’t have time for that many bathroom breaks.
It was all delicious though and a place I would highly recommend if you ever find yourself in Biloxi. The ambience (it really is in an old gas station) isn’t much to write home about but the food is great.
Fireworks Season
The roadside fireworks stands are already out in full force for the Fourth of July.
I’m sure the hospitals are making preparations too. After all, somebody has to reattach little Tommy’s fingertips after he holds onto a Black Cat just a second longer than he should. 🧨💥
Be safe out there, people.
The Best Part
We made it home safely, tired but happy.
I’m incredibly thankful that my dad is still around, healthy enough, and adventurous enough to keep saying “yes” to these trips. I know not everyone gets that opportunity, and I don’t take it for granted.
I’m also grateful my sister came along, and especially grateful she let us put another 2,100 miles on her Bronco.
But if we’re being honest, the happiest member of the family was waiting for us at home.
The baby of the family. Ellie, our little egg roll.
She received the full VIP treatment: a treat, a walk, a treat, a bath, a treat, dinner, and plenty of snuggles..and maybe another treat. By the end of the evening she seemed less mad at us for leaving her behind…only just a little less.
I’m pretty sure she missed us every bit as much as we missed her.
Much love & gratitude. Namaste 🙏
Don’t forget to like and share this post, please. Thank you.
To see more photos and videos from my adventures, follow me on social media. Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, BlueSky, and Threads or find me on LinkedIn.
