Epic Summer Road Trip Kickoff: First Stop, Unbelievable Hidden Adventures!

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A Big Summer Road Trip Adventure

Day One: The Journey Begins

The summer of 2025 kicked off with an epic road trip in my trusty Winnebago Echo, adorned with a cheerful happy face on the front. My furry co-pilot, Rosie, and I were buzzing with excitement as we embarked on this memorable journey. Here’s a recap of our first day on the road, filled with grocery runs, fuel stops, and a few delightful surprises.

Starting the Day Right

After driving just six miles from home, the adventure began with a practical stop at Kroger to stock up on groceries. Pro tip: shopping at Kroger before fueling up earns you discount points, which is always a win! With the pantry stocked, we headed to the fuel station, where diesel was priced at $3.39 per gallon. Thanks to those Kroger points, I snagged a nice discount, filling up half the tank—23 gallons—for the next leg of the trip. Rosie, ever the loyal guard dog, stayed behind to watch the Echo, and I rewarded her with some well-deserved treats.

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Hitting the Road

Our route took us from Huntsville, Alabama, through Nashville, Tennessee, and into Kentucky before landing in Illinois for the night. I parked at one of my favorite boondocking spots—a Cracker Barrel—perfect for a cozy overnight stay. After a long day of driving, Rosie and I were ready to unwind. I grabbed a bite to eat and settled in, already looking forward to the next day’s adventures.

Chasing Route 66 and a Butter Burger Craving

Day one wasn’t just about logistics; it was about embracing the journey. We detoured to explore the historic Route 66, the iconic “Mother Road” that shaped so many small towns before the rise of major highways. The nostalgia of this legendary route added a special vibe to the trip. And, of course, I couldn’t resist a stop at Culver’s for a butter burger and their irresistible crinkle-cut fries—a travel day must-have, even with a fully stocked fridge. Rosie approved, happily sharing in the treat.

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A Quick Stop in Colorful Colorado

As we crossed into Colorado, we stopped at the Julesburg Welcome Center, established in 1859. Visitor centers are gold mines for discovering local gems, and this one was no exception. The sign welcomed us to “Colorful Colorado,” setting the stage for more exploration. I always make a point to visit these centers—you never know what cool tidbits or hidden spots you’ll uncover.

Road Trip Realities

One thing to keep in mind when traveling out west: major highways can close unexpectedly due to bad weather or accidents. Always be prepared to spend the night on the road or find a safe spot to pull over. With the Echo ready for anything, Rosie and I were set to handle whatever came our way.

Camping Lantern

A Cone-Sized Obsession

Oh, and let’s not forget my love for orange traffic cones—those massive ones we spotted along the way gave me serious cone envy! I couldn’t help but imagine all the fun things I could do with a collection like that. Maybe next trip, I’ll start my own cone museum.

Wrapping Up Day One

From grocery hauls to fuel discounts, Route 66 detours to Culver’s cravings, and day one was a whirlwind of excitement and small joys. Rosie may have tried to take the wheel (sorry, girl, not yet!), but together, we made it through a fantastic start to this summer adventure. Stay tuned for more stories from the road as we continue exploring!

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