This Friday, October 25, 2013, will mark an historic occasion: the only monumental adventure I’ll have this year. Additionally, it will mark a return visit to Georgia, a first-time tour of Tennessee, and the what will likely be the final escapades of my beloved Camry, Becky. To memorialize this series of events, I’ll be keeping track of the entire adventures on this blog, as well as broadcasting radio programs along the way. So, what sort of shenanigans should you come to expect from this upcoming quest? Check out the information after the bump.
It started with a wedding invitation…
Yes, the very existence of this trip is built around the wedding of my beloved friends Ashlee Perkins and Brandyn Bold. Having all attended the Savannah College of Art & Design, spent four years growing up together, and generally getting up to no good (screaming down the streets of Savannah, being shot at during photo-shoots, being young twenty-somethings), I have no option about my attendance at this momentous celebration. On November 2nd, they’ll tie the knot at the Georgia State Railroad Museum (romantic, I know) and I’ll be right there, staring awkwardly at their relatives.
And how does that become a ten day journey?
Who told you it was ten days long? Your information is correct and the answer is: how could it not? With all of the fantastic friends I made during my time at SCAD, I have to make some time to visit as many as I can! Also, I am currently (f)unemployed, so I’ve definitely got the time to make this journey last as long as it can.
What’s the plan, then?
Here, let’s sum it up with a map and then I’ll lay it out for you:
Good gravy, man. Are you off your rocker?
It’s beautiful, isn’t it? I get so excited every time I look at this. Are you ready for the break-down?
No.
Great!
- Leave Austin — make way for Atlanta, GA
- Spend two nights in Hotlanta — visit the Georgia Aquarium + World of Coca-Cola, celebrate Halloween early with the Bullins’
- Crusade towards Nashville, TN for three days of Opry-sights, the very first Cracker Barrel, Dollywood (pinch me, I’m going to scream), whisky distilleries, and tons of time with our wonderful host, the lovely Elise Baker
- Propel ourselves to Savannah, GA for another three days featuring a Halloween pub crawl, a grand bike tour of the city, brunch (!), and, oh right, that wedding we spoke of before
- Continue the campaign to Pensacola Beach, FL for two nights where Elizabeth will 1. revisit her childhood home, 2. actually eat seafood, and 3. relax on a real beach
- Make the final push home towards Austin, not knowing which way is up
Are there any questions?
Will you be giving away full bars again at Halloween this year?
No, you foolish children. Stay off my lawn. You may all go to hell, I am going to River Street.
Will you bring me back anything?
Apart from a month’s supply of Yuengling, I cannot make any promises, but if you ask nicely, I’ll do my best to bring you what you want! (Message me here or on Twitter: @SXSRhys)
I’m not on your list of stops, how do I make you change your mind?
Ask me politely and perhaps I can stop by. Or maybe you can meet me at one of my many stops. I have no idea when I’ll be able to make a trip like this again and I don’t want to miss seeing you!
How often will you be updating us on your adventure?
As often as I can. Or, more likely, whenever anything crazy or memorable occurs. I’ll be posting on my Twitter (@SXSRhys) whenever new posts are up PLUS whenever I will be going on the air with a very special guest on Our Time Radio. Plus, I’ll be posting short updates and photos on Twitter with the hashtag #thesouthridesagain, so keep a lookout and share with the masses.
I suppose that’s all for now. Stay tuned as the experience unfolds, folks!
TL;DR – Going on a road trip through the southern U.S.; it’ll be crazy and I’ll blog about it here.
Two Month Weekend 
Please sleep in our home both days of your ATL adventures! (We no longer recognize the term hotlanta after our wet and dreary summer) Maybe Jeff can aid you in radio? Also give forth any diet requests so that my home may accommodate you!