By Michele D. Baker
I recently got back from two weeks on the road with my mother. She took my car to visit her brother in Chicago for two weeks – he had a knee replacement. Later, I took the train and she picked me up at Union Station. From there we drove cross-country through Indiana and Michigan. Most of the way it was raining, sleeting, or windy, but we both love road trips, so that didn’t bother us much. (Incidentally, we were on our way to Toronto.)
We travel so well together; we both like to sleep late at hotels, we both travel with way too much luggage, and we both prefer to see where the day takes us, rather than planning too much. It’s all well and good to know where you’re going, but what if you see a sign for the World’s Largest Ball of Twine just 40 miles east?
Of course, it’s important to stop often for local pastries and small wineries, too. And you never know what treasures can be unearthed at the obscure local Museum of History in Bad Axe, Michigan.
Related: Mother’s Day Memories
Road trip cuisine is also a treat. Mom and I rarely eat in chain restaurants even at home, so we are always on the lookout for a small mom-and-pop place with checkered oilcloth on the tables and fresh flowers in a bud vase. We’ve learned through long experience to order the special – no matter what it is – or to select the first thing on the menu, which is usually what the restaurant is famous for. Although we are both foodies, neither mom nor I are huge eaters – we always split something. This has a fortuitous upside: there’s always room for dessert!
This Mother’s Day we’ll likely take a trip to New Orleans. Mom says there are three bakeries which have King Cakes year-round, a thought which brings a smile to my face.
Until next time, Happy Mother’s Day and happy travels!
