Day 2.22: Atlanta, GA to Hot Springs, AR

We had intended to get out right away after getting up, but we were quickly convinced to play 2 rounds of Sushi Go, in which Arielle was obliterated, before we hit the road, thanking Sarah, Hillel, and especially Jonah for their very warm hospitality.

We crossed into Alabama and stopped at the welcome center. Our first attraction of the day was the original location of Steel City Pops in Birmingham, Alabama, which features an appetizing assortment of fruity, creamy, and cookie pops. Arielle spent a while thinking and ultimately settled on a buttermilk pop dipped in milk chocolate with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs, a caramel drizzle, and a drop of raspberry drizzle, while Abe, who had visited with USY on Wheels back in 2016, got cookies and cream. They were quite sizable and filling. As we left, Abe said, most appropriately, “Let’s blow this popsicle stand.”

We drove to Mississippi, stopping at the welcome center, and continuing along to Tupelo, where Elvis was born. As soon as we pulled up to Mugshots Grill and Bar, we were greeted by someone exiting a truck next to us who saw our license plate and said “You’re a long way from home! Welcome to Mississippi!” Everyone there was incredibly nice, the waiter said he would replace our food if we didn’t like it, and multiple employees in the restaurant came to check on us throughout the meal. Arielle got fried pickles (at half off!) and a veggie burger with sautéed mushrooms and cheese. Abe got 10 wings, half with BBQ sauce and half with Carolina Gold BBQ sauce (he liked the former before). Both of us got fries, and both the regular and sweet potato were delicious. They even gave us the root beer float (which was only $2.95!!) that Abe got to go for free. Arielle decided that she wanted to live there and quickly found a synagogue, which was only eight minutes away. We drove there to see what it looked like but there was no one there, just some nice trees nearby.

We got back on the road as it got dark and entered Tennessee. The welcome center looked open but there was no one there.

We went over a bridge and were in Arkansas! This was state #47 for Abe and #42 for Arielle. We didn’t even both stopping at welcome center since we knew it would be closed and just got gas. We arrived at the Hotel Hot Springs after nearly twelve hours on the road, benefiting from the extra hour we gained once we entered Alabama. The hotel had a lovely lobby and made a good first impression on us, and we unloaded before parking in the garage down the street.

We collapsed into bed after crossing through more states than ever in one day!

Approximate number of miles covered: 580