RoamingRushka

Mid-November marked the start of our next big adventure. After enjoying the quiet charm of Maine, Paloma and I packed up our trusty Honda Fit, Pebble, and set our sights on Atlanta, GA. The journey was a long one, but every stop along the way added a unique layer to our east coast road trip story.

Thoughts on Portland, ME

Some of you might be curious about Portland, ME, and our time there. It’s a stunningly beautiful place with a peaceful vibe, and the people are some of the friendliest we’ve encountered. That said, I was struck by how remote and quiet it felt, especially after a decade in LA. I never thought I’d miss the buzz of a city, but Portland’s population of less than 70,000 left me craving a bit more energy. Still, I’d love to return in the summer when the town and its coastline are at their most vibrant.

Portland, ME to Fishkill, NY

Our first leg took us from Portland, ME, to Fishkill, NY. After hours on the road, we welcomed the comfort of a hotel bed, ready to recharge for another full day of driving. Early the next morning, we hit the road again, heading for a work-week destination that would surprise us: Fort George Meade, MD.

Working Week at Fort George Meade

Fort Meade was an entirely new experience. Staying on a military base was something I never expected on this journey. Passing through the security checkpoints felt daunting at first (after all, we were right next to the NSA), but it turned out to be a smooth process.

We were fortunate to stay with our friends Kenzie, Chad, and their adorable cat Boo. Their warm hospitality gave us the perfect space to settle in, work remotely, and recharge. We even got to experience our first snow of the season in the middle of the week! Our evenings were filled with delicious vegan meals, laughter, and even a quick getaway to Annapolis.

Annapolis swept me off my feet. The cobblestone streets, historic brick buildings, and the maritime atmosphere were captivating. It was a town I could easily imagine revisiting, perhaps on a sunnier summer day when the waterfront would be bustling.

From Maryland to Greensboro, NC

After a rejuvenating week, we said goodbye to our friends and began the next leg of our journey toward Atlanta. Our stopover in Greensboro, NC, turned out to be unexpectedly delightful.

We treated ourselves to dinner at an incredible izakaya restaurant called Yokai, where the food and sake was nothing short of phenomenal. The evening got even better with a dose of stand-up comedy at a nearby venue. Full of good food and laughter, we returned to our hotel, ready for the final push to Atlanta.

Thanksgiving in Atlanta

As I write this, I’m sitting at Paloma’s parents’ house, reflecting on an incredible Thanksgiving week. Her family welcomed us with open arms, and the week was filled with celebration and connection. From a warm family Thanksgiving to a lively cousin’s wedding full of dancing and joy, the trip was as heartwarming as it was memorable.

-RoamingRushka