Travel Food Trouble

I drove myself to the Fitbloggin' conference in Baltimore on Thursday. About 275 miles away.

I was *very* proud of myself. Don't laugh at me - I am not a person who has driven on trips by myself frequently. I drove my kids on an enormous cross country trip last summer - Va to Georgia to Memphis to Texas and then back, switching Memphis for Birmingham. Any other trip I've ever done has been with my husband.

I fly by myself all the time. I'm a pro at navigating airports, know just about all I need to know about security and getting a cab or shuttle and checking in to a hotel - but the driving part of the equation has, until this week, been somewhat lacking.

But Thursday morning I got myself up, loaded my Jeep, set up the GPS and set off on an adventure. It was really a good trip - until I decided that I was somewhat hungry. Knowing that I would be immediately put to work when I arrived at the conference, I decided that I'd stop and get something to eat. Almost as soon as I made this executive decision, I spotted a Steak & Shake.

(I usually travel with food. Lots and lots of food, but this time I just - forgot.)

Yum, I thought to myself. I could get a milkshake. I took the exit and drove to get the milkshake - only problem? The restaurant never appeared. Ok, I thought to myself. No big deal, I'll get back on 95 and go to another exit.

About 30 minutes later, I saw a sign alerting me to a Chick Fil A. Yay! Chicken nuggets - and a milkshake.

Took the exit. Drove a mile+ down the road - and nothing ever appeared.

This is ridiculous. I got BACK on the interstate and kept driving. Next time, make sure you notice if it's the first or second exit. Maybe THAT'S the problem. 45 miles later, I saw ANOTHER sign for Chick Fil A and made certain that I noted that it was the A exit. I took the A exit and drove to find the Chick Fil A. I passed lots of different fast food restaurants but I really was set on Chick Fil A by then. I stopped for gas and asked where the elusive Chick Fil A could be. 

Having been told that it was just a few blocks down, I got back behind the wheel and drove off, feeling like I really, at this point, DESERVED a chocolate milkshake. I spotted the sign and rejoiced! as I turned at the light and maneuvered towards the nirvana of deep fried chicken nuggets and chocolate blended goodness

to find that the Chick Fil A was closed for remodeling.

And so this is why I ate Fig Newmans in my car for lunch.

Comments

[kyooty]

Bring on the food. I can't travel empty handed. I need a back up plan.

[Cheryl]

argh. hate that traveling food thing. Good thing you had Fig Newtons along.... Have fun at the conference.

[Brandy]

I never remember food. Drinks, yes, food no. Hope you're having a good time!

[Wendy]

You missed nothing at that Steak and Shake (F-burg I assume). One of the worst places I've ever been service-wise and I actually like Steak and Shake.

[addy]

See I'm with you - bring food avoid all hassles like this. So aggravating! Enjoy your trip.

[mary]

we do a lot of road trips and our rule is if we cannot see the restaurant/gas station from the road, we are not stopping. lol. too many wild goose chases!! it is so irritating!

[Katie Fleck]

Were you in Maryland? When I lived there, I felt that ALL the interstate signs lied. Like the Chick-fil-A? Was probably 8 miles off the interstate and required you to go over the river and through the woods. It's crazy. I used to go grocery shopping at a store 5 miles away until someone told me that there was a Safeway down a "driveway" behind a bunch of trees just half a mile from my house. Sign anywhere near the road? Nope.