Girl Who Travels

Travel Dates: April 2026

Rolling Toward the Finish Line

The final leg of a road trip is always bittersweet. The trunk is packed with souvenirs, the playlist is hitting its greatest hits, and the transition from the bayous of Louisiana to the rolling hills of the Southeast signals that the “Welcome Home” mat is finally in sight.

Our journey from New Orleans to Atlanta—and eventually back to our own front door in Virginia—was the perfect exclamation point to an incredible adventure. Here are the highlights from the home stretch.

The Infinite Horizon: Crossing Lake Pontchartrain

Leaving New Orleans always brings a twinge of sadness, but the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway makes the exit spectacular. It’s like the old saying: “I hate to see you leave, but I love to watch you go.” Driving over 24 miles of open water feels less like a bridge and more like a flight path. It’s amazing how the horizon just vanishes into the endless blue.

With nothing but blue water meeting the sky on either side, it was a moment of pure zen. It gave us some much-needed quiet time to reflect on the jazz, the food, and the vibrant energy of NOLA before hitting the open highway.

This bridge has been on my bucket list for years, and while I’d looked forward to it the whole trip, I walked away with even more than I expected. I am still in awe of the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge, which might actually be my favorite of the trip. While the Causeway is a breathless marvel of engineering, the Basin Bridge offers a sense of comfort and security amidst the swamp. They are both amazing in their own ways, and I’m so grateful I got to experience them both.

Through the Heart of the Gulf South

As we pushed East, the scenery shifted from the coastal lowlands of Mississippi to the lush, pine-heavy corridors of Alabama. There’s a rhythmic quality to the drive through these states, punctuated by the familiar roadside signs urging us to “Keep Alabama the Beautiful.” There is something so endearing about that specific phrasing—not just beautiful, but the beautiful. It’s a proud, local sentiment that makes you want to roll down the windows and appreciate the greenery stretching out toward the horizon.

A Giant Georgia Welcome

You know you’ve officially returned to the heart of the South when the scenery starts looking a little “peachier.” We couldn’t miss the iconic Big Peach towering over the landscape—the ultimate roadside beacon reminding us we were firmly on the way home.

Seeing that massive fruit served as a necessary reminder: we have a mission this summer. Abbott Farms is officially at the top of the “must-return” list. This summer, we’re coming back specifically for the cobblers, the preserves, and a crate of the real deal.

The Final Stretch

The transition from the jazz-fueled streets of NOLA to the bustling skyline of Atlanta, and finally to the familiar sights of our own neighborhood, is always a surreal blur. The “miles to go” countdown on the GPS finally hit zero. While it feels wonderful to be back in our own beds, the itch for the next adventure is already starting.

Where to next? Only the map knows.