#10- Southeast Delights

Fireflies (lightning bugs)  in a jar! 

As Bree & I are making our way through the Midwest, looking out at the amber waves of grain (miles and miles of corn)- we got to talking. At this point, we’ve covered 29 states, close to 10,000 miles, and seen a whole bunch in-between. From purple mountain majesties to spacious skies and from sea to shining sea, we’ve had an amazing time taking in this beautiful country. As every day takes us closer and closer to home, and further away (physically at least...) from the experiences and people we’ve had along the way, there are a few things we are going to miss in the Southeast region (outside of our friends/family we’ve been blessed to spend time with, of course). 

First and foremost, lightning bugs. Something about them just seems so magical and happy. Kind of like that feeling you get when you see a dolphin jumping out of the water. Or a shooting star. They are nature’s nocturnal faeries, and we were graced by their presence all the way up through West Virginia. Love you lightning bugs, keep on shining!

Only found in high-end establishments

Another magical treat, that sadly we can’t seem to find anywhere anymore, are glorious, mouth-watering boiled peanuts! They are a 7-11/gas-station delicacy, found only in the Southeast. There’s nothing like fishing through a crock-pot of hot spicy broth to find a cups worth of perfectly soft, boiled peanuts. Mmm-mmm-good.

Something else that us Northern California girls loved about the East Coast was the ability to actually swim in the ocean. The temperatures are perfect to just jump right in and frolic about in the waves, without getting hypothermia. So nice. Bree & I have both always been more partial to fresh water swimming (as anyone who grew up near the Yuba River would understand), but we had a great time in the sand ‘n surf of North & South Carolina, even if my eyes were stinging half the time from the salt. Totally worth it.

Shackleford Banks Island, North Carolina

Kure Beach, North Carolina

Those are definitely the top things we shall miss from our time in the Southeast…but some other honorable mentions are: east coast oysters, chick-a-filet, sweet tea (even though it’s sickeningly sweet. Half sweet/half unsweetened is the way to go), southern terms of hospitality (sweetheart, darlin’, thank ya’ kindly, etc.) and hush puppies. Peace out Southeast, see y’all next time.

Hush-puppies & sweet-tea!