A Day of Transitions
Some days on the road feel like a movie montage … others feel like the blooper reel. Today was both.
After wrapping up my brief stay in Chicago, I was ready to start the next leg of the journey: seven new states over the next two and a half weeks, with a focus on scenic drives and small-town charm. I’ve been looking forward to this part — a shift away from the big city bustle and into the quieter, quirkier corners of America.
But before I could escape the airport chaos, I hit a snag.
Rental Car Woes (and a $400 Lesson)
Here’s a tip: always double-check the rental car company’s fine print if you’re planning to drive across multiple states.
I thought I had scored a great deal through Fox Rental Car on Expedia. Turns out, it wasn’t such a great deal when the woman at the counter told me I couldn’t take their car into states like South Dakota, North Dakota, or Nebraska — all on my route.
“Have a nice day,” she said, after denying the rental and noting the cancellation on my file.
I scrambled. Eventually shelled out another $400 to get a different vehicle, a comfortable Buick Enclave. Not ideal, but hey, I’m mobile. And that’s what matters.
On the Road to Galena
My GPS pulled me off the main highway and into what felt like a never-ending sea of corn. Row after row after row. Honestly, I had no idea there were this many cornfields in Illinois. Chicago is the image most of us have when we think of this state, but out here … it’s green, it’s hilly, and it’s beautiful in a quiet, cinematic kind of way.
The road winds up and down through these gentle Midwestern hills. I found myself thinking of Ireland more than Illinois.
Eventually, I arrived in Galena, my first small town stop. I had booked a charming bed and breakfast a few minutes outside of town, and even before I stepped through the door, they were texting to check on my arrival. That kind of hospitality already said a lot.
Main Street After Dark
I wandered Galena’s Main Street just as the light was starting to fade. It was a Monday night … quiet, a bit sleepy, but full of promise.
Many of the shops were already closed, but I could tell that this town had something special going on. You could feel it in the architecture, in the window displays of the antique stores and chocolate shops, and even in the way the street lights hit the bricks.
I had a simple meal at a cozy pub and walked the rest of the street, just taking it in.
Something struck me: every storefront was occupied. No vacancies. A rarity these days.
From leather goods to handmade gifts, it seems like this town has figured something out. Tourism? Local pride? A little bit of magic? I’m not sure yet, but I’m excited to find out.
Setting a New Intention
I’ve been talking about it for a while and now I want to actually do it.
As I visit these small towns, I want to start introducing you to some of the people behind them. The folks who run the inns, cook the meals, carve the signs, restore the old houses. I’ve already reached out to the owners of the bed and breakfast where I’m staying to see if they’d be open to a conversation.
It’s one thing to film a street … it’s another to let someone tell you why it matters.
Lightning Bugs and Time Lapses
One last note before I turn in for the night…
Just outside my inn, I stood in a field at twilight — camera in hand — watching thousands of lightning bugs blinking across the rows of corn. I haven’t seen that many fireflies since I was a kid. I tried to capture it in a time exposure, but it’s one of those things that’s better felt than photographed.
Those are the moments that remind me why I’m doing this.
Tomorrow, I’ll explore Galena properly — with intention, curiosity, and maybe even a couple of interviews. But for now, I’ll sign off.
Goodnight from the road.
