Last weekend, we drove from New Hampshire to Ohio to celebrate the 80th birthdays of two of my Aunts on my Dad’s side. We don’t see this side of my family often, so it was really important to me that my whole family attend. Even early on in the planning airfare for four would have been North of $1,200. Ouch. The decision was made to drive. We lived to tell the tale, but I learned a few things along the way.

1. My cousins, their spouses and their kids are quite a talented bunch. For publicly available examples see Carmen & Ginna Maugeri, Michael S. McGinn,  Christine Guillott Ryan and David Ryan. You’ll have to trust me on the other stuff.
2. When given the choice between Route 90 and Route 84, Route 90 wins. Hands down. EVERY. TIME.
3. The little sliver of Utica, New York that we saw reminded me of Concord, New Hampshire.
4. Once you get out of New England, the terrain is flat. REALLY flat. A corollary, it IS possible to be on the same highway for more than 450 miles. For those outside, New England, our roads frequently change names or designations after just a few miles. There’s nothing quite like getting onto the Mass Turnpike at 7pm at night and hearing the GPS say “Stay on Route 90 for 460 miles.”
5. Tim Horton’s is what Dunkin’ Donuts used to be. Best damn glazed donut I’ve had in 2o years!
6. The New York Thruway (a.k.a. Route 90) is worth the tolls for the rest areas alone.
7. My kids are good travelers (and for that I am grateful!).
8. When Google says it’s a 12 hour drive, add an additional two hours for gas/bathroom/food breaks.
9. Even with good music and kids who travel well, a 14 hour drive is too damn long. Turns out we really are air travel people.
10. Sometimes, no matter the price, the trip is worth it just be with family.