After Losing His Grandfather, He Took an 8-Day Road Trip Across America

The Unexpected Road Trip Across America After LossAfter losing his grandfather, Jacob Gooden and his wife Maddy made a spontaneous decision that turned into an unforgettable adventure — driving from California to Tennessee in his grandfather’s car over the course of eight days.In this episode of Inspired Travels with Patti, Jacob joins me to share the story behind the journey, the hidden gems they discovered along the way, and the lessons they learned about slowing down, embracing spontaneity, and finding joy in the unexpected.From a Danish-inspired town in California and a western-themed McDonald’s to scenic overlooks in Utah, hidden parks in Colorado, a soda museum in Missouri, and roadside oddities in Kansas, this road trip became about far more than just getting home.If you’ve ever dreamed about taking a cross-country road trip, exploring hidden gems close to home, or simply learning how to travel slower and more intentionally, this episode is full of inspiration and practical tips.In This EpisodeHow grief unexpectedly sparked a cross-country road tripWhy slowing down completely changed the travel experienceThe best hidden gems between California and TennesseeScenic stops in Utah and Colorado worth pulling over forThe surprisingly cool soda museum in St. Charles, MissouriWhy road trips don’t have to be expensive to be meaningfulTips for planning a flexible and enjoyable road tripThe importance of knowing your travel style and limitsHow spontaneous detours often create the best memoriesThe value of visiting family and reconnecting on the roadCity Stops Along The WayHanford, CASolvang, CAVentura, CALas Vegas, NVSt. George, UTGrand Junction, COColorado Springs, COKansas City, MOSt. Charles, MONashville, TNPlaces MentionedSuperior DairyEddies WorldRosenbruch World Wildlife MuseumTwo Rivers ParkSt. Charles Soda MuseumLargest Superman StatueConnect with JacobCheck out the Ex-Homeschoolers ClubSubscribe on YouTubeFollow along on InstagramOr connect directly with Jacob on his personal InstagramThank you for listening to Inspired Travels With Patti, I would love to hear from you, please leave me a comment or question here on the podcast page or on my social media channels: Inspired Travels With Patti ..Connect with Me:YouTubeInstagramFacebook Patti Hunt Facebook Inspired Travels With Patti TikTokLinks and Discounts * Camp for Less than $9 a night: Reach out to Sharon & Warren Lewis Thousand Trails Membership Specialists.                  Call/Text 772-217-1851 * Clear2O 20% off Discount Code: Inspired Travel * AirSkirts  $200 off with Code: RVPOD* Rivet Supply Co Adventure Boards check website for FREE Personalizing* KoolRV Optimize RV AC * Open Roads discount diesel fuel card * VIP Access Great RV product & services discounts * Innovative...