I arrived in Statesville, NC at 2:00 yesterday morning. I had stopped at the NC Welcome Center and picked up a hotel coupon magazine and found one for the Ramada. I stayed here in February when I was on my way back from Florida. I managed to get one of the last rooms available for $65, including a really good hot breakfast. I love this hotel because it is clean, convenient, and the staff are always friendly. I worked in the hotel business for a few years and I learned that you pay more for a reservation. You can get your best prices as a walk-in, especially with a coupon and a big, friendly smile. I asked for a late check out and got on the road by 11:00.

If you want to know the best places to eat when you’re traveling, you need to ask where the locals go. When I’m in the south, I’m hunting for Southern delicacies like really good soul food and the very best barbecue. My great find this time was a little hole-in-the-wall BBQ joint located at the end of the BP Station next to the Raceway station off exit 87 of I-95. Oh…em…geeeee! Delicious!

It rained quite a bit through Georgia and cleared up by the time I got into Florida. It was still twilight when I pulled into the condo here at Daytona Beach so I could still see the waves. And of course, I could smell the salty sea breeze and hear the waves on the beach. I can see the ocean from the patio doors off the master suite so I can’t wait for coffee this morning! I’m literally a hundred steps from the ocean!!! I am so blessed that a dear friend is sharing this condo with me. I couldn’t do this without that kindness. Thank you, thank you, thank you! And…Thank you Jesus for travel mercies!!! ❤️

“The LORD said to Moses, “I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, ‘At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God.’ ””
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭16:11-12‬ ‭NIV