Update Three: US Road Trip 2026
Today was one of those days that reminds you why travelling is so important.
I had the pleasure of spending the day in Morristown, Tennessee, with my good friend David, whom I have known for over twelve years. There is something special about seeing a place through the eyes of someone who lives there. You notice things that you might otherwise drive straight past.
As we toured the town, one of the first things that struck me was just how spread out everything is. Coming from Britain, where towns and cities are often packed tightly together and where roads can feel like they were designed for horses rather than modern traffic, Tennessee feels refreshingly open. There is space everywhere. The roads are wider, the buildings are larger, and there is a sense of freedom that is difficult to put into words.
We spent some time exploring the local area, including the mall, which I have to say is fantastic. In many parts of the world, shopping centres have seen better days, but here there was still a real sense of life and community. People were out enjoying themselves, families were spending time together, and there was a welcoming atmosphere that made you feel at ease.
What struck me most, however, was the character of the town itself.
Morristown feels like the kind of place that country singers write songs about. The sort of town where people know their neighbours, where life moves at a slightly gentler pace, and where community still means something. There is an authenticity to it that is becoming increasingly rare in many parts of the Western world.
As a visitor from Britain, I often find myself comparing what I see here with what I left behind. America has its problems, just as every nation does, but there is something undeniably appealing about these smaller towns. They possess a confidence in who they are. They are not trying to be something else. They simply embrace their own identity.
By the end of the day, I found myself smiling at how different everything felt. The scenery, the pace of life, the people, and the atmosphere all combined to create one of the most enjoyable stops of my journey so far.
Perhaps that is the magic of a road trip. It is not always the famous landmarks or the major cities that leave the biggest impression. Sometimes it is a day spent with an old friend in a Tennessee town that feels as though it has stepped straight out of a country song.
Tomorrow the journey continues, but Morristown has certainly left its mark on me.