The Samford Crimson

Issue date: 9/12/07 Section: Expressions

Media Credit: Jordan Jarvis When Samford's campus seems too small for sophomore nursing major Anna Smith, she plans a road trip.

Spending five days a week on Samford's campus, one easily grows weary of the same tiresome scene by Friday afternoon.
Maybe you just got back from Atlanta this past weekend and can't wait to plan another road trip.

"In my opinion, one of the most exciting, yet often forgotten about, activities at Samford are the opportunities for road trips and the amazing memories that come from them," Franklin Graves, sophomore journalism and mass communication major, said.

To climb into the car, ignore all responsibilities and cruise down the highway is the ultimate expression of freedom and what it means to be a college student. Lucky for you, Birmingham is within hours of many places of interest. For sports, music, wildlife and food, you can find it all within a one-day drive.

For a quick, one-night road trip, Prattville, Ala., is always a good choice. It may sound random, but you'll find one thing Birmingham desperately needs: Steak 'n Shake. Though Prattville is a good 75 miles away, those steakburgers, skinny fries and thick milk shakes are worth the gas and time. They're open 24 hours a day, making it a perfect late night trip.

What about a quick weekend trip? With Destin about four and a half hours away, the beach is certainly within reach. Get a drastic change of scenery and a splash of sun on Saturday, dust the sand off your feet and drive back Sunday.

"Amidst all the freshman chaos and craziness last year, my beach trip really lifted my spirits and gave me a boost in the middle of the spring semester" sophomore undeclared major Kristen Ottaviano said.

For an out-of-the-ordinary road trip, Pine Mountain, Ga., hosts the Wild Animal Safari, which is no normal zoo. Visitors can drive through the park in their own cars, feed the animals from their windows and personally acquaint themselves with moose, zebras and even ostriches. You'll leave with a multitude of pictures and unforgettable memories.

On a more traditional road trip, Graves recalls his freshman year and an opportunity to bond with friends away from Samford. Graves and his friends trekked two and a half hours north to Nashville, visiting the Wildhorse Saloon, Opryland Hotel and the Hippie Tree in Centennial Park.

Nashville certainly isn't lacking in attractions. For music, shopping, eating and more, Nashville has many options for an exciting weekend.

Another destination slightly closer is Tuscaloosa. An hour away, Tuscaloosa houses the University of Alabama and all the excitement that comes from a large university, especially during football season. For the true "college town" experience, check out Tuscaloosa.

Whether you ventured to Atlanta this past weekend or opted to stay in Birmingham, the mood for a road trip is bound to strike one of these days. College is a great time to embrace the spontaneity of weekend trips. Don't miss out on a chance to make unforgettable memories and experience a road trip this year.

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