I’m back on the East Coast after a whirlwind road trip to Indiana for an annual reunion with my best friend. The road trip lasted 3 days, saw 1,945 miles driven, and held more hours of laughter and stories than I can even begin to explain.

Prior to this road trip, the furthest West I’ve ventured was to Cincinnati, Ohio. At the time, I was about 15 years old and not interested in sight-seeing or learning the ways of the Midwest. This trip couldn’t have been more different: I soaked up every minute with my heart and loved learning how different life is a mere 1,000 miles away.

This is what happens when you think you’re free + clear for a self-timer selfie at a diner. With a few seconds left before the picture snapped, our waitress returned to the table as we awkwardly held our poses + laughter.

♥ The farms in the Midwest are so different from New England farms. Crops stretch on for miles, with corn + soy as far as the eye can see.

♥ People are downright kind in the Midwest. Waitresses, rest stop attendants, random strangers on the street – you name it, they are friendly.

♥ Fried pickles = slices of Heaven on Earth.

♥ Experienced my first tractor ride around the Indiana State Fair + realized I was one of the few virgin riders (outside of children under the age of 5).

♥ Fair life = a sea of cowboy hats, chaps, and boots. And I loved every second of it.

♥ With fewer trees to block the view, the Midwestern skies seemed endlessly beautiful.

♥ When you’re surrounded by so much beauty, you completely forget to keep up with your Instagram hashtag created for the trip!

♥ I felt like I had to pinch myself throughout the trip when witnessing the strength of my best friend. A little less than a year ago she received a diagnosis of a rare cancer; after a stem cell transplant + chemotherapy, she received the blessed news of being in remission. She absolutely floored me with her will power, strength, and gratitude for daily moments.

Have you been to the Midwest United States?

Where is your favorite travel destination?