Take the Back Roads

My father, like most, looked at the long Summer vacation drive as a quest. He monitored speed, distance, time, and gas mileage. He timed out “pit stops” for maximum efficiency and bellowed at me, my sister, and mom, like a drill sergeant, at roadside diners and gas stations.
“Ok, ok, keep moving. We gotta stay on schedule.”
In his mind, less time spent traveling meant more time for vacation. Time, my father taught me, is a precious commodity. He was not about “wasting time” in any way, shape, or form.
He used Rand McNally Maps, laid out like a blanket on the hood of the car. They never folded back up the way they were packaged, and this caused much consternation. The course to the destination was always pre-planned and highlighted on the accordion map. Dad was the pilot. Mom was the co-pilot, who never really figured out the concept of East and West, especially when traveling South.
We found ourselves often on the “back roads.” Dad was taking a “shortcut.” Mom said we were lost. I can’t help but think Dad would have loved Waze.
As a younger man, I was always in a rush to get there, just like my father. Since his passing, I’ve spent much more time traveling. I’ve now been to 39 out of 50 states, and hope to hit the rest someday. During Covid, I sailed my boat 1,137 miles from Urbanna, Virginia, to Fort Lauderdale on the Intracoastal Waterway. (You see a lot of small towns on back roads when you take 10 days driving to South Florida).
I’ve learned a lot by taking the back roads. For example, the best Prime Rib in the country is not in New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago. It’s in tiny Coinjock, North Carolina (population 298).
Directions: Take I-95 South of Petersburg, then go 460 East to I-64 and take the Chesapeake Toll Road. You’ll be there in 2 1/2 hours. Remember: the speed limit in Wakefield is 35 mph.
Pro tip: Coinjock Marina Restaurant doesn’t take reservations for tables, but you’ll need to “reserve” a prime rib, especially on a Friday or Saturday.
MONDAY:
EPIC IDEASHARE
McKesson ideaShare is the nation’s premier community pharmacy event that empowers current and future independent pharmacists to foster deeper connections, discover ways to innovate and thrive, and strengthen their collective voice. Our friends at EPIC Rx and EPIC Pharmacy Network joined in on the fun to showcase how independent pharmacy owners can compete against the big chains while keeping their independence.

TUESDAY:
CLUTCH LUNCH
Comcast for the win! Our friends at Comcast and Effectv Media Solutions spoiled us at the office on Tuesday with lunch from the always delicious Woodson’s Wrap Shack, along with an incredibly generous swag bag. Partnerships like this remind us how lucky we are to work alongside such thoughtful, collaborative people—it means the world to agencies like us.
WEDNESDAY:
(SUGAR AND) SPICE IT UP
You ever put together a team that meshes so well, they feel comfortable enough throwing a chocolatey treat in a staged tantrum just to get a reaction out of you “for the content?” Well…that happened. In an effort to spice up our social media, the team collaborated (more like conspired) before a brainstorming session to try to pull one over on little ol’ me. (They threw a cupcake over my head at a window. During a meeting. Keep an eye on our socials for the full video!) Not sure what they expected, but I’m sure it wasn’t the light chuckle and the unphased headshake. On the bright side, at least we landed on what we’re gifting our clients this holiday season!
THURSDAY:
GRT-CEASEFIRE
We’ve been working alongside the Office of the Attorney General to reduce violent crime throughout the state, and now our Ceasefire Virginia bus wraps are hitting the streets to drive home the message. Designed to grab attention and spark change, they’re spreading the message of gun safety across the city, one route at a time.

FRIDAY:
DAVE ON THE WAVES
ICYMI, I chatted with good friend and radio host Rich Herrera on Richmond Morning News to talk about all the fun things happening in RVA this weekend. Check it out here!
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE EVENTS
Pro Wrestling at Parlay Bar & Lounge
Dates: Friday, July 18
Time: Doors at 6:00 p.m. | First Bell at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets: $23.18
Catch live pro-wrestling with craft beer in Scott’s Addition from 6:00 –10 p.m.
Run Forrest Run
Date: Saturday, July 19
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Main Line Brewery
The absolute finest in Dad Rock of the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s.
National Ice Cream Day
Date: Sunday, July 21
Time: All Day
Location: Texas Inn
Celebrate National Ice Cream Day at the Texas Inn with $2 ice cream floats all day long!
“It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.“ – Ralph Waldo Emerson