The Scenic Route
A few weeks ago, with your help, I created a Top 10 Useless Tech list. Waze, the popular maps and directions app, was not on that list. Waze is cool and useful. It can save you a ton of time on a long road trip, but it can also break up the monotony of a long, straight stretch of Interstate.
Last week, Waze helped me take the scenic route from beautiful Saratoga Springs, N.Y. back home. Apple directions took 8 hours 37 minutes and $47 in tolls. Waze got us back in just more than 9 hours and we avoided tolls completely.
The old me would have said the tolls were worth the time savings. The new me discovered that I really enjoyed the scenery. Detours through small towns meant that I got to see some beautiful mountains, rolling rivers, quaint towns, lots and lots of crops, and the coup de grâce — lunch at First Prize Mike’s. Mikes, founded in 1947, is a stark brick roadside diner which boasts “the world’s finest hot dogs.” They were good. They were tasty, but not the world’s best, but I’m soooo glad I got to see another legendary diner that reminded me of my own. The cooks and servers were surly. The patrons were friendly and talkative. Reminded me of a place I know in Lynchburg.
When the Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways plan was crafted in 1956, there were many, many roadside places like First Prize Mike’s. The Interstate Highway system was created with great intentions. We connected parts of America and could reach them in record time. But the Interstates essentially destroyed hundreds of small towns and communities that were bypassed. Route 66 is littered with tiny towns and villages now left with nothing more than a marker of what used to be there. You can look no further than a stretch of US 1, either North or South of Richmond, to see abandoned motels and businesses that died off in the 60’s and 70’s.
It’s a great reminder of two things I learned from two great minds:
- Regarding laws, I remember Isaac Newton’s Third Law: “For every reaction, there is an equal and opposite reaction.“
- Regarding travel, I remember Ralph Waldo Emerson’s quote: “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.”
Life is short. Take the scenic route.
MONDAY:
WOLF, MEOW… WOW!
We’re excited to be celebrating our client Holiday Barn for their inclusion in the Richmond Times-Dispatch Top 5 list for the Best Pet Day Care/Boarding!
Our furr-ever friends are in great hands when we head over to Holiday Barn. Congratulations to them and their team!
TUESDAY:
DOUBLE TROUBLE
Today we’re celebrating two of our Main-iacs and their time on the team at Madison+Main! Our favorite word nerd, Communications Director Kent Jennings Brockwell, has graced us with 7 years of bearded wisdom and wisecracks.
Also, the ever-joyful Account Executive Nicole Collins has been with us for a year this Tuesday! Even her collection of unique vibrant earrings can’t match her unwavering energy and hard work for our clients. Happy Work-A-Versary!
WEDNESDAY:
LIGHTS, SAFE DRIVING, ACTION!
Today, our Main-iacs hit the pavement to shoot a new PSA spot for DRIVE SMART Virginia! We worked on-site at The Diamond, home of Richmond’s own Flying Squirrels, to highlight the organization’s “What’s Your Game Plan?” campaign and the need for safe and sober driving before and after sporting events. Stay tuned to a Jumbotron near you this fall during football season — the spot will be shown on game days at schools and colleges all across the state.
THURSDAY:
SYNC UP AND PARTY ON
Thursday was all about internal team meetings and getting on the same page. The design team, communications team, and leadership team all held monthly strategy sessions. At the office, the accounts team got together for an afternoon of training! Might have had some fun, too…
Today is Account Executive Allison Nida’s birthday! Allison’s expertise at work and at home in the kitchen are the stuff of legend. Wishing you a very happy birthday, Allison!
FRIDAY:
WHAT’S HAPPENIN’?
I went on WRVA this morning with my friend John Reid to keep everyone posted on the best events around Richmond! We’re coming up on NASCAR Race Weekend at Richmond Raceway — head on over to their website for tickets and info!
To lighten the mood, check out the ‘Secret Comedy Show‘, happening Friday, July 28, 7:30 p.m.. — at a secret location! Get your tickets online!
And at The Broadberry, White Ford Bronco —a great 90’s cover band — is turning it up tonight (Friday, July 28) at 7 p.m. to help us head into the weekend — hopefully not followed by a slow convoy of police cars! Get your tickets before OJ finds out!
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE EVENTS
Teeing Off On Cancer
Stonehenge Country Club | 1000 Farnham Drive | Richmond, VA 23236
info@hcb2.org | EVENT INFO | REGISTRATION LINK
Our friends at Hitting Cancer Below The Belt (HCB2) are gearing up for their annual golf event. Registration is now open for the 2023 Teeing Off On Cancer golf event scheduled for Monday, September 18, 2023, at the beautiful Stonehenge Country Club. This event will reach capacity sooner than later and you don’t want to miss out. Last year’s event raised more than $35,000 to help HCB2 provide colorectal cancer screening services and offer education to thousands in Central Virginia.
Fort Monroe Presents Music by the Bay Summer Concert
Outlook Beach at Fort Monroe | Gullick Dr. Hampton, VA 23651
August 3, 2023 | 7 – 8 p.m.
Come enjoy a night of music on the bay, July 27 at 7 p.m.! The performers will be Stan’s Big Band. Bring your own picnic, chairs, and blankets to enjoy summer sunsets by the Chesapeake Bay along with the sweet sounds of some of the region’s most talented performers and their fun big band tunes. Large groups are welcome.
Drop-off at Continental Park, bus parking at Outlook Beach parking lot.
“Not all those who wander are lost.” — J. R. R. Tolkien