Another Rule for the Road

I did a sermon at church a few weeks ago called "Rules for the Road", but after our trip to Florida over the last few days I think I might add another rule: Listen to the Locals.

Our first stop on the trip was to visit with my dad in Tennessee. We surprised him by inviting him to join us on our road trip to my sister's house in Ft. Meyers for the week. After the first night of traveling together, we stopped about half way in Tifton, Georgia. 

There are a ton of chain restaurants in Tifton, which is either a bigger city than I thought or just a very popular stopping place for travelers. Restaurants of every kind surrounded the hotel and we were suffering from a bit of analysis paralysis while trying to figure out where to eat. On a whim, as we were checking into the hotel, I asked the clerks staffing the desk for their recommendation. Both immediately and without hesitation said The Pit Stop. 

That sounded good to us, so after getting settled in and going for a quick run, we headed over to a wonderful little barbecue place for a meal that will no doubt be a highlight of our trip. It's a locally owned establishment that's been around for a while, and if you're ever in the area and want to stop by, you won't be disappointed. Great big portions, nice sides, and friendly service. We headed back to the hotel and feel into a food coma after dinner, but not before stopping back by the front desk to thank them for the recommendation.

The moral of the story: ask people who know the area for recommendations. They'll be happy to share their advice and you'll come out ahead.