Our Michigan adventure began on August 31, when we set off on a journey that would take us through miles of scenic roads, visits with friends and family, and some stunning lakeside views. After hours of driving, we arrived in Novi, MI, just in time to enjoy the holiday weekend. On the evening of September 1, we found ourselves by a lake, watching a breathtaking display of fireworks reflected in the water, a perfect way to kick off our trip.

We spent the next few days in Novi, catching up with friends and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. But on September 4, we packed up and headed north to visit Nicole’s brother, anticipating the scenic drives ahead.

The real adventure began the morning of September 5. We set out on a route that took us west of Grand Rapids, passing through charming towns and vast stretches of nature. The roads were peaceful, lined with lush trees that seemed to stretch forever. From there, we drove east toward our destination in Traverse City, where we had a waterfront room waiting for us at Hotel Indigo. The view from our room was nothing short of spectacular—watching the sun set over the water made for a perfect ending to each day we spent there.

After a few days of exploring Traverse City and soaking in the local sights, we headed back south on Saturday. Our next stop was Rochester Hills, where we picked up Nicole’s mom for the final leg of our journey. She was coming back with us to Salisbury to spend a week together, making this trip even more special.

Before making our way home, we made a stop in Pittsburgh on Saturday night for some rest. The next day, we completed the last stretch of our 2,000-mile journey, driving through a lot of different landscapes, making memories, and enjoying each other’s company. This trip was a mix of family, fun, and the freedom of the open road—one we won’t soon forget.

When My Morning Jacket announced One Big Holiday 2025 in Miramar Beach, FL, I knew right away that Nicole and I had to go. We’ve been to One Big Holiday before, so we already know just how incredible the experience is. There’s nothing quite like it—amazing music, the beach, and the energy of being surrounded by fellow fans who are just as passionate as we are.

Nicole and I talked about it as soon as the news dropped, and it was an easy decision. We’ve made some of our best memories at One Big Holiday, and there’s no doubt that 2025 is going to be just as fun, if not better. The vibe, the setting, the music—it all comes together in a way that makes it feel like a dream. We’re already counting down the days, imagining ourselves back in that atmosphere, soaking it all in.

This trip is going to be another amazing chapter in our shared love for music and adventure. We know what to expect, but that just makes it all the more exciting. We can’t wait to get down to Miramar Beach, enjoy some great music, and make new memories together.

I decided to take my Mustang to the Blessing of the Combines in Snow Hill, MD. It’s one of those unique small-town events that bring together the community, and I thought it would be fun to check out the car show while I was there. However, as with most plans, things didn’t go exactly as expected.

I got a late start and, as I rolled into Snow Hill, I found myself stuck behind the combine parade. These massive machines were slowly making their way down the main street, and there was nothing to do but enjoy the view and soak in the atmosphere. It was actually kind of cool to see the combines up close, but I couldn’t help but feel a little anxious about getting to the car show.

After what felt like forever, I finally found a spot in the show. I parked, got out, and started wandering around, taking in the other cars on display. Not long after, I ran into my mom and dad, who had also come to enjoy the day. We spent some time wandering around together, checking out the cars and the various vendors set up along the street. It was nice to catch up and share the experience with them.

Eventually, the heat and the crowds got to us, and we decided to cool off at Oaked, a restaurant nearby. We grabbed a table, ordered some lunch, and enjoyed a few drinks, relaxing and enjoying the air conditioning. It was a nice break from the hustle and bustle outside.

After lunch, we parted ways—mom and dad headed off to explore more of the festival, while I decided it was time to head home. As I drove back, I couldn’t help but reflect on what a fun day it had been, even with the delays and the unexpected turns. It’s days like this that make owning the Mustang even more enjoyable—getting to be part of different events, running into family, and just enjoying the ride.

On July 27th, I made my way down to Crisfield, MD, for the Wheels on the Waterfront car show. As soon as I arrived, I could feel the energy in the air. The sun was blazing, and the heat was almost overwhelming, but that didn’t stop the crowds from gathering. The waterfront was packed with an impressive array of cars, trucks, and bikes, each one polished to perfection and ready to be admired.

I parked my Mustang in a prime spot, making sure it stood out among the sea of vehicles. The chrome gleamed, and the Velocity Blue paint seemed to glow under the relentless sun. It was one of those days where the heat was intense, but the excitement of the event kept everyone going.

As I walked around, I was amazed at the variety on display. There were classic muscle cars that took you back to the golden age of American automotive history, alongside modern supercars that looked like they’d just come off the racetrack. Trucks and bikes added to the mix, each one showcasing the unique personality of its owner. Every few steps, I found myself stopping to take a closer look or to chat with another enthusiast about their ride.

Despite the heat, everyone was in high spirits. It was the kind of event where you could spend hours just admiring the craftsmanship and passion that went into each vehicle. The sun may have been scorching, but the camaraderie and shared love for all things automotive made it all worthwhile.

By the end of the day, I was hot and tired, but it was worth it. Attending Wheels on the Waterfront was more than just about showing off my Mustang; it was about being part of a community that appreciates the art and power of these machines. As I drove home, the sun setting in the rearview mirror, I couldn’t help but think about how lucky I was to be able to participate in such an amazing event.

On July 20th, I pulled into Milford, DE, for the Take It To The Streets 2024 car show, organized by Modded Familia. The excitement in the air was palpable, with cars of every make and model gleaming under the summer sun. After everything my Mustang GT and I had been through, from the hours of detailing to the mishap on the Beltway, this show felt like a chance at redemption.

I parked my Mustang in the lineup, making sure it was angled just right to catch the light, showing off that Velocity Blue paint job. Walking around, I saw some incredible builds—each car was a testament to the passion and dedication of its owner. But even in such a crowd, I felt confident. My Mustang was more than just a car; it was the culmination of years of dreaming, months of searching, and countless hours of care.

As the day went on, I talked shop with other car enthusiasts, sharing stories and tips, all the while keeping an eye on the judges as they made their rounds. When it came time for the awards, I was both nervous and excited. The competition was fierce, and I knew that winning here would be a real achievement.

Then came the moment I’ll never forget. My name was called for one of the top 25 cars. I walked up to accept the trophy, feeling a surge of pride. It wasn’t just a win—it was validation of all the effort I’d put into this car, from finding it to bringing it back to perfection after that accident. Standing there with the trophy in hand, I couldn’t help but smile, knowing that my Mustang had truly earned its place among the best.

That day wasn’t just about the trophy; it was about being part of a community that shares the same passion and appreciation for these incredible machines. And as I drove home with the trophy riding shotgun, I couldn’t help but think about all the shows and adventures still to come.