Day 43: Driving into Virginia

Left Charleston and drove into North Carolina.  Stopped at South of the Border, mostly because I couldn't resist all the billboard advertising.  Put "The Thing" to shame.  This place outdid itself in kitsch!

Then stopped in Raleigh, NC to check it out.  My friend, Robert Stiles, showed me around.  He and his wife re-located here in July, so I knew I'd get the real scoop from a non-southerner.  Although this small city is located in the south, it doesn't feel too southern, which Robert re-iterated.  Probably due to the location of so many fine universities, which has attracted lots of hi-tech companies.
I then headed to Virginia.  My GPS led me through some of the most scenic and windy roads I've driven during this trip.  I forgot how lovely the mountains and changing seasons are in SW Virginia!

Arrived in Floyd, VA, at my mom's house, after 450 miles of driving.  Will spend a few days here before I hit the road again!