OMG guys, I have been soooo busy.  I absolutely forgot to share about our latest road trip! *singing*  On the road again, just can’t wait to get on the road again… Yup that was us, back on the road again.  This time we were headed back to Gadsden, Alabama for July 4th weekend.  My dad was back in the hospital for observation and another procedure so we decided to pack up the kids and head out of town for the weekend.   Some of my aunts from NY were visiting my parents in Gadsden, so we knew it would be the perfect time to get some family time in and check up on my dad’s condition. 

*This vehicle was NOT sponsored. I paid for a weekly rental from Budget Rental for use.

Auto Review: Our Rental Car

I didn’t want to put any more miles on our car so we hit up Budget Rental at the last minute, to grab a cool car for the weekend.  This time we rented a beautiful 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer.   Let me tell you, this car runs so great on gas, I didn’t even have to gas up again until I was headed back home 3 days later!   It has a really nice ECO mode so you can monitor your optimal speed for gas savings, while you’re driving.

Mitsubishi Lancer 2016 Front View

Besides the sleek design, it was very spacious and surprisingly had a lot of trunk space for our stuff. Now I’m not one for packing light so this car had more than enough room to fit suitcases, my daughter’s stroller, her pack n play and even more bags from my shopping trips while we were there.  One of the added benefits I’m finding, for renting cars on our summer trips is that it’s giving us an opportunity to test drive a lot of vehicles to see what’s new or what we like.  

Mitsubishi Lancer 2016 Review – Inside Dash | Naturally Stellar

Since we’re gonna be on the hunt for a new car soon, this is helping us to see what’s out there so we can make a list of what we’re looking for in our future car or cars.  I say cars because we really need 2 now since ours is on its last leg.

2016 Mitsubishi Lancer Driver’s Side View | Naturally Stellar

So just in a nutshell, the Mitsubishi Lancer is a great car for smaller families or those that prefer a compact to mid-sized vehicle with extra storage space.   I think this is the base model, but it still had all the bells and whistles like Bluetooth, USB ports and 12v power plugs.  It also has big enough cup holders in the front and middle back seat to hold large drinks like my favorite Rt. 44 sized drinks I buy at Sonic Drive In.   Cranberry Sweet Tea…that’s all I’m gonna say.   Another cool feature is the “See You Later!” message you get on the LCD screen when you turn the car off. 

Mitsubishi Lancer Dash View | Naturally Stellar

It drives and handles pretty smoothly, especially on the highway.  Everything you’ll need was really easy to find and identify like the lights , wipers, caution lights and temp controls.   All had to be used because we ran into a terrible thunderstorm on the way back home and that defog sure came in handy.

My car for this trip was totally paid for on our own, no sponsorship at all.  But if you want to learn more about the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer that I drove you can  Click Here.  Who knows, it may just be the car for you.  It sure made our trip easier, that’s for sure.  

But anyway, here’s what we did for the rest of the weekend….

Road Trip: Gadsden, Alabama

Saturday was our packing and travel day.  I found this super cute set of Kenneth Cole makeup bags last week so I couldn’t wait to pop the tags.  

We left late in the evening so most of it was a night drive. The roads were pretty clear from Nashville to Gadsden, so we really didn’t run into much holiday traffic or construction on I-24. Pretty much once we passed Murfreesboro it was a smooth ride.   Entertaining the baby in the car wasn’t so bad either.  She had a few musical toys with lights that made the trip fun in the backseat.  Plus my silly son kept her entertained and helped with her bottles and snacks while we traveled.  That’s my big boy.  He’s always such a great helper.

Mitsubishi Lancer 2016 – Kids had a lot of leg room | Naturally Stellar

Jazz In The Park – Mort Glosser Ampitheater

On Sunday (July 3) I attended Jazz In The Park at Gadsden’s Mort Glosser Ampitheater with my mom.  I believe the concert we attended was the last one in the summer series for Gadsden. But they still have dates left for Birmingham, AL and surrounding areas.  It was the perfect evening concert to cap off a beautiful hot and steamy day in Gadsden.  Thanks to an earlier thunder storm that rolled through, the temps dropped just enough to make the evening temps pleasant.   I’m so glad that we decided to go because surprisingly, the outdoor ampitheater was dry by the time we got there, so we didn’t have to worry about getting wet.  People were simply having a good time enjoying some great music.  It was a really nice turnout and the sound in that place is amazing.

The band of the night was George Freeman and Willie Bradley. The music was AWESOME!   They really put on a great show.   I did have some video to share but I ended up deleting it accidentally from my camera.  Sorry about that peeps.  I was trying to make room for the fireworks display the next day. 

 Coosa River Fireworks Display

We spent a lot of time visiting my dad in the hospital.  He’s been going through a rough patch over the past year or so with surgeries and medical conditions that have required a few hospital stays.  I’m glad to be able to say that he’ll be coming home this weekend, but had to spend July 4th weekend in his hospital bed.   So I did what any loyal daughter would do.  I videotaped the fireworks for him lol.

Earlier in the day, I stopped at Walmart and grabbed a bunch of snacks so we’d be ready for the festivities.  We chose a great spot right next door to Riverview Hospital in front of their heart and vascular center.  There’s a really cozy place with benches where you can sit and watch the fountain or look down into Moragne park.   It was the perfect place to sit and watch the fireworks taking place right across the river. 

Despite my dad being in the hospital, we all managed to still have a good time. He was in great spirits and I know the next time we visit, he’ll be home, so that makes me happy.  It was a great trip, and a great time with a great Mitsubishi.  I’m really looking forward to our next road trip and can’t wait to try out another fabulous car. I’m thinking my birthday weekend might be a great time…hmmm. 

Until next time Stars, keep trippin’!

Where did you go on your last road trip?

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