We’ve been plugging away across the country with a junkload of gnomes in tow, and we’ve also been making quite a dent in our $125 we each have to spend. Amber found some of the most delicious french onion soup in Pigeon Forge.
We all caught a break with a the free continental breakfast this morning at the Music Road Hotel before heading out to Dollywood. We didn’t notice it until we sat down to eat but the eggs were fake. Yep, instant eggs. {Gross!}
Five Guys burger hit the spot when we were famished & exhausted from traveling. Some of the best burgers ever!
We ate Mexican food in Nashville. I know, I know. You’re wondering why we didn’t eat BBQ. Well we’re planning on stuffing our faces full of BBQ tomorrow in Memphis, so we held off.
We were so excited to see a Subway super late Friday night when we were on the road and still hours from our destination. Love Subway or hate it, when you’re starving and nothing is open for miles and miles, a Subway sandwich just might be the best thing you’ve ever tasted.
The Girl picked up some essentials when we hit Piggly Wiggly. The prices there were surprisingly good so it didn’t break her bank.
Overall I think we’re doing well. Here’s where we stand:
Lola has spent $50.50 just on food.
Amber has spent $83 on food and souvenirs.
The Girl has spent $52.51 just on food.
I have spent $61.12 just on food.
You think we’re going to make it? We have about 5 meals left and a day & a half of traveling. Can we do it?
~Mavis
Megan says
I read a book and it was titled “The Cheapest Family In America” or something close to that. They traveled to D.C. and went to a thrift store to buy a crockpot. Then they found a grocery store and got some meal fixings and just left it cooking throughout the day in the hotel room. They ate out a bit I think but they had their dinners covered…which is the most expensive meal. Such a cool idea. My husband and I would split a sandwich from Walmart for lunch (stop there before going out to sites and store it in a cooler). It wasn’t the healthiest meal but it was budget friendly on an otherwise expensive trip. We got to see more with our food savings.
I realize that yours was more of a road trip and much of this wouldn’t apply but definitely grocery stores can be a great resource on a trip. I think you will make it.
Lisa says
Hmmm… I expected more produce in your diets!
After all, the rules are, “We can only shop locally. No big box stores allowed. Farmers Markets, fruit stands, local mom and pop-type places only.”
Subway… Piggly Wiggly (I always wanted to see an actual Piggly Wiggly!)… Five Guys…
I say you all lose, since no one kept to the rules!
Well, when you’re on the road in a strange town, anywhere you find food it good! When we were on vacation in PR, our first day was Easter and everything was closed, even Walmart. We were lucky to find a Burger King open! They take their holidays very seriously there.
VJ says
I think those rules were not realistic for a road trip to begin with. I was wondering how it would be possible. That stuff adds up. The kids usually like to get stuff at the gas stations and if you add extra stops at markets etc, it eats up a lot of your driving time. Also, in general, they don’t tend to have as many farmers markets etc on the east coast as they do in Washington.
Angela says
I just have to ask – did you stop at Cinco de Mayo off I-40 on the east side of Nashville – the one I suggested? If so, you were within 1/2 mile of where I live.
Molly R. Moody says
I think you did okay money wise but in my opinion if you like Five Guys burgers you’re in a world of hurt. I tried eating one last year, as my daughter’s treat and wound up feeding it to my granddaughters. UGH! Subway was a good choice compared to some of the others you could have made. But Mexican food in Nashville, excuse the language but, hell no! I remember having Mexican food in Tennessee near the Kentucky border and it was some of the worst I’ve ever eaten. I’d have taken a thermal lunch bag and hit some grocery stores to buy things to fill it up and munch on all day long. So glad you enjoyed the trip though.