Chattanooga, Tennessee.
It is known as the "The Scenic City" for its downtown beauty in a valley along the Tennessee River and "Gig City" for its world-famous high-speed Internet.
Others just know the city from Glenn Miller's song about the former train terminal turned event space, the "Chattanooga Choo Choo," or being the home of Moon Pies and Little Debbie snack cakes.
To me, it is home — and my starting point on my way to Chapel Hill multiple times a year.
Part of the reason why I chose to attend UNC was that it was far enough away from home — but not too far. On a good day, it can take a little over six hours... other times it can take a more painful eight — all requiring a delicate balance of good music and podcasts.
My favorite band — Train — often guides my therapeutic trips alone, screaming songs at the top of my lungs. And my favorite song, "Drops of Jupiter," has become symbolic to my life, since I am always on the move — whether that is traveling to and from Chapel Hill, studying abroad for a whole year or interning in another city for the summer.
The drive is simple — taking Interstate 75 until it merges near Knoxville with Interstate 40, which I then follow for over 300 miles.
On the way, I pass Rocky Top — a nickname for the University of Tennessee, the school I grew up rooting for and intended on attending before UNC came along. I have to admit that their fight song is just far superior to ours... just listen to Dolly Parton, Tennessee's proud jewel, sing "Rocky Top," or hear over 100,000 football fans scream-sing it at a game. Might as well visit Dollywood, too, while you're at it.
Then Asheville's Appalachian Mountains come into view and the lanes of the interstate narrow.
