1st Annual Drewsies Awards

I have been reading and collecting newspapers for two decades now and am  a loyal subscriber to the Gaffney Ledger. That being said, one of my favorite parts of the newspaper is when they give out awards for best restaurants, businesses, etc. I am adding a bit of a twist to my awards show "the Drewsies".  I am awarding 36 different categories, one for each year I have been alive. This will be tough, and I will do my best to be fair and unbiased.

Best journalist/writer: Joe Hughes II
Best photographer: Alvin Hinton
Best DJ: Mike Dawkins

Realest on social media (and life): Billy Moore

Best bar and grill: Patti O's
Best BBQ: Courtney's BBQ
Best service organization: Smokin Rita and Friends
Best gym: Anytime Fitness
Best fitness instructor: Angie Dover
Best trainer: Simone Mack
Best buffet: Best Pizza Buffet
Best fitness community: Upstate SC
Best running club: Run The Rock
Best teacher: Erin Helms
Best civil rights activist: Will Pruitt
Best TV comedy: The Middle
Best TV drama: Orange Is The New Black
Best parties/cookouts: The Morris Boys
Best social network: Twitter
Best chiropractor: Bill and Chad
Best dentist: Brown and Harrell
Best place for tires: Roberts Tire
Best seafood: Captain Steve's
Best steak house: Texas Roadhouse
Best salad bar: Ruby Tuesday
Best birthday freebie: Moe's Southwest Grill
Best sub sandwiches: Sub Station II in Gaffney
Best supermarket: Publix
Best movie theater: NCG theatres
Best pizza, calzones and strombolis: Venus Pie
Best retail store: Target
Best pharmacy: CVS
Best late night hangout spot: Empire Pizza
Best mall: Village of Sandhills
Best shoe store: Nike Factory Outlet
Best new TV drama: Empire

OK I could go on and on but I will stop at 36. Hope all of you enjoyed this year's Drewsies!

Seven Tips To A Successful Road Trip

One of my favorite pastimes (and a cheap getaway) is a good road trip. Driving is a good stress reliever for me, especially traveling to places and lands I have never seen.

Over the years, here are seven tips I have picked up to make your road trip successful

1. Service your vehicle

You don't want to travel a long distance if your vehicle isn't in proper condition. Get your oil changed, check your tires, brakes, engine, and the rest. If you have an automobile that cannot withstand a long trip, don't fret. Carpool or rent a car. I have rented cars in the past when I was in this situation. Being stuck on the side of the road is never fun.

2. Map out your trip

GPS can make one lazy when taking a road trip. However, still make a brief itinerary of where you're going, when you're arriving, and when you're leaving. Fill in other details such as sightseeing, activities, meals, and housing. A little organization can go a long way.

3. Drive early or late.

This is typically when traffic is the lightest and you can make good time on your commute. During the day, you have all sorts of traffic, including rush hour. Avoiding that if possible can enhance your journey.

4. Pack plenty of snacks

You don't want to be stopping every hour or so for water, soda, or candy to keep you refreshed. It can be very difficult to get back on the highway during certain times. Therefore, pack some crackers, bottled water, some other beverages and even a few sandwiches. You may run into something that may deter you from eating for a while and you want to stay nourished while driving.

5. Have a good playlist

Keep some good music playing to make the trip go by faster and to keep yourself alert. This can be a few CDs, Pandora, Songsta, a playlist you compiled on your music player, or even Grooveshark. Especially if you're traveling alone, it makes a huge difference.

6. Research for good routes, speed traps, hotels , restaurants, toll roads, etc.

All of this is an extension of #2. You want to find the best and safest route possible. Search and see how heavy the traffic is, the weather conditions, or is any construction taking place. You also want to be economically sound. Therefore, when you do stop to rest, stretch and eat, find good, affordable places. Also, avoid toll roads and speed traps where possible. Law enforcement tends to target unfamiliar traffic so don't try to break any laws.

7. Have a good traveling/driving companion

This may be almost as important as your vehicle being in good condition. You have someone to shoot the breeze with, another set of eyes on the road, someone to bond with, and perhaps someone to share the driving and gas with. Truckers often do this on their trips. It's definitely a game changer.