It was a BUNderful day in Roanoke, VA so we decided to take OUR DOG for a leisurely drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The road winds 469 miles from the Shenandoah Valley in Virgina to the Great Smokey Mountains in North Carolina. We only drove about 20 miles of it but it sure was gorgeous. Check out the views!

The view of Pennsylvania's countryside from the passenger seat of OUR DOG

One of the many perks of traveling across the Northeast part of the country is getting to take in all the “bunderful” scenery along the way. Fall is my favorite season, mainly because of the crispness in the air and the vibrant color that overtakes the country side. While driving across Pennsylvania, Rachel Relish and I were able to enjoy the wonderful colors on these trees!

Now, I know that many Hotdoggers in the past have blogged about their experiences driving the Mini Cooper Wienermobile but, I would like to take this time to talk about my experience and maybe help people understand why it’s SO exciting!

“The Mini,” as we like to call it, is sort of legendary. At this point, it rarely makes an appearance (as Oscar Mayer’s 125th anniversary was last year, the reason for which it was created). Not only that, it’s something that we’re familiar with and yet not, since it is a miniature version of the vehicle we have come to know so well.

I don’t think I will ever forget the day I got behind the wheel with A-Dog Alison in the passenger seat, as we cruised down the interstate, seeing the excitement in other people’s eyes. In a sense, it brought back the memory of driving the 27-foot version for the first time. You can be sure that that memory will stick with all of us Hotdoggers for the rest of our lives.

Barely hiding the excitement at being behind the wheel of "Little Link."

Pedro’s South of the Border is situated on the boundary between North Carolina and South Carolina on I-95, and is one of the wackiest and glitziest roadside attractions found anywhere in the U.S. Nearly undescribable in words, Lil’ Links, YUMMY and I took a bunch of pictures to try to capture the wild mix of rides, animals, merchandise, and fireworks.

YUMMY and Pedro

Trying out the finest headwear

My money is on Lil Links

A Ketchup and Mustard Giraffe!

Torey Toppings and I visited the Iowa State Capitol building in Des Moines, Iowa. Upon arrival we were asked to empty our pockets by a security guard named Gordon.  After finding out that we are Hotdoggers, Gordon gave us a world-class tour of the capitol building, including a trip to the top of the building’s golden dome! After climbing nearly 300 steps we were greeted with a franktastic 360° view of Des Moines. Franks a lot to Gordon for the special tour!

After eating hot dogs smothered in sauerkraut and diced onions, it is only sensible to chew on a refreshing piece of peppermint gum.

I had never seen anything quite like this Wall of Gum in Seattle, Washington.

Thousands of pieces of previously chewed gum. Not your typical outdoor decor.

This colorful and impressive display of previously chewed gum is over 10 years in the making.  Contributors from across the globe have added to this unconventional tourist attraction.

MmmK and I were understandably grossed-out by this spectacle, but at the same time, slightly intrigued, which is why we made our own contributions to this odd phenomenon.

Having some eleFUN with Babar!

Monkeying around with Curious George!

Bob and Larry, two friendly fellows from VeggieTales. They look too good to eat.

Clifford, another big dog. Just like WEENR!

Storming the fairgrounds with the Star Wars Storm Troopers.

Super Why! A champion of literacy, knows how to correctly spell B-O-L-O-G-N-A!

There you are Scooby Dooby Doo!

Penguins from Madagascar sweltering in the California sun.

The Care Bears were so popular that they had a body guard. I couldn't quite mustard up the courage to approach them.

In addition to all of these fun, furry friends, the Wienermobile was still a hit among kids of all ages.  But oh I wish the Power Rangers were there too…

Fiestas Patrias in Houston was amazing.  Thousands of people attended, celebrities were invited and there were all kinds of food samples.  There were hip hop dancers, a wrestling ring and snacks of all sizes.  This Chips Ahoy cookie was just the right size for a cookie lover like me.

In Baton Rouge, Louisiana Mr. Vampire accepted one of the I saw it! stickers during Halloween day at the speedway event.

However, driving the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile comes with a fair share of perks as well.  Namely, gaining access into NFL games like we did when the San Francisco 49ers took on the Atlanta Falcons.

MmmK and I witnessed all of the pre-game activities prior to kickoff.  We interacted with thousands of fans as they got their faces painted and checked out the Wienermobile before the game.

Two Hotdoggers huddled into a 49ers helmet. WEENR is way more commodious.

An aerial view (from the bun roof) of the fun, pre-game festivities. Can you spot MmmK amidst the sea of 49ers fans wearing ketchup-colored regalia?

After the pre-game fun and fanfare, the Hotdoggers were granted access into Candlestick park to watch the big game!

MmmK and A-Dog Alison kickin' back right before kick-off

I had never been to an NFL game before, and the 49ers game was buns of fun!  We had pretty decent seats too.  Furthermore, did you know that Falcons Quarterback, Matt Ryan is considered the Handsomest Quarterback in the NFL according to the Wall Street Journal?  I agree with that assessment.

NFL's Most Handsome Quarterback about to make a game-changing play