We know Oscar Mayer hot dogs are delicious, but we should have thought twice about driving the Wienermobile past a hungry Tyrannosaurus Rex in Kansas City, MO.

As soon as we got to Union Station in Kansas City a huge dinosaur came out of no where and ran toward the Wienermobile. Tate-yum jumped out to try and capture the supposedly extinct beast as it approached. Just as many do with their first Wienermobile sighting, Tate-yum yelled “IT DOES EXIST!” and wanted to get it on camera. I chose to get a birds eye view from the driver’s seat where I could safely haul buns out of there at the first sign of trouble.

Some people may be surprised to hear that Hot Dog High was not the only high school I attended. Back when driving a 27-foot-long hot dog, or any roadworthy vehicle for that matter, was just a dream, I went to High School at Blessed Trinity High School in Georgia. Since graduation in 2006, many of my classmates have settled in different states of our great country.

Tim and Sarah got all dressed up just for the Wienermobile

During our travels, we passed through the new stomping grounds of some old high school cronies. The first was Lexington, KY where my friend, Tim now lives. Tate-yum and I were able to ketchup with Tim and his girlfriend, Sarah, outside of the Keeneland track after they attended a Sunday horse race.  We went for a quick spin in the idyllic Kentucky countryside.  After their tour of the Wienermobile we hit the highway continuing our journey to Tennessee. It was great to see you Tim and Sarah! Even though it was just a short visit, it was awesome to see a friend in an unfamiliar state.

Then it happened again. This time we were headed east from Tennessee towards Little Rock, Arkansas. Frankfully, It turned out to be more than just a convenient gas stop after giving my friend, Nick, a call. Nick recently began attending law school at Vanderbilt University in Nashville.

Gianna checking out the inside..already pointing out the mustard, like a true Hotdogger.

Tate-yum and I got to tour the University’s campus and meat Nick’s daughter, Gianna. Heidi, his wife, was surprised to see Nick jump out if the Wienermobile in front of their house and everyone watched as Gianna got her first sighting of the giant hot dog on wheels. Perhaps someday she can drive one of her own as the Hotdogger: “Grey Poupon Gianna” and cause her parents to mustard up tears of pride.

One of the greatest things about this job is all of the great people we get to know along our journey. Being so far from home, its always great to ketchup with family whenever possible. While in St. Louis, Missouri, I had the opportunity to show off the famous Wienermobile to my extended family. After Tate-yum met the family, we all sat down to an excellent homemade meal – which is much appreciated after 6 months on the road!

After the group dinner at my cousin’s house, Tate-yum and I once again found ourselves on Route 66. This time, we franked my cousin for dinner by giving him a VIP shot-bun ride  to the famous Ted Drewes frozen custard in St. Louis.

They even made a cake with a perfect Wienermobile image. It was a great way to finish a delicious meal.

We agreed that a custard from this local landmark would be a perfect complement to the Wienermobile cake we had for dessert. I got the Pistachio; Tatum went with the raspberry, and both of us agreed that Ted Drewes and Oscar Mayer sure know how to bring family together.

Although it’s been a while since we’ve been to Colorado, the state still sticks in my mind as my favorite place to visit. Our “Shotbun” contest winner for the day, Kim Willie, was a great host and truly helped to make the experience as great as it was. Pictures don’t do the state justice, but here are just a few glimpses of our travels in Colorful Colorado.

We took a train up to the top of Pike’s Peak.

…and got a great view from the top!

We also did some inward thinking while in the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs.

This was the view on our way up Pike’s Peak:

Which inspired this song:

“America the Beautiful” located on a plaque on the top of Pike’s Peak. Couldn’t agree more.

Tate-yum and I truly enjoyed our visit and could easily see how the scenery in this state could inspire such a song.

While in Montgomery, Alabama, WEENR visited the Governor’s Mansion . Built in 1907, the decorated house can definitely mustard up enough holiday cheer to bring any scrooge into the holiday spirit. Every December the house opens its doors to the public to view the actual residence of the state’s serving governor. On hand was Robin Cooper, the official photographer of the Alabama governor. He offered to get a great picture of the Wienermobile in front of the festively decorated home.

Inside, Christmas music was on hand and there was  lit fireplace in every room. After being all bundled up outside in the cold, it was nice to check out the historic home and get comfortable near the warm fire.  If only I had some eggnog to go along with the atmosphere, I would truly be ready to celebrate!

Later on, WEENR stopped by the historic state capitol building, which was also decorated for the season.

Have a happy holi-dog everyone!

In the late 19th and early 20th century, Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas, was said to “bathe the world.” Over five million people a year visited the area to relax and regain health in the numerous bathhouses and hotels. There are plenty of natural hot springs in the park that provide pure, hot water for all to enjoy.

The temperature of the water is over 100 degrees. Famous visitors include Helen Keller and even Jesse James and Al Capone! The city is also the childhood home of former President Bill Clinton.

Tate-yum and I were able to explore the city and take WEENR to the top of the mountain to get a great lay of the land.

Arkansas: The home state of President William Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States.

Once WEENR’s buns crossed into the city of Little Rock, Arkansas, I knew we had to check out the William J. Clinton Presidential Library. I’ve been to the library of President Carter in my home state of Georgia, and knew this one would make for a fun and historical trip. The library had plenty of interesting facts about the two terms served by President Clinton and it also had a number of great exhibits.

Stopping by the "Oval Office"

As someone who has always been interested in unique cars, Cadillac One, or the President’s former Limousine, really intrigued me. Contemplating how WEENR stacks up against the Cadillac, it got me thinking. How would the two fare in an open election? Both vehicles have their own advantages: the black, bulletproof sedan vs. the orange, smiley hot dog on wheels.

Tate-yum decided it was best we make something for the Wienermobile that will help mustard up enough winning votes: a campaign button!

Vote for Wienermobile

Tate-yum and I wanted to wish everyone a happy and safe Franksgiving holiday. While in Tennessee, we were wowed by the many colors of the fall foliage in the mountains. The area is truly breathtaking and really put us in the mood for family and great home-cooked meals.

Check out this view after a morning rain shower.

So From our (pumpkin) house to yours, HAPPY FRANKSGIVING!

Hotdoggers on the open road rarely get to work in the same areas as another Wienermobile vehicles. Franks to Route 66, however, three teams were linked by its’ asphalt. Joey Bologna and Diggity Dog Drea were recently traveling the road in Illinois. Route 66, nicknamed “The Mother Road,” runs from Chicago to California.

This week Tate-yum and I were stationed along the Route 66 town of Amarillo, TX. The same week, the cheesy team in the Southwest (Nacho Cheese Nikita and Pepper Jackie Cheese) were also on Route 66 in San Bernadino, California.

The Southwest Team took this picture in New Mexico

With the Midwest team visiting the beginning, the South the middle, and the Southwest team rounding out the end, I’d say we’ve covered Route 66 from end to doggone end. I can definitely see why the term “mother road” came to be; it was a common road shared between 3 Wienermobile teams across hundreds of miles.

While on this part of the Route, Tate-yum and I stumbled upon the Cowboy Gelato eatery. Not only did they have franktastic food, they had hand made gelato. The gelato came in many interesting flavors: Mexican Vanilla, Pistachio, and even PICKLE JUICE. Made with real pickle juice and chunks of pickles mixed in, it turned out to be pretty refreshing.

When telling people of our impending trip to Amarillo, TX it was highly recommended that Tate-yum and I visit the Palo Duro Canyon. The canyon is the 2nd largest in the US and is truly a site to relish!

Looking into the 2nd largest canyon in the US

After navigating WEENR through some twisty canyon roads, Tate-yum and I hit the trails to check out the famous Lighthouse rock formation. WEENR was left behind to fend for himself in the 100 degree heat.

Wandering through the canyon, I couldn’t help but wonder what the first settlers thought when they stumbled upon this inspirational landmark. After traveling throughout the surrounding plains of Oklahoma and Texas, this area makes quite the impression.