The Long Haul: West Virginia to Des Moines

This leg was no joke—thirteen hours in the car. West Virginia to Des Moines was officially the longest day of the trip, and we felt every minute of it. But that’s road tripping, right? Some days are magical, some are just mileage.

We left West Virginia early, snacks stocked, spirits still intact. The scenery started out dreamy—tree-lined roads, rolling hills, morning fog. But somewhere in Indiana, the vibe shifted. The terrain flattened out, and it turned into a mission of endurance.

We stopped just enough to keep ourselves sane—quick bathroom breaks, gas, and a very mediocre lunch somewhere off I-70. Honestly, the best part of the day was the little things: random podcasts, off-key car karaoke (lots of T.Swift), and laughing about absolutely nothing.

By the time we rolled into Des Moines, it was dark, and we were wrecked. But also proud. We made it. The longest stretch was behind us. We crashed hard that night, knowing the next day would bring a change of pace—and way less time behind the wheel.

Not every day of a road trip is photogenic or magical. Some are just long, tiring, and real. But those days still matter. They remind you that you’re doing something adventurous. Something worth remembering. We stayed at the Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel. It was incredible. The beds were so soft, and it was very, very clean. I know that is the last thing you want to think about before heading to bed. This place is right downtown, it was quiet, and did I say it was clean?