A state trooper’s lights come on and I change lanes to give him the right of way. When he trails behind me, I know those lights were meant for the guy who’s way too eager to spend his days off digging in the crates.

No ticket this time, only a warning. He gives back the Alaska license and says slow down. More time to listen to podcasts. It’s the new age talk radio, custom made for whatever topic you’re feeling. The vinyl destination will still be there.

This is how I’m getting to know America. One record store at a time. Each spot has character and something to offer, and if not, at least the drive was worth it alone. Streets and roads turn into highways and then into towns and cities - you begin to appreciate how connected we are and want to see more of it.

One great resource to check out is Vinyl Hunt. There are other sites, but I haven’t spent the time to cross check the locations. If possible, check the store hours. It’s a buzzkill to drive for x amount of time, and turn right back around. Also, charge your phone ahead of time if you’re using Google Maps. You don’t want to be stuck in a coffee shop to power up.

We live in a digital age, but there’s something romantic about records. You have to hold it, place it on a turntable, and connect the needle to the groove. I’m not advocating for either side, digital or analog, but hunting down vinyl is a lot more fun. Crossing state lines or staring at obscure websites? No question, let’s fill up that gas tank.