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i spy with my creative eye — car travel editions

joy rides and eye spy of days old to inspire road trips and fun for one—or—all

July 24, 2026

A million years ago when I was a little girl, we would take family vacations in vehicles we would fondly refer to as grocery getters—commonly referred as station wagons. I came from a family of six—which as one of the “youngest”—my hierarchy had me designated in the backseat of the car. Which full disclosure in the grocery-getter was the best seat in the house - it faced backwards! 

As thrilling as a roller coaster ride, you would watch cars quickly approaching to pass you by or see the smile of a truck driver. I just realized this is why I have always loved riding the backwards racing rollercoasters and like putting positive affirmation notes on apparel!

The activities in the backward facing seat were slightly different than the games from the middle seat. In the middle seat you had a bit more leverage seeking out license plates from other states or getting to be the first to declare VW (punch) Buggy’s you passed!

As I grew into my own and commuted to and from my town I was raised in, putting the radio on scan and karaoke’ing to the songs that popped up was totally fun! Tracking how many times you hear the most popular songs between markets also a hoot!

Your assignment : we recommend getting a journal to keep in the pocket on the back of the seat in front of you! Keep score, track your findings, extend the search between long and short destinations! and totally don’t forget to explore the simplest of paper and pen games!  M*A*S*H and Win-Lose-or-Draw!

Inspire yourself with island sounds in the car and discover the sounds of Watermelon Man by Pancho Sanches and sign up for lessons in the Northside with Steel City Arts.HERE

Visit : The Trolley Museum in Washington County to appreciate how transportation has evolved.

Eat : Your local farmers market or road side stand, for sure!!!

Music : Watermelon Man by Pancho Sanches


Stay tuned with spruce & adorn™ at @spruceandadorn | www.spruceandadorn.com for upcoming popup shops, community gatherings and more brands we aspire to help survive these challenged times!






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Next Feature :  I spy with my artistic eye - part 2

women holding plate of food - spruce & adorn ad

Jenifer has been featured in Dwell.com, West Elm Chicago, Red Fin Blog, Table Magazine, Pittsburgh Tribune Review, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, The Green Voice, The Strip Magazine, and LOCALpittsburgh.