Modern Betty

The Gut!

I still laugh when I think about what I'd typically tell my parents before heading out on Friday nights.

I'd always say we were "just going to get something to eat," but by the time I climbed into Dave's faded Monte Carlo, we all knew exactly what the plan REALLY was.

We rolled down Main Street with the windows wide open, Journey pouring out of worn speakers that crackled whenever the bass hit too hard.

Every lap around town felt like something might happen. Maybe we'd spot the hot girls from school. Maybe someone would challenge us to a stoplight drag race. Maybe nothing would happen at all.

And that was OK too.

Cruising wasn't about getting anywhere. The loop WAS the destination.

Every town had one. You'd circle the same few streets over and over, waving at people you passed three minutes earlier like you hadn't seen them in weeks.

You'd pull into the McDonald's or the strip mall lot, lean against the car, crack jokes until your stomach hurt from laughing, then pile back in because someone said, "Let's make another lap."

The radio was always louder than it needed to be. The warm summer air carried the smell of gasoline and fresh-cut grass, and every red light was another chance to catch someone's eye.

If your favorite song came on, nobody talked until it was over. Those songs became part of the road, and the road became part of us.

Today, cars have giant touchscreens, GPS, and even technology to drive by themselves. But none of them can recreate the feeling of six friends squeezed into a car with ten dollars between them, no destination, and the certainty that the best part of the night was still ahead.

Funny how we thought we were just driving around town, when we were really driving through the moments we'd spend the rest of our lives remembering...one lap at a time.

Did your town have a cruising loop? What stops did it include?

Due to continued water issues Modern Betty wil be closed tomorrow May 12th.

Due to a water issue, Modern Betty will be closed tomorrow, May 7th.

"Meet Dakota Harris, a local 21year old up and coming musician with a passion for the stage and music. Dakota enjoys music from all genres, and he is excited to share his night with all of you!"

Dakota will be gracing us with his musical talents for First Friday Art Walk tomorrow at Modern Betty Salon.

5:30-8:00
132 E Broadway