BY EMILY CARLSON | FOR THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA — Many people aspire to achieve a milestone by the time they reach 50. For LeKeisha Presley, a 49-year-old resident of Opelika, that aspiration was a journey across all 50 states by her 50th birthday, which she celebrates on Oct. 31. Rather than holding a traditional birthday party, Presley aimed to create a meaningful experience to honor this moment in her life.
“I decided to visit the states I haven’t seen hence, completing 50 states by 50,” she said. “I drafted a plan and discussed the idea with my husband. Initially, he looked at me a little funny, but soon jumped on the bandwagon. I believe he’s enjoyed the experience as much as I have.”
Presley’s travels began last summer when her husband, James, chauffeured her through 15 states in just a week. During this trip, they had no hotel reservations and little planning, which led to them spending the night in Kansas City, Missouri, instead of Kansas. “We laughed and said, ‘Oh well, it’s been a long day,’” she said.
Their adventures continued nearly every month, exploring new destinations and cultures across the country. Throughout her travels, Presley has shared experiences with family and friends, but primarily, it has been a journey with James. Her cousin, Tonyota Mack, joined her on a memorable seven-day Alaskan cruise earlier this year. The last of her journey ends in California, then Hawaii, where she is celebrating her 50th birthday with James and their son.
When planning their trips, LeKeisha focused on proximity and activities available in each location, often discovering events and attractions on the fly.
“We’ve visited museums, cultural festivals, and even caught an impromptu Cincinnati Reds baseball game,” she said. “We’ve also traveled using every mode of transportation except for horse and buggy.”
Their travels have included driving, flying, cruising, riding the Amtrak train and utilizing public transportation. Each state has offered its own unique experiences, and Presley has had many memorable highlights. From the historical richness of Boston and Philadelphia to the landscapes of Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Canyon, every destination has left a mark. One particularly memorable experience was standing at the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, where she was able to be in two states at once.
Presley said she enjoyed Pennsylvania for its historical significance, New England for its charm and Alaska for its stunning natural beauty. She said this journey has broadened her horizons and deepened her appreciation for the diverse cultures within the United States.
“Talking to people across the country has shown me how many haven’t left their states,” she said.
For anyone inspired to go on a similar journey, Presley offers this advice: “Do it! Venture out. The world has so much to offer. You won’t get the full experience watching it on TV or reading about it in books,” she said.
After traveling to so many places, Presley said she appreciates her home state even more.
“As the saying goes, ‘there’s no place like home,’” she said.
Born and raised in Eufaula and residing in Opelika since 1998, Presley currently serves as director of the Helping Families Initiative for the Lee County District Attorney’s Office.
Alongside her professional accomplishments, she is celebrating nearly 24 years of marriage, is a devoted mother and grandmother and now an achiever of her goal to visit 50 states by age 50.
