Today I mapped out a scenic road trip in North Texas from Plano through Melissa and Blue Ridge to Leonard, Texas.

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I selected this route because FM 545 from Melissa to Blue Ridge is noted as a curvy, tight road that serves well for an afternoon drive. I am happy to confirm this, although because it is tree lined and tight, not a good place to see just how fast you can get around the corners so much as a good place to enjoy a drive.

I stopped off and shot this pond in a field just along the road in or near Leonard.

Across from Lea’s, Leonard field-house wall shows Leonard High School’s records.  This is how you communicate to your competitors lol.

Lea’s is very unassuming from the outside.  The building in the middle is Lea’s, and it is sort of tucked in behind the grocery store in the middle of a corner.

I had the lunch buffet, selecting chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, fried okra, and corn bread.

I rate Lea’s as Bring your Own Beverage — the only diet soft drink they serve is Diet Dr. Pepper.  Next time through I will plan to duck into the grocery next door and get a diet coke on the way.  I shot this pic with my camera phone, so please forgive that part.

I caught this shot to give you an idea of the road on the way; lots of nice 2-lane with or without shoulders and farm land.

Route Summary:

545 was exactly as advertised — tight curvy 2 lane.  Overall the route was a good quick run and made a relaxing tour.  Another day I would make this the first leg, since I was just getting to some good rural driving areas by the time I headed back to 75 via 121.