See America! Travel Through Our History!
Do you love travel and still haven’t seen much of America? There’s nothing like an All American Road Trip to ‘get it done’! Get out on the open road. Witness the states in all their eclectic glory! I’m working on plans for an awesome U.S. road-trip!! Want to tag-a-long?
The wonder of traveling via road-trip is the ability to see the big picture. Certain ‘state stereotypes’ stay in our mind until we experience the state for ourselves. When I say I’m from New York, most people immediately assume the city. Not so. I’m from the ‘burbs. Long Island. The regions of NY are extremely diverse. From tranquil beaches, our wine country, the big city, scenic mountain ranges, the Great Lakes and Niagara Falls, the list goes on…
Obviously, you can take it with you!
Last year, on a month long road-trip, my husband, Brian, and I wandered through the southeast coasts. After loading the Harley in the pick-up’s bed, we headed south. Our itinerary included Hilton Head (preppy), Savannah (southern sweet), Orlando (playful), Siesta Key (laid back), Sanibel (perky), Daytona (the bikers’ headquarters), St. Augustine (old-world), Tybee Island (quaint) and Charleston (historic). All so different, all a lot of fun! What a great trip!!
Best thing to know on a road trip is to be ready for anything. On a prior trip through Arizona, the landscape and temperature changed dramatically from the hot, desert of Scottsdale, to the chilly mountains of Sedona, the snow-filled peaks of Flagstaff and finally the awe-inspiring but freezing, Grand Canyon. I packed for the ‘hot Arizona’ I thought I knew!!
Next on the bucket list, is America’s west. Historic Route 66 seems a good place to start. This legend of our history runs from Chicago to Los Angeles. Through the years, the Interstate Highways took over more and more areas of the route. The loss of revenue created many ghost towns and the remaining businesses revel in the Route 66 history. In addition to historic sites and ghosts towns, the route is spotted with small towns, cities and never-ending, incredible landscapes.
You’ll need to do some careful planning since Historic Route 66 is not listed on current maps. Check out Historic66.com to get turn by turn directions. Also, consider purchasing books like EZ66 Guide, The Route 66 Map Series, and Route 66 Dining and Lodging Guide. Here’s some info on the states, their bigger cities and several interests along the way.
Illinois – Distance of 301 Miles
You might want to give yourself a day or two to see the great city of Chicago before you start your trip! Don’t leave without having breakfast at Lou Mitchell’s Restaurant. This place is incredible and serves the best breakfast on the planet! The line outside is long, but their staff will bring you donuts while you wait! For things to do in Chicago and your Go Card savings click here.
Missouri – Distance of 313 Miles
Check out the city of St. Louis and the historic Chain of Rocks Bridge, which spans the Mississippi River. A good day trip from here is the Meramec Caverns, about an hours drive from St. Louis.
Kansas – Distance of 11 Miles
This state has the shortest length of Route 66. The ‘Cars on the Route’ (formerly Women on the Route) service station, gift shop, and lunch grill, is the most notable attraction. It has 4.5 Tripadvisor stars, so lunch here might be a good idea!
Oklahoma – Distance of 192 miles
I’d like to take a little time to visit Tulsa and Oklahoma City. Cruise by the Blue whale in Catoosa and stop in for a soda at Pop’s in Arcadia, a famous soda shop with a 66 foot tall soda bottle out front.
Texas – Distance of 179 Miles
Amarillo is the big city as you drive through Texas. Don’t forget to stop at the famous Big Texan Steakhouse, home of the 72 oz. steak. It’s free if you can finish within an hour! Just past Amarillo, stop at the Cadillac Ranch for a photo op, as you graffiti your name on one of the cadillacs buried nose down in the dirt.
New Mexico – Distance of 392 miles
Albuquerque’s old town is filled with historic buildings dating back to its beginning as a Spanish colony. The town of Tucumcari is one of the best preserved towns on the highway. The Blue Swallow Motel has great reviews if you want to hang here for the night!
Arizona – Distance of 401 Miles
In Arizona, check out the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert. You’ll pass the Wigwam Motel’s concrete teepees in Holbrook. Stop and ‘stand on the corner in Winslow, Arizona’! Flagstaff is only an hour south of the Grand Canyon and 45 minutes north of Sedona, both spectacular! You CANNOT go past here without detouring! I recommend staying in Sedona for a night or two and spending a day at the Grand Canyon. 
California – Distance of 315 Miles
You made it!! Pitstop in San Bernadino and finish your road trip at the Trails End, Santa Monica Pier! Get out and stretch. You’ll find plenty to do in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. Plan a few days here as well! For things to do and your Go Card savings in Los Angeles click here. 
I can’t think of a more diverse route! Now that the route is set, here’s the big question. Should I drive my own motorcycle on the next road trip?? (comment below) I’m debating if I should teach this old dog new tricks. I’m 53, grandmother of 6, and I think I’m ready to take on a new challenge!
Whether driver or passenger, this drive through nostalgia is a must for those wishing to really see our diverse America!
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