Driving Atlantic to Pacific

[Michael]

We've been tentatively talking about making a road-trip across the middle of America - essentially driving west from Washington/Baltimore area all the way to LA. Maybe this summer, maybe next summer. :shrug:

Phoenix/Scotsdale, Grand Canyon and Las Vegas are on the itinerary.

Anyone got any suggestions or advice?

(once we get to LA, we'll be going up to SF, perhaps Oregon and then back through the Rockies and on to Chicago).

[dilettante]

Sedona, AZ is only a little ways off the route between the Grand Canyon and Phoenix. They have some of the most beautiful red rock country in the region there and some very attractive art gallerias (Tlaquepaque (http://www.tlaq.com/) is particularly nice). It's a lovely little town to drive through and even nicer if you can spend an afternoon hiking out in the red rock.

(It's also something of a 'New Age' spiritualist hub, but I doubt that'll bother you too much)

[Americano]

We've been tentatively talking about making a road-trip across the middle of America - essentially driving west from Washington/Baltimore area all the way to LA. Maybe this summer, maybe next summer. :shrug:

Phoenix/Scotsdale, Grand Canyon and Las Vegas are on the itinerary.

Anyone got any suggestions or advice?

(once we get to LA, we'll be going up to SF, perhaps Oregon and then back through the Rockies and on to Chicago).

I honestly wouldn't bother with the LA piece.

[Michael]

I honestly wouldn't bother with the LA piece.

Have to get a cheesy photo standing by the Hollywood sign and that Chinese restaurant! And Venice Beach. That's about it for the LA leg! :lol:

[Americano]

Have to get a cheesy photo standing by the Hollywood sign and that Chinese restaurant! And Venice Beach. That's about it for the LA leg! :lol:

Photoshop yourself into widely available stock photos and say you did it. Chinese restaurant or Grauman's Chinese Theater?

[Michael]

Photoshop yourself into widely available stock photos and say you did it. Chinese restaurant or Grauman's Chinese Theater?



Shooping just isn't the same or as much fun. :shrug:

Sorry - restaurant across the street from the Chinese Theater! :lol:

[Americano]

Too bad you couldn't just jump over many of the states you'll drive through.
Seemingly endless miles of flat prairies and deltas will try your patience.

[Margot]

For the love of sweet baby jesus, avoid all of Wyoming. No need to visit the sphincter of this nation!

[Americano]

For the love of sweet baby jesus, avoid all of Wyoming. No need to visit the sphincter of this nation!

I'd certainly avoid Yellowstone during the summer season.

[dilettante]

For the love of sweet baby jesus, avoid all of Wyoming. No need to visit the sphincter of this nation!

Oi! North West Wyoming contains some of the most amazing scenery in the country! Especially for those willing to stray more than 100 yards from their cars to go and see it.

[Michael]

Oi! North West Wyoming contains some of the most amazing scenery in the country! Especially for those willing to stray more than 100 yards from their cars to go and see it.

Yes, I've been specifically told that Wyoming is one of the most beautiful places in America. It would be scheduled on the 'return-leg'.

[Americano]

Yes, I've been specifically told that Wyoming is one of the most beautiful places in America. It would be scheduled on the 'return-leg'.

Southern route going west?

I've hunted both antelope and elk in Wyoming surrounded by take one's breath away natural beauty. Had family there for many years and visited most of the state. Utah also has some of the most beautiful country in that area.

[Michael]

Southern route going west?

I've hunted both antelope and elk in Wyoming surrounded by take one's breath away natural beauty. Had family there for many years and visited most of the state. Utah also has some of the most beautiful country in that area.

Basically yes, though not too southern for the east-to-west. I've already driven through most of the south-east and we have no interest in seeing Texas at all.

More northerly route back. Nothing is planned yet, just a basic outline to see if it is a worthwhile trip.

We're not planning to drive interstates all the way. I've driven in the USA and those big interstate highways are boring as fuck and loaded with transport trucks. That's not my idea of a 'road-trip'!

[Greendruid]

If you're doing the back roads you MUST get to the junction of route K and route KK in Missouri just east of Columbia and take your picture there. It's that subtle, cheeky Missourah humour!

[Americano]

Basically yes, though not too southern for the east-to-west. I've already driven through most of the south-east and we have no interest in seeing Texas at all.

More northerly route back. Nothing is planned yet, just a basic outline to see if it is a worthwhile trip.

We're not planning to drive interstates all the way. I've driven in the USA and those big interstate highways are boring as fuck and loaded with transport trucks. That's not my idea of a 'road-trip'!

This (http://www.historic66.com/description/) might be of interest.

[Michael]

This (http://www.historic66.com/description/) might be of interest.

Yes, Route 66 is definitely on the list. ;)

Gotta get a picture standing by one of those Hwy signposts!

[Michael]

I'm thinking that a baseball game would be nice to fit in. I like to see a ballgame from the cheapest beacher seats in famous old ballparks - it is a great way to get a 'feel' for the local culture.

Given the route, I'm thinking Cinncinati might be the best bet. Any other suggestions? I've been to ballgames in NYC, Boston, Phili and Chicago in years past. I suppose LA or SF might be a possibility.

Phili and Chicago were by far the best experiences - those 'bleacher-creatures' have all kinds of traditions and they are a colorful bunch drawn from the 'less wealthy' sections of society.

[The Drunk Guy]

I'm thinking that a baseball game would be nice to fit in. I like to see a ballgame from the cheapest bleacher seats in famous old ballparks - it is a great way to get a 'feel' for the local culture.

Given the route, I'm thinking Cinncinati might be the best bet. Any other suggestions? I've been to ballgames in NYC, Boston, Phili and Chicago in years past. I suppose LA or SF might be a possibility.

Phili and Chicago were by far the best experiences - those 'bleacher-creatures' have all kinds of traditions and they are a colorful bunch drawn from the 'less wealthy' sections of society.
Cincy has a nice field. You pick a Sunday or Monday game and we may even join you. ;)

[Americano]

I'm thinking that a baseball game would be nice to fit in. I like to see a ballgame from the cheapest beacher seats in famous old ballparks - it is a great way to get a 'feel' for the local culture.

Given the route, I'm thinking Cinncinati might be the best bet. Any other suggestions? I've been to ballgames in NYC, Boston, Phili and Chicago in years past. I suppose LA or SF might be a possibility.

On a road trip such as you're planning I'd need serious goals in Ohio to stop there.

Phili and Chicago were by far the best experiences - those 'bleacher-creatures' have all kinds of traditions and they are a colorful bunch drawn from the 'less wealthy' sections of society.

[Lily]

Michael, check out the area around Santa Fe/Taos, New Mexico. Just gorgeous. In fact, that whole four corners area is superb road trip territory -- New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado and Utah.

If you do go to the area, check out Rancho_de_Chamayo. (http://www.ranchodechimayo.com/history/history.htm) Great food in an old adobe hacienda with spectacular views and, they also have a few very nice guest rooms.

[Americano]

Michael, check out the area around Santa Fe/Taos, New Mexico. Just gorgeous. In fact, that whole four corners area is superb road trip territory -- New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado and Utah.

I second that recommendation. You could eliminate most worn down Eastern, Midwest and Southern states for more time in true natural beauty from the Rockies West.

If you do go to the area, check out Rancho_de_Chamayo. (http://www.ranchodechimayo.com/history/history.htm) Great food in an old adobe hacienda with spectacular views and, they also have a few very nice guest rooms.

[Michael]

I second that recommendation. You could eliminate most worn down Eastern, Midwest and Southern states for more time in true natural beauty from the Rockies West.
Yes, that's probably true, but natural beauty isn't our priority here.

Our trip is actually motivated by a desire to see as many cities as possible. We are urbanites to the core. ;)

Nice scenery is just the stuff to fill the gaps between the cities. Cities and people are interesting to me, geography not so much. :shrug:

[Americano]

Yes, that's probably true, but natural beauty isn't our priority here.

Our trip is actually motivated by a desire to see as many cities as possible. We are urbanites to the core. ;)

Nice scenery is just the stuff to fill the gaps between the cities. Cities and people are interesting to me, geography not so much. :shrug:

Understandable but I think you're going to be disappointed with the results of urban sprawl. With some exceptions US inner-cities have been 'revitalized' to a point of quaint blah surrounded by poverty and shopping malls. But fun is where one finds it.

[Michael]

Understandable but I think you're going to be disappointed with the results of urban sprawl. With some exceptions US inner-cities have been 'revitalized' to a point of quaint blah surrounded by poverty and shopping malls. But fun is where one finds it.

US urban blight is interesting to observe. We don't have any of that up here and most countries I've been to don't have it either. It is an apparently unique phenomena.

Seeing North Phily (aka Germantown) about fifteen years ago was an awe-inspiring experience.

Mountain ranges are a dime a dozen. I've driven through the Rockies from Calgary to Vancouver. That's impressive, but I found North Phily far more memorable and interesting.

[Americano]

US urban blight is interesting to observe. We don't have any of that up here and most countries I've been to don't have it either. It is an apparently unique phenomena.

Seeing North Phily (aka Germantown) about fifteen years ago was an awe-inspiring experience.

Mountain ranges are a dime a dozen. I've driven through the Rockies from Calgary to Vancouver. That's impressive, but I found North Phily far more memorable and interesting.

You're going to love Southern California. It covers half that state with pure urban blight.

[The Drunk Girl]

The Appalachian region is beautiful. Not much to do besides site seeing/scenic driving, but it is honestly some of the beautifulest country I have ever seen.

You probably aren't going to be driving down near these parts, but if you should ever get the chance...

[Michael]

The Appalachian region is beautiful. Not much to do besides site seeing/scenic driving, but it is honestly some of the beautifulest country I have ever seen.

You probably aren't going to be driving down near these parts, but if you should ever get the chance...

Well, it would really depend on the route - if we head to Washington/Baltimore/Philadelphia area first, then we are going to have to cut west somehow and that takes one through the Appalchians doesn't it? I know our initial projected route included St.Louis and across Kansas (passes through Wichita!) before turning southwest towards New Mexico. This is an interstate route, but hey, its the plains anyway.

(I have a weird and irrational passion for the name of Wichita, Kansas - I just have to go there!)

Anyway, this trip is still entirely in the planning stages, just collecting ideas to see if the trip is 'doable'. It sounded interesting so I'm just fishing for ideas! :)

I really haven't been to the US southwest and I'd like to see that desert and the Grand Canyon and Vegas. But Vegas can be done easily with a 3-4 day flight vacation so it is a low-priority. And there's a whole bunch of the 'flyover' country I've never seen. The Rockies are always spectacular no matter what part of them you see.

If it wasn't for Katrina, New Orleans would have been very high on the list, but alas we'll probably skip it on this trip.

[The Drunk Guy]

Well, it would really depend on the route - if we head to Washington/Baltimore/Philadelphia area first, then we are going to have to cut west somehow and that takes one through the Appalchians doesn't it? I know our initial projected route included St.Louis and across Kansas (passes through Wichita!) before turning southwest towards New Mexico. This is an interstate route, but hey, its the plains anyway.

(I have a weird and irrational passion for the name of Wichita, Kansas - I just have to go there!)

Anyway, this trip is still entirely in the planning stages, just collecting ideas to see if the trip is 'doable'. It sounded interesting so I'm just fishing for ideas! :)

I really haven't been to the US southwest and I'd like to see that desert and the Grand Canyon and Vegas. But Vegas can be done easily with a 3-4 day flight vacation so it is a low-priority. And there's a whole bunch of the 'flyover' country I've never seen. The Rockies are always spectacular no matter what part of them you see.

If it wasn't for Katrina, New Orleans would have been very high on the list, but alas we'll probably skip it on this trip.
You'll pass through northern Appalachia (Pennsylvania, West Virginia) if you go through Cincinnati. The mountains are pretty, but you'll get an eye-full of some of the nastiest little towns in America. That's not the Appalachia I care for. ;)

From Cincy, I recommend cutting to Louisville and going along the Ohio for as long as possible. Indiana and Illinois are terribly flat and boring. From Paducah, you can cut up to St. Louis in a short amount of time. (You don't want to skip East St. Louis, but you may want to pick up a piece before you go.)

[Americano]

You'll pass through northern Appalachia (Pennsylvania, West Virginia) if you go through Cincinnati. The mountains are pretty, but you'll get an eye-full of some of the nastiest little towns in America. That's not the Appalachia I care for. ;)

Haven't been through West By God Virgina in over 20 years, but even in that era they were nasty little towns. Built on boom time coal mining, not much has changed other than the company towns being occupied by some very bitter, tough people. Michael may find them interesting, but I felt it was the pits.

From Cincy, I recommend cutting to Louisville and going along the Ohio for as long as possible. Indiana and Illinois are terribly flat and boring. From Paducah, you can cut up to St. Louis in a short amount of time. (You don't want to skip East St. Louis, but you may want to pick up a piece before you go.)

He's Canadian. Only we Americans view mingling in areas containing often desperate people due cause to carry solutions for unexpected violence. I'd pick up a piece upon entering the US as I'm a big fan of adequate insurance.

[Lily]

I really haven't been to the US southwest and I'd like to see that desert and the Grand Canyon and Vegas. But Vegas can be done easily with a 3-4 day flight vacation so it is a low-priority. And there's a whole bunch of the 'flyover' country I've never seen. The Rockies are always spectacular no matter what part of them you see.



If you've never seen the Grand Canyon, you have to go. It's the one natural wonder that doesn't disappoint. Truly magnificent. Then head south and you'll drive through the Sedona area, then into Phoenix. There's plenty of desert all around you there, especially if you're heading into L.A. from Phoenix. You'll go right through a whole bunch of desert, including the Palm Springs area.

In fact, just head west from the Santa Fe/Taos/Albuquerque area in New Mexico and you'll end up at the Grand Canyon.

[Greendruid]

Going SW from Wichita you will head straight through the Texas panhandle and I don't recommend that if you want to avoid Texas. You will be greeted with the ghastly site of cattle feedlots. Cows and dust as far as the eye can see and methane in the air to boot. Sometimes on both sides of the highway! They don't raise them like they do in S.O. - no natural grass for those poor buggers. Avoid it if at all possible.

[Americano]

If you've never seen the Grand Canyon, you have to go. It's the one natural wonder that doesn't disappoint. Truly magnificent. Then head south and you'll drive through the Sedona area, then into Phoenix. There's plenty of desert all around you there, especially if you're heading into L.A. from Phoenix. You'll go right through a whole bunch of desert, including the Palm Springs area.

Seemingly endless desert.

In fact, just head west from the Santa Fe/Taos/Albuquerque area in New Mexico and you'll end up at the Grand Canyon.

[The Drunk Girl]

Seemingly endless desert.

Pretty at first and then just plain boring.

[Michael]

Pretty at first and then just plain boring.

That describes most of the things (and people) in this world. :lol:

[Americano]

That describes most of the things (and people) in this world. :lol:

By my measure, I'm in agreement, that definitely puts you up a notch in forum cynic ratings.

[wphelan]

This goes for any of the regulars at this particular forum, but if anyone is passing through northern Illinois and or Chicago I'd be glad to do a meet and greet and give the local perspective.

[Michael]

This goes for any of the regulars at this particular forum, but if anyone is passing through northern Illinois and or Chicago I'd be glad to do a meet and greet and give the local perspective.

Well, this trip definitely will include staying overnight in Chicago so maybe we can meet up for a beer. :)

[JHC]

Yeah, don't listen to Margot! Your option of dipping across the southwest in the middle of summer might do for some re-thinking. When we went to the Pacific Northwest a few years ago, we looked into the Grand Canyon first. 133 degrees F. No shit. Also, to get there, you're going to have to cross Texas in summer. F'in...yuck! I mean, no offense to my Texan bro's and sisters but Tx in summer is only more heinous than Tx in winter.

So, you could cut a little north and drop down then you have Kansas. Oi! Eastern Colorado is just as bad except that it ends in the Rockies.

I say take the high road. lol.
But seriously, that central part of the US leaves a lot to be desired but the Big Horn mountains, and maybe a stop off at Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone all the way to the Pacific Northwest and then cruising down the coast of Ca sounds like an awesome trip for summertime. Avoid the heat and tornadoes. Northern Wyoming is actually quite spectacular in the early summer. Kinda sucks toward the middle when it gets all brown again.

[JHC]

This goes for any of the regulars at this particular forum, but if anyone is passing through northern Illinois and or Chicago I'd be glad to do a meet and greet and give the local perspective.
I read just this morning that an Il. Rep. is trying to get the governor to call in the National Guard to fight crime in Chicago. 113 murders so far this year - more than Iraq and Afghanistan US fatalities alone. :(
:rofl:
Just pullin yer chain. But I did hear that and those were the horrible statistics.:(
:o

[JHC]

Also, just FYI, if you want to hit as many cities as possible (just read that in your prior posts), you could head due south from Montana passing through Billings (big city where I come from ;-)), and then catch the Cheyenne Frontier Days in July. One of the biggest cities in Wyoming, especially during Frontier Days, and also, the state capital. Denver is just a spit away from Cheyenne and you can pass by my first Alma Matter - visit Korymir. Just keep driving South until you run into the Grand Canyon - but not literally - since that is apparently the only scenery on your agenda.

But seriously, I'm kidding. It would take you more than a day to get from Billings to Denver and there are no cities between, just the Buffalo Bill Cody Museum in Cody, Thermopolis: the city of mineral hot springs and buffalo...errr...bison and a dinosaur museum (they find lots of em out there), indian reservations (actually not fun to visit), sage brush. I guess there's Atlantic City - NOT a city!! Kinda cool though. Sinks Canyon is pretty.

If you think about it Michael, there aren't a lot of really noteworthy cities in the center of the US - lakes area excluded.

St. Louis is pretty much out of your way. What else is there? Lincoln, NE. Kansas City, KA and MO. ewww.

[Margot]

Also, just FYI, if you want to hit as many cities as possible (just read that in your prior posts), you could head due south from Montana passing through Billings (big city where I come from ;-)), and then catch the Cheyenne Frontier Days in July. One of the biggest cities in Wyoming, especially during Frontier Days, and also, the state capital. Denver is just a spit away from Cheyenne and you can pass by my first Alma Matter - visit Korymir. Just keep driving South until you run into the Grand Canyon - but not literally - since that is apparently the only scenery on your agenda.

But seriously, I'm kidding. It would take you more than a day to get from Billings to Denver and there are no cities between, just the Buffalo Bill Cody Museum in Cody, Thermopolis: the city of mineral hot springs and buffalo...errr...bison and a dinosaur museum (they find lots of em out there), indian reservations (actually not fun to visit), sage brush. I guess there's Atlantic City - NOT a city!! Kinda cool though. Sinks Canyon is pretty.

If you think about it Michael, there aren't a lot of really noteworthy cities in the center of the US - lakes area excluded.

St. Louis is pretty much out of your way. What else is there? Lincoln, NE. Kansas City, KA and MO. ewww.


I touched a real t-rex skull in that museum! And I have a dead fish I bought from there, too!

[JHC]

Oh yes, that's right! You also saw real live neanderthals roaming the isles of WalMart store number four billion eight hundred and seven.

[Americano]

Oh yes, that's right! You also saw real live neanderthals roaming the isles of WalMart store number four billion eight hundred and seven.

I live in a rural area and see numerous neanderthals shopping at the local Walmart. From drawings of them I'd seen I wasn't aware they were so huge but they have adapted well to the store provided electric carts.

[SMadsen]

Have to get a cheesy photo standing by the Hollywood sign and that Chinese restaurant! And Venice Beach. That's about it for the LA leg! :lol:
I did New York to L.A. with one of my sons a couple years ago and also made sure to do the Hollywood sign shot. But the Chinese restaurant, what's that? We went to strip bars instead, - thought that was the thing to do in L.A.

[Lily]

I did New York to L.A. with one of my sons a couple years ago and also made sure to do the Hollywood sign shot. But the Chinese restaurant, what's that? We went to strip bars instead, - thought that was the thing to do in L.A.

Strip bars? Pffft. The names may change (Candy v Candi), but they're all the same. In L.A., my favorite haunts were hole-in-the-wall bars with live music. You wouldn't believe who would show up to play in the tiniest places.

[SMadsen]

Strip bars? Pffft. The names may change (Candy v Candi), but they're all the same. In L.A., my favorite haunts were hole-in-the-wall bars with live music. You wouldn't believe who would show up to play in the tiniest places.
Well, I could say it was part of studying folklore (for example, we found out that you guys have strip bars where alcohol is allowed and some where alcohol is not allowed) but who am I kidding, - two guys on the road for four weeks, yeah, there was written nudy bar all over.

Anyhow, regarding that Chinese restaurant, did Michael mean the Chinese Theater?

[Michael]

Anyhow, regarding that Chinese restaurant, did Michael mean the Chinese Theater?
Yes. That was established earlier in the thread. :)

[SMadsen]

Yes. That was established earlier in the thread. :)
Oh ok, missed that. Thanks.

[Michael]

Oh ok, missed that. Thanks.

The part of California that I want to really see is driving up the Pacific coastal highway from LA to SF.

[SMadsen]

The part of California that I want to really see is driving up the Pacific coastal highway from LA to SF.
That was one of the most memorable parts of our trip! We went from S.F. to L.A. and it was absolutely stunning.

Not that it's much of an inspiration, I'm sure (see below) but just to contribute a bit, here's the (northern) route we did: NYC, Buffalo (the Niagara stuff), Cleveland, Toledo, Chicago, south of Des Moines to Omaha, Rapid City (Badlands, Black Hills, Mt. Rushmore and various caves in that area), Devils Tower, Billings, Yellowstone, down Idaho, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas (including Gran Canyon, of course), Death Valley, San Francisco and down the coast to L.A.

All in all a great trip that took 25 days with only two days of not driving. But I'm not sure I can recommend it, partly because I have no other references and partly because we are way more interested in geography and nature than you apparently are. For example, our stay in Chigaco amounted to an elevator ride to the panorama deck in Sears Tower, a visit to an Italian restaurant and then back on the road. Not your idea of recreation time, I'm sure :)

We do have a trip at a southern route in mind so reading about your plans and all the excellent advice in this thread is great.

[Americano]

The part of California that I want to really see is driving up the Pacific coastal highway from LA to SF.

One of the more pleasurable road trips, but don't end it at SF. That coastline above SF is even more beautiful and populated by interesting characters. You must stay here (http://www.fourseasons.com/santabarbara/) in Santa Barbara. International clientele and pampering at its best. Nothing like calling the kitchen and discussing desired menus with the chef to be served in your cottage.

[Margot]

As a side note, I have a friend who is going to be motorcycling from S. Florida to San Fran next month with a rifle strapped to his back. The rifle is because he decided to camp in the desert for a month en route.

This is the sort of ridiculous stuff this kid does all the time.

[Michael]

One of the more pleasurable road trips, but don't end it at SF. That coastline above SF is even more beautiful and populated by interesting characters. You must stay here (http://www.fourseasons.com/santabarbara/) in Santa Barbara. International clientele and pampering at its best. Nothing like calling the kitchen and discussing desired menus with the chef to be served in your cottage.

Excellent recommendation. And indeed, we are likely to continue up the coast to Portland and then turning inland from there.

As a side note, I have a friend who is going to be motorcycling from S. Florida to San Fran next month with a rifle strapped to his back. The rifle is because he decided to camp in the desert for a month en route.

This is the sort of ridiculous stuff this kid does all the time.
You're right. It does sound ridiculous. :lol:

[Americano]

Excellent recommendation. And indeed, we are likely to continue up the coast to Portland and then turning inland from there.

Good. You won't miss the Redwood forests, which attract a wide variety of characters and visitors. A picture standing next to a giant Redwood tree is as impressive as the Hollywood Sign.

I suggest the run from Brookings Oregon to Coos Bay be scheduled as a drive with stops for services. On the Oregon Coast, you need to get close to weekend destinations of Portland residents to avoid repetitious, dreary coastal poverty. A few highlights but nothing I'd recommend without an unlimited schedule.