Based on feedback that I have received from fellow TA travelers, I have adjusted this schedule and wanted to re-post for additional feedback. I apologize for the long post (and posting it in multiple places). Not sure where to post something like this. In early April of 2008, I will start a three-week journey driving from Raleigh, NC ending in Sacramento, CA. I have bought a book called “120 Scenic Drives in America” and I am using this to help guide my route. The real purpose of the trip is to see the country, significant points of interest along the way, and just get away.
Below is what I have laid out– and is subject to additional change based on my fellow TA’s advice. I have attempted to split it up to drive around 200 miles/day. The places that seem a bit strange to stop are those places along my routes that have a TA highly rated place to stay that are in my price range (~$100/night). I frequent Hampton Inns and that class of hotel. I will need internet connectivity along the way as I will be working some. If you know of a “must see” close to my route, please let me know.
Any input or advice on my journey would be very much appreciated. I am very open to your suggestions – I have received awesome advice from you guys thus far.
Day 1: Raleigh, NC to Lewisburg, WV. One of the “scenic drives”, the Midland Trail, starts in White Sulphur Springs, WV to and goes to Charleston, WV. 244 miles.
Day 2: Lewisburg, WV to Morehead, KY. Finishes the Midland Trail. 225 miles.
Day 3: Morehead, KY to Cave City, KY. Route includes the “Bluegrass to Pennroyal” drive. 239 miles.
Day 4: Cave City, KY to Metropolis, IL. Finish the “Bluegrass to Pennroyal” drive and get a little gambling in Metropolis. 184 miles.
Day 5: Metropolis, IL to Mt. Vernon, IL via the “Shawnee Hills Scenic Byway” along the IL/KY border. 155 miles.
Day 6: Mt. Vernon, IL to Jefferson City, MO. Will start the “Missouri Rhineland” drive. 221 miles.
Day 7: Jefferson City, MO to Topeka, KS. 221 miles.
Day 8: Topeka, KS to Oklahoma City, OK. 285 miles.
Day 9: Oklahoma City, OK to Amarillo, TX. 275 miles.
Day 10: Amarillo, TX Raton, NM. 215 miles. (Via Clayon, NM to start one of the scenic drives along northern NM.)
Day 11: Raton, NM to Santa Fe, NM. 167 miles. (May stay in Albuquerque instead).
Day 12: Santa Fe, NM to Winslow, AZ. 325 miles.
Day 13 and 14: Winslow, AZ to Sedona, AZ. For two nights. (via Camp Verde). 149miles.
Day 15: Sedona, AZ to Williams, AZ early to catch the steam train to see the GC. 61 miles.
Day 16: Williams, AZ to Las Vegas, NV. Via “Route 66”. 217 miles.
Day 17: Las Vegas, NV to Stovepipe Wells, CA. 152 miles.
Day 18 Stovepipe Wells, CA to Mammoth Lake or Lee Vining, CA. 180 miles.
Day 19 and 20: Mammoth Lake or Lee Vining, CA to S. Lake Tahoe. For two nights. 138 miles.
Day 21: S. Lake Tahoe to Sacramento, CA. 110 miles.
Day 22: Fly back to NC.
Cross Country Trip%26ndash;Feedback on Route? (Updated/Reposted)
I would skip Topeka and go Jefferson to K.C to Oklahoma city, and OKC to Tucmacari N.N..That is unless you only want to drive four/five hours a day
Cross Country Trip%26ndash;Feedback on Route? (Updated/Reposted)
If you do skip Topeka, take I-35 from Kansas City past Emporia. Before you get to Emporia, you%26#39;ll come to the US75/I-35 Junction. It%26#39;s called Beto Junction, with Beto standing for Burlington, Emporia, Topeka, Ottawa. There a big ol%26#39; truck stop there. They have a website, just google Beto Junction. It%26#39;s been a while since I%26#39;ve been there, but it had the best sausage gravy and biscuits, and cinnamon rolls the size of dinner plates that were unbelievably good. If that doesn%26#39;t suit, take a little detour to Council Grove, KS. Stop in at the Hays House, the oldest continuosly operating restaurant west of the Mississippi, since 1857. In addition to the food, the drive through the Flint Hills is gorgeous.
Even if you do stop at Topeka, you can take US75 south to Beto Junction and still drive through the Flint Hills. Topeka has a good zoo, is the state capital, and has a very good museum.
Enjoy your trip!
Ahem...do NOT skip Topeka! We have plenty to offer here (some of which has been mentioned), and you can stay in a nice Hampton Inn here on Wanamaker Road if you prefer that chain.
I also suggest you consider Highway 75 rather than the I-35 route to OKC if you want to take a slower pace and see some pretty country.
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