I will add more information for each state and post photos.
There will be a section on Shenandoah National Park.
There will be a section on the Appalachian Trail.
There will be a section on Wildwood.
There will be a section on the Pine Barrens.
When I travel, there will be a section on the current trip.
Please feel free to send me comments about interesting places in the states that you have visited once I have created a section for that state. Each section has a comment area. (Anything that is improper or seems to be an advertisement will not be published.) Forum acquaintances should give their forum name as part of their comments.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
States where I have traveled
I have been in every stae except for Alaska and Hawaii.
2009: current trip
Travel to California - NJ, Pa, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, through Donner Pass in California (first time) - see a lot of California and leave through the Death Valley into Nevada and head to Vegas (first time) and then to Arizona (first time), New Mexico (haven't been there since the '60's), Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama (Tuscaloosa), a small part of Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and back to South Jersey. At this point I will have visited all of the lower 48 states.
2010:
Colorado springs, Grand Canyon, the Four Corners and northern New Mexico
2009: current trip
Travel to California - NJ, Pa, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, through Donner Pass in California (first time) - see a lot of California and leave through the Death Valley into Nevada and head to Vegas (first time) and then to Arizona (first time), New Mexico (haven't been there since the '60's), Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama (Tuscaloosa), a small part of Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and back to South Jersey. At this point I will have visited all of the lower 48 states.
2010:
Colorado springs, Grand Canyon, the Four Corners and northern New Mexico
Alabama
Alabama is the state that is second only to New Jersey in the amount of time that I have been there. I have seen more of it than some of my relatives who live there.
Go to the Bear Bryant Museum if you like football.
See the Vulcan Statue in Birmingham.
See the Wilson and Wheeler Dams near the Tri-Cities and Muscle Shoals.
Visit Russell Cave National Monument near the Tennessee border.
I haven't been to the Space Center in Huntsville.
Visit the Capitol of the Confederacy in Montgomery.
See the remains of the old Capitol of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.
The beaches are narrow but the water is clear.
Go to the Bear Bryant Museum if you like football.
See the Vulcan Statue in Birmingham.
See the Wilson and Wheeler Dams near the Tri-Cities and Muscle Shoals.
Visit Russell Cave National Monument near the Tennessee border.
I haven't been to the Space Center in Huntsville.
Visit the Capitol of the Confederacy in Montgomery.
See the remains of the old Capitol of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.
The beaches are narrow but the water is clear.
Alaska
I doubt if I will ever get to Alaska, but I would love to go there. I think that I would have to be retired to really have enough time to see it the way I would like to see it.
Arizona
I will visited Arizona in 2009 and will visit again in 2010.
Starting from the Hoover dam, I drove to Sidona where you have beautiful red rock formations. Driving from there towards Phoenix you see a lot a lot of the cactus that looks like it has arms. I wa surprised at how green the desert is.
I drove to Tucson and then took I-10 across the bottom of the state. Photos are on my 2009 blog http://boro70trail2009.blogspot.com/
Starting from the Hoover dam, I drove to Sidona where you have beautiful red rock formations. Driving from there towards Phoenix you see a lot a lot of the cactus that looks like it has arms. I wa surprised at how green the desert is.
I drove to Tucson and then took I-10 across the bottom of the state. Photos are on my 2009 blog http://boro70trail2009.blogspot.com/
Arkansas
I visited Arkansas twice.
Both times I stayed in West Memphis, but in 2006 I kept going west and toured Little Rock, Hot Springs and Fort Smith.
Little Rock has a really nice area along the river, an Arkansas version of a Riverwalk.
I spent the night in Hot Springs which was a big traffic jam. I didn't really care for the area. I ate at a Mexican restaurant and the Mexican waiter let me know that it would not be up to my expectations. I guess he could tell by the way I ordered that I had a good appreciation for Mexican food. The best (and most authentic) Mexican restaurants that I have been to are in South Jersey.
Fort Smith was nice - not spectacular but it made for a nice stop.
I will drive through Arkansas again in 2010 from west to east.
California
I am currently in California (June 2009). I entered at Donner's Pass and will leave through the Death Valley. I plan to go as far north the Oregon border and as far south as the Mexican border.
I got there by traveling the full length of I-80.
I visited San Francisco first. The Fisherman's Market area is a must see. If you like, you rent a bicycle and ride it ovet the Golden Gate Bridge. Ther are tour boats that will take you to Alcatraz. There are many places to dine. The "curviest road" is a fake. They took a normal road and then placed brick areas (with very nice flowers and other plants) along the block in order to make it "curvy". There is another road in the city that is supposed to really be the "curviest road", but it is not in the tourist area and I did not see it.
I then went to Palo Alto and toured Stanford.
Next I drove through the Napa Valley, which was nice and then over to the coast and up US 101. I stayed at Prairie Creek campground in the redwoods. This was the best part of my visit to California. Found a nice Mexican restaurant in Orick.
I then drove down the coast and stayed in Marina (near Monterey). Then I drove mostly along the coast to Pasadena. The drive along the coast from Monterey to Morro Bay is nice. The mountains come right down to the ocean, but there a few cattle farms on some flatlands.
LA is a busy palce and I went to Hollywood Blvd. and the Sunset Strip. I stayed in Pasadena and ate at Tommy's Burgers.
I thne drove south to San Diego, as far south as Imperial Beach. the Mission Beach section of San Diego is crowded, so arrive early in the day if you want to see that area.
I then drove to Death Valley, which is also very scenic.
California is very scenic, but they need to remove the people!
I got there by traveling the full length of I-80.
I visited San Francisco first. The Fisherman's Market area is a must see. If you like, you rent a bicycle and ride it ovet the Golden Gate Bridge. Ther are tour boats that will take you to Alcatraz. There are many places to dine. The "curviest road" is a fake. They took a normal road and then placed brick areas (with very nice flowers and other plants) along the block in order to make it "curvy". There is another road in the city that is supposed to really be the "curviest road", but it is not in the tourist area and I did not see it.
I then went to Palo Alto and toured Stanford.
Next I drove through the Napa Valley, which was nice and then over to the coast and up US 101. I stayed at Prairie Creek campground in the redwoods. This was the best part of my visit to California. Found a nice Mexican restaurant in Orick.
I then drove down the coast and stayed in Marina (near Monterey). Then I drove mostly along the coast to Pasadena. The drive along the coast from Monterey to Morro Bay is nice. The mountains come right down to the ocean, but there a few cattle farms on some flatlands.
LA is a busy palce and I went to Hollywood Blvd. and the Sunset Strip. I stayed in Pasadena and ate at Tommy's Burgers.
I thne drove south to San Diego, as far south as Imperial Beach. the Mission Beach section of San Diego is crowded, so arrive early in the day if you want to see that area.
I then drove to Death Valley, which is also very scenic.
California is very scenic, but they need to remove the people!
Colorado
I have been in Colorado three times.
The first time was a major trip (by train and bus with the Boy Scouts) and we went to Colorado Springs, the Air Force Academy, the Garden of The Gods, Pikes Peak, and ate at a huge bar-b-que.
All of those sites are worth seeing. I will return to most of them in a few years.
The second time almost doesn't count. We were spending the night in Nebraska near the Colorado border and took a joy ride down route 113 for about an hour round trip.
In 2008 I stayed in Denver and drove through Rocky Mountain National Park. I will then drove east on I-70 to Kansas. Rocky Mountain National Park was covered with lots of snow (in June).
I will return to Colorado in 2010 and re-visit the Garden of the Gods. I will re-visit Pikes Peak some day.
The first time was a major trip (by train and bus with the Boy Scouts) and we went to Colorado Springs, the Air Force Academy, the Garden of The Gods, Pikes Peak, and ate at a huge bar-b-que.
All of those sites are worth seeing. I will return to most of them in a few years.
The second time almost doesn't count. We were spending the night in Nebraska near the Colorado border and took a joy ride down route 113 for about an hour round trip.
In 2008 I stayed in Denver and drove through Rocky Mountain National Park. I will then drove east on I-70 to Kansas. Rocky Mountain National Park was covered with lots of snow (in June).
I will return to Colorado in 2010 and re-visit the Garden of the Gods. I will re-visit Pikes Peak some day.
Connecticut
I have been to Connecticut many times.
I have ex-in-laws in the New Haven area and am very familiar with that area.
I have traveled all of I-95 and all of the Merritt Parkway.
I have seen most of New London.
I have traveled on all of I-91 and all of I-84.
I have been in a couple of state parks and remember touring a castle in one of them.
I have drank at a biker bar and had a good time. Most of the bars that I have been to were boring and small.
I have ex-in-laws in the New Haven area and am very familiar with that area.
I have traveled all of I-95 and all of the Merritt Parkway.
I have seen most of New London.
I have traveled on all of I-91 and all of I-84.
I have been in a couple of state parks and remember touring a castle in one of them.
I have drank at a biker bar and had a good time. Most of the bars that I have been to were boring and small.
Delaware
I am very familiar with Delaware and attended the University of Delaware for 2 1/2 years + my brother and one of my sisters graduated from there.
The several years, some of my co-workers have accompanied me to U of D football games and I have no problem going down to games by myself.
There is not much in the state that I have not seen.
The beaches just don't compare to Jersey, but Rehoboth is a popular spot.
I have enjoyed driving on the back roads near the Delaware Bay.
I have never gone on a canoe trip on the Brandywine, but those who have say that it is very nice.
There is no sales tax in Delaware and that seems to be its main attraction.
GO HENS!!!!!!!
I have a good time tailgating at the games.
The several years, some of my co-workers have accompanied me to U of D football games and I have no problem going down to games by myself.
There is not much in the state that I have not seen.
The beaches just don't compare to Jersey, but Rehoboth is a popular spot.
I have enjoyed driving on the back roads near the Delaware Bay.
I have never gone on a canoe trip on the Brandywine, but those who have say that it is very nice.
There is no sales tax in Delaware and that seems to be its main attraction.
GO HENS!!!!!!!
I have a good time tailgating at the games.
Florida
I have been to Florida a few times.
Mostly I have been to the area between Pensacola and Gulf Shore, Alabama as we used to vacation on the Perdido Bay on the Alabama side. Once we flew in and out of Pensacola.
We took a major trip coming down I-95 and staying in Daytona. We visited the speedway and drove on the beach, which was fun.
Next we drove down to Deerfield Beach and toured Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton and other nearby areas. We ate at Pete Rose's Place. The beaches are narrow compared to New Jersey, but the water is much clearer. You basically park very close to where you sit on the beach (except in Daytona, but you park on the beach).
We then headed down through Miami and across the Everglades on US 41 and then headed up the Gulf coast, eventually staying in Clearwater. The beach is Clearwater was very shelly (Like stepping on shells). I did not care much for that area.
We then took I-75 to I-10 and then took US 231 to Alabama.
I don't know if I will ever go to Disney World. It is not a priority for me.
Mostly I have been to the area between Pensacola and Gulf Shore, Alabama as we used to vacation on the Perdido Bay on the Alabama side. Once we flew in and out of Pensacola.
We took a major trip coming down I-95 and staying in Daytona. We visited the speedway and drove on the beach, which was fun.
Next we drove down to Deerfield Beach and toured Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton and other nearby areas. We ate at Pete Rose's Place. The beaches are narrow compared to New Jersey, but the water is much clearer. You basically park very close to where you sit on the beach (except in Daytona, but you park on the beach).
We then headed down through Miami and across the Everglades on US 41 and then headed up the Gulf coast, eventually staying in Clearwater. The beach is Clearwater was very shelly (Like stepping on shells). I did not care much for that area.
We then took I-75 to I-10 and then took US 231 to Alabama.
I don't know if I will ever go to Disney World. It is not a priority for me.
Georgia
I have been in Georgia many times.
Most of the time it was on I-59 in the northwest corner. In the old days we had to take US 11 which was slow and had a lot of tourist traps with stuff such as "see the half lizard/half frog" or "the two-headed snake".
I have traveled on I-85 to I-20 (and reverse) several times also.
On a Christmas week one time, we came in from South Carolina on I-20 and went all the way across on I-20.
I have done all of I-95 and we stayed outside Savannah on that trip.
Sometime I hope to see Stone Mountain and to hike the Applachian Trail in Georgia.
Most of the time it was on I-59 in the northwest corner. In the old days we had to take US 11 which was slow and had a lot of tourist traps with stuff such as "see the half lizard/half frog" or "the two-headed snake".
I have traveled on I-85 to I-20 (and reverse) several times also.
On a Christmas week one time, we came in from South Carolina on I-20 and went all the way across on I-20.
I have done all of I-95 and we stayed outside Savannah on that trip.
Sometime I hope to see Stone Mountain and to hike the Applachian Trail in Georgia.
Idaho
I visited a little bit of Idaho on June 7th, 2007. I drove about an hour down US 20 to St. Joseph's and returned with a side tripon a scenic byway. I ate dinner in Ashton at a local restaurant.
In June, 2008 I saw a lot more of Idaho. I entered from Montana in the north and took a round-a-bout route to Washington. I then re-entered in the Snake River canyon area and drove through the canyon as far as you can. Next I headed to Boise taking an indirect route. I ate at "Bad Boy Burgers" and you can see photos of this trip on http://boro70trip2008.blogspot.com
From Boise I headed to Twin Falls and Shoshone Falls is worth seeing. Then I headed to Utah on I-84.
Illinois
I have been through Illinois 5 times.
The first time, I arrived via train in Chicago and we toured Chicago on a tour bus. We left by train towards Iowa and Nebraska and eventually to Denver. We returned by the same route. We had a good time in Chicago. we visited the zoo and ate right by the lake.
The 2nd time, we basically just drove through Chicago, but we did leave the freeway and toured Lake Shore Drive and returned to I-90 on US 14.
The third time, we just drove through and on the return trip we entered Illinois at Davenport and then headed toward Peoria and left the state in Danville.
The fourth time, I got stuck in a major traffic jam in Chicago on my way to North Dakota.
The fifth time (2008), I took went around Chicago and avoided the city traffic.
I drove through on I-80 in 2009.
The first time, I arrived via train in Chicago and we toured Chicago on a tour bus. We left by train towards Iowa and Nebraska and eventually to Denver. We returned by the same route. We had a good time in Chicago. we visited the zoo and ate right by the lake.
The 2nd time, we basically just drove through Chicago, but we did leave the freeway and toured Lake Shore Drive and returned to I-90 on US 14.
The third time, we just drove through and on the return trip we entered Illinois at Davenport and then headed toward Peoria and left the state in Danville.
The fourth time, I got stuck in a major traffic jam in Chicago on my way to North Dakota.
The fifth time (2008), I took went around Chicago and avoided the city traffic.
I drove through on I-80 in 2009.
Indiana
I've been through Indiana 5 times.
The first time was on a train to Chicago and all I remember is waking up and seeing that I was in Gary.
The next time, we entered Indiana from Ohio on I-70 and turned north on I-65, spending a night in Lafayette. We drove around Lafayette a lot and of course we toured the Pudue campus. We then continued north to Chicago. So the only part of Indiana that we really checked out was Lafayette.
The third time was we came through on I-80 and on the return we came from the west on I-74 until we picked up I-70 in Indianapolis.
The next two times I just drove through on I-80/90 returned the same way. In 2009 I drove through heading west again, but did not drive through on the return trip.
I'll have to check out the speedway sooner or later.
The first time was on a train to Chicago and all I remember is waking up and seeing that I was in Gary.
The next time, we entered Indiana from Ohio on I-70 and turned north on I-65, spending a night in Lafayette. We drove around Lafayette a lot and of course we toured the Pudue campus. We then continued north to Chicago. So the only part of Indiana that we really checked out was Lafayette.
The third time was we came through on I-80 and on the return we came from the west on I-74 until we picked up I-70 in Indianapolis.
The next two times I just drove through on I-80/90 returned the same way. In 2009 I drove through heading west again, but did not drive through on the return trip.
I'll have to check out the speedway sooner or later.
Iowa
I have been in Iowa 4 times.
The first 3 times I came across the state from the west on I-80 and stayed once in Iowa City. We toured the University of Iowa campus on that trip. Otherwise it was pretty much of a straight drive through the state.
In 2008, I was there when they had a record flood. I made it through just in time as roads closed behind me.
In 2009, I drove east to west. No floods this time. I slept at a rest stop near Iowa City.
Kansas
I have been in Dodge City and Wichita. Dodge City has a fake western town and a fake Boot Hill.
I stopped in Kansas City and tried 2 of their top 3 rib joints. I was not impressed with their ribs!
I stopped in Kansas City and tried 2 of their top 3 rib joints. I was not impressed with their ribs!
Kentucky
I have been to Kentucky twice.
We came up from Nashville and stayed in Bowling Green before visiting Mammoth Caves. Mammoth Caves was worth seeing!
We then continued up I-65 to the Bluegrass Parkway which we took all the way to Lexington and then we took I-64 to West Virginia.
In 2007 I entered the state at Cairo, Illinois, worked my way over to the Blugrass Parkway and then took I-64 once again to West Virginia.
We came up from Nashville and stayed in Bowling Green before visiting Mammoth Caves. Mammoth Caves was worth seeing!
We then continued up I-65 to the Bluegrass Parkway which we took all the way to Lexington and then we took I-64 to West Virginia.
In 2007 I entered the state at Cairo, Illinois, worked my way over to the Blugrass Parkway and then took I-64 once again to West Virginia.
Louisiana
I have been to Louisiana twice.
The first time was to specifically see New Orleans. It was a day trip and we saw the amin sights such as the Superdome, Boubon Street, the French Quarter, Lake Ponchartrain, etc.
The second time was a side trip on my way back from Texas in 2006.
I came into the state from Texas on I-10 and toured St. Charles. There is a nice memorial to the 9-11 tragedy on Lake Charles.
I stayed in Denham Springs outside Baton Rouge and toured LSU before heading on down to New Orleans.
I came down from Baton Rouge and got stuck in a freeway traffic jam (In this supposibly abandoned city). Traffic was heavy everywhere I went. I explored the area where you find Tulane University and crossed the Mississippi on US 90, drove around that side of the river a little ways and returned. I left the city heading north on I-55 to Mississippi.
Next time I go to Louisiana (2009) I will probably explore the area along I-20.
The first time was to specifically see New Orleans. It was a day trip and we saw the amin sights such as the Superdome, Boubon Street, the French Quarter, Lake Ponchartrain, etc.
The second time was a side trip on my way back from Texas in 2006.
I came into the state from Texas on I-10 and toured St. Charles. There is a nice memorial to the 9-11 tragedy on Lake Charles.
I stayed in Denham Springs outside Baton Rouge and toured LSU before heading on down to New Orleans.
I came down from Baton Rouge and got stuck in a freeway traffic jam (In this supposibly abandoned city). Traffic was heavy everywhere I went. I explored the area where you find Tulane University and crossed the Mississippi on US 90, drove around that side of the river a little ways and returned. I left the city heading north on I-55 to Mississippi.
Next time I go to Louisiana (2009) I will probably explore the area along I-20.
Maine
I have been to Maine twice.
The first time was to see the University of Maine (with my father) and we drove up 95 to Orono. We explored a little of the area around Orono and then headed south and checked out Acadia National Park. we returned along US 1 until we reached I-295 and eventually 95.
The next time was with my youngest daughter and one of her friends. We took I-95, 295 and then 95 again to Bangor and stayed at a motel there. Each day we explored a different section of Maine. We drove down to Acadia and spent a day there. On another day, we headed up the coast form Acadia and went to the eastern most point in the USA and then traveled up US 1 through Calais and then took route 9 back to Bangor. Another day we traveled to the top of I-95 and through potato country along US through Mars Hill, Van Buren, Grand Isle, Frenchville and finally Fort Kent where we started back south on route 11 through Wallagrass, Eagle Lake, Winterville, Portage, Ashland, Marsadis and eventually took route 212 back to I-95 and back south to Bangor. We took another trip to the Moosehead Lake region on various back roads and then all the way to Jackman and almost to Quebec on US 201.
We finished the trip by leaving on US 2 to New Hampshire.
So we saw a lot of Maine, but there is plenty left to re-visit someday!
The first time was to see the University of Maine (with my father) and we drove up 95 to Orono. We explored a little of the area around Orono and then headed south and checked out Acadia National Park. we returned along US 1 until we reached I-295 and eventually 95.
The next time was with my youngest daughter and one of her friends. We took I-95, 295 and then 95 again to Bangor and stayed at a motel there. Each day we explored a different section of Maine. We drove down to Acadia and spent a day there. On another day, we headed up the coast form Acadia and went to the eastern most point in the USA and then traveled up US 1 through Calais and then took route 9 back to Bangor. Another day we traveled to the top of I-95 and through potato country along US through Mars Hill, Van Buren, Grand Isle, Frenchville and finally Fort Kent where we started back south on route 11 through Wallagrass, Eagle Lake, Winterville, Portage, Ashland, Marsadis and eventually took route 212 back to I-95 and back south to Bangor. We took another trip to the Moosehead Lake region on various back roads and then all the way to Jackman and almost to Quebec on US 201.
We finished the trip by leaving on US 2 to New Hampshire.
So we saw a lot of Maine, but there is plenty left to re-visit someday!
Maryland
I have seen much of Maryland.
The one thing I haven't done, that I need to do is visit the Baltimore Harbor area.
I have been to Annapolis several times. The Naval Academy is there and there are a lot of historic buildings. The town is full of "boat people" and the bay is full of pleasure craft along side Navy vessels.
I have been to Ocean City - nothing special, but it is a nice beach town.
My sister and her husband used to live on the Eastern Shore near Easton. I've viewed the bay from a duck blind there.
I've traveled I-70 from Baltimore to Frederick and then taken US 340 so many times that I can do it blindfolded. Sometimes I've taken a "scenic route closer to the Mason-Dixon Line through towns like Rising Sun, Hampstead, Manchester, Taneytown, and Emmitsburg. I've traveled all of US 15. I have been on I-70 as far west as Hancock and all of I-68.
I have been to Antietam.
I have been to a high School football game at Potomac High School in Oxon Hill. It was a stupid field with stands only on one side. The people started out friendly until we started beating them and then they got nasty.
I have hiked much of the Maryland portion of the Appalachian Trail, but that was a long time ago and I would like to do it again.
I have camped a couple of times at Elk Neck State Park - no big deal.
I have traveled much of the Eastern Shore and been to places like Chestertown.
The one thing I haven't done, that I need to do is visit the Baltimore Harbor area.
I have been to Annapolis several times. The Naval Academy is there and there are a lot of historic buildings. The town is full of "boat people" and the bay is full of pleasure craft along side Navy vessels.
I have been to Ocean City - nothing special, but it is a nice beach town.
My sister and her husband used to live on the Eastern Shore near Easton. I've viewed the bay from a duck blind there.
I've traveled I-70 from Baltimore to Frederick and then taken US 340 so many times that I can do it blindfolded. Sometimes I've taken a "scenic route closer to the Mason-Dixon Line through towns like Rising Sun, Hampstead, Manchester, Taneytown, and Emmitsburg. I've traveled all of US 15. I have been on I-70 as far west as Hancock and all of I-68.
I have been to Antietam.
I have been to a high School football game at Potomac High School in Oxon Hill. It was a stupid field with stands only on one side. The people started out friendly until we started beating them and then they got nasty.
I have hiked much of the Maryland portion of the Appalachian Trail, but that was a long time ago and I would like to do it again.
I have camped a couple of times at Elk Neck State Park - no big deal.
I have traveled much of the Eastern Shore and been to places like Chestertown.
Massachusetts
I been to Massachusetts a few times, but have never really experienced the state.
Basically I drove through the state on 2 trips to Maine and one trip to New Hampshire.
The first time, we took I-84 to the Turnpike and then 95.
The second time, we took I-95 & 495 and returned on I-91.
The third time, we took I-95 and 295, but did not return through Massachusetts.
Basically I drove through the state on 2 trips to Maine and one trip to New Hampshire.
The first time, we took I-84 to the Turnpike and then 95.
The second time, we took I-95 & 495 and returned on I-91.
The third time, we took I-95 and 295, but did not return through Massachusetts.
Michigan
I have been to Michigan a few times.
When I was young, we would visit relatives in Lansing, so I became somewhat familiar with that area. I am sure that it has changed a lot since then.
A few years ago, my 2 youngest daughters and I toured parts of the state.
We entered the state on US 2 from Wisconsin and then traveled to a small town, whose name I can't remember along Lake Superior. We took a side trip deep into the woods and ended up witht 2 flat tires (and only one spare). Some loggers came along and helped us get back to the town, where we paid an excessive price for new tires. It seems that the people there don't care much for strangers and take advantage of them.
We then traveled up route 26 to Houghton and stayed in the Calumet area.
Next, we headed down US 42, route 28, route 77 and US 2 to the Mackinaw Bridge. The beaches in Northern Michigan were unimpressive, but full of people.
We followed I-75 through Detroit and entered Ohio at Toledo.
Other than viewing the Great Lakes, Michigan doesn't have a lot to offer.
When I was young, we would visit relatives in Lansing, so I became somewhat familiar with that area. I am sure that it has changed a lot since then.
A few years ago, my 2 youngest daughters and I toured parts of the state.
We entered the state on US 2 from Wisconsin and then traveled to a small town, whose name I can't remember along Lake Superior. We took a side trip deep into the woods and ended up witht 2 flat tires (and only one spare). Some loggers came along and helped us get back to the town, where we paid an excessive price for new tires. It seems that the people there don't care much for strangers and take advantage of them.
We then traveled up route 26 to Houghton and stayed in the Calumet area.
Next, we headed down US 42, route 28, route 77 and US 2 to the Mackinaw Bridge. The beaches in Northern Michigan were unimpressive, but full of people.
We followed I-75 through Detroit and entered Ohio at Toledo.
Other than viewing the Great Lakes, Michigan doesn't have a lot to offer.
Minnesota
I have been through Minnesota 4 times. Photo is of the Mississippi River at the Wisconsin border.
The first time, we enterd from Wisconsin on I-94 and syaed in Minneapolis, visiting the Mall of America. The Mall was big but nothing special n terms of the stores except maybe Lego Land and there were some nice restaurants compared to most malls. We then headed up I-35 and toure the Duluth area which I very much enjoyed. We headed back into Wisconsin from there. If you go to Duluth take a ride up route 61 along the Lake Superior.
The next time we were headed to South Dakota and took I-90 across the lowere end of the state.
Twice I will took I-94 to North Dakota, but I traveled mostly in the middle of the night.
Mississippi
I have been in Mississippi a few times.
The first time we were going to New Orleans from Gulf Shores and traveled on I-10. On the return trip, we did a great deal of US 90 checking out the beaches.
The second time, we entered from Alabama on US 82 and then headed up I-55 to Memphis. We stayed in Batesville.
The next time, I was in Tuscaloosa and took a day trip down I-59 to Hattiesburg (where I ate lunch) and then returned to Alabama on route 42, checking out the DeSoto National Forest.
In 2006, I was returning from Texas and entered Mississippi from the south on I-55. I then turned west on US 98 & 84 to Natchez, where I spent a couple of hours touring the area and photographing the river. I then headed up the Natchez Trace to Vicksburg where I spent the night. The next day I toured Jackson and then headed toward Tuscaloosa on I-20.
In 2009 and 2010 I will drive through again on myn way to Tuscaloosa. I plan to come across from Vicksburg in 2009 and come down from Memphis in 2010.
The first time we were going to New Orleans from Gulf Shores and traveled on I-10. On the return trip, we did a great deal of US 90 checking out the beaches.
The second time, we entered from Alabama on US 82 and then headed up I-55 to Memphis. We stayed in Batesville.
The next time, I was in Tuscaloosa and took a day trip down I-59 to Hattiesburg (where I ate lunch) and then returned to Alabama on route 42, checking out the DeSoto National Forest.
In 2006, I was returning from Texas and entered Mississippi from the south on I-55. I then turned west on US 98 & 84 to Natchez, where I spent a couple of hours touring the area and photographing the river. I then headed up the Natchez Trace to Vicksburg where I spent the night. The next day I toured Jackson and then headed toward Tuscaloosa on I-20.
In 2009 and 2010 I will drive through again on myn way to Tuscaloosa. I plan to come across from Vicksburg in 2009 and come down from Memphis in 2010.
Missouri
I will visited Missouri in 2008.
I started in Kansas City and stayed in a motel halfway across the state. I then went to St. Louis and toured the Gateway Arch. I headed south and crossed the Mississippi at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio to a tiny bit of Illinois and then to Kentucky.
I started in Kansas City and stayed in a motel halfway across the state. I then went to St. Louis and toured the Gateway Arch. I headed south and crossed the Mississippi at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio to a tiny bit of Illinois and then to Kentucky.
Montana
I visited Montana 2007 and 2008.
In 2008, I drove along I-94. The road runs along the Yellowstone River. There is a lot of flat land, probaly due to being in a river valley. The hills around it are Badlands type. I then followed US 89 along the Yellowstone River to Yellowstone National Park. The hills become more like Virginia west of Billings. As you approach US 89, the mountains become the classic peaks that you picture when you think of the Rockies. Some had snow near the top.
In 2008, I drove along I-94. The road runs along the Yellowstone River. There is a lot of flat land, probaly due to being in a river valley. The hills around it are Badlands type. I then followed US 89 along the Yellowstone River to Yellowstone National Park. The hills become more like Virginia west of Billings. As you approach US 89, the mountains become the classic peaks that you picture when you think of the Rockies. Some had snow near the top.
In 2009, I took US 2 across most of the state and headed south to Great Falls which was my first motel of the trip. (see http://boro70trip29008.blogspot.com ) I then heade to Glacial National Park. The middle third of the park was closed due to too much snow coverage (in June). I stayed in Kalispell before heading to Idaho.
Nebraska
I have been to Nebraska 3 times.
The first time, I entered the state from South Dakota on US 385 went south to I-80 and spent a night near Sidney before heading east on I-80.
I crossed Nebraska again on I-80 in 2008 from west to east.
In 2009 I crossed from east to west on I-80. I got off the freeway in North Platte to eat lunch at Taco John's (where the peopel who worked there were snappy with each other). On this trip I found Nebraska drivers to be very discourteous.
Nevada
I have been to Nevada 2 times.
In the mid '70's, I was visiting a friend in Utah and we traveled across the salt flats to Wendover and visited the Stateline casino. This was a boring casino, but I had a good time just being there with my friends. The steaks were horrible.
I traveled through Nevada in 2009, coming across I-80, spending a night in Reno, on my way to California and on the return trip I came back through Death Valley and then tooke US 95 down to Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe before heading to Arizona.
Wendover has changed with newer casinos.
The middle of I-80 in Nevada has a few casino towns. There seems to be some mining. As you get towards the west, there are areas which look very white -possible salt? - and people have arranged stones to write messages. Very few trees!
Reno has many casinos of varying sizes. I dined at the Black Bear Restaraunt (a chain). The food was good.
Las Vegas is a big tourist trap and food is overpriced. It gets very crowded as the day wears on. driving on the strip in the afternoon is almost a standstill.
In the mid '70's, I was visiting a friend in Utah and we traveled across the salt flats to Wendover and visited the Stateline casino. This was a boring casino, but I had a good time just being there with my friends. The steaks were horrible.
I traveled through Nevada in 2009, coming across I-80, spending a night in Reno, on my way to California and on the return trip I came back through Death Valley and then tooke US 95 down to Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe before heading to Arizona.
Wendover has changed with newer casinos.
The middle of I-80 in Nevada has a few casino towns. There seems to be some mining. As you get towards the west, there are areas which look very white -possible salt? - and people have arranged stones to write messages. Very few trees!
Reno has many casinos of varying sizes. I dined at the Black Bear Restaraunt (a chain). The food was good.
Las Vegas is a big tourist trap and food is overpriced. It gets very crowded as the day wears on. driving on the strip in the afternoon is almost a standstill.
Friday, March 30, 2007
New Hampshire
New Hampshire is not that big and I covered a good bit of it on a few trips.
The first time was a quick pass through on the way to Maine on I-95.
The next time I was helping a friend move to somewhere near Manchester and then me and another friend (and his wife) headed to a campground and the next day we headed up 93 to the White Mountains where we found a reaaly nice river for swimming (and sliding over the rocks). I don't remember all of the exact locations, but we were probably somewhere on US 3 or 302. Someday, I will explore the area again and figure out where I had been.
A few years ago, my youngest daughter and her freind and I had been touring Maine and we returned across US 2 and saw Mt. Washington.
The first time was a quick pass through on the way to Maine on I-95.
The next time I was helping a friend move to somewhere near Manchester and then me and another friend (and his wife) headed to a campground and the next day we headed up 93 to the White Mountains where we found a reaaly nice river for swimming (and sliding over the rocks). I don't remember all of the exact locations, but we were probably somewhere on US 3 or 302. Someday, I will explore the area again and figure out where I had been.
A few years ago, my youngest daughter and her freind and I had been touring Maine and we returned across US 2 and saw Mt. Washington.
New Jersey
I live in South Jersey and, of course, have seen most of the state.
I recommend for tourists:
Wildwood, Cape May, Ocean City and adjacent beach areas. Wildwood has the biggest beach and is a great place to take the kids.
Atlantic City has casinos and other attractions.
If you like nature, check out the Pine Barrens. Be prepared to take sandy roads through the woods for the best adventures.
Check out the aquarium in Camden.
Go to Sandy Hook where you can view New York and maybe see some nudists on the beach.
Go to the Delaware Water Gap and if you can, take the hike up the Appalachian Trail to Sunfish Pond.
You should see Princeton.
Lambertville is neat and if you cross the river to Pennsylvania you would probably enjoy New Hope. While you are in that area, go to Washington's Crossing.
The Palisades are very nice and you get a good view of New York City from there.
I recommend for tourists:
Wildwood, Cape May, Ocean City and adjacent beach areas. Wildwood has the biggest beach and is a great place to take the kids.
Atlantic City has casinos and other attractions.
If you like nature, check out the Pine Barrens. Be prepared to take sandy roads through the woods for the best adventures.
Check out the aquarium in Camden.
Go to Sandy Hook where you can view New York and maybe see some nudists on the beach.
Go to the Delaware Water Gap and if you can, take the hike up the Appalachian Trail to Sunfish Pond.
You should see Princeton.
Lambertville is neat and if you cross the river to Pennsylvania you would probably enjoy New Hope. While you are in that area, go to Washington's Crossing.
The Palisades are very nice and you get a good view of New York City from there.
Fall colors are very nice.
New Mexico
I visited New Mexico in the '60's.
I was with the Boy Scouts and we went to Philmont. We hiked a lot of course. We saw Kit Carson's home.
I plan to re-visit that area in the 2010.
In 2009 I drove across the bottom of the state on I-10. I was surprised by the walnut and pecan orchards.
I was with the Boy Scouts and we went to Philmont. We hiked a lot of course. We saw Kit Carson's home.
I plan to re-visit that area in the 2010.
In 2009 I drove across the bottom of the state on I-10. I was surprised by the walnut and pecan orchards.
New York
I have been to New York on many occasions.
My first expoerience was on school, boy scout and church trips to the World's Fair and other sights such as th UN, Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center and such. I have picked people up at JFK airport several times. I have ex-relatives in the Bronx at Co-op City, so I have been there several times. I need to see New York City in more depth. I recently spent 2 nights with my buddy and he showed me around. I also have a daughter who lives in Brooklyn.
I have also been to the Adirondacks and the Finger Lakes. I have also traveled through the Woodstock region. In the Adirondacks, we camped and hiked in the Lake Placid region. We visited Whiteface Mountain and ran into people I work with who were also touring the area. They stayed at the KOA, but the state campground that I was at was better as it had warm showers, a fishing stream nearby and was a lot cheaper. We traveled through towns like North Elba, Black Brook, Saranac Lake, Plattsburgh, Keeseville, Tupper Lake, Long Lake, and Indian Lake. We traveled up to Watertown and viewed the Thousnad Island area from route 12 and Clayton. We traveled down 89 by Cayuga Lake and stopped at Taughannock Falls (which was very nice).
I once started a canoe trip in Port Jervis.
Once on a return trip from Maine, we traveled to Albany and spent a night there.
When I was a Boy Scout we went to Montreal and crossed the border at Champlain.
My first expoerience was on school, boy scout and church trips to the World's Fair and other sights such as th UN, Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center and such. I have picked people up at JFK airport several times. I have ex-relatives in the Bronx at Co-op City, so I have been there several times. I need to see New York City in more depth. I recently spent 2 nights with my buddy and he showed me around. I also have a daughter who lives in Brooklyn.
I have also been to the Adirondacks and the Finger Lakes. I have also traveled through the Woodstock region. In the Adirondacks, we camped and hiked in the Lake Placid region. We visited Whiteface Mountain and ran into people I work with who were also touring the area. They stayed at the KOA, but the state campground that I was at was better as it had warm showers, a fishing stream nearby and was a lot cheaper. We traveled through towns like North Elba, Black Brook, Saranac Lake, Plattsburgh, Keeseville, Tupper Lake, Long Lake, and Indian Lake. We traveled up to Watertown and viewed the Thousnad Island area from route 12 and Clayton. We traveled down 89 by Cayuga Lake and stopped at Taughannock Falls (which was very nice).
I once started a canoe trip in Port Jervis.
Once on a return trip from Maine, we traveled to Albany and spent a night there.
When I was a Boy Scout we went to Montreal and crossed the border at Champlain.
In 2007, I stayed in a hotel near the Empire State building, toured the city and the 9/11 area. I also went to a game at Yankee Stadium. I used a lot of mass transit.
North Carolina
I have been through North Carolina several times, sometimes just passing through and sometimes making some serious stops.
My first time was in 1962 and we traveled from South Carolina along US 29.
Of course I have done all of I-95 and all of I-85.
We have stayed in Chapel Hill visiting my sister's friends attending college there.
I have done the Smokies and Cherokee a couple of times.
I have done all of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
One time with the children, I entered North Carolina on US 17 and traveled through the Dismal Swamp. We worked our way over to Goldsboro (as I am partial to BOROs) where we spent the night. we then headed down to Wilmington and then back on 17 towards South Carolina.
My first time was in 1962 and we traveled from South Carolina along US 29.
Of course I have done all of I-95 and all of I-85.
We have stayed in Chapel Hill visiting my sister's friends attending college there.
I have done the Smokies and Cherokee a couple of times.
I have done all of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
One time with the children, I entered North Carolina on US 17 and traveled through the Dismal Swamp. We worked our way over to Goldsboro (as I am partial to BOROs) where we spent the night. we then headed down to Wilmington and then back on 17 towards South Carolina.
In 2009, I went to Cape Hatteras for Easter weekend. "Must sees" include the Wright Brothers National Memorial, Jockey's Ridge Sate Park and, of course, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
At Jockey's Ridge, there are massive sand dunes and it is a great place to "go fly a kite".
There are several beaches that you can drive on and on the northern end, there are homes that are only accessible by driving for several miles on the beach.
When I left Cape Hatteras, I drove along the North Carolina/Virginia border mostly on 158.
I will be posting more photos on my 2009 blog.
North Dakota
I visited North Dakota in June, 2007.
I stayed in Grand Forks and in Bismarck. visited some sights along the way including the Theodore Roosevelt National Park which is at the western edge of North Dakota.
I drove up I-29 (from I-94) and took US 2 to Devil's Lake and then to Minot where I headed south on US 83 to Bismarck. I next headed west on I-94.
The eastern part of the state is very flat, but at Minot the terrain begins to change to rolling hills.
The western part is part of the badlands and the grasslands - a mixture of prairie and hills.
Both the University of North Dakota and North Dakota State and on the eastern edge of the state - across the river from Minnesota.
Crystal Lake is the largest lake and has very little development. The main attraction is the Spirit Lake Casino.
North of Bismarck is the Lewis and Clark exhibit. They charge $7.50 for an adult.
The Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a must see.
I returned in 2008 and visited the northern section of TR national park: http://boro70trip2008.blogspot.com/
I ate at a burger joint called "Carver's", which is based in Wisconsin. It was EXCELLENT!!!!!!
Ohio
I've been in Ohio several times, but haven't really seen much of it.
The first couple of times, we on the way to visit relatives in Michigan, so basically I was on the Turnpike unitl US 127 and then went straight up towards Lansing. I didn't really see much of Ohio.
On a trip with my children, we cut across Ohio on I-70 and on the return trip entered at Toledo and stopped in Cleveland and, of course, visited the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
On a different trip, we crossed the Ohio River from West Virginia and just did a few miles along the River, stopping at a park for a while and stopping at a restaurant to eat.
We also crossed Ohio coming and going from South Dakota a few years ago.
I crossed Ohio in 2007 on my way to Yellowstone and 2008 on my way to Washington and Oregon. I'll crossed it again in 2009 as I traveled the entire length of I-80 from coast to coast.
Ohio is mostly flat in the north.
The first couple of times, we on the way to visit relatives in Michigan, so basically I was on the Turnpike unitl US 127 and then went straight up towards Lansing. I didn't really see much of Ohio.
On a trip with my children, we cut across Ohio on I-70 and on the return trip entered at Toledo and stopped in Cleveland and, of course, visited the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
On a different trip, we crossed the Ohio River from West Virginia and just did a few miles along the River, stopping at a park for a while and stopping at a restaurant to eat.
We also crossed Ohio coming and going from South Dakota a few years ago.
I crossed Ohio in 2007 on my way to Yellowstone and 2008 on my way to Washington and Oregon. I'll crossed it again in 2009 as I traveled the entire length of I-80 from coast to coast.
Ohio is mostly flat in the north.
Oklahoma
I visited Oklahoma in 2006.
I entered Oklahoma from Ft. Smith and traveled across the state on I-40.
I stayed in Oklahoma City and toured the area. I went down to Norman to see the University and explored some countryside. The next morning I visited the Memorial which was very nice and something that all should see.
When I got to Sayre, I headed up US 283 and explored the Black Kettle National Grasslands near Cheyenne. There was a monument that I stopped at and hiked around the grasslands which was fun. I'll post the exact name of it later.
I continued north until I reached the Cimmaron Strip and traveled across it on US 270 & 412 until I reached US 54 at Guymon and then I headed toward Texas and entered Texas at Texahoma.
I entered Oklahoma from Ft. Smith and traveled across the state on I-40.
I stayed in Oklahoma City and toured the area. I went down to Norman to see the University and explored some countryside. The next morning I visited the Memorial which was very nice and something that all should see.
When I got to Sayre, I headed up US 283 and explored the Black Kettle National Grasslands near Cheyenne. There was a monument that I stopped at and hiked around the grasslands which was fun. I'll post the exact name of it later.
I continued north until I reached the Cimmaron Strip and traveled across it on US 270 & 412 until I reached US 54 at Guymon and then I headed toward Texas and entered Texas at Texahoma.
I will return (from west to east) in 2010.
Oregon
I visited Oregon in 2008. http://boro70trip2008.blogspot.com
I drove the entire coast. I also visited Crater Lake, then drove north and drove along the Columbia River.
I drove the entire coast. I also visited Crater Lake, then drove north and drove along the Columbia River.
Pennsylvania
Living in South Jersey, Pennsylvania is only 15 minutes away.
I have been to Philadelphia more times that I could ever count and am very familiar with that area.
I have also been to the Poconos several times and to the Lancaster region several times.
I have been to State College for football games and traveled most of the major freeways in all kinds of directions.
In Philadelphia, you must see Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Nearby there is a nice area along the Delaware River called Penns Landing. There are many attractions. Fairmount Park is the largest City Park in the World. It is poular for walking, running, cycling, rowing, picnics, etc. The Philadelphia Art Museum (with the big steps from "Rocky") is another must see attraction. Near it is the Farnklin Institute which is always fun and there are other museum type attractions. There is plenty to do in Philadelphia. Don't forget to go to South Street. Also, don't forget to eat a cheesesteak and a Philly pretzel.
The Lancaster area in considered Pensylvania Dutch country and there are some unique foods there. There is also a large Amish population in that area.
The Poconos is the main mountain attractions. There are many waterfalls, skiing resorts, trails, etc. The food is not that great though.
Gettysburg is nice and is another must see in Pennsylvania. Be sure to walk into town and check out the shops.
Pittsburgh has a modern downtown and plenty of mountains surrounding it.
Penn State has great tailgate parties before the games. I have enjoyed a great time there even though I was a fan of the visiting team.
I have been to Philadelphia more times that I could ever count and am very familiar with that area.
I have also been to the Poconos several times and to the Lancaster region several times.
I have been to State College for football games and traveled most of the major freeways in all kinds of directions.
In Philadelphia, you must see Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Nearby there is a nice area along the Delaware River called Penns Landing. There are many attractions. Fairmount Park is the largest City Park in the World. It is poular for walking, running, cycling, rowing, picnics, etc. The Philadelphia Art Museum (with the big steps from "Rocky") is another must see attraction. Near it is the Farnklin Institute which is always fun and there are other museum type attractions. There is plenty to do in Philadelphia. Don't forget to go to South Street. Also, don't forget to eat a cheesesteak and a Philly pretzel.
The Lancaster area in considered Pensylvania Dutch country and there are some unique foods there. There is also a large Amish population in that area.
The Poconos is the main mountain attractions. There are many waterfalls, skiing resorts, trails, etc. The food is not that great though.
Gettysburg is nice and is another must see in Pennsylvania. Be sure to walk into town and check out the shops.
Pittsburgh has a modern downtown and plenty of mountains surrounding it.
Penn State has great tailgate parties before the games. I have enjoyed a great time there even though I was a fan of the visiting team.
Rhode Island
My experiences in Rhode Island have been limited to I-95 on my way to Maine and New Hampshire on a couple of occasions. I did stop for fast food, but I have never really visited any sights.
South Carolina
I have been to South Carolina many times.
The first time was when my family was moving form Alabama to New Jersey. The interstate system was just beginning so most of the trip was on the US higways. We stayed in Greenville. I have traveled a similiar route once I-85 was completed.
On a major trip, I took the children down the coast along US 17. We stopped at Myrtle Beach which was a major traffic jam. We stayed on 17 through Charleston until we reached I-95 near Sheldon.
I have also traveled down I-95 from Virginia to I-20, stopping for lunch in Columbia. This was an adventurous trip on Dec. 26th and I was heading to Alabama. A major storm was pounding the East and I decided not to take my normal route down I-81 and through Tennessee due to ice storms in that area. Along 95 we were having a lot of snow and snow is easier to drive in.
The first time was when my family was moving form Alabama to New Jersey. The interstate system was just beginning so most of the trip was on the US higways. We stayed in Greenville. I have traveled a similiar route once I-85 was completed.
On a major trip, I took the children down the coast along US 17. We stopped at Myrtle Beach which was a major traffic jam. We stayed on 17 through Charleston until we reached I-95 near Sheldon.
I have also traveled down I-95 from Virginia to I-20, stopping for lunch in Columbia. This was an adventurous trip on Dec. 26th and I was heading to Alabama. A major storm was pounding the East and I decided not to take my normal route down I-81 and through Tennessee due to ice storms in that area. Along 95 we were having a lot of snow and snow is easier to drive in.
South Dakota
I have been to South Dakota once.
We traveled along I-90 and spent our first night in Chamberlain near the Missouri River.
The next day we visited the Badlands which is very scenic. It is important that one understands that the Badlands are constantly changing as erosion created the cliffs and they continue to erode and move to the north. Don't look for much in the way of vegetation in this area.
We then headed to Deadwood and spent 3 nights there touring the area. We made one side trip to Wyoming to the Devil's Tower which was a great experience and on the way back we explored the Black Hills National Forest along ALT US 14. The road runs through a canyon and you can see several waterfalls. There is plenty of vegetation here and it is a forest of mostly pines.
We also visited Mt. Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial.
Next we visited Custer State Park. It has a nice loop road and you encounter (close-up) buffalo and prarie dogs amongst other wildlife. You can eat a buffalo burger if you like.
We left South Dakota by going down US 385 into Nebraska.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Tennessee
I first visited Tennessee in 1962 during a family trip from New Jersey to Alabama and back. The freeways were not completed so it was a long ride. US 11 was a very slow route from Knoxville to Bristol.
I have traveled through Tennessee from Bristol to Knoxville to Chatanooga (and reverse) more times than I can remember.
I have traveled at various times all of the parts of I-40 and many other roads.
One time, on our way to a funeral in Alabama, our keys got locked in the car (rental car) at the Welcome Center near Bristol. A very kind locksmith helped us and made duplicate keys free of charge. He was so nice. Everyone was nice.
I like to eat in Memphis on Beale Street. Beale Street is a must see.
Graceland is a tourist trap, but you have got to go there.
I enjoyed the Country Music Hall of Fame. My kids were bored by it.
Lookout Mountain has a great view, but be sure you go on a clear day.
The Smokies can be traffic jam at times.
Tennessee is a great place to buy fireworks.
I have traveled through Tennessee from Bristol to Knoxville to Chatanooga (and reverse) more times than I can remember.
I have traveled at various times all of the parts of I-40 and many other roads.
One time, on our way to a funeral in Alabama, our keys got locked in the car (rental car) at the Welcome Center near Bristol. A very kind locksmith helped us and made duplicate keys free of charge. He was so nice. Everyone was nice.
I like to eat in Memphis on Beale Street. Beale Street is a must see.
Graceland is a tourist trap, but you have got to go there.
I enjoyed the Country Music Hall of Fame. My kids were bored by it.
Lookout Mountain has a great view, but be sure you go on a clear day.
The Smokies can be traffic jam at times.
Tennessee is a great place to buy fireworks.
Texas
I did a big tour of Texas in 2006.
I entered Texas from the Cimmaron Strip and spent my first 2 nights in Amarillo. I spent a day at the Palo Duro Canyon and had a great time there.
Next I headed to Abilene (via Lubbock) ans spent the third night there.
Then I headed toward Dallas and Fort Worth. My main goal was to seee various football stadiums as I went from town to town, but I also stopped at the Texas Speedway and bought some souvniers. Dallas Stadium looked horrible from the outside. The college stadiums throughout the state looked much nicer. Some of the high school stadiums were great and some were not so great at all.
I spent night #4 in Waco. I then headed to College Station and then to Austin and down to San Antonio where I spent 2 nights.
The Riverwalk was the best place in Texas. I ate at a nice Mexican restaurant along the river (and I mean that I ate right along the river and my food could easily have fallen into the river if I wasn't careful). I like salsa verde (green sauce) on my food, but I find that it is rather mild in the Southwest compared to the Mexican Restaraunts in South Jersey. A waiter in Arkansas had warned me about that.
I also tried a fast food place called "What-A-Burger". It ended up being "What-A-Long-Wait-For-A-Burger".
I also toured the region south of San Antonio through places like Batesville, La Pryor and Uvalde.
I then headed to Houston for 2 nights and ate at "A Taste of Texas". Sorry Texas, but I get a better steak in Virginia although this was was good. Then I took a tour of the coast stopping as Kemah and then heading down route 146 to Galveston where I walked the beach and then I headed down the coast checking out the beaches and then took route 36 back towards Houston.
I ate that night at a diner and tried a country fried steak. It was huge (Texas size, I guess) but no different than what I make myself.
It rained like crazy the 2nd night and Houston had major flooding that made the national news, but I escaped easily as the freeway was built up high and headed to Louisiana.
In 2009, I drove from El Paso to San Antonio along I-10. I then drove to Austin to spend the night.
I will drive through the Amarillo area in 2010.
Utah
I was in Utah in the mid '70's.
My college buddy had moved to the Salt Lake City area somewhere near the Riverton/Bluffdale area. There was amountain at the end of his street so it is doubtful that development has spread beyond there.
We went to a ski resort (although it was summer) that was nearby. We also took his father's boat out on a reservoir to the east of Salt Lake City. I had my first taste of Coors beer there since in those days it was not sold in the East. I thought that it had a watery taste and I still do.
We took I-80 across the Salt Flats to a casino just over the Nevada line (Stateline Casino) which had horrible steaks and was very primitive compared to fledgling Atlantic City casinos. Everyone who worked there seemed to be grumpy.
Of course, we toured Salt Lake City and the Great Salt Lake.
I returned to Utah in 2008 as part of a trip to Washington and Oregon. I went to the Great Salt Lake. there was lots of trafiic congestion as the area has grown since I was ther in the '70's. i ate at a burger and ice cream joint called "Artic Circle". I left heading towards Wyoming.
I will drove through the area in 2009 on my way to California along I-80. I slept at the beginning of the Salt Flats to the west of Salt Lake City. (see photo above)
My college buddy had moved to the Salt Lake City area somewhere near the Riverton/Bluffdale area. There was amountain at the end of his street so it is doubtful that development has spread beyond there.
We went to a ski resort (although it was summer) that was nearby. We also took his father's boat out on a reservoir to the east of Salt Lake City. I had my first taste of Coors beer there since in those days it was not sold in the East. I thought that it had a watery taste and I still do.
We took I-80 across the Salt Flats to a casino just over the Nevada line (Stateline Casino) which had horrible steaks and was very primitive compared to fledgling Atlantic City casinos. Everyone who worked there seemed to be grumpy.
Of course, we toured Salt Lake City and the Great Salt Lake.
I returned to Utah in 2008 as part of a trip to Washington and Oregon. I went to the Great Salt Lake. there was lots of trafiic congestion as the area has grown since I was ther in the '70's. i ate at a burger and ice cream joint called "Artic Circle". I left heading towards Wyoming.
I will drove through the area in 2009 on my way to California along I-80. I slept at the beginning of the Salt Flats to the west of Salt Lake City. (see photo above)
Vermont
I have been to Vermont three times:
Th first time, I was with a friend and we visited an old Navy buddy of his. I don't remember exactly where, but his friend had a cabin-type house on a lake.
The second time, I entered Vermont from the Adirondick region of NY. We crossed Lake Champlain on a ferry near Plattsburgh to the Grand Isle and drove across the state to St. Johnsbury crossing the NH border, making a u-turn and then back across to Burlington where we took a much longer ferry back to NY.
The third time, we were returning form a vacation in Maine and crossed the top of NH and entered Vermont at St. Johnsbury where we ate lunch and headed down I-91 and then across the lower end of the state along routes 101 and 9 through Peterborough, Brattleboro and Bennington and then headed into NY.
Th first time, I was with a friend and we visited an old Navy buddy of his. I don't remember exactly where, but his friend had a cabin-type house on a lake.
The second time, I entered Vermont from the Adirondick region of NY. We crossed Lake Champlain on a ferry near Plattsburgh to the Grand Isle and drove across the state to St. Johnsbury crossing the NH border, making a u-turn and then back across to Burlington where we took a much longer ferry back to NY.
The third time, we were returning form a vacation in Maine and crossed the top of NH and entered Vermont at St. Johnsbury where we ate lunch and headed down I-91 and then across the lower end of the state along routes 101 and 9 through Peterborough, Brattleboro and Bennington and then headed into NY.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Virginia
I have been to Virginia many times, mostly to Shenandoah National Park. I have spent the last several Easter weekends in Waynesboro (another BORO). I usually stay at the Holiday Inn Express and enjoy dining and drinking beer at the South River Grill where I have eaten the best steaks (better than Texas by far). In the Summer I camp at Big Meadows along the Skyline Drive.
I have hiked all of the Appalachian Trail in Shenandoah National Park. I park my truck and hike a few miles and then hike back, move my truck and do some more, so I have basically walked it in borh directions. I have taken more photos of the trail than I can count - probably 2 or 3 thousand. have hiked many side trails an love the Dark Hollows - Rose River loop. I have encountered many bears and I consider them my pets. I have also encountered wildcats. I know the Skyline Drive so well that I could probably drive it blindfolded. The best time to hike is at dawn before others hit the trails. That is your best chance to encounter wildlife. This easter I will begin working on the AT south of Shenandoah in the Humpback Mountain vicinity.
I love Massanutten Mountain and the way it opens up into a hidden valley in the northern section.
I have also traveled from the Eastern Shore across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge/Tunnel (US 13) and down US 17 throught the Dismal Swamp.
Of course I have done all of I-95 and all of I-85 in the state + I have traveled to King Dominion and Williamsburg from DC and also to Mt. Vernon. I have done all of I-64 also and all of I-81 many times.
I have been to Charlottesville several times as my brother attended UVA and have traveled US 29 as far as Lynchburg and have been down 122 to the Booker T. Washington National Monument.
I have had a couple of nice rides down US 220 and there is a valley that I call the valley of the cows as there are black cows everywhere. I have traveled that region on roads that I can not name.
I have hiked all of the Appalachian Trail in Shenandoah National Park. I park my truck and hike a few miles and then hike back, move my truck and do some more, so I have basically walked it in borh directions. I have taken more photos of the trail than I can count - probably 2 or 3 thousand. have hiked many side trails an love the Dark Hollows - Rose River loop. I have encountered many bears and I consider them my pets. I have also encountered wildcats. I know the Skyline Drive so well that I could probably drive it blindfolded. The best time to hike is at dawn before others hit the trails. That is your best chance to encounter wildlife. This easter I will begin working on the AT south of Shenandoah in the Humpback Mountain vicinity.
I love Massanutten Mountain and the way it opens up into a hidden valley in the northern section.
I have also traveled from the Eastern Shore across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge/Tunnel (US 13) and down US 17 throught the Dismal Swamp.
Of course I have done all of I-95 and all of I-85 in the state + I have traveled to King Dominion and Williamsburg from DC and also to Mt. Vernon. I have done all of I-64 also and all of I-81 many times.
I have been to Charlottesville several times as my brother attended UVA and have traveled US 29 as far as Lynchburg and have been down 122 to the Booker T. Washington National Monument.
I have had a couple of nice rides down US 220 and there is a valley that I call the valley of the cows as there are black cows everywhere. I have traveled that region on roads that I can not name.
Washington
I visited Washington in 2009.
I entered near Spokane and spent the night there. I did not care for that town.
I then went to Seattle and toured the Space Needle and the market area.
I traved the entire coast and part of Olympia National Park.
The weather was dreary and the people were dreary.
I entered near Spokane and spent the night there. I did not care for that town.
I then went to Seattle and toured the Space Needle and the market area.
I traved the entire coast and part of Olympia National Park.
The weather was dreary and the people were dreary.
West Virginia
I have traveled many times through the Harper's Ferry/Charlestown area on my way to Shenandoah National Park.
I have also traveled all of I-81 in the state.
On a major trip in the '90's, I stayed overnight in Huntington and then took I-64 to I-79 to I-68 to Maryland. I will probably revisit that route this summer on my return trip from Yellowstone.
In 2004, I traveled US 220 as a roundabout way home from Shenandoah.
In 2007, I traveled I-64, I-79 and I-68 again.
I have also traveled all of I-81 in the state.
On a major trip in the '90's, I stayed overnight in Huntington and then took I-64 to I-79 to I-68 to Maryland. I will probably revisit that route this summer on my return trip from Yellowstone.
In 2004, I traveled US 220 as a roundabout way home from Shenandoah.
In 2007, I traveled I-64, I-79 and I-68 again.
Wisconsin
I have visited Wisconsin 4 times.
The first time I came up from Chicago and traveled to Green Bay where I spent the night. Green Bay was interesting as a small city with a major football stadium. There were suburban type homes across the streeet from the stadium. All of the bars appeared to be small and they all had Pabst signs. On the way up there, we stopped along Lake Michigan, which was cold and the beaches were small. The local people seemed to think that it was warm. The Chinese Restaurant in Green Bay had no Chinese people working there.
After Green Bay, we cut across the state on route 29 and headed to Minneapolis and then Duluth, where we re-entered Wisconsin and traveled along US 2. We stayed in Ashland at the Americ-Inn which was right on the lake and our room had a great view.
The next time, we took I-90 on our way to South Dakota.
In 2007 and 2008, I traveled I-90 to I-94 on my way to North Dakota.
The first time I came up from Chicago and traveled to Green Bay where I spent the night. Green Bay was interesting as a small city with a major football stadium. There were suburban type homes across the streeet from the stadium. All of the bars appeared to be small and they all had Pabst signs. On the way up there, we stopped along Lake Michigan, which was cold and the beaches were small. The local people seemed to think that it was warm. The Chinese Restaurant in Green Bay had no Chinese people working there.
After Green Bay, we cut across the state on route 29 and headed to Minneapolis and then Duluth, where we re-entered Wisconsin and traveled along US 2. We stayed in Ashland at the Americ-Inn which was right on the lake and our room had a great view.
The next time, we took I-90 on our way to South Dakota.
In 2007 and 2008, I traveled I-90 to I-94 on my way to North Dakota.
Wyoming
I visited Wyoming as a side trip when I toured South Dakota. I went to the Devil's Tower.
I visited Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons in 2007. I cut across the central part of the state and headed toward Casper and then south past Cheyenne before heading south to Denver.
I visited Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons in 2007. I cut across the central part of the state and headed toward Casper and then south past Cheyenne before heading south to Denver.
In 2008, I traved the length of I-80 heading west to east. In 2009 I headed east to west.
Mountains along I-80 do not have many trees. There is a lot of sage brush.
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