So many of you have posted comments or sent e-mails. I wish I could respond to each of you individually, but it's just impossible; I'd never get out of my hotel room each day!
I do read the blog comments each day, and we are incorporating them as much as possible in the voting options.
If you've sent me e-mails individually, we'd love it if you'd post your thoughts and comments here on the blog. That enables everyone to see them.
Also, while I'm on the road, I can't access Miami Herald e-mail, even though I can send from it. So it's difficult for me to get your e-mails, and it would help me out if you'd comment here instead.
How to comment: Just click on the word Comments below my latest posting. You can post as "anonymous'' if you don't want to set up a screen name.
Monday, August 21, 2006
Thanks for your comments
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13 comments:
Hi, Jane -- what a terrific idea this trip is. I am envious. -- Catherine Watson, Minneapolis
Hi Jane,
When you get to Tennessee, I recommend you visit the free Tennessee State Museum. There is currently a temporary exhibit on loan from the Smithsonian of Old Glory, a flag from 1824. http://www.tnmuseum.org/exhibitions/index.html You can also see their exhibit of music memorabilia. Nice museum and you can't beat the price. Wish we had a free museum like that in Miami.
Kathy
Hi, Jane. Your trip sounds fabulous. Last spring I went on a 3,000 mile road trip by myself (60 something female), taking the long way to Philadelphia for a college reunion, and stopping for friends and family several times. The freedom is great. I hope you enjoy it too!
Another Road Tripper
This sounds like a great trip. I just did a 12,000 mile road trip over 6 weeks (June 1 to July 15). I went west on I-10 through New Orleans, Houston, Austin and San Antonio. Then a little further west before turning north and seeing Carlsbad Caverns, Truth or Consequences, Albuquerque, Taos, Santa Fe, Denver and Cheyene. From there, Grand Tetons and Yellowstone before turning east and driving through the Black Hills, Badlands and on to Milwaukee. After crossing Michigan, I went across southern Canada seeing Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec before heading south through Maine and out to Nantucket. I stopped at a lobster pound on the way back in and got 3 five pound lobsters to share with my parents in Delaware. Then headed on home down the east coast.
I drove through 25 states and 4 provinces, spending 15 nights in a tent, 10 in hotels and the rest with friends and family. Total cost including 32 tanks of gas in a GMC Yukon was $7,500. The memories are priceless.
My advice is to read Solo Traveler. The author tells you how to meet people, dine alone and what to watch out for. For example, if you come out of a rest stop and there is a van next to your car, get someone to escort you out.
Suggestions on places for Jane to stop: SPAM Museum in Austin, MN, Badlands National Park (SD) and the Crazy Horse and Mount Rushmore monuments in the Black Hills (SD). The prettiest National Park (in my opinion) is Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park in Colorado.
I could go on...
I could go on for days recommending sites across the country, especially those along Historic Route 66, which "winds from Chicago, to LA. More than 2,000 miles all the way." Many of these sites would include incredible architecture, wonderful characters, places of historic significance, or fine examples of roadside Americana (gas, food, lodging), and all would be along America's Historic Highways.
Instead, though, I will recommend the best places I can recall having gone in my life. I've been fortunate to have been raised on the "family vacation," and thus traveling has always been a part of my life.
Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting Boston again for a few days. I love this city. It is full of history. For a quick glance at its role in early America, walk along the Freedom Trail for a day or two.
It's been a long time since I was there, but Pipestem Resort State Park near Beckley, West Virginia is a favorite of mine. I'm hoping to make it back there very soon.
The desert southwest is pretty darn amazing, too. I'm a huge fan of the desert. The 29 Palms Inn in 29 Palms, CA, is a great base to be near Joshua Tree and still be within reach of Kelso Sand Dunes. And, of course, there is also Death Valley. But the real desert southwest happens in the beauty of New Mexico , in my opinion, especially along the Mother Road between Tucumcari and Gallup.
Of course, if traveling west along 66, it is almost a requirement to end at the unofficial, symbolic terminus of Route 66 in Santa Monica, at the Will Rogers Highway plaque, just north of the Santa Monica Pier. (Everyone knows, though, that the TRUE end of the highway was in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles' Theater District, at 7th and Broadway.)
When mentioning a road trip, it is a MUST to drive at least a portion of the Pacific Coast Highway. I especially enjoyed the town of Gualala, CA, but also found Umpqua Light House State Park in Oregon to be wonderful.
Upon your return, take part in a second American tradition, and do something I've always wanted to do: visit some minor league ballparks in the midwest. Or take in a "game" at the Field of Dreams film site.
Whatever you do, enjoy your trip, Happy Travels, and remember, half the fun is getting there!
Jane,
When you get to KC, I recommend you visit the Historic 18th and Vine Jazz District. You can get a combined ticket to the American Jazz Museum as well as the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Hear some of the greatest Kansas City jazz at the Blue Room, and grab a bite at the Peachtree down the street.
Hi Jane!
When in Kansas City, you have to check out the New Theatre Restaurant. Everyone here absolutely loves it! They are just closing a brilliant production of "Fiddler On The Roof" and on August 30 they open "Over the River and Through The Woods" starring Marion Ross of "Happy Days" fame!
Jane, the shows and the food are both first rate and worth driving from Miami for by themselves!
check them out online at www.newtheatre.com
Hi Jane,
I would recommend a visit to the heart of Kansas City visual arts district with a vist to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. The Kemper has a FANTASTIC restaurant--Cafe Sebebastienne--inside. Go for lunch. Both museums are located just a few blocks north of KC's favorite shopping/dining destination--the Country Club Plaza.
Hi Jane, hope you are on your way to Nashville, and dont forget Tellico Plains!
Might be a welcome stop for you on the way to the big city. Artisans and hand made everything, glass blowing, jewelry,pottery etc...
Good luck on your trip,
Susan N from FLA
Jane, Just watched your video about this trip. It's great! Tried to vote just now, but couldn't. does voting cut off at some specific time? I'll try earlier tomorrow.
your adoring/admiring/envious Sister,
LB
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