Haslem Escapade

After cancelling our plans for a 2020 road trip, I began piecing together a road trip for the ages once we felt comfortable enough to hit the open road. With family in southern Alabama, an interest in seeing the Grand Canyon plus an offer to head to the hills of Colorado, I had many options for anchor points in between.

So, what began as part “revenge tour” using parts of an itinerary that never came to pass grew into a three week expedition across much of the United States.

I began gathering a few guides for reference on Route 66, information on National Parks of the West, and roadside attractions through the various regions we were keen to explore. McJerry’s EZ66 guide was a godsend! As the "Mother Road" meanders along the I-40 in many parts, his website accompanies the guide with current updates and detours since the Mother Road is constantly changing course due to modernization and construction throughout the 2400 miles from LA to Chicago.

Kicking off our adventure, we agreed to play Janet Jackson’s “Escapade” which inspired this trip’s theme in each state!

After playing the song over a dozen times, I opted for a soundtrack to accompany us for future expeditions. Live and learn!

Consider heating up your next road trip with the America the Beautiful Pass! I ordered mine through the site linked and it was mailed shortly thereafter via USPS to keep in your vehicle during your excursions.

As we’ve found in previous trips, it can take quite a while to get across the entire Bay coming from the Northern peninsula and Sonoma County. A pre-planned pit stop can keep things rolling, especially if there’s chocolate involved! Just before we zoomed onward to Central Valley, we stopped over at the Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Factory Outlet near Tracy. Cold or hot beverages and all the little squares to delight your sweet tooth greet you in the warehouse district just off the interstate. Plenty of parking and clean bathrooms make this an easy “yes” for our itinerary.

Making great time, we headed to our next destination in the Central Valley’s vast agricultural centers: Sun-Maid Raisins! Central Valley is known for this juicy treat by literally laying hundreds, if not thousands, of these trays for grapes to make their transformation to a tasty snack in the warm California Sun.

In 1992, Sun-Maid debuted the World’s Largest Box of Raisins. This red-hued beauty awaits you for a photo op outside the Sun-Maid Raisin Market. Stop in for a multitude of dried fruits, merchandise or to even chat with the friendly staff. Load up your snack bag for the next leg. Fruits also pair well with chocolate, I hear.

Heading on down the 5, we landed outside Bakersfield at a budget-friendly motel for the night. Bright the next morning, we loaded up to head to Las Vegas.

Our first stop was just outside Barstow, Peggy Sue’s 50’s Diner. This roadside gem offers giant dinosaurs, rhinestone burgers, and good ole kitsch. Don’t miss this throwback pit stop.

We ordered some food to go as we strolled around the property and decided to eat outside next to the dinosaurs before we left since the kids were enjoying the “Diner-Saur Park” so much. Afterwards, we loaded back into our vehicle and back onto the road.

Just after the sign for Zzyzx , you can see the “World’s Tallest Thermometer” in Baker, CA. As you can see from our view, it was over 100 that day in the desert!

We made great time on our way into Nevada and celebrated with our first play of Janet’s “Escapade” . The excitement was apparent as we crept through the desert toward the oasis of Las Vegas!

Before meeting up with another family at an AirBnB off the strip, we stopped over at the Silverton Casino to catch a glimpse of mermaids.

The kiddos loved the mermaids swimming around the giant aquarium and we loved that it was free! After the ladies dazzled us with their aquatic abilities, we headed to our AirBnB for the night to primp for our dinner reservation later that evening.

As huge fans of the TV show “Hell’s Kitchen” and Chef Gordon Ramsay, we checked into the restaurant usually set in Las Vegas while filming. However, the reservations were only made available to 18+ at that time. Since we had our kiddos in tow, we opted for the next best option: Steak!

Our kids have a love of Paris and the iconic Eiffel Tower thanks in part to the animated series Miraculous Ladybug. Much to their surprise when we arrived and our restaurant, Gordon Ramsay’s Steak was set inside the resort which resembles a busy Parisian avenue.

The lush trees and stars above gave the space an immersive, but not overwhelming feel as some Las Vegas Resorts can give. There are even train stations and all the classic art nouveau touches.

We were escorted up a grand staircase to a dining room where we were promptly served drinks and three ginormous muffins with delectable butter. After a long drive, we made our way quickly through the first course.

Most of our dinner guests opted for steak (obviously) while I chose the Gordon Ramsay classic beef wellington. It was perfectly cooked and delicious. With small children and toddlers present, our experience was quite a whirlwind. However, all I can recall is the staff were so helpful and accommodating! Vegas, baby!

After stuffing our bellies, we happily headed back to our AirBnb and called it a night. Bright and early, everyone was in their vehicles and off toward the Grand Canyon!

Just after leaving Las Vegas at the state line between Nevada and Arizona, you have an opportunity to stop off at the Hoover Dam and marvel in this architectural wonder! I’m leery of heights and wanted to get on down the road. Others in our Grand Canyon group stopped and greatly enjoyed seeing the dam up close before heading on to our next destination.

As we entered Arizona, we gave “Escapade” another play to celebrate making it to a new state.

We decided to hop off the interstate for part of the intact Route 66 in this area of Arizona. One site along the stop is the enchanting Grand Canyon Caverns near Peach Springs. We opted to skip this kitschy stop and enjoy the ride in order to make better time to the Grand Canyon’s entrance.

This area of the trip is sparse for fuel. So be sure to keep an eye on your gauge and not let it get below a ½ tank. Along the dusty backroads, meandering along parts of Route 66, we stopped at a gas station: Radiator Springs.

Just like in the Pixar movie Cars. We even found good ole Tow Mater.

Not long after our pit stop, we hopped back onto the interstate for a moment. Not long after, the directions will point you due north at Williams, AZ for the South Rim Entrance

Our stop for the next couple nights was within Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim. Be sure to download their official app before your visit. It’s full of hands-on information to make your stay more stress-free and safer, if at all possible. Also stay tuned to alerts before you visit the park. Seasonal hazards may close parts of the park you intend to visit.

Our reservation for the next two nights was at the Grand Canyon Village at the Yavapai Lodge on the South Rim. The South Rim is the busier side of the Grand Canyon mostly due in part to the proximity to amenities, but also the ease of travel from the interstate into the wilderness. I have not yet visited the North Rim, but have multiple recommendations that it's well worth a visit, if you dare to go the less traveled path.

This humble abode blew us away with the ease of accessing the park’s public transit. The public transit buses made it easy to move our group around the park to the various sites we wished to explore. We were also very close to the Grand Canyon Village where you can stock up on amenities before you head out for your adventure. The clean rooms were perfect after a long day of exploring to recharge. They keep the lights dim outside so you can easily view the stars in the night sky. Reserve your night here.

At first, I was not quite intrigued by the image of visiting a giant hole in the ground. However, once you experience the sunset at the Grandview Point and the colors that emerge painting the landscape surrounding you…you’d change your mind, too.

Our kids enjoyed exploring the museums onsite and achieving their Junior Ranger badge during our visit. You can pick up the workbook at any visitor center.

Be sure to not miss the Yavapai Geology Museum. The views from this area are also stunning and provide a great opportunity for the kids to work on a few of the engaging junior ranger activities.

Various wildlife are found throughout the park. The rangers warned us multiple times to be wary of the squirrels! So, be on alert for any updates for the area during your visit.

After packing up from our Grand stop, we headed out into the Arizona heat. Our first stop was a can’t miss Meteor Crater. This large rotund attraction first struck the Earth over 50,000 years ago.

We greatly enjoyed the museum’s exhibits and there were even food trucks onsite for a quick bite before heading out on the road.

Check out the museum’s current exhibits here. We easily spent over an hour wandering around the campus.

If you’ve ever heard of the American Rock band The Eagles then this next stop is for you!

The Eagles performing "Take It Easy" live during their Hell Freezes Over Tour:

We stopped at the actual corner in Winslow, AZ. Plenty of photo ops and cute shops await you at this adorably Americana town.

Don’t miss the Jack Rabbit Trading Post on Route 66!

You’ll have to hop off I-40 East to access it. So, definitely pay attention to all the signs as you approach. Friendly folks and a great spot to pick up souvenirs as you tour the Mother Road.

Our reservation for the night was in the adorable town of Holbrook. I’d highly recommend staying in town due to all the different kitsch in the area to take in.

From the Rainbow Rock Shop ’s Dinosaurs to the hospitality of Brad’s Desert Inn , Holbrook makes a great overnight stop.

Our motel was clean, well furnished and there was even live music the night we visited which was delightful with guests joining in on the joyful entertainment. The kids enjoyed the Coca-Cola memorabilia and other lovely touches throughout the space. We also were in proximity of the Painted Desert, our destination for the next day.

After a restful night’s sleep, we entered the dramatic landscape that is the Painted Desert.

Home to the Painted Desert Inn and the Petrified Forest National Park. Our America the Beautiful Pass came in handy here with the entrance fees to drive through the park.

We stopped off at the Painted Desert Community Complex to locate the Visitor Center where we could orient ourselves, grab maps, and also inquire about their Junior Ranger program. Our kids already had one badge in their packs. They were keen to work toward another as we snaked through our tour of this dramatic landscape. Read more about the Junior Ranger Program here.

There are a few options to explore this park. We opted to tour the park beginning at the Northern end of the park off I-40 and work our way to the southern end to cap our visit off by stopping at the Rainbow Forest Museum.

The drive clocks in around 28 miles total. Allow enough time to drive slowly and account for stop offs and short hikes. As usual, be sure to hydrate in arid climate.

Our first stop inside the park was the Painted Desert Inn. A must-stop to walk through this structure from the early 1900s enchanting visitors for over years.

Don’t forget to look up at the gorgeous ceiling and features throughout the Inn.

As you progress down the Petrified Forest Road, follow a self-guided tour. You can choose to stop off at the many points of interest along the way. See more here

We greatly enjoyed viewing the Puerco Pueblo and the petroglyphs in the area. These delicate sites were home to the Puebloan people almost 1000 years ago! There are many such sites and overlooks during the drive. Read more here.

We wrapped up the drive at the Rainbow Forest Museum where there is also a separate gift shop building. Nearby is a short hike to view the Giant Logs Trail.

After this short hike, we exited the park via the US-180 due South towards Show Low.

Upon reflection, we all agreed this was our favorite day due to the beautiful colors and landscapes we saw within the gorgeous Arizona Painted Desert. Photos do not do justice to the vast openness of the space and transition of tones on the eye.

As the open road wound before us, the colors began to turn more of a whitish color in lieu of all the reds, oranges and yellows of the Painted Desert. Grander hills became cliffs and we entered an area known as the Salt River Canyon.

The children dozed after the busy morning exploring the Petrified Forest while I gazed at the grand landscape surrounding us. The twists and turns made for an exciting drive while the steep drop offs made for dramatic views as we ventured south towards Tucson.

What was previously vast in color and sand became dotted with saguaro as the air became even drier through this transition of biomes.

For me, this was one of my favorite places to drive during this entire road trip. The landscape was indescribable even after having just visited the Grand Canyon itself. Read more about this scenic drive here.

As we reached the city limits of Tucson, our bellies were rumbling. So, we made our way to BK Carne Asada & Tacos for an authentic Sonoran hot dog one of the local delicacies.

Basically, they take a hot dog and bacon wrap it. Then, they top off the hot dog with beans and other fixin’s. There’s even a giant Sonoran Hot Dog for a photo op!

We were visiting friends who picked up some local pan dulce. The kids love the boldly colored conchas. You’ve never seen a colorful bakery until you’ve visited a panadería.

After our time with our dear friends in Tucson enjoying backyard grilling and fireworks for the Independence Day celebration, we moved on to our next stop.

But before we made our way out of town, we ordered to go from one of the closest Waffle House to the Bay Area. With hashbrowns scattered smothered and covered in my belly, we struck out east toward a new state.

Just before the NM line is Bowie, AZ home of Dwayne’s Fresh Jerky! Don’t miss this pit stop if you’re a fan of jerky and pistachios: this place has both!

Outside Las Cruces, NM, lies the vast White Sands National Park. Your America the Beautiful Pass comes in handy here as this National Park has an entrance fee.

It’s worth a visit for at least a few hours to explore the shining sands and play as though you’re at a beach sans the waves. Our kiddos enjoyed using their buckets and digging through the sand and some sand sledding

Our kiddos also completed their Junior Ranger program for this park as well. Every park has different activities to explore which makes each unique stop even more engaging for kids.

After our sunny sandy day, we headed back to rest up before heading onward to our next stop the following morning.

On our way out of the Las Cruces area, we made a stop in Alamogordo to visit the Space History Museum.

When I was pregnant with my youngest child, we passed through New Mexico and stopped off at The Museum of Space History in Alamogordo. Our eldest was a toddler at the time and greatly enjoyed exploring the museum’s exhibits and even going to the moon!

For both kids to now explore space and history together warmed my heart as they moved from floor to floor taking in all there is to experience.

The museum offers multiple sensory experiences, such as feeling the vibrations from a rocket launch to dressing up as an astronaut for a fun photo op!

Be sure to check out the extensive exhibit on Star Trek and its creator Gene Roddenberry. They even have a few Tribbles for your pop culture memorabilia.

Outside is the Dr. John P. Stapp, the Air and Space Park which displays rockets from the earlier days from the Space Program. The large rocket is Little Joe II which was the “largest rocket ever launched from New Mexico”.

Don’t miss the International Space Hall of Fame honoring individuals who contributed to exploring and understanding space throughout the years.

If you have time, stop at Pistachioland not far from the Space Museum before you leave Alamogordo for a tasty road trip snack.

For this trip, the clouds began to gather and giant drops fell as we left the Space Museum. Not long outside Alamogordo, the bottom fell out of the sky. The amount of rain was so heavy, our wipers decided to fly off the vehicle. Luckily, my partner hopped out on the side of the highway and was able to get things resecured. Again, we were on our way!

To fuel our space explorers, we headed to the town of Roswell for an out of world experience at their local McDonalds.

This particular McDonalds is shaped like a space ship and is complete with aliens! They do still serve the regular McDonalds fare, but the ambiance makes for a can’t miss stop.

After our trip to outer space, we made our way through the edges of Texas after playing Janet’s “Escapade” another time to celebrate our next new state. We stopped overnight in the rural area outside Snyder, TX, at a budget motel chain to fuel up for the next day’s journey to the Austin area.

Here we encountered large bugs skittering across the floor which somehow I didn’t notice until the next morning. Then, I saw the putrid yellow water come out of the tap once I cut on the shower. We left around 15 minutes after that in a mad dash for the civilization of Austin hoping for less terrestrial arthropods at our next destination.

Braving the Texas Highways and byways, we entered Texas Hill Country: home to the best brisket in the country.

I was hoping to get us some brisket from Austin’s own Franklins. I’m a huge fan of Aaron Franklin’s PBS Show where he walks through different questions about smoking meats. He also has a cameo in one of my favorite movies, “Chef”.

However, the hours didn’t quite line up to our schedule. It’s so popular, they often run out before the end of the day - as any great barbecue place does.

We opted for another local James Beard Award Winner for Barbecue: Louie Mueller. We landed toward the end of their day yet their staff was ever helpful and friendly even in the famed Texas heat.

After ordering our preferred items, we made our way to lounge and sip on sweet tea as we savored true Texas barbecue.

We wanted to run back for snack ribs to take along for later. However, it was the end of the restaurant’s day. So, we opted to continue onward down our path of tasty goodness with dessert.

Blink you miss it: this tiny place packs a punch and is worth your time. We first encountered ** OMG Squee on the Netflix Series "Queer Eye" and agreed the nominee, Sarah, had our kind of style. So, we had to make a stop if we were ever in her neck of the woods.

Lucky for us, OMG Squee offers a delightful rotation of doughnuts, beverages and adorable macarons. This adorable stop has cornered the market on Asian-inspired mochi treats in the Austin area.

Be ready to “squee” after tasting these adorable treats! OMG Squee features an exclusively 100% gluten free menu if you have any more reason to add this hidden gem to your next itinerary.

After deciding on our macarons, we arrived at our overnight destination: the Driskill Hotel. This jewel of Austin was a special treat for the family to doze like dames in this century old vintage delight.

Every corner is furnished warmly and the kids enjoyed exploring the lobby and other public areas. We felt as though we’d arrived at another time as guests in this historical Texas establishment.

We picked up a few appetizers and shareables to nibble on in our glorious rooms. Everyone loved the warm, fresh pretzel!

The next morning, we made our way a few blocks to the Austin location of Voodoo Doughnuts.

These fresh, imaginative treats are well worth a stop for their unique takes on such a fun treat for your sweet tooth.

After our sugar rush, we headed out of town toward Houston. Our space explorers were keen to visit Johnson Space Center.

This site features large buildings which were swarming with crowds that particular afternoon. On a day that was over 100 degrees, we did enjoy the AC though.

After studying the stars at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, we went to amuse ourselves at the nearby Kemah Boardwalk. The kids were thrilled to ride their double decker carousel by The Gulf.

We grabbed a few Gatorades and snacks from a vendor before heading to our overnight destination: La Quinta.

If I can shamelessly plug a hotel chain, it’s La Quinta. From the laundry room, which I used while we were at their Orange, TX, locale, to their hot breakfasts, there’s much to recommend about these havens on the road. I booked through their handy Wyndham app in advance.

After fueling up and folding our clean clothes, we set off in search of po boys and beignets on our way through Louisiana. I would have loved to allot more time for exploring the Bayou. However, we were on a multi-week excursion and family was not too far down the road.

To save time, we stopped off at a gas station my partner had found on the fly. Outside Rayne, LA with a restaurant onsite ( Rascal’s Cajun Restaurant ) where we ordered lunch to go. Afterward, I realized they had a convenient “grab and go” hot food station inside the adjoining gas station for the restaurant. D’oh!

One of my kids and I got our wish for a shrimp po boy. This place did not disappoint for a pit stop!

While we waited for our food from the restaurant, we enjoyed stretching our legs and exploring the patriotic plaza, complete with its own Statue of Liberty.

Winding our way through the bayou, we neared New Orleans hoping to make a pit stop for legendary Cafe Du Monde. With multiple locations through the area, we opted to stop before we arrived at the French Market location, honestly, for less hassle with the kiddos in tow.

From the clouds of powdered sugar, the warm beignets welcomed us to NOLA. We noshed on beignets and cafe au lait.

Not long after our sugar stop, we arrived at the historical French Market. Functioning as a Native American trading port before the Declaration of Independence was signed, I felt it was a goal for the kiddos to purchase something at the French Market.

Through a multitude of iterations, the historic commerce area now houses stalls for vendors and their various trinkets and jewelry. For their hours and vendors, check out their site here. At Shops of the Colonnade lies the famed location of the Cafe Du Monde!

It was later in the afternoon, so many vendors were closing down for the day. One vendor caught our eye and happily assisted our crew in purchasing trinkets memorializing our road trip adventure.

Strolling around the area a bit before getting back on the road, we passed many historical local sites. Back when the city was under Spanish rule, some of the streets had different names. For instance, Dumaine Street was originally Calle Del Maine.

Near the intersection of Dumaine St and the notorious Bourbon St, lies the Denis House.

One of its previous residents, Dr. Takamine, was apparently responsible for the cherry trees in Washington DC. Read more on this ground-breaking scientist here.

Across the street from Denis House is the marker noting the slave market where in 1841, Solomun Northup, a New York free man, was sold illegally into slavery. Later, his narrative was made into the award-winning film of the same name. Read more about his story here.

There were murals honoring Second Line Parades, Poetry not Guns in NOLA, and the eye-popping colors on the sides of various stores.

While our time was brief in New Orleans, we enjoyed the colorful art and friendly people that we encountered in “The Big Easy”.

Making our way out of the city, I ran across a 2x4 on the interstate that was randomly lying in the lane. Luckily, we didn’t seem to sustain any damage from the incident. Hazards are always keeping you on your toes during road trips!

As the evening was setting in, we glided along The Gulf to land at a budget hotel chain across the street from Biloxi Beach.

Not known to be the cleanest of beaches, we did enjoy the cheap lodging of the area and the friendly locals we encountered.

A Waffle House nearby filled our bellies before we were spooked by this big guy nearby, an iconic Shark entrance at a local shop.

Alabama Aquarium is a state-run marine science lab! It is well worth the trek out to the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. They have touch tanks where you can experience touching a ray which are all species found locally. A multitude of species are on exhibit found just outside in The Gulf!

Take a stroll before you enter the Aquarium where markers along the path provide insight into the local environment and a preview of exhibits inside.

This peaceful seaside scientific post was a welcome stop as a family. Though not as crowd-pleasing as the Tennessee Aquarium, the Alabama Aquarium is unique in its immersive nature and ability to get up close to each exhibit sans crowds.

We got to see little seahorses up close! You also have an opportunity to touch a horseshoe crab, and observe many species not found anywhere else!

After our aquatic adventure, we stopped off at the Circle K for a few snacks and drinks. A food truck had been set up for the day. So, we ordered a few burgers, fries and a fabulous funnel cake before heading into the Florida panhandle.

Since our destination was Southern Alabama, all roads lead through Florida... or at least it seems to be the case in this area. More "Escapade" !

In the summer, one must be aware of the weather conditions in the South since it’s hurricane season! It was our luck that the few hours we were in Florida had severe downpours due to a hurricane churning in the Gulf.

If you happen to be driving through Florida during hurricane season, check out their handy FAQ

After stopping briefly at the Florida Welcome Center outside Pensacola, we soldiered on back to Alabama.

Oddly, even with the rain we saved time going through Florida for a stretch than to meander through southern Alabama’s backroads. Just as we exited the interstate, the torrential rain stopped. Florida, we’ll see you again another time.

While driving through Alabama for a second time in one day, we stopped off at the southern beloved chain “Cookout”. As a huge fan of the North Carolina-based soda Cheerwine, I’m always excited to see Cheerwine on the fountain options in local restaurants! Cookout goes a step further, and you can order a Cheerwine Float: one of my summertime favorite treats.

Next, we spent a few days with family in LA (Lower Alabama) before turning West, like the setting sun.

Next time we’re in town, I intend to visit the Dothan “Peanuts”.

Dothan is also known as the “Peanut Capital of the World” growing most of the country’s peanuts. We have our own version of Peanuts statues in Sonoma County. However, ours are based on the Charles Schulz comic strip characters “Peanuts”. These goobers all have their own personality and are found throughout Dothan’s downtown. History: For more info, they have a map available here.

Dinner one night was at the Alabama BBQ chain: Full Moon Barbecue. More of a fast-casual atmosphere, we’d recommend them for a quicker sit-down or a great carryout option to meet your piggy needs.

We also enjoyed a porter from Dothan’s own Folklore Brewing. This Meadery is worth checking out!

I was able to get my Zaxby’s chicken tender fix while in their market. California is slowly adopting the adoration for “poultry paws” as the rest of the country. The Bay Area is even slower sigh

Meanwhile, chicken tenders, crinkle cut fries and the delectable Zax sauce made for a happy explorer. Their House Zalads are worth considering if you prefer your food that your food eats.

Sadly, I missed stopping at Jack’s for some of the best fast-food restaurant breakfast biscuits in the country in my personal opinion. I have marked this for future endeavors: Hardee’s and Chick-fil-A just don’t hit the spot like a Jack’s biscuit. Even my cathead biscuit-making Alabama Grandmama approved of Jack’s biscuits.

Instead, I opted for a visit to my other favorite Bojangles for two Southern favorites: Cajun filet biscuit and a giant sweet tea.

One of my siblings attended the University of Alabama for their undergrad. So, we came to a few SEC football games during that time. Before one particular game, we came down to legendary Dreamland Ribs in Tuscaloosa and it was life changing for me.

Everyone sitting around a bench with nothing but ribs, white bread and 20 oz drinks. Simple, classic, and “ain’t nothin’ like it nowhere!”

Years later, I was able to drive my own family through town for our own rack of ribs and bread during a hot summer southern day. I’m sure it tastes better during SEC football season. However, I’ll take my ribs when I can get them!

It was over 100 degrees that day. So, we stopped at a park to nosh on our ribs. However, it proved too hot for metal slides at the playground. We soon moved on after our porky picnic.

As we criss-crossed from Alabama into Mississippi, we made our way past “The W” one of the first state-sponsored colleges for women in the US at that time. The historic campus was shady and serene on a hot summer day.

Stopping for essentials in Tupelo, there were many odes to The King, Elvis Presley.

The famed musician was born here in 1935.

Following I-22, we made our way to the later home of Elvis: Memphis, TN.

We rolled into Memphis later in the evening after a long day of crossing the state of Alabama and tasty ribs.

I had prepped a short list of of Memphis’s barbecue and burger joints. However, after a long day, we needed something faster. Also, some of these gems were already closed for the day once we’d arrived.

Instead, we opted for a sackful from a Krystal’s down the street from our motel. We were around the corner from Graceland, Elvis’s home where his plane, the Lisa Marie (named after his daughter), is also parked.

According to Mentalfloss,

“Hardcore Elvis Presley fans might know that it was renowned DJ “Daddy-O” Dewey Phillips who first gave the future King radio air time in 1954. They might not know, however, that both Presley and Phillips were enormous fans of buying Krystal burgers en masse after hanging out at the studio from which Phillips’ “Red, Hot and Blue” show was broadcast.”

Growing up in the Chattanooga area, Home of the Krystal , I relished in the tiny steamed buns! The kids were not entirely impressed. After a restful night in a clean, convenient chain motel, we made our way onward.

As we crossed the Arkansas state line and the Mississippi River, Janet’s “Escapade” cued on the playlist for the next new state!

Winding through this rugged state, I can now appreciate their state nickname: “The Natural State.” Our destination was the only National Park where you can drink beer also brewed there!

Arlington Resort - once the largest hotel in the state!

The Hot Springs National Park is one of the few National Parks that does not charge an entry fee. It’s also part of the main drag in town lined with bathhouses: Bathhouse Row.

This once “hot spot” due to the ancient thermal vents used by local Native Americans. Later, bathhouses were built onsite offering services and access to these healing waters. Read more on the fascinating history here.

One of the bathhouses has since been converted to a brewery: Superior Bathhouse Brewery. Even though it was already busy, it did not take long for us to be seated among the bustling atmosphere.

Opting for house-made root beer “with thermal spring water” and the in-house draft beer, everyone enjoyed a warm, tasty lunch while inside a National Park! Be sure to ogle their menu!

We parked next to an older Art Deco building in the Central Avenue Historic District: the Medical Arts building. At one point, this slim masterpiece was the tallest building in Arkansas.

The kids love to collect the junior ranger badges. Activities only take a short amount of time during a pit stop or you can complete at your own pace. For more information on Hot Springs National Park’s Junior Ranger program, visit their site here. In order to cover more ground, our crew loaded up for diamonds rather than complete the Junior Ranger Program at this particular National Park.

A few more hours of hills and we landed at the Crater of Diamonds State Park. Normally, you are welcome to head into the fields to hunt for diamonds lying around in their open field. There’s even camping for overnight trips and equipment rental.

As their site states, it’s the " only diamond-producing area in the world open to the public”. Ladies have visited this park to find their engagement ring stones!

On this day, we approached the Diamond Discovery Center / Gift Shop in the late afternoon as thunderstorm clouds gathered and rain began to pour. Don’t be disappointed! They’re prepared for this and have bags of dirt available as a souvenir.

A few small bags of these made their way back to California with us: no diamonds. However, we did find other gorgeous stones for our collections.

Next, we wandered along the highway to our destination for the evening: Oklahoma! This was our longest day for the entire trip. So, a Taco Bell run and a La Quinta Inn’s clean and cozy room for the night was on our docket.

One of my favorite days of the trip was waking up and heading to a local restaurant: Prairie Kitchen. There we ordered part of the Oklahoma “state meal”: chicken fried steak. This homey establishment treated us well and fueled us up for intersecting Route 66.

If you have an opportunity to travel eastern on Route 66, check out McJerry’s Museum. Be sure to contact him in advance to make sure he’s there!

Also, visit the Blue Whale of Catoosa! There’s a similar whale in Oakland at the Children’s Fairyland called Willie the Whale.

Along the way to Oklahoma City, we enjoyed the gorgeous open scenery as we approached Route 66. If we had had more time on our itinerary, I would have loved to check out the Cowboy Museum of OKC and the OKC Memorial.

We crisscrossed I-40 (we’d be doing this ALOT this day) and headed past the Arcadia Round Barn for Pops 66!

Upon approaching Pops 66, the first thing you’ll notice is the giant pop bottle! Gorgeously lit at night and looming by day, this little road trip delight is chock-full of any kind of soda you could want and more!

We made our choices and headed out back to enjoy a few sips of fizzy goodness at their picnic tables before hopping back on the road.

Back on I-40 to bypass OKC this trip, we found ourselves in the middle of six plus lanes outside the city limits. Out of nowhere, a plastic lawn trash can bobbed along the road and wobbled eventually into our direct path. Traffic was flowing on both sides where I was not able to dodge the can without ramming another vehicle. I said aloud to my partner “I’m going to hit the trash can”. He replied “Indeed”. So, we rammed the trash can that seemed empty as it rolled over our heads and into another lane.

It was another twenty minutes or so before we completed the OKC bypass and were once again back on Route 66. At a gas station in Elk City, I assessed the damage and found the trash can had popped out plastic parts of our bumper and broken a foglight: nothing extensive.

At the same gas station was one of the largest oil rigs : Parker Drilling Rig #114

My partner found a museum in McJerry’s Guide just down the street. This illuminating Route 66 Museum is home to a Wild West outdoor facade where you can stretch your legs. Even in 100 degree heat, it was worth the stop.

Don’t forget to visit each building on campus as there are treasures and history around every corner! Home to both the National Route 66 Museum and the National Transportation Museum, there’s quite a bit to experience at this gem by the Mother Road.

Giant sculptures of Kachina dolls are next to the parking lot.

As we headed west toward Texas, we enjoyed other sections of Route 66 such as this bridge near Sayre, OK.

Entering Texas, the Route 66 iconic sites continued with the Dew Drop Inn Conoco Station of Shamrock.

We counted the windmills along the way and enjoyed the rolling hills, warm in the summer sunshine. Further along, we witnessed the leaning Britten USA water tower and the giant cross near Groom. McJerry’s Guide is great with ideas and facts as you tick the seconds between the huge stretches on the road.

I had hoped that we would arrive in Amarillo at our final destination in time for a sit down dinner of their iconic steak. When we finally arrived at The Big Texan around 8 o’clock, there was still a two hour wait. The restaurant closed at 10PM! I had really hoped I could sink my teeth into a delectable steak after such a long drive down Route 66.

My genius partner checked out the To Go ordering and decided to submit an online order as we enjoyed our room at the adjoining motel that I’d reserved earlier.

Even if you aren’t hoping to enjoy steak, their rooms are clean, comfortable and the parking lot alone offers multiple photo ops.

After a little over an hour wait, my partner strolls in with our orders including my steak and the local delicacy: rocky mountain oysters.

One of my favorite programs is Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern. He always says “if it looks good, eat it!” His catch phrase is why I try new foods such as Indian food which is now one of my favorite types of cuisines.

With this advice in mind, I sampled the fried crunchy goodness, dipping a few in the housemade ranch. The Big Texan offers cocktail sauce for accompaniment for Rocky Mountain Oysters (I have no official comment on the choice in sauces for said items and their particular nomenclature). In my opinion, fried bull testicles taste similar to fried calamari: most things taste the same when fried and with a good dip! These bad boys are no different.

Their steak proved a tricky eat since the only utensils available were the plastic variety. Luckily the steak was so tender and juicy. So, I picked up the filet with my own two hands and ate the thing in the most lady-like way possible. Even with the hiccups, the Big Texans’s steaks are the real deal: flavorful, tender, cooked to perfection.

To wash down our carnivorous feast, my partner had opted for a jug of the house-made Pecan Porter. Quite the souvenir, I made sure to pack this relic for the return trip after we ensured it was quite empty.

Before heading out the next morning, we used the opportunity for selfies and pictures in the area before turning due North. Additional exploration of Route 66 would have to come at another time.

Southern Colorado is much like Northern Texas. Or New Mexico is much like Northern Texas. Or is Southern Colorado much like Oklahoma? We crossed the state line at some point without realizing it. So, Janet’s “Escapade” was cued a little after the fact.

We agree that we intersected with I-25 near Raton, CO. However, there’s debate on exactly how we did this on the backroads of America.

I had originally intended for us to take backroads across the panhandle of OK north to Colorado. I knew we could take the interstate as an alternate.

Upon reflection, I believe we chose a compromise route via Hwy 64 and 87 to I-25. Still, we enjoyed the landscape as it progressively changed from dusty plains to pointed Spanish Peaks near Trinidad. We made few pictures this day due to the few stopoffs.

There was a midday shower as we approached I-25. Then, we hopped off the interstate to once again glide along the byways and Highway 69 heading toward Cañon City in the majestic Rocky Mountains.

Our stop for the night was Cañon City, near the Royal Gorge Bridge. Here, the cozy Parkside Motel is situated next to a trickling stream.

After getting settled in, we made a short walk to an ice cream shop downtown for a quick cool down. Sadly, the shop has since closed. Later, we ordered a pizza for pickup from a nearby restaurant, Di Ritto’s Cafe, which hit the spot for the entire family!

The downtown area is very cute with dinosaur statues along the streets.

The next morning, we made the short trek across the street to a cute cafe inside train cars for a hot breakfast by the Royal Gorge Train Depot.

After a quick and filling breakfast at Happy Endings Caboose Cafe , we loaded up to head ever higher into the Rockies. Central City, our next destination, was only a few hours away up the scenic state Highway 9.

We stopped over at South Park, CO. This recreation of the former town of Alma, CO , has nothing to do with the hit TV show “South Park”.

However, we are fans. So, I jumped on the chance to combine humor and history by visiting.

Multiple buildings on the complex allow you to immerse yourself and imagine how frontiersmen lived over a hundred years below in unforgiving conditions.

After stretching our legs and petting the local gift shop cat, we headed on down the lane. There was barely any traffic or cars at all until we intersected with I-70 where we crawled along later. For such a nice day, the interstates of Colorado cannot handle such traffic. As a former Denver-area resident, I remember the hiccups when taking daytrips into the mountains for site seeing.

After exiting the parking lot aka I-70 on a sunny day, we climbed the Central City Parkway and landed at a friend’s home. The elevation was a whopping 8,926 ft above sea level!

From the San Francisco Bay to the Gulf of Mexico and now at the height that we were, I truly marveled at where we’d been during this trip and what heights we had yet to climb. Literally.

Just out back of our friends’ abode was an aspen glen .

We took a short path to a local public park with a small playground through these mystic mountain trees. The kiddos enjoyed blowing off some steam in the cool mountain air. Quite a change from the oppressive humidity we experience while near The Gulf.

Our friends are avid outdoorsy-folks who continually climb, hike, bouldering, snowshoe..you name it. So, they naturally invited us for a “short” hike…that ended up being almost 2 miles with half being nothing but incline. One kid loved it. The other… not so much.

At the apex was a cool waterfall that made for a great rest stop for the trek back down. The kids enjoyed dipping their toes in the crisp mountain waters before we headed back down the trail for more adventures.

After our hike, we explored downtown Central City and nearby Blackhawk. These historic towns are unchanged by time where friendly folks greet you and are happy to chat about history or answer any questions.

In Downtown Central City, you’ll find the Gilpin County Arts Association , one of my favorite stops. This peaceful gallery was dotted with nature and calming areas for contemplation which made for much more than just an “art gallery”. This is one little space to be experienced.

Our photographer pal among the aspens has work currently featured here! Enjoy more stunning photography via Third Eye Aerial Media or on IG .

Don’t miss the annual Madam Lou Bunch Day where the city goes all out in celebration of this larger than life former resident.

Do you know about the face on the barroom floor? Central City has a guided tour for you to find out more as you explore here.

Our hosts graciously showed us the area and waved at many of the townsfolk passing by. We even saw the friendly mayor twice as we explored the town! One of their favorite spots in town is the Opera House where you can catch a show throughout the year! We enjoyed the flowers outside this well-preserved space.

Before moving on, we stopped by one of my favorite places to visit when I lived nearby outside Denver. Georgetown is visible from I-40 in the valley below where you can grab a bite to eat and explore the history of this area that once thrived from gold and silver mining which was common in the area. From the Hotel de Paris to the Georgetown Loop Railroad, this vintage stop has a lot to offer any traveler or casual historian.

We stopped over at the Happy Cooker restaurant for a tasty, down-home sort of meal for breakfast. Friendly service made for a great start where we took a walk around town before loading up in our trusty vehicle.

Sadly, our time in Colorado drew to an end as we made our way westward. We can’t wait to pass through the peaks of Central City once again.

As we made our way to the Dinosaur capital of Utah, Vernal, we noticed many yellow signs along the highway. Dozens of these signs dotting our path, we grew even more interested since our path would pass through Steamboat Springs.

These bright yellow signs were the advertising campaign of the FM Light and Sons of Steamboat Springs which has been in business since 1905. We stopped off to see what it was all about and everyone left with a cool hat after perusing their massive selection of westernwear.

Similar to the Burma Shave ad campaign on Route 66.

After this brief stop to adorn ourselves, we were once again on the road. We passed quickly through the little town of Dinosaur, CO, before crossing into Utah for even more dinosaur time in Vernal.

As we arrived in the home of the Dinosaur National Monument, Vernal, we checked into the aptly named Dinosaur Inn & Suites. This quaint little place is super convenient in their downtown location for such attractions as the Dinosaur Field House and the local Heritage Museum. These two iconic sites can offer a great head start into the history and orienting you to the area. The Heritage Museum offers a great list of highlights in the area here

The Dinosaur National Monument lies a few miles of town. Before making your way, be sure to gas up in town as there are not many options once you leave the outskirts of town. We recommend the gas station along Hwy 40 for viewing of the town’s T-Rex which has been known to have been dressed up in holiday fare throughout the year. See on Google Maps here.

Dinah welcomes you to Vernal on the eastern end of town. Word on the street is a relative of my partner created the pattern for the pink plush versions of this local icon.

Read more about this beauty and pick up your very own Little Pink Dinah souvenir around Vernal next time you’re in town! More on Little Pink Dinah here

Make your way to the Dinosaur National Monument to see one of the largest intact display of dinosaur bones in the US! After bones were discovered in 1909, they built a giant building around it for all to study and explore! The Park Rangers are very friendly and helpful giving talks often for the crowds that are carted in by tram on a regular basis.

This National Monument resides in both Colorado and Utah making it a great area for hiking through each regions for a full display of the gorgeous warm, western colors. For more on local hikes, check here!

Your kids can also become Junior Rangers at this National Park as you can with many of the other National Parks. More on the Junior Ranger Program at Dinosaur National Monument here.

Next time, I hope for us to explore some of the local petroglyphs found in the area. For more, visit here.

After visiting local relatives and soaking in the sites, we continued westward into Utah.

With a layover outside Salt Lake City, we enjoyed the accommodations at the Hyatt House. With multiple rooms and areas for a kitchenette, this chain offers a comfortable stay for families without a lot of fuss. Everyone slept well during our stay here due to separate sleeping quarters after so long of doubling up in motel rooms during the weeks of our trip.

The gorgeous Provo Canyon offers spectacular views and opportunities to hike the impressive Mt. Timpanogos, the “second-highest peak in the Wasatch Range”

The Salt Lake City area is home to many sites and historic locales that we hope to explore in future visits. In the past, we have enjoyed the lights of Tabernacle Square during holiday time and sampling the marvelous moles of the Red Iguana. Endless opportunities arise in “Beehive State”.

Finishing out our Escapade, we re-entered “The Silver State” of Nevada one last time. One of my favorite stretches of highway in this area lies next to the state line between Utah and Nevada.

The dust of the salt in the area lingers in the air as you exit your vehicle for the first casinos for miles just across the line in West Wendover, NV. Nearby are the Bonneville Salt Flats known for a great place to set landspeed records.

There’s a great rest stop near the "Tree of Life" where you can actually get out and walk on the salt if you choose.

Due to smoke of a wildfire burning nearby, we rerouted through South Tahoe and stopped off at a hot dog stand and gas. This route added an extra two hours for our entire trip. Upon reflection, we made the correct choice since the interstate was later closed for a while in the upper elevations due to visibility issues at the time.

After winding back through the Bay, we made it home to Sonoma County. Here I updated our tracking map to commemorate our Escapade to thirteen new states well on our way to seeing all 50 states.

Where did we go next? Follow our adventures around The Bay and more here

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