Route 53
I guess it’s time to start planning our coast-to-coast road trip (Thing 53), even though it’s still a couple years away. I’d hate to miss a once in a lifetime opportunity in a state in the middle of nowhere and have to buy a plane ticket to re-visit. My husband and I have decided to explore the northern part of the U.S., since we were both raised in the south. Growing up in Texas, I was able to make road-trips to the east and west coast of the southern states. I also made several trips to Missouri for family reunions and one to Wisconsin for a Green Bay Packers game. Now that we live in Florida, we’ve gotten to see much of the east coast – from the southernmost point in the 48 contiguous states (Key West) to New York. I can’t wait to see how the north compares. Get this – our family of four is planning to travel the entire way in a camper van (see Thing 97)! Our tentative plan is:
Maine:
- Start in West Quoddy Head in Lubec, Maine (the easternmost point in the 48 contiguous states)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Quoddy_Head
- Drive down to Acadia National Park to explore more than 120 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads
http://www.acadiamagic.com/welcome.html
New York:
- Kayak or hot air balloon through a section of Adirondack Park
Ohio:
- Chow down at Chrissie Hynde’s The Vegiterranean Restaurant, Bar, Coffeehouse, and Bakery
http://www.thevegiterranean.com/
Indiana:
- Ransack The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
http://www.childrensmuseum.org/
South Dakota:
- Dig for fossils in the Badlands National Park
http://www.travelsd.com/placestogo/badlands.asp
- Stroll the half-mile Presidential Trail at Mount Rushmore
http://www.travelsd.com/placestogo/rushmore/index.asp
Wyoming:
- Catch a glimpse of bison, elk, bears, and wolves at Yellowstone National Park
http://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm
Idaho:
- Pretend like I’m training to be an astronaut and walking on the moon at Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve
http://www.nps.gov/crmo/index.htm
Washington:
- Officially complete our coast-to-coast trip in Cape Alava, Washington, the westernmost point in the 48 contiguous states
http://www.experiencewa.com/attraction.aspx?id=1513
I’m really excited that our journey starts at the easternmost point and ends at the westernmost point of the 48 contiguous states; although, I hate that we’ll probably have to miss the northernmost point, Northwest Angle in Lake of the Woods, Minnesota. Other than that, what other must-sees should we add to the agenda?
