I Want to Discover America

I am planning on going on a road trip this spring and just exploring. I want to take my car and a ton of clothes, a movie camera and a ton of writing tablets. Other than that, I don't think I need too much. I don't have a specified time that I plan to be away, and I just want to look for America. My life has gotten kind of boring, and I want to put myself at the mercy of others. If I find some cool people to crash with or some ladies to spend the night with, then I have a place to stay. Other than that, I have a tent, and I'll stay in it. Any suggestions as to what to see, what towns are cool, and if I should avoid any certain areas. I'm going from Missouri to California, and probably going through Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico on the trip back home. I have a few friends here and there across the country that I can stay with. I'm just looking for suggestions. Thanks.

If you have unlimited time and no real budget concerns, I would stay off the interstates and focus on the 2-lane highways that bring you into small towns and let you see how people live.

I would avoid hotel/motel and restaurant chains. Eating and sleeping at locally-owned, mom-and-pop establishments should help give you a taste of small-town America. I would eat at the counter, if available, instead of a table so that I can more easily engage in conversation with the waitress and other customers to learn more about the town and area you're in.

I would purchase local newspapers and read about local issues and events in the small towns I'm staying in. If I saw information on a local festival, fund-raising supper, or other event, I would attend and see how people interact and just plain do the things they do. And some fundraising events have great food, good company, and are reasonably priced as well.

I would also get a national park pass and explore some of our natural wonders. I have never been anywhere I hated being. Even less beautiful or inviting areas can be interesting so I'm no help on what to avoid. And why avoid anything? Be open.

Another post on this page, from a visitor seeking "The Real America" might be useful to your own quest: <a href ="http://www.roadtripamerica.com/roadtripamericaConference/Index.cfm?CFApp=44&Message_ID=4271">link 4271,</a>