Baltimore to California July/August
Helping my son relocate from his active duty base in Dayton, OH, to Baltimore, MD, and he has a car and a truck, he no longer needs the truck, so I'm going to bring it home to California. So, cross-country I will be going, and the goal is to stay in the northern part of the country. On the east coast, probably make my way to Philadelphia (about as far north as I'll go), drive through southern Pennsylvania, check out civil war battlegrounds in the region, and then turn south through West Virginia and Kentucky, to Kansas City, go north, and make my way through South Dakota, Mt. Rushmore continuing to Montana...down to Yellowstone...eventually back to Northern California.
Any "must see" spots? Recommendations for the route? I read the thread about civil war grounds, but thought I'd toss out an inquiry to get some additional input for the overall trip. I have the luxury of taking my time so no particular rush.
Any places I should avoid? Any routes preferred over any other because of monotonous scenery, or danger, or difficult roads?
Look forward to hearing from anyone.
Just an idea -- you could commit to driving as much of the Lincoln Highway --
Please thank your son for his service on our behalf.
These are weird times for most of us -- not even thinking about road trips is pretty odd for most of the Advisors on this forum. Donna has done most of the work on the Civil War thread and we have created maps showing all of the campgrounds adjacent to the Civil War sites.
Do you like Bourbon? If you can stay a night or two in Louisville, you can walk to some of the more famous distilleries right in town. At least I think they are open, (again, weird times). And I would certainly recommend a "Hot Brown" while in Louisville.
For those of stuck in inside these days because of Stay-at-Home orders, I don't think we know of any monotonous scenery -- other than the shape of our monitors.
You could actually drive one of the roads on my bucket list -- The Lincoln Highway -- It was the first transcontinental highway and dates from the early 1900's.
I am sure you'll hear from others soon. It is beautiful country you'll be driving through.
Mark
Minuteman Missile National Historic Site
If you are going through South Dakota on I-90 and have any interest in the Cold War the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site is just off the interstate by The Badlands. It can be a short visit at the Visitors Center or plan ahead and actually visit a Missile silo. Check the website for more information as the Visitors Center is still closed and like so many places are doing a slow reopening.
Classic Basin and Ridge scenery.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
lanzador49
I know that northern Nevada is pretty dismal and uneventful...but not sure I can avoid it.
What! Are you kidding me? Northern Nevada has some of the most spectacular driving roads in America! Classic Basin and Ridge scenery. Have you actually driven there? You could go right through the Basin and Ridge National Monument.
If you have never driven NV-317 from Caliente to Elgin -- you have to do it! It's like being in Zion NP with no one there. And Kane Springs Road to US 93 is one of my favorite roads. Actually, I guess you might think that is too far south if you are heading to Sacramento. But you could certainly drive US-50 (Again along the old Lincoln Highway) to Carson City and thence to Sacramento.
And there is all sorts of cool stuff along I-80 if you want to stay north.
Mark