Vegas to NYC - looking for jazz, adventures and advice

[londongal]

Hello everyone,
I'm looking at doing a road trip from Vegas to NYC this spring and would love to call on the expertise of anyone who knows about this route or has travelled something similar.


I'm very interested in finding quirky places and people to see when on my journey - I'm an author writing/researching a book. In particular I would like to know of any hot cabaret or jazz spots or unmissable landmarks.

I've never done a long range road trip before - what length of time should I block off to do this drive?

Is this something safe for a sole female traveller to do? I will need to stay at a variety of cheap-ish hotels/motels along the way... should I bring a co-pilot?

Finally, any recommended routes would be much appreciated.
Thanks and happy new year.

[AZBuck]

Welcome aboard the RoadTrip America Forums!

First of all, realize that solo female drivers make this and similar journeys thousands of times every day. There is no need to be fearful, just use your ordinary common sense.

Las Vegas to New York can be done comfortably in as little as 5 days, but that leaves essentially no time for anything but getting from Point A to Point B by the most expeditious roads possible, hardly the milieu for a writer doing research. So add several more days (I'd say at least 4 or 5) and get off the main roads. Travel through small towns. Visit local parks and historical societies. Talk to people. Listen not only to their stories but the cadence of their voices. Ask them where the best local jazz clubs are. Places in the U.S. known for jazz and blues include Kansas City, New Orleans, St. Louis, Memphis, Chicago and New York.

If I had to recommend a route it would generally go something like (remembering that you really need to get away from the motorways to accomplish your stated goals): Up I-15 with stops at Zion and Bryce Canyon, then across the Rockies and the Plains on I-70 to KC and St, Louis. Then up to Chicago and then over to New York

AZBuck

[londongal]

Thanks AZ! Will take your advice into consideration - you're right, I do need to budget time out to chat to the locals and get into the scene...