"Rock Star" road tripper checking in! Self-proclaimed anyway! Road trips and visits to all 50 states are my game. Find your next road trip destinations here. Fill your bucket list with fantastic US journeys. I love road trips and spare no effort in making my travels and experiences inviting for members of the road-tripping family! Pick a trip you want to take, or get inspired to plan your own. - - The Driveby Tourist (or call me Stan!)
I found this list of 10 great places to visit
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A a America’s coolest towns are where the magic happens! Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, full of creative energy, and constantly changing with the people who live and visit, these spots truly showcase what makes the U.S. so unique and exciting. Whether you’re exploring or settling down, there’s something special waiting around every corner. Whether you plan to visit more states or are just on a road trip, here’s the top 10 as presented by CNN Travel Writers. I added a short phrase about either visiting or not! That’s in parentheses. 10. Rapid City, South Dakota High scores: Presidential attractions, big-name parks, Native art, easy day trips (Several visits – The Black Hills of SD are amazing!) 9. Clarksdale, Mississippi High scores: Musical heritage, festival calendar and live shows, Southern flavors (Have not been there.) 8. Northampton, Massachusetts High scores: Lively downtown, diversity, countercultural vibe, cycling (Have not been there.) 7. Las Cruces, New Mexico High scores: Blend of cultures, jaw-dropping scenery, outdoor access, day trips (Overnight and saw part of the town.) 6. Petaluma, California High scores: Farm-to-table scene, historic architecture, easy day trips, riverfront setting (Have not been there.) 5. Annapolis, Maryland High scores: Maritime and colonial history, waterfront setting, boating, seafood (Two overnights and the full day between; great, historic visit.) 4. Bend, Oregon High scores: Outdoor wow factor, play-hard vibe, live music, beverage and food scene (Have not been there.) 3. Asheville, North Carolina High scores: Scenic setting, dining and drinks, outdoor access, arts and crafts (Spent four days there on a vacation a few years ago.) 2. Missoula, Montana High scores: World-class wilderness, fly fishing, live music, and arts (Spent much of three days there on a visit to Montana. Typical Montana town!) 1. Ithaca, New York High scores: Natural wow-factor, outdoor activities, wine and cider, college-town culture (Drove through!) That’s it, folks! Just watch, because it’s from CNN, someone will find a way to make this political! ”Travel is a history lesson!” Classic Rock song: "I’ve Been Everywhere” by Johnny Cash Please email me about your experiences in towns with high ranking “must visit” recommendations! Here is the Premium Subscription page: You will get early views of new blog posts, one extra weekly newsletter, and views of all past published newsletters. And occasionally, I'll ask for votes on content! Stan Featured Post: Here’s a post about a “50-state quest.” |
Stan Wiebe
"Rock Star" road tripper checking in! Self-proclaimed anyway! Road trips and visits to all 50 states are my game. Find your next road trip destinations here. Fill your bucket list with fantastic US journeys. I love road trips and spare no effort in making my travels and experiences inviting for members of the road-tripping family! Pick a trip you want to take, or get inspired to plan your own. - - The Driveby Tourist (or call me Stan!)
Visiting all 50 states was a goal of mine that I reached years ago. I enjoyed it so much that I did it again starting in 2014. I've learned through several travel sources that North Dakota is, for many people, their 50th state. Several years ago, the Fargo-Moorhead Visitor Center installed a large wall plaque in the lobby to welcome those who "Saved the Best for Last!" They will give you a T-shirt and a certificate to recognize that momentous time in your life! I did research and created a...
I know, I keep talking about it!! Celebrating 100 Years of Route 66! 🚗🎉 And 250 years of America! Next year marks a major milestone—the 100th anniversary of the legendary Route 66, also known as the "Main Street of America" or the "Mother Road." Established in 1926, Route 66 originally stretched over 2,400 miles, connecting Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, and became an iconic symbol of freedom, adventure, and the American road trip spirit. 🛣️🌟 Over the last 40 years, Route 66...
Travel and novels get you into American history. While driving Route 66, some of the museums you visit along the way display scenes that may represent The Grapes of Wrath. It’s about a family in Oklahoma who lose everything. The Dust Bowl of the 1930s yielded little to no crops. They lose their land. The family reads about “the land of plenty” in California. They, along with thousands of others, go west. The book details their struggles along the way with no money, deaths, auto breakdowns,...