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by packratt

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So, we're off to do yet another contract in another state, this one nearly 3,000 miles away across the US. We're driving from Pennsylvania to Washington this time and would like some advice.

So, my fellow TR brothers and sisters who are dispersed across the world, which route should we take and what sights should we stop to see so that the kids and parents don't go insane in the car for four or five days straight?

Mr. Map says the quickest way is I80-I94-I90 through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, and finally Washington... I am considering a shift to avoid I94 through ND and take I90 through South Dakota and Wyoming to Montana instead but I'm not sure, both seem to have something to offer...

Other than that, either route I take, where should we stop to take a gander at the greatness of those parts of the USA?

I turn to my fellow TR peeps for some advice, let's see what comes of it.

58 replies

by oz_media

Buy two plane tickets, first class with a glass of bubbly, put the kids in the trunk of the car with a Gameboy(don't forget some lettuce and airholes).

Call a taxi and fly to your destiniation in calm, stylin' peace.

Have a safe trip! (leave your nail clippers at home)

by packratt

We'd probably save a bundle on children's valium if we did it that way...

Thanks for the suggestion! (though I was pretty certain you would have suggested going through Canada instead.)

by jaqui

the Canadian Rockies.
via Trail BC.
then the interior, along highway 3 to highway 1 merging.
along highway 1 until you get to aldergrove turnoff, head to the border into washington state, just a few miles north of I5 and maybe 2 hours away from Seattle.

by dc_guy

It would be insane to try driving across the extreme northern part of the U.S. (which includes WI, SD, and WY even though they don't border Canada) before May. Unless you're very lucky you'll find the weather dismally cold, the sky dismally overcast, and the scenery dismally dormant. Imagine how your kids will feel!

I drove a route much further south (I-70) three years ago at the END of May and was nonetheless up to my axles in snow for about half the trip. Don't let this current wave of above-freezing weather in the Mid-Atlantic region lull you into making a mistake. It's still the dead of winter.

If you're talking about doing it later in the year, then I would recommend choosing a route that will cut through either the spring flowers or the fall colors. Check your leaf-peeper's website a week before you leave and plan accordingly.

My favorite region along the way on the northern route would be Wisconsin. It has the nicest combination of deciduous foliage (both woods and cultivated) and lovely farmsteads. On the southern route there's a wider vista: Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, they're all spectacular when either the spring flowers or the autumn leaves are showing, and the rural charm in all of them has resisted industrialization.

I've lived in the West for most of my life and I still have trouble recommending a good place for scenery there. The only corridor that can be counted on to knock absolutely anyone's socks off is southern Utah and northern Arizona -- Arches National Monument, Bryce Canyon, the Cliff Dwellings, the Grand Canyon, the Petrified Forest, just get an AAA map and stop at every highlighted area. Everyone should see the Arches. Even children love them, they think they're on a set for the Coyote and Roadrunner cartoons. It's a bit out of your way, but it's far more scenic than the entire swath north of it all the way to the border. It's got Mt. Rushmore, the bison herds of South Dakota, and Yellowstone, but otherwise it will be endless hours of "Daddy, are we there yet?"

When you cross over into the coastal states, you're once again at a longitude where almost any route will do in the right season. Northern California (NOT San Francisco, that's in the exact center of the coastline and is as far from Oregon as it is from Mexico), western Oregon and western Washington are serene and majestic. After a couple of days of noticing your blood pressure drop you'll understand why West Coast culture, particularly Northwest, is sooooo different from East Coast.

Yes, I live there on the edge of the redwood forest. As the Eagles said, "You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave (the Hotel California)."

by packratt

We have to leave this week, they want me out there right away, which is a good thing because we can't afford bench time between gigs at all.

I70 would add way too much time to the drive, furthest south I could possible go would be I80 and even then that adds 100 miles to the trip and doesn't sound exciting either going through the length of Nebraska and Wyoming.

Been watching the forcasts and current route conditions and seems like we won't have too many problems, but will keep an eye on it in case any weather develops and will adjust accordingly.

It has to be a fast trip and a straight shot, we don't have the cash to take our time. Thanks for the advice and information though, I really appreciate it!

by sleepin'dawg

Hopefully it isn't in the winter. If this, however, is unavoidable be sure to make up an emergency kit which you can keep in the car with you. AAA and other organizations have good advice on what should be in the kit but one thing to make sure of is that everyone in the car has ready access to a pair of warm boots and a warm coat. You never know when you might get snowed in somewhere and have to wait for the highway plows to clear a way for you. This is especially true for states like North Dakota, Minnesota, Montana and Idaho where blizzards can come up quickly and create white out conditions making for hazardous driving. You may be able to make the whole trip and not need the kit but in the event that something does happen it is one of those things where you can honestly say it is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. Bon voyage!

Dawg

In case you're wondering, Canadians usually take that route in the winter rather than face the risks of the unexpected on our side of the border but in the summer either way is good.

by packratt

We've already planned for an emergency kit with extra warm clothes, first aid kit, flashlight with extra batteries, fire starting kit, plenty of water, foodstuff, blankets, topographical maps, and compass. Other than those things I can't fit nor afford to bring much else in the car.

Thanks for the advice!

by jdmercha

Somtimes they close the roads through the rockies to all vehicles without tire chains.

Also don't count on cell phones getting signals in the mountains. You might want to add a CB to your kit. Even a small FRS radio is better that nothing.

by jdmercha

I've taken the northern route from NH to Wyoming. But as a previous poster mentioned. If you are traveling soon, stay to to the southern route 70 which will take you through Denver. Rte 70 over the rockies is a real nice route, as long as you are prepared for the weather. You can run into snow there any time of year.

I went mostly across on 90. Went through Canada from Niagra Falls to Detroit. Went around to Milwaukee to see the breweries. Minneapolis to stop by the Mall of America. From that point west things are pretty spread out. We stopped at Wall drug, Devils Tower, Mt Rushmore, and Yellowstone park.

Wyoming was pretty desolate. But there are towns every 30 miles or so. Mostly consisting of a house, a gas station, a general store and a bar. I went through about 300 miles of this with the largest town population of about 11. (between SD and WY)

by packratt

I think we're committed to I90, (scrubbing I94).

We're thinking about stops in Deadwood, Mt Rushmore, a dinosaur/geology museum or two in SD, and maybe Mall of America (we don't have much money so that may be more of a tease than we want to deal with). and a few other sites on the way, yet it is winter so there won't be much to see.

Thanks for the info!

by mrafrohead

Whatever you do, stop at Wall Drug if you see the signs. Don't worry, you can't miss them.

Also, if you see a sign that says "last stop for gas for xxx miles", STOP AND GET GAS, THEY'RE NOT JOKING!

What part of Washington you going to?

by packratt

I've seen mention of the place on various road trip sites, something about signs everywhere and a cup of free icewater. Sounds like the typical tourist trap to me, but if you insist then it has to be worth the stop!

As for gas, no doubt, I'd driven from Ohio to Los Angeles before and know all too well that when a sign says last stop for fuel that they darn well mean it... and gouge you accordingly.

by mrafrohead

Gouging is an understatement. Don't forget to take some vaseline... You'll need it... ;p

As for Wall Drug, yes, you'll see the signs, I believe about a hundred miles before you get there..

It is an absolute tourist trap, total hole in the wall, but I'll tell you one thing, you should stop. Pick up a bumper sticker. Then from that point on, EVERY time you see one of those stickers, you'll understand... ;p

by oz_media

A little further North and you cancomein through ROgers Pass and down to Rossland. THough it's not a great time of year for ROgers Pass right now and it would be alengthy detour.

But you're right, coming down through Cranbrook, Trail, Grand Forks and through the Okanagan would be pretty breathtaking and the highways are better right now. I've did that drive a hundred times when I lived out that way and it still leaves me in awe every time as if it was the first.

by jdclyde

Why decide one or the other when you can do both? Take the longer route on the way their, and the shorter route on the way back.

Anytime I take a trip this long (every few years) I always take a different route back, and find somewhere to stop off.

Can't think of anyplace specific right now, will post back if I do.

by jdclyde

Sorry to hear how things have worked pack.

I know a place that is looking for people that know NOVELL.

I don't think the pay is great, but it is something and it MAY lead to something else?

If interested, email me. jeffs_home@yahoo.com

by packratt

I had thought about those items, but I don't think we'll be getting them, we have quite the limited budget so we'll have to rely on a bit of luck I think or else we just plain won't make it anyways.

Thanks for the advice though.

by jdclyde

than a nice relaxing drive up and down a mountain. Great for the engine on the way up and making sure your trans and breaks are shot on the way down.

by packratt

Trying to get prices for tune-ups and oil changes today... That and a roof carrier but those seem too expensive for our budget so far, especially since we don't have a roof rack which seems a requirement.

by ippirate

partially through Ontario. That would take you through New York then past Niagra, The CN Tower and then down the 401 to London. On the way you can check out Brantford, ON, home of Wayne Gretsky. In London, jump the 402, to Sarnia, ON, stop, check out the boats heading out to and leaving Lake Huron, get some fries while you're there.

Cross the border, back to the US via Port Huron, MI and head for Detroit, Edison's home, home of the Big Three, the Ford museum, Detroit Zoo and plenty of places to sleep off the road. After that, Ann Arbor (Be sure to scream MSU Sucks! at the top of your lungs) and keep driving to Lansing, home of U of M and one the first particle accelerators then on the way to Illinois and Chicago. Stay a day, eat the food, enjoy the music and the sites.

Milwaulkee and Wiconsin are next. Eat a steak and most importantly, eat at a good German house.

Minneapolis, MN, Mall of America, St. Paul.

S.D. and the badlands.

Wyoming to Montana through the pass at Idaho and into Washington. The last 4 states you pass through before getting to Washington itself will offer some of the best sites of what America used to be as well as give you a chance to see a part of America that is mostly forgotten today. Do some research on that part of the trip, its long with lots to do and see.

Good luck

by jamesrl

To go from Pennsylvania through New York through Ontario would put you through too much driving going North.

As for Brantford, take it from someone who grew up there that there isn't that much to see. There is a small museum where Alexander Graham Bell lived with his parents. According to Bell he designed the phone there and tinkered at his teaching job in Boston. First long distance (ie not room to room) was done there. The museum includes the first switchboard, and some artifacts of Bell's family life. There isn't much in Brantford for a Gretsky fan - unless you come to town during the annual charity tennis tournament.

For reasons of speed, I'd stay on the US side of the border....unless I was leaving from Toronto instead of Pennsylvania.

James

by ippirate

Then yes, stay to the US side.

If you've never been to SW Ontario and have the time, inclination, take the drive.

Take it from someone else who has been there, though not good for repeat performances, much of the places along the 401/402 can make for a descent road trip.

by packratt

...for a day trip or something while we're in Seattle, maybe a trip to Vancouver one day, and the Pacific coast on another... etc...

Yeah, would like to take the family to Toronto and other parts of Canada, I used to go quite often when I was young, up through those parts to Mattawa and North Bay. Lovely places really.

Thanks for sharing what you would do, it's interesting to hear how others would go about this.

by jaqui

if and when you hit Vancouver area.

born and raised here so can give good rout for checking the sites.

by jamesrl

Perhaps familiarity breeds contempt. I agree that when the fields are green, or when the leaves are changing, its quite a pleasant drive. I have spent many many hours driving from Toronto to Woodstock and/or London. I've also driven the other side - gone down to Buffalo and driven to Detroit, just for the change of scenery. I went to Sandusky and played at Cedar Point, home of the world's fastest rollercoaster. Regrettably didn't stop for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.

Sandusky is nice. The rest of northern Ohio is pretty dull. Parts of Detroit are to be avoided. Port Huron is great. Sarnia smells......

If you did want to go through Canada, it would saved a little time to come up to Hamilton via Queen Elizabeth Way, then take 403 west(in Hamilton) through Brantford. It meets up with 401 at Woodstock.

James

by ippirate

James,

I'll give you that point. I'm still new enough to the area that there is some interest left for me.

I'd get po'ed about the Sarnia comment (My family and I live there) but regrettably it is true. Both figuratively and literaly. The one thing that it does have going for it is the fry wagons down the bridge.

J

by packratt

Yowza is that ever too expensive though. But about the same as if I would install a roof rack and get a cheap cargo thing.

Thanks for the link anyways. Looks like we'll cram things in some other way.

by packratt

We do hope it works out as well.

I'm not sure we'll have access to the internet once there, so far the places we're looking at staying don't have that capability... And that by itself will make it hard on my wife who uses that as her only link to other adults since we are always strangers in strange lands these days.

by oz_media

People in the North West are pretty damn cool bunch.
Your wife will have no problem chatting with other adults in real time/real life instead.

Drive safe, take the time to enjoy and absorb it.

by packratt

Some really good drugs for everyone to keep suggesting that as a "must stop".

Bwahaha!

Thanks for the suggestion Max.

by maxwell edison

.
Wall Drug Store started out as a small mom and pop establishment in the early 1930s. Being a fair distance from the main highway, the small store struggled to bring in customers. On somewhat of a whim, the owner decided to go out to the highway and put out a couple of signs offering FREE ICE WATER to those driving past on the highway. After all, driving across South Dakota in the middle of the summer in the 30s, what would appeal to people more than a nice, cold glass of ice water? And for free.

In just the short time it took him to plant a couple of signs, people started to line up outside the store for the free ice water. Of course, while there, they bought candy for the kids and whatever else a drug store in the 30s had on the shelves.

This inspired the owner to make even more and more signs, but with the mileage printed on it. He'd drive down the road a bit, and plant a sign that said 10 miles to Wall Drugs and FREE ICE WATER. He drove a little further, 20 miles to Wall Drugs and FREE ICE WATER. He drove even further, 40 miles to Wall Drugs and FREE ICE WATER. By the end of the summer he had signs posted in all directions for miles and miles around offering FREE ICE WATER to all who would come by.

The trend caught on, and people started posting quasi-signs all over the place. Believe it or not, there were even signs that soldiers posted in Army camps in Korea during the Korean War that might have said, 10,000 miles to Wall Drugs and FREE ICE WATER.

Today, Wall Drugs is an actual destination spot, and the place has grown from a small drug store to a sprawling complex with just about anything a traveler could possibly need or want -- and then some.

This guy's story is a classic lesson in achieving the American Dream. Figure out what people want, make it available to them, and unlimited success will follow.

by Member 25348569

Why would anyone want iced water in February up in the mountains - even free? Surely a nice hot cup of tea would be more appropriate?

Every place I go to in the US and ask for "Diet Coke, no ice, please", I get looked at like I'm some sort of alien.

by maxwell edison

.
See the message, "Wall Drugs - An American Success Story" for an explanation of the ICE reference.

And I guess you Brits don't like ice in your drinks because you have enough of it in your veins......Ba-Da-Boom.

(That's a little Yankee humor, there, if you didn't recognize it.)

by jdclyde

If you ask for no ice, you look like a cheap skate that is trying to just get themselves and extra few drops of cola.

NOTE: the price is set with ice in mind. Fill a glass up with ice, then fill with water. Drain that water into another glass and see just how little you actually were getting.

by ippirate

There are a lot of "interesting" names for US towns and small cities. It may be of interest to try and route your trip via those names.

A quick list

Pennsylvania:
Beaverdale, PA
Bird-in-Hand, PA
Blue Ball, PA
Intercourse, PA
Jugtown, PA
Manda Gap, PA
Scalp Level, PA
Squirrel Hill, PA
Stalker, PA
Stiltz, PA
Burning Well, PA

Ohio:
Gaysport, OH
Businessburg, OH

Michigan:
Christmas, MI
Climax, MI
Gay, MI
Hell, MI
Lake, MI
Nirvanna, MI
Paradise, MI
Saline, MI

Illinois:
Energy, IL
Normal, IL

Indiana:
Bacon, IN
Birds Eye, IN
Buddha, IN
French Lick, IN
Santa Claus, IN
Solitude, IN

North Dakota:
Arthur, ND
Beach, ND
Can do, ND
Mott, ND
Hoople, ND
Horace, ND
Max, ND
Ray, ND
Napolean, ND
Zap, ND

South Dakota:
Bonesteel, SD
Box Elder, SD
Crooks, SD
Eaglebutte, SD
Gayville, SD
Mud Butte, SD
Pukwana, SD
Roscoe, SD
Tea, SD

Wyoming:
Bairoil, WY
Jackson Hole, WY

Oregon:
Boring, OR
Half.com, OR

Washington:
Aloha, WA
Humptulips, WA
Index, WA
La Push, WA
Medical Lake, WA
Onion Creek, WA
Pysht, WA
Ritzville, WA
Ruff Starbuck, WA
Thrall, WA
Tiger, WA
Walla Walla, WA
Zillah, WA

I'm sure there are more. Just have to do the research.

J

by packratt

Thanks, that was both informative and hilarious. If I spot any of those on the trip I'll take pictures for ya.

by sleepin'dawg

The one time something goes wrong it could become deadly. Don't take chances with your family.

Remember your main goal is to get from A to B in the safest, shortest, fastest, most economical way possible. You're going there for business purposes, not recreational purposes. I applaud your desire to educate your kids but do it when the weather factor isn't so critical. I've made the round trip several times over the years and on both sides of the border and in all seasons. It can be a very wonderful experience but if the weather turns on you, it can quickly become a real bit*h.

Dawg

by packratt

We've been monitoring the forcasts and will continue to do so en-route. I've padded the start date by two days just in case we run into trouble, but we don't have the finances to spend that much time on the road, so we don't have a choice but to hope for the best and make minor corrections if conditions demand it.

Thanks for the advice in any case.

by tony hopkinson

It's rendered the entire link as one line and my browser window is twice as wide as usual.
Woke me up that did.
Where the 'ells Next gone ?

by oz_media

Then you wouldn't need so much darn room!
You should change your alias so 'sweet-f-all', then you'd get everyting in the glovebox.

by oz_media

I've noticed that too. TR used to have a problem with URL's having odd spaces inserted into them, so everyone started using tinyurl.com to make samll likes to post. NOw they have fixed the space issue but it doesn't wrap.

For long URL's, it is best to copy and paste it to TinyURL.com and get a smaller one, you can also add TinyURL to your links bar, then just drag and drop long links into it and it will give you a short link for posting.

I actually was dozing through TR and went to click net, my mouse finger is programmed to site link positions I think, I clicked Print and got the whole thread.

But it reminded me how handy Print was for reading the whole thread in sequence without clicking next all the time.

by packratt

Actually my stuff is only comprised of 5 work outfits, 2 sets of regular clothes, combat boots, dress shoes, and an old laptop and work stuff shoved in a backpack.

It's when you add to that all the stuff for the wife and two kids along with their pet frogs that the room gets real cramped in a smaller car.

Not much fun having all a family owns fit in one trunk.

by montgomery gator

Check out the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. I have not been there (although I have been to Cleveland before it was built), but I heard it is great. Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland has a good art museum (I have seen that). Also, check out Cedar Point Amusement Park nearby west of Cleveland in Sandusky, Ohio. It has some of the best roller coasters in the world. Have not been there either, but have seen a lot of stuff on Travel Channel about it.

by oz_media

Experience Music Project. A wonder in design and content. Plus it's only a hop skip away from Hendrix's grave.

by jamesrl

Love fast coasters.

At any given time it may or may not have the fastest in the world - every year someone builds a faster one. But I have ridden the "fastest" at the time.

Its a nice area - but he is leaving now....

James

by Member 25348569

I would have know it was humour without your footnote. I think the Ba-Da-Boom was a giveaway.

:)

I KNOW why you don't you have ice in your beer!

by Member 25348569

was already as close to water as anyone would like.

As the old joke goes - US Budweiser is "like making love in a canoe".

After my first post on this, I asked the "why always ice" question of one of the Americans that I work with and we came to the conclusion that it's just another cultural difference. One, however, thats moving in your direction. In my local BK I have now have to stress "no ice" in the diet cola with my Super Size Triple Whoppa GTi FatBastard (TM) Meal.

I think it's just that I'm old...

by oz_media

Ice is a nice idea, a cool drink is always refreshing. Fast food joints use it to reduce the amount of pruduct needed to fill the cup. If a small drink gets 15-20% ice, the Super Size may have as much as 60% ice. So actually the margin is greater on the larger drink than the small one.

Look at the size of a MacDonalnd's Cheeseburger. Sure they are cheap as hell, but they are just miniature meat cookies in a little bun. Cheese burgers at Ronnies have never been anything to brag about, but they SURE got small when they got cheaper.

It really has nothing to do with culture apart from corporate greed making an impact. Deceive the customer and reap greater rewards. :)

Gotta love the 'business-bastards', I try very hard to be MUCH more fair and straight-up with my own business affairs. All the money in the world can't make a pr**k into a nice guy...well...unless...he gives it all to me, then I can be the pr**k for a while.

Nah, just kidding, I don't need the money, I'll be a pr**k for free. :)

by jdclyde

That would free up some space!

(not to mention I bet they smell real good about the second day of travel.)

by jdclyde

First, love in a canoe ROCKS. So doe real intense LIKE!

Second, the food joints make their profit on fries and cola. The sandwhich just gets you in the door. That cola that they charge a $1.50 for, that costs them about 7 cents, including the cup and straw.

That is why they give you a deal at places on a sandwhich "with the purchase of a large tub of cola".

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