Helpful Americans Please:)

[Hurrikane]

Hi, I need a bit of travel advice.

Firstly, a story...

Myself and my soon to be wife Zoe are taking a 6-month honeymoon/break from it all starting early July, the bulk of which will involve driving around the USA and Canada in a $1k kinda vehicle (most likely an 80's Camaro or an Astro Van lol).

We have to split the trip into 2 legs, because the USA customs rules say you can't start a trip in the USA and stay more than 90 days at a time, but if you then fly to somewhere that's not Mexico, Canada, or anywhere bordering on the Caribbean (Jesus), you can then return and start another 90 days afresh. What the heck, we thought (or words to that effect)... we'll have a month in Peru to break it up.

I did think what, does it take 91 days to become a terrorist threat or something?

Sooo... the first leg is more than planned; We land in Salt Lake City, hooking up with Loki and YourMom for some shootin' can's offa fences, buy a car then head to San Francisco, up the coast to Vancouver, then Alaska, back to Calgary, through Montana and Wyoming, back to Salt Lake City... then Peru

When we come back though, picking up the car again, the route is this:

Salt Lake City-Chicago-Toronto-Boston-New York. (Yes, I do know the total trip is just over 10k miles... did I mention I just love to drive?)

It's the Salt Lake to Chicago bit we have issues with. Colorado's a given, but we could drive through Kansas-Missouri-Illinois, or Nebraska-Iowa-Wisconsin; and sorry for my ignorance, but none of those States have featured too heavily on any Holiday programs (on UK TV at least).

What we could do with is an American's opinion of what would be the most interesting driving route from Salt Lake to Chicago, and why. Not much to ask, I know, but what's the use of being a member of an international community if you can't ask your neighbours some tips

Thanks for any help,

Hurrikane

[Faustian]

Can't help ya there. But if ya end up anywhere near Baltimore let me know.

[Johned]

Already gave you the advice about Montana and Yellowstone - unless you want to hit Glacier too.

Hopefully things work when you in Montana we can meet up, or depending when you will be on SLC I can schedule my annual checkup with my ortho.

Ahh ICE and homeland security - what silly games they play

[AlphaGeek]

Well if you're starting in early July, I'd strongly recommend getting to some large urban area on July 4th. That's US Independence Day, and you'll miss out on Music, fireworks, and the like if you're not here by then.

SLC is probably big enough to have a decent something-or-other for the fourth.

Route is a tricky question here. With the El-cheapo car, being on Interstate highways keeps you generally closer to help in the event of breakdown, but often the older US Highways offer better scenic routes.

Kansas and Missouri would get my vote simpy due to the really good BBQ available in that region.... and no, putting a burger on the grill AIN'T BBQ!

Hoping your holiday is safe and fun!!

AG

[SB2]

Oops duplicate post....

[SB2]

You basically have 2 choices (depending upon your personal preferences).

1) Head south from SLC through Canyonlands, Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon, Lake Powell, Grand Canyon etc... Keep going south till you connect with the old Route 66 and follow that north to Chicago... Fun Stuff if you like the American Southwest.

2) Head north from SLC into Wyoming and then east through South Dakota. This route takes you through the Great Plains and includes Jackson Hole, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, the Badlands, Deadwood, etc... There's nothing quite like the badlands, that's where they filmed "Dances With Wolves" and Deadwood should not be missed! (Make sure you visit Wall Drug also if you take this route)

All are worth visiting, it just depends upon your preferences...

[Gandolf]

Well Hurk I was Born in Illinois--transplanted to Arizona at age 5 and returned to Chicago at age 18. As a person who drove many different routes from the West Coast to Midwest I have to go with Kansas/Missouri/Illinois route. Kansas doesn't offer much I grant you that BUT Iowa/nebraska/Wisconsin offer even less--If you take the Kansas/Miss/Ill route you can cruise down historic route 66--and for a person who loves to drive like you claim--well m8 there just isn't a better experience to be had. I suggest the "Old" or Original route 66 path as there are a ton of sites to see along the way but if in a hurry you can grab the main stretches and hit the exits for the really cool sites. If you are interested in some Chicago info that isn't "tourist Bias" let me know what your intrests are and I will be sure to pass on some knowledge--If you are staying in St. Louis for anytime let me know--as A Season ticket holder for the Cardinals I spend a good deal of time down there in the summer months. Good Luck on your journey m8!!

[Aspen Amber]

Well i have to agree with sb2's number 2 choice.

From SLC to Wyoming there is a lot to see with Jackson Hole, Teton's, Yellowstone, Flaming Gorge all pretty close. But from there i'd certainly hit the Black Hills in South Dakota. It is such a pretty area and there is so much to see that you could easily spent some time in the area. Deadwood is historic, Mt. Rushmore is amazing as well as Crazy Horse Moument, Custer State Park, etc.

Depending on when you will be going through there the Days of 76 happening beginning of August in Deadwood, the Sturgis Motorcycle rally right after, and the State Fair in Rapid City pretty much all happening at the same time.

Can I come?

GL
Amber

[VeNgeNcE]

Originally Posted by Hurrikane

Hi, I need a bit of travel advice.



It's the Salt Lake to Chicago bit we have issues with. Colorado's a given, but we could drive through Kansas-Missouri-Illinois, or Nebraska-Iowa-Wisconsin; and sorry for my ignorance, but none of those States have featured too heavily on any Holiday programs (on UK TV at least).

Hurrikane

I would suggest the Kansas, Missouri, Illinois route. Ever heard of historic US Route 66?? Runs through Missouri From the southwest (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma) and then continues right up into St. Louis, Missouri ( big arch with an awesome view there). Take a look at a map and google for more info.

[Lhava]

being from kansas myself, i will offer this bit of advice...if you plan to drive a shitty car thru the midwest in the summertime, keep in mind it will be around 80-100 degrees fahrenheit, and that shitty car is gonna overheat within 2 hrs...so, drive at night aint much to see anyway




happy travels, watch out for the rednecks