Absalom
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
If you're in Nashville over the weekend: Bluegrass Brunch at the Sutler.
Bluegrass Brunch | The Sutler Saloon | Saturday and Sunday Brunch
Road Trip USA confirmed for October/November 2018.
- Thread starter Kiwi cop
- Start date
If you're in Nashville over the weekend: Bluegrass Brunch at the Sutler.
Bluegrass Brunch | The Sutler Saloon | Saturday and Sunday Brunch
hostler
Member
I'm glad you and Karen are going to be well enough for the trip. I'm sure you both will enjoy it. Our cultures are just different enough to be interesting but the same enough to understand what's going on.
I fear you may be disappointed as NZ and Australia are very beautiful, more so than most of the U.S.
When I was in the Marine Corps I spent an unforgettable week in Sydney back in the late 80s, absolutely fantastic, but I was jealous because a couple of the ships we were with went to NZ. NZ wouldn't let our ship anywhere near them, something about the nukes we were carrying.
I fear you may be disappointed as NZ and Australia are very beautiful, more so than most of the U.S.
When I was in the Marine Corps I spent an unforgettable week in Sydney back in the late 80s, absolutely fantastic, but I was jealous because a couple of the ships we were with went to NZ. NZ wouldn't let our ship anywhere near them, something about the nukes we were carrying.
OP
Unfortunately we arrive Sunday afternoon and depart Thursday morning. But maybe we'll get there for a meal during that time.
OP
8 weeks to departure.
Well I simply do not know where the 5 months since I booked the tickets has gone. We are only 8 weeks from our departure date.
I know I have spent a lot of time with guide books, on google (particularly google maps) and fine tuning our itinerary. And over the last few evenings I have gone back through the Route 66 guidebook placing little 'flags' at each town we will be visiting.
So here is the "final" itinerary.
Departing 9th October, Houston 3 nights.
San Antonio 2 nights.
Waco.
Stephenville.
El Paso.
Tombstone.
Phoenix.
Las Vegas 2 nights.
Kingman (via Needles and Oatman).
Flagstaff.
Albuquerque.
Amarillo.
Oklahoma City.
Springfield.
Kansas City 2 nights.
St Louis 3 nights.
Memphis 3 nights.
Nashville 3 nights.
Tupelo.
New Orleans 5 nights.
Houston last night.
Returning home late evening on the 15th November.
In hindsight I should have allowed another day on Route 66, but I found myself with already paid for and unable to be cancelled accommodation the 2nd, 4th and 6th nights. I could have just cancelled and rebooked loosing my payments but couldn't decide where else to cut a day as there is so much we want to do. But some 9 - 10 hour days will not be a big problem. I drive that for work every day.
I still need to get a suitable case for the guitar, believe it or not none of my many hard cases will actually work with this one.
Other than that all I need to do is organise roaming for my phone and I'm all set.
Karen still needs a few more clothes as all her older stuff no longer fits her after her transplant. She'll be taking a whole new wardrobe with her.
The closer departure date gets the quicker time is moving.
Well I simply do not know where the 5 months since I booked the tickets has gone. We are only 8 weeks from our departure date.
I know I have spent a lot of time with guide books, on google (particularly google maps) and fine tuning our itinerary. And over the last few evenings I have gone back through the Route 66 guidebook placing little 'flags' at each town we will be visiting.
So here is the "final" itinerary.
Departing 9th October, Houston 3 nights.
San Antonio 2 nights.
Waco.
Stephenville.
El Paso.
Tombstone.
Phoenix.
Las Vegas 2 nights.
Kingman (via Needles and Oatman).
Flagstaff.
Albuquerque.
Amarillo.
Oklahoma City.
Springfield.
Kansas City 2 nights.
St Louis 3 nights.
Memphis 3 nights.
Nashville 3 nights.
Tupelo.
New Orleans 5 nights.
Houston last night.
Returning home late evening on the 15th November.
In hindsight I should have allowed another day on Route 66, but I found myself with already paid for and unable to be cancelled accommodation the 2nd, 4th and 6th nights. I could have just cancelled and rebooked loosing my payments but couldn't decide where else to cut a day as there is so much we want to do. But some 9 - 10 hour days will not be a big problem. I drive that for work every day.
I still need to get a suitable case for the guitar, believe it or not none of my many hard cases will actually work with this one.
Other than that all I need to do is organise roaming for my phone and I'm all set.Karen still needs a few more clothes as all her older stuff no longer fits her after her transplant. She'll be taking a whole new wardrobe with her.
The closer departure date gets the quicker time is moving.
Looks like a great itinerary. Here are my suggestions about what to see and do:
In Houston, visit the battleship USS Texas at nearby San Jacinto. It's the last remaining Dreadnought, and she served in both World Wars. In WW1 she served with the Royal Navy's Grand Fleet. In WW2, she fought at the invasions of North Africa, Normandy, Southern France, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. Here's a link: Battleship Texas State Historic Site History — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
In San Antonio, be sure to visit one of the old missions (besides the Alamo). They're ancient and beautiful. Have breakfast at the legendary Mi Tierra Mexican restaurant. It's in the downtown area, and serves breakfast 24 hours a day.
If you have time on your way to El Paso, stop at Fort Davis, (it's sort of on the way) and visit the best preserved western military fort from the Indian Wars of the 1800s. Here's a link: Fort Davis National Historic Site (U.S. National Park Service)
Since you'll be passing though Tucson on your way from Tombstone to Phoenix, stop at the Pima Air and Space Museum, which may be the best one of its kind in the world. Here's a link: Pima Air & Space Museum
In Albuquerque, take the Sandia Peak Tram. The ride is spectacular, and the view from Sandia Peak is spectacular. However, if heights make you queasy, you might want to skip this one. Here's a link: Sandia Peak Ski & Tramway - Sandia Peak Tramway
And don't forget Winona.
Have fun!
In Houston, visit the battleship USS Texas at nearby San Jacinto. It's the last remaining Dreadnought, and she served in both World Wars. In WW1 she served with the Royal Navy's Grand Fleet. In WW2, she fought at the invasions of North Africa, Normandy, Southern France, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. Here's a link: Battleship Texas State Historic Site History — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
In San Antonio, be sure to visit one of the old missions (besides the Alamo). They're ancient and beautiful. Have breakfast at the legendary Mi Tierra Mexican restaurant. It's in the downtown area, and serves breakfast 24 hours a day.
If you have time on your way to El Paso, stop at Fort Davis, (it's sort of on the way) and visit the best preserved western military fort from the Indian Wars of the 1800s. Here's a link: Fort Davis National Historic Site (U.S. National Park Service)
Since you'll be passing though Tucson on your way from Tombstone to Phoenix, stop at the Pima Air and Space Museum, which may be the best one of its kind in the world. Here's a link: Pima Air & Space Museum
In Albuquerque, take the Sandia Peak Tram. The ride is spectacular, and the view from Sandia Peak is spectacular. However, if heights make you queasy, you might want to skip this one. Here's a link: Sandia Peak Ski & Tramway - Sandia Peak Tramway
And don't forget Winona.
Have fun!
St. Louis:
Homepage | The Gateway Arch
Home :: Saint Louis Zoo
Any of the attractions in Forest Park, in addition to the Zoo:
Park Attractions & Destinations — Forest Park Forever
Eat here:
The Hill, St. Louis - Wikipedia
My favorites are Rigazzi's, Zia's, and Charlie Gitto's . . .
Memphis:
Elvis Presley's Memphis Entertainment Complex - Graceland - Memphis, TN
https://www.memphisrocknsoul.org/
http://www.bealestreet.com/
https://stores.basspro.com/us/tn/memphis/1-bass-pro-dr.html
Eat barbecue. My favorite is The Rendevous:
https://www.hogsfly.com/menu
That oughta do ya' for the couple days you're in each town . . .
Homepage | The Gateway Arch
Home :: Saint Louis Zoo
Any of the attractions in Forest Park, in addition to the Zoo:
Park Attractions & Destinations — Forest Park Forever
Eat here:
The Hill, St. Louis - Wikipedia
My favorites are Rigazzi's, Zia's, and Charlie Gitto's . . .
Memphis:
Elvis Presley's Memphis Entertainment Complex - Graceland - Memphis, TN
https://www.memphisrocknsoul.org/
http://www.bealestreet.com/
https://stores.basspro.com/us/tn/memphis/1-bass-pro-dr.html
Eat barbecue. My favorite is The Rendevous:
https://www.hogsfly.com/menu
That oughta do ya' for the couple days you're in each town . . .
Wish you were coming up to Gettysburg. I would like to shake your hand and take you to the range.
When you come to Albuquerque, enjoy the sights and the food.Depending on when you come, you might get to see the Balloon Fiesta from October 6th to the 14th. It's a week long event with stuff going on mainly in the mornings and evenings spending on weather, especially, the wind.
Let me give a couple of tips when visiting ABQ:
ABQ is a high crime city, be aware of your surroundings.
ABQ is in the top 5 in the nation for auto theft/burglary. It is notorious for this. Don't leave anything in your car that can be seen - ANYTHING - Make you car look sterile inside.
I don't mean to scare anybody, but I don't want anybody to be a victim, either. This is the reality of what ABQ has become. Chances are nothing will happen, but travelers should be aware.
Anyway, enjoy your time in the US and stay safe.
PS, To the east of ABQ on RT66 there's this:
A Stretch of Route 66 Will Play 'America the Beautiful' as You Drive to the Side
A Stretch of Route 66 Will Play 'America the Beautiful' as You Drive to the Side
Let me give a couple of tips when visiting ABQ:
ABQ is a high crime city, be aware of your surroundings.
ABQ is in the top 5 in the nation for auto theft/burglary. It is notorious for this. Don't leave anything in your car that can be seen - ANYTHING - Make you car look sterile inside.
I don't mean to scare anybody, but I don't want anybody to be a victim, either. This is the reality of what ABQ has become. Chances are nothing will happen, but travelers should be aware.
Anyway, enjoy your time in the US and stay safe.
PS, To the east of ABQ on RT66 there's this:
A Stretch of Route 66 Will Play 'America the Beautiful' as You Drive to the Side
A Stretch of Route 66 Will Play 'America the Beautiful' as You Drive to the Side
I pray that you and your wife will have a safe journey through the US! I hope and insist that you see the Grand Canyon, i promise it will be a highlight of your trip if you haven't seen it before!
THE PILGRIM
Member
Couple of comments-
Houston to San Antonio then to Waco is kind of backtracking.
Then I see your going to Stephenville?
The only person I ever knew who went there was my Buddy John.
His Mother lived there!
And Yes, the Grand Canyon is a must see!
Its about 75 miles Flagstaff to the Canyon.
The Canyon is a straight shot 55 miles North from Williams, AZ. which is on I-40 West of Flag.
About 325 miles Flag to Albuquerque.
Sounds like a long day, but maybe doable.
Five nights in New Orleans?
Even long ago in my Puppy Dog Days my liver and wallet couldn't handle that many nights in the Big Easy!
Houston to San Antonio then to Waco is kind of backtracking.
Then I see your going to Stephenville?
The only person I ever knew who went there was my Buddy John.
His Mother lived there!
And Yes, the Grand Canyon is a must see!
Its about 75 miles Flagstaff to the Canyon.
The Canyon is a straight shot 55 miles North from Williams, AZ. which is on I-40 West of Flag.
About 325 miles Flag to Albuquerque.
Sounds like a long day, but maybe doable.
Five nights in New Orleans?
Even long ago in my Puppy Dog Days my liver and wallet couldn't handle that many nights in the Big Easy!
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HOUSTON RICK
Member
In Houston, you must see Collector's Firearms. It is half LGS and half museum.
Collectors Firearms
Collectors Firearms
I envy you two the excitement and anticipation of your upcoming journey. You'll probably need a thread just to house all the pics.
After watching "Aerial New Zealand" I believe you folks would give us a good run as far as spectacular scenery.
I wish you a safe, happy trip and don't forget the obligatory Stuckey's pecan log rolls.
After watching "Aerial New Zealand" I believe you folks would give us a good run as far as spectacular scenery.
I wish you a safe, happy trip and don't forget the obligatory Stuckey's pecan log rolls.
Whitwabit
US Veteran
Hope you have a GREAT TRIP !! and all things go smoothly !!
Sounds like a wonderful trip .. hope you have good weather everyday !!
Sounds like a wonderful trip .. hope you have good weather everyday !!
Lee in Quartzsite
Member
If you follow Rt. 66 from Oatman to Kingman you will pass by the Mohave Sportsman Club. You are welcome to stop in and meet some nice people. Both Rifle and pistol ranges, the longest being 1000 yds.
When leaving Kingman continue on Rt.66 instead of going onto I-40. Rt.66 will take you through Peach Springs and then onto Seligman. It is actually a much better way to go compared to the freeway; only a few miles farther with no semi-trucks and a fairly flat road. Lots of Burma Shave signs along the way. Once in Seligman you can continue on I-40 to Flagstaff, passing through Williams. Williams is the gateway to the Grand Canyon, reachable by train or by car. The train leaves twice each morning and takes about 2 hours to reach the canyon. A very memorable trip.
You may see signs advertising Grand Canyon West, or the Grand Canyon Skywalk when approaching Kingman. This is NOT the true Grand Canyon, do not be fooled. It is managed by the Hualapai Indian tribe and is very expensive, about 100 bucks a person. No cameras, or cell phones are allowed and if you want photos you have to purchase them from the Tribe. Many reviews are posted online to better guide you.
Have a great trip!
Mohave Sportsman Club
Grand Canyon | Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel
When leaving Kingman continue on Rt.66 instead of going onto I-40. Rt.66 will take you through Peach Springs and then onto Seligman. It is actually a much better way to go compared to the freeway; only a few miles farther with no semi-trucks and a fairly flat road. Lots of Burma Shave signs along the way. Once in Seligman you can continue on I-40 to Flagstaff, passing through Williams. Williams is the gateway to the Grand Canyon, reachable by train or by car. The train leaves twice each morning and takes about 2 hours to reach the canyon. A very memorable trip.
You may see signs advertising Grand Canyon West, or the Grand Canyon Skywalk when approaching Kingman. This is NOT the true Grand Canyon, do not be fooled. It is managed by the Hualapai Indian tribe and is very expensive, about 100 bucks a person. No cameras, or cell phones are allowed and if you want photos you have to purchase them from the Tribe. Many reviews are posted online to better guide you.
Have a great trip!
Mohave Sportsman Club
Grand Canyon | Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel
THE PILGRIM
Member
Lee has posted some good info!
My only difference would be, if you rearrange and decide to stay in Williams,
Stay at Best Western.
It's a really nice one with a Bar and Restaurant.
It's about a mile or two from the train, if you decide to ride.
They have a big parking lot at the train depot.
My only difference would be, if you rearrange and decide to stay in Williams,
Stay at Best Western.
It's a really nice one with a Bar and Restaurant.
It's about a mile or two from the train, if you decide to ride.
They have a big parking lot at the train depot.
RobertJ.
Member
When you visit Vegas, I highly recommend "Love" at the Mirage. Look it up, it's based on the music of the Beatles, and one of the most spectacular shows I've seen. I've been twice, and would go every time we go there if my wife would allow it. Also, Valley of Fire State Park, about an hour north of LV. I hope you have a blast!
REMEMBER-we drive on the RIGHT side of the road. don't want to start off with a head on collision. LOL. if you are going to visit towns/cities in songs, you have to go to Graceland in Memphis, the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, and inbetween, see Davy Crockett's cabin in Rutherford, TN. it will be closed then, but I can get you in and your welcome to spend the night in my humble home and fondle and shoot my guns all you want. lee
OP
Thanks Lee but time will not allow a visit. Memphis, Nashville (via Nutbush, Jackson and Clarksville) with both Graceland and the Opry already booked and paid for.
And I've been watching youtube videos of driving some of the roads we will be on to get used to driving on the right hand side of the road.
Read of two bad incidents involving Kiwi drives crossing the centreline in the US in the last month. I don't intend to be another.
Less than 3 weeks to go.
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sigp220.45
US Veteran
Left-side driving was almost the death of me in Darwin, Australia. I was TDY from Guam with some B-52s and for some unfathomable reason the USAF trusted me with a rental car - an Opel. I never adjusted - I turned on the windshield wipers to signal turns, drifted perilously close to on-coming traffic, and hit the curb so often I finally blew a tire. A nice Australian cop with an empty revolver holster pulled me over, certain I was drunk and was disappointed to find out I was only American.
I eventually parked it and used cabs, only to learn burly Australian cabbies consider tipping to be a punchable offense. I was the less drunk of us two, but she almost got me.
Have fun and enjoy the US! Remember Ron Peterson's in ABQ if you have time, with lunch across the street at Loyola's. You might recognize it if you've watched Breaking Bad or Better Call Saul.
I eventually parked it and used cabs, only to learn burly Australian cabbies consider tipping to be a punchable offense. I was the less drunk of us two, but she almost got me.
Have fun and enjoy the US! Remember Ron Peterson's in ABQ if you have time, with lunch across the street at Loyola's. You might recognize it if you've watched Breaking Bad or Better Call Saul.
jag312
Member
When you stop in Las Vegas, please remember that the casinos are not charitable organizations. Although we in Nevada appreciate the billions left here by tourists each year, it is not necessary for you to contribute. The house always wins, but they do dribble out some money as bait to attract the suckers.
