What is there to do in North and South Dakota, you ask? Plenty! When people ask me which trip was my favorite, I always think of this one, mostly because I was surprised by what I took away from it: a new appreciation of the American spirit embodied in the homesteaders and pioneers who toughed it out for a piece of land to call their own. It’s tough to imagine my kids and me coming out on a covered wagon to settle … [Read more...]
Itinerary #4: New Mexico and Colorado
Shari and her kids were hooked on the road trip experience after our journey through Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana, and so they jumped at the chance to join us on our odyssey through the heart of the American Southwest. Flying in and out of Albuquerque, we traversed a loop moving up to Santa Fe and across the border as far north as Pueblo, Colorado, and then cutting through the Rocky mountains to Montrose where we … [Read more...]
Itinerary #3: Idaho, Wyoming and Montana
This was our third road trip, and by now we’d started to get the hang of traveling together, moving quickly and absorbing everything we were seeing. Back home, our friends were starting to get very invested in our adventures on the road, and one family in particular was pretty keen on joining us. Sherry and her two kids, Maya and Eitan, were a godsend. Sherry was a retired attorney and 8th grade history teacher, … [Read more...]
Itinerary #2: Nevada, Utah and Arizona
This was my first solo trip (sort of—I took my housekeeper who although has been like a second mother to my kids, speaks no English and cannot drive…I love her to death but let's be honest, she could not be a great help in an emergency in the middle of nowhere). Had I known better, I would have taken along another mom with kids, but of course experience is the best teacher and so I learned for the next trip what … [Read more...]
Itinerary #1: Washington and Oregon
This was our inaugural road trip, and because the kids were small (7, 6, and 4), we kept it really simple with a focus on nature that appeals to all ages. Starting and stopping in the Emerald City of Seattle (emerald for the lush greenery), we looped down the coast with its crashing waves and incredible sand dunes, and then moved inland to explore amazing volcanoes, steep mountains, and a mighty river. There is so … [Read more...]
Itinerary #14: New England Road Trip
I knew New England would be rich with historical significance, but I had no idea it would be so overwhelming. I felt at times that I was standing in the birthplace of this great nation. Seeing these historic places, pulled at us and brought us close to those brave souls who were pushed to the edge, to risk life and limb for liberty and freedom. From John Adams to JFK to Ben and Jerry, New England was full of … [Read more...]
Itinerary #11: Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Kentucky
I think folks assume Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Kentucky are just full of bland, blue collar working-class towns, and might not necessarily plan a road trip here, but let me tell you, they are very exciting places to visit chock full of really fun and interesting things to explore and do. Yvonne, Jacob and Abigail were along for the ride once again and could not wait to explore as we hit the road. Our theme for … [Read more...]
Itinerary #10: Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama
Wow, I can’t believe we are already up to trip #10. This trip entailed exploring the deep South with all its charms and eccentricities. I did not expect how lush and beautiful Tennessee would be (and I can see why it has inspired so many country songs). Simply gorgeous! In fact, all of these states were uniquely beautiful and offered important lessons to be learned. Civil rights played a very important theme, from … [Read more...]