The Explore All 50 States Project
Let's Go!
There are lots of great ways to explore across the USA, but it can be especially fun and exciting when you are passionate about something in particular. Meet the Brown family from South Carolina who are on a quest to see all 50. Though the family has been road tripping since the kids were born, they officially started their quest to visit all 50 back in 2012. So far this family of 5 has hit 32 states and run up … [Read more...]
It's such a great feeling when you meet someone new who shares your same thoughts and sentiments. It was almost like listening to myself when I heard parent and schoolteacher Carrie McWhorter tell me about the impact their road trip travels have had on their family. Carrie and her husband and fellow teacher Owen and their kids Avery, 13 and Stella 11 are on a quest to see all 50 so far having visited 33. It all … [Read more...]
Too often we only think of traveling to states that have lots of tourist appeal like Hawaii, or Alaska, New York or Florida. Sadly there are too many hidden gems that most folks miss all across the country that are definitely worth exploring. These places are not only interesting, but they illustrate the character of our country and often give meaning to what it means to be American. Here are a few places that … [Read more...]
Why exploring tastes should be part of any road trip adventure. On the road we get to see and do lots of interesting and unique things we would never get to experience at home. It’s those things and our reactions to them that create lasting memories that we share and the stories that we tell. One of our favorite ways to explore is through taste, sampling unusual regional specialties to dial in to the culture of … [Read more...]
With so much technology out there it can be a little confusing finding the right system to guide you. The days of folding and unfolding those paper maps have now given way to all kinds of electronic gadgetry to get you from point A to point B without getting lost. They can also give you really helpful information about the nearest gas station, restaurants even local attractions. But with so many options to choose … [Read more...]
So I am driving through North Dakota with my dear friend Avrille and my 3 kids in the backseat. Clouds are getting darker and it starts raining really hard, I mean like bullets hitting the car hard. All of a sudden the emergency broadcast system comes on. You know what I am talking about-the annoying loud beep that occasionally interrupts your music while they are conducting a test-except this time it’s REAl. We … [Read more...]
Located under the Gateway Arch is the Museum of Westward Expansion which houses some of the rarest artifacts from the days of Louis and Clark. This is a fitting place for this museum as the arch is on the banks of the Mississippi River, the gateway to the west over which many explorers and pioneers headed out to settle the Louisiana Purchase and seek their fortune. In all honesty, the kids started to moan when I … [Read more...]
Discovering Perkins was a complete godsend. Living in Southern California, we'd never heard of Perkins till we got out on the road in North and South Dakota. Our friend Avrille spotted one on the road telling us it was a great place for some family friendly food, so we tried it and we were hooked ever since. You cannot go wrong for breakfast, lunch or dinner at Perkins. There is something for everyone, even your … [Read more...]
The secret to traveling light AND having everything you need. Unfortunately, airlines are now charging for checked bags. With everyone having their own bag, that can really add up. In addition, you are probably going to be lugging your suitcases in and out of the car on a daily basis if you cover a lot of ground like I do. So here are a few tips on packing to make sure you have all you’ll need while … [Read more...]
There’s a big difference between driving around your neighborhood running errands or heading to work and cruising the open roads of a rural 2-lane highway across unfamiliar territory. Here are some tips to help you drive safely and steer clear of trouble with the Highway Patrol. While most official rules of the road are uniform across the country, it’s very important to make a special effort to observe the … [Read more...]
