The Explore All 50 States Project
Let's Go!
Texas is the largest of the contiguous 48 states but its bold spirit and larger than life character almost overshadow its enormous size. Because there was so much ground to cover we decided to explore Texas on it’s own and in 9 days we still didn’t get to see all of it. I really would have like to explore places like Amarillo in the north and Padre Island to the far south but it just wasn’t possible to do it … [Read more...]
“Is there enough to see and do in ‘boring’ states?” I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked this question, so let me set the record straight, once and for all—there is no such thing as a boring state! Every state has something unique and interesting to offer. Case in point: Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma. While most folks would not put these destinations on their must-see list, I hope that after … [Read more...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
