Spur of the Moment

[military_irish]

So my wife and I were trying to figure out what we wanted to do with our tax returns. We wanted to go on a trip but after adding flights, hotel, and then entertainment. The price, well was pricey. Then at lunch today I through it out there and said "screw it lets just go to Vegas, don't think about it. Just pick up and go." I was partially joking and serious.

Then she comes back and says "let's just hop in the car and drive". After thinking about it, we decided that was a great idea. Whenever we go on a road trip to South Bend or anywhere else we are always in a hurry. This time we want to get on the road and if something on the side of the road looks cool we will stop. Our "final destinations" is either going to be Colorado Springs or Albuquerque, we are starting from Dallas. Colorado Springs is 11 hours away, Albuquerque is about 9 hours. Hopefully we find some good camp grounds because that is where we plan to stay, in the wilderness.

Hopefully we run into some random people just to get to know. I also plan on video taping our journey and a lot of pictures.

If anyone knows anything scenic on that path please let me know. We just want a random fun filled journey.

Oh and we are leaving Friday, kind of excited. Need that right now, something random and fun.

 

[NankerPhelge]

Don't know exactly what you're looking for, but everytime I take off on a trip I go to Roadside America - Guide to Uniquely Odd Tourist Attractions. You can click on the individual states, and they have all kinds of things to see. Mostly places that are a little off the beaten path, and might even seem odd. But, when you get there, it usually turns out to be pretty cool. That's how I found out about Mt. Airy, NC (Tadman's home), the real "Mayberry." Turned out to be a great place to visit.

 

[NDFANnSouthWest]

Well I am hear in Albuquerque. When we drive to Vegas we go ABQ->Gallup->Flagstaff0->Kingman-> Vegas.

Its not a bad rive...you have to check out Hoover Dam. It will take your breadth away.

If you come thru ABQ please call me....I will buy you Dinner.

 

[k1ssme1m1r1sh]

If you have time, check out the 4 corners...

 

[military_irish]

So far, thanks to NankerPhelge, I have found some really cool roadside attractions. Twelve in all, from Dallas to Albuquerque. Then from Albuquerque there is a nice route (from what it seems) that goes through the Anasazi Indian Country, about 120 miles total.

Looks like we will stay in the New Mexico area, I was leaning toward Colorado Springs but the wife wants Albuquerque, so Albuquerque it is.

Now that all the attractions are located, next stop camp grounds. Never camped before but always wanted to.

 

[NankerPhelge]

Both Woodall's and Trailer Life publish a really comprehensive campground guide which shows just about every place you can camp in the country, along with what is offered at each campground, cost, directiions, etc. I know most of the camping supply places have them, and I think I have even seen Woodall's at WalMart. Good luck and have fun!

 

[woolybug25]

Colorado Springs is an awful city. Filled with crazies. If you are heading that way, stay in Manitou Springs instead. It is right next to CS and has a really cool vibe to it. Lots of good restaruants, wine tastings and natural sites (Garden of the Gods, Cave of the Winds, cliff dwellings, etc).

 

[95NDAlumNM]

In Abq. you should check out the tram up to Sandia Peak. It is a very nice view from 10,000 feet. Also, you should come on up to Santa Fe. It is only 60 miles and has a lot to see. Bandelier is close by also which is a great hike. You can also see tent rocks in Cochiti which is between Santa Fe and Abq. Santa Fe also has some great hiking and biking trails up in the Sangre de Cristo mountains.

When I drive to Dallas I usually come up through Amarillo and then over on I-40. It is not a bad drive but not a whole lot to see. There is the Big Texan in Amarillo which dares you to eat one of the biggest steaks I have ever seen.

If you have questions about any hking, camping, or other sites just PM me and I can provide and insight I have. Also, if you do happen to come up to Santa Fe and need anything let me know.

 

[dshans]

So far, thanks to NankerPhelge, I have found some really cool roadside attractions.

On a completely "road less travelled" note I recommend Tom Robbin 's first published novel, Another Roadside Attraction as reading material when you might have some down time. It's a bit off the beaten track and a quite hippy-dishy-ess, but it's a good read. When I spent the summer after my graduation in SB after my graduation from ND in a house with three males and three females, our household checking account was under the name of Marx Marvelous.

No matter. Enjoy your trip. With luck memories will be made and stories will be told for years to come.


I've yet to be to that neck o' the country so I can't offer any useful advice.

 

[military_irish]

Thanks for the info, everyone. I have planned out for our first camp site to be on Lake Meredith, just north of Amarillo. Looks pretty nice and has some nice scenery. Never been camping, so I hope all goes good. Really no timeline for anything, just hitting the road and going to stop whenever something looks cool.