My Yearly Road Trip

This message forum must have been heaven sent to us. Ever since I was 5 years old I've been road traveling. Yes, my parents started us off at an early age. My dad's thinking was alway's, "If you fly anywhere, you'll miss all the scenery", so we always drove. As a result we ate alot of road side food. We are geting ready to hit the road for our yearly raod trip, the wife and myself. Eating on the road has become part of my trip planing. The plan this year is to do the east coast, up to VT from FL. Then cross over going west heading to IL, then eventually coming back down through MO. So, YES, I will be hiting alot of different states.

My question is, I'm looking for some good recommendations along the way.

BTW, I'm well prepared. Laptop, Road Atlas 2005 (Derlorme), and GPS. I already hace alot of spots marked all over the country that I've been to, I'd like to add some more. There's nothing better than keeping a computerized log.

Thanks, Rob & Nancee

There's one chain you might know in FL, and it's one that no one bashes: Steak 'n Shake. You will find them in OH, IN, IL, MO, etc. Their website will pinpoint other locations. This is your basic burger-fries-chili-shakes menu expanded over the last 20 years to include other good things.

Will you pass through Nauvoo IL? 16 miles north of Keokuk IA (where the west banks of the Mississippi encounter MO) on the other side of the River in Illinois, it's where the Mormons were before they went to Utah. Many of their homes and shops have been restored and are open for tours daily. Eat at the Hotel Nauvoo, buy wine and other goodies at the Baxter Winery, but stay in Keokuk. The Illinois road between these towns is among the most beautiful in America.

I'd love to be making that very trip. When I have time I always travel the blue highways hoping to find restaurants, yard sales, local color stuff. Hopefully, you'll be able to get off the interstates. There's a ton of useful info here for you.

carl reitz

In Ohio
be sure to get some good Cincinnati style Chili, which can be had throughout most of Ohio
we also have a number of White Castle and Waffle House locations throughout our state

It doesn't sound like you'll be passing through Cincinnati, I'd guess you'll be up in Columbus and/or Cleveland instead, and I don't know those areas too well.

Aside from this site, might I suggest you also check out the reviews at the[url='http://www.hollyeats.com/']Hollyeats site[/url]? I think the kind of food experiences he looks for is a lot like what you appear to be looking for.

Which route are you taking through the Carolinas? I can suggest some foods in these areas if you let us know your route.

An overall suggestion. While you gave us the basic start and stop for your trip are you ready to narrow the path a bit? Florida to Vermont...how many days for that part?(roughly?) Coastal route or the hill country? City stops or rural over niters? History buff or shopping nut? Give us some more (loose) details and I think this group can really add to your list!

From Vermont to Where in Illinois? Across Canada to Detroit?
How about following the Blues Highway south along the Mississippi...or do you want to include K C and branson while in MO.
I'll add some thoughts after you give us some more details...even if they are just "maybe" details !!
AL

Also, in NW Indiana on the north side of US 12 west of Michigan City and east of Beverly Shores you will find a roadhouse "Pumps on 12" that is really delicious. Ask them for directions to the National Lakeshore viewing area in Beverly Shores for a magnificent view of Lake Michigan. On clear days and nights you can see the tall buildings in Chicago, and mid-July to mid-September the beach is oh so swimmable.

I'll go ahead and put in a plug for Cleveland, a wonderful city. Find some pierogis. Also, the Farmer's Market on West 25th is a special place and that whole area around it is just great. Great Lakes brewery is right next door. Downtown is FatFishBlue. If you're there on a wednesday night you can see the last great blues legend still alive, Robert Lockwood, Jr. His band plays every wed. and the cajun food is awesome. www.fatfishblue.com

If you go by on Friday or Saturday, those are the only two days they are open each week, I would stop at Sweatman's BBQ in Eutawville, SC. This is old style, whole hog, cooked over wood, type of BBQ. The way most use to be in the old days.

John