Tell me where to go

Leaving Los Angeles 9/10, I'm moving to Providence, RI. I'll probably take about a week or so. I'm taking I-15 through Vegas to I76, then I-80 the rest of the way. What along this route is a "must see"? My wife and I saw most of the west coast, south and east coast on our recent Airstream road trip (had the idea way before Paris and Nicole). This time I'm driving solo across the middle of the country. Looking for; kitschy roadside attractions, thrift stores, good shows (punk, rockabilly, indie rock) old school strip bars (think Garden of Eden in SF and Mary's Place in Portland), veggie restaurants (gotta eat), 50's motels (gotta sleep), natural wonders, and anything else that you think is cool. If you're anywhere along this route, please, tell me where to go.

[Edited on Sep 06, 2004 by treesofmystery]

Thanks, I saw that on the Roadside America site, it's not too far off I-80 I was going to try and stop there.

go to bed.

go to thailand.

Thanks, I did. But it should be noted that I am currently in the Pacific time zone

Iowa City features the Black Angel.


It's cool in a creepy way. Just don't touch it.

STRAIGHT TO HELL!!!

MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Or not, dude, it really doesn't matter to me either way. Just sayin'.

The black angel in Iowa City is a must see. It's even had poems written about it. And lots of alcohol consumed by its feet. But if you go to Iowa City, you should also stop into the Hamburg Inn for lunch or dinner. One wall is covered with the pictures of one clown's career -- from clown college onward. And in another corner, the booth where Ronald Reagan ate when he came through town -- clearly marked. And if you stop in the natural history museum, there you will see one of the giantest giant three-toed sloths you've ever seen.

Ok, i lived in Iowa City for a while (two years). (you can seee my old condo from I-80) One must is Panchero's for lunch--get a black bean burrito---mmmmmmm. . .there are tons of veggie friendly restaraunts there. Like Z'Mariks Noodle House. Damn. I miss that place. . .
the hamburg inn is nice, but it is also filthy. . .cockroaches roam as far as the eye can see.
Also, Prairie Lights is pretty famous, tons of great writers have given readings there, usually in conjunction with the writer's workshop. Good place to get books signed by famous authors. Also a good place to find out what's on in the city--usually some pretty good shows around.
Coralville, right next to IC, is home to Iowa's largest mall, but that's not too Americana. the country's largest Truck Stop is further east on I-80. you really can't miss it.
If you do stop in IC, give my regards to the folks at Terrapin Coffee shop--best goddamn coffee this side of seattle. the one in Coralville is best. . .

I recommend the Chinese restaurant two doors down from the Hamburg Inn.

Cool, thanks, that takes care of Iowa, how about the rest or the way? Anyone??

I-80 hmm...you'll be at least an hour south of detroit. but if you feel like making that trip, I have plenty of places for you to check out....but while driving through the Toledo, OH area, get inked at Infinite Art Tattoo

[Edited on Sep 06, 2004 by GenghisKhan]

Hmmm. . .That gives me an idea, 7 tattoos in 7 days. . .

I'm a pathetic loser so I'm bumping my own thread
C'mon people, I'm leaving Saturday and so far Iowa City ssems to be the best thing between LA and PVD

In Provo, Utah tonight, bored out of my skull.

--------bump!

hai peeps. imma gonna drive cross country in a few weeks from LA to philly/jersey and want to know if there's any other sites people recommend? i'd like to take different routs on my way out there and on my way back to cali.

any suggestions? what's cool in your town? other places to check out? what not... lemme know.

k.thnx.bai.
xo

Bring at least 14 for the Penn Turnpike. I think that is what is was all the way across.

We're sorry, NJ is closed for the summer. Please check back next year.

that's not what i was told...and that's okay... baltimore and philly are still open.

NJ just did America a solid.

If you run I-40 out of L.A. you can drop down to Route 66 from Ludlow through Amboy (nice crater, home of Roy's Cafe/motel/gas with a great sign) and Essex, re-join I-40 until AZ then pick up 66 through Oatman, Kingman Hackberry and Peach Springs, etc. Google maps actually shows old 66 in most of these places, but you have to zoom in close.

Roy's in Amboy, CA:





Rt 66, Seligman AZ (in 1947, but it doesn't look all that different today)

cool.

Holy old thread! Good luck on your trip. Gotta agree with Stiles, Rt 66 is pretty cool, we did it the other way when my (then future) wife moved to L.A. from Nashville. If you get anywhere near Holbrook, AZ, you MUST stay at the WigWam Motel.