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Freestyle the back roads vacation

Geo-TH,In

Geo-TH,In

Well-known Member
Been thinking, my next vacation will be free-styling the back roads of the US. Has anyone done this, get off interstate and travel the back roads? Which destination will produce neat things to see getting there? I think what I save in gas by driving my car, 25mpg vs a motor home will more than pay for a night at the Holiday Inn.
 
We live west of Tulsa. Years ago we decided to go to Mt. Rushmore for vacation. I told my wife "no maps" and had no GPS. We knew about where Mt. Rushmore so we headed west, then turned north at Fairview, OK. Stopped at the sod house museum. Wandered north, got to Scott's Bluff NE. The only road we found going north was a gravel road, but a nice one. Drove many miles on that road with no houses, trees, few side roads, and no power lines. Finally the trees started to show up and we hit Mt. Rushmore right on the nose. We wandered east and south to come back. A great vacation, we only saw the sights on the road we were on because with no map, we probably could have taken a detour and have seen something interesting but the key point: there are lots of interesting things to see and do on any road in this nation. We always say we haven't been on vacation until we wind up on a gravel road. The one we lived on doesn't count (it's paved now).
 
I think that would be fun. May want to bring some blankets in case you have to spend the night in the car lol. I like to take the back roads and be somewhat spontaneud, however my wife needs to plan everything out to the minute. It's probably better I usually let her plan. We made a weekend trip without her planning and it drove her crazy, but she had fun too.
 
When I'm traveling on vacation, 2 things I do my best to avoid, interstate highways, and fast food/chain restaurants. Historic hotels are better if can find one, not many left.

I do plan my route, somewhat, carry maps, look for interesting locations on the internet, see what I can find by accident, try to avoid deadlines, don't make reservations unless I'm nearly there and suspect there won't be an available room.

I like to go to the websites of the local TV travel/points of interest/exploration shows, see where they have been, what looks interesting.
 
Maybe right about car verses RV, however what about my afternoon nap, habit of munchies which hit at times not near a restaurant. Some of best small vacations were just a lets go, grab spare clean underwear add take off. Ok George I just shot my answer down.
 
George, I have traveled all over this great country in my RV AND LOVE TAKING THE LESS TRAVELED MORE SCENIC 2 LANE HIGHWAYS AND BYWAYS. I have accumulated a lot of data and routes and suggestions concerning the more scenic laid back 2 lane roads and take them often.

I say go for it, much more interesting

John T
 
I use those yard sale trips to do that very same thing. Gives me an excuse to be there stopping in peoples yards to shoot the bull. We do the 127 sale every year,did the Roller Coaster sale in October,always looking for more. You'd be amazed at some of the out of the way attractions that are out there that aren't on the tourist maps.
Trust me,and there are people on here who'll back me up on this,I've been on roads where I really shouldn't have been. I got an escort out of a town in the Ozarks,but that wasn't a yard sale trip,just curiosity about where a road would go with a 4x8 plywood sign that said "Entering blood alley. 29 people killed since 1991". We went up over a mountain in Tennessee and were told we were lucky we got down off there alive.
I keep telling the wife,they're gonna find out bleached bones somewhere someday and at our double funeral,everybody is gonna be saying "What in the world were they doing there anyway?".
 
(quoted from post at 10:44:24 12/03/15) I use those yard sale trips to do that very same thing. Gives me an excuse to be there stopping in peoples yards to shoot the bull. We do the 127 sale every year,did the Roller Coaster sale in October,always looking for more. You'd be amazed at some of the out of the way attractions that are out there that aren't on the tourist maps.
Trust me,and there are people on here who'll back me up on this,I've been on roads where I really shouldn't have been. I got an escort out of a town in the Ozarks,but that wasn't a yard sale trip,just curiosity about where a road would go with a 4x8 plywood sign that said "Entering blood alley. 29 people killed since 1991". We went up over a mountain in Tennessee and were told we were lucky we got down off there alive.
I keep telling the wife,they're gonna find out bleached bones somewhere someday and at our double funeral,everybody is gonna be saying "What in the world were they doing there anyway?".
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as from out of state & wound up one dark nite in the Jackson Mississippi garbage dump! So much for the back roads!
 
You didn't say for how long a trip,but the biggest problem today(last 10-15 yrs.)is finding a place to stay in a lot of places.The small-medium motels are gone on most non interstate roads towns.Some form of RV is to me the best way to be sure of having a pleasant time.1 or 2 day trip NO,but week or more you will enjoy yourself more.Wife and I have over 200,000 mi.in deluxe truck campers and little bit in fifth wheels doing just what you are talking about.US &all Canada +Alaska 2X.Your dime and your call to do as you please.
 
Interstates are never fun or exciting. One end of RT66 is in Chicago, the other in Santa Monica. There are one horse towns all along the way. I travelled a good part of it a decade or so ago with some buddies on the motor scooters before it got popular. Its not as though we meant to, we just didn't want to be on the interstate and found ourselves on RT66 running parallel to the interstate hitting long open stretches combined with little, generally friendly one horse towns. This past Summer I walked out of one of our central offices and found a small group that shipped their motor scooters all the way from Sweden or Switzerland just to do the RT66 ride so I snapped a quick photo of them with the company cell phone.

Good luck in your decision, and enjoy it.

Mark
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We taken a lot of back road trips and stay off interstate as much as possible and always stop early enough to check area out before we put up and if not good we go on down the road a little farther till we find a nice area.
 
Wifes family has gone to Florida for the winter for decades. I've gone down with the wife for no longer then two weeks at a time, for years, always taken the freeway. Wife remembers to before the freeways and has no interest in going back to the old roads. So last year she spent the winter down there to walk and recover from chemo and I came back to take care of the farm. Had my first chance to drive the back way. So I tried coming home up old 27 the whole way. I loved it. Saw a whole lot more then just cement and the same trees. Only bit I didn't care for was TN. So many hills, twists, and turns couldn't drive over 45. I'd like to do it again on a different route.

I will say freeways were much better, for the guys like me who like to see the land, when they were new. Now it's been long enough the shrubs, bushes, and/or trees now block the view.
 
Should have caught 127 in Chattanooga. Good road,beautiful scenery. The only place really hilly and crooked is through the Valley of the Three Forks between Jamestown and the Kentucky state line,but the scenery through there is so mind bogglingly beautiful,you wouldn't want to drive too fast through there. Sgt York home place in Pall Mall makes a nice stop off.
You can take 127 right on up through Kentucky and catch 75 to get around Cincinnati at Florence,just south of Cinci. 27 goes right in to Lexington. Gets real crowded through there. 127 goes up through Frankfort,not so bad. I get back off at Middletown Ohio and cut back across State Route 122 and get back on 127 again at Eaton Ohio. Mostly 2 lane then all the way up to Jackson.
 
Wife, puppy, & I did Rt. 66 about 4 years ago. We delayed departure due to winter storm Virgil, so picked up Rt. 66 off Interstate 55 in Bolingbrook, Ill. I don't drive downtown Chicago except on Sunday mornings if I can help it.

Took 12 days, 5500 miles, and wife & I loved every minute of it. 4-5 national parks, downtown Roswell NM, Hoover Dam, Sequoia Nat'l Park & General Sherman. Hit LA on Easter Sunday morning, and hated every second until we got 60-70 miles away.
 
I did that for a week or so back in the late 90's- flew into Omaha, rented a car (got one that had been "hailed"- for half price), and drove to a Cockshutt (Coshoo) auction in Kearney, Nebraska, then just kind of wandered around the back roads of Neb., Kansas and Missouri. I had seen folks with what looked a little like broccoli plants in fairly small plots near their houses. I figured it was tobacco, but stopped at one place in Missouri where the family was out planting. Wife came over to talk to me over the fence, while husband and cute teenage daughter continued planting. 2 row transplanter on the back of a Ford 3000-ish size tractor. She verified it was tobacco, we talked a little more, then she said, "Well, I'd better get back and help- we're leaving for Nashville as soon as we get done, to see our daughter- she's a country singer and starting to get some radio play- you may have heard of her- Sara Evans."

Never can tell what you'll come across out in the hinterlands. Turned out I didn't buy anything at the auction in Kearney, but did buy a Moline 4 Star Super from an ol' boy down around Cole Camp, Missouri. That's another story for another day.
 
I travel allot on my motorcycle. Put back roads, no interstates, in my GPS, more than once. Just went from Michigan through Texas last September and back for a couple of weeks. I run from Mi. to Fl. at least once a year on my bike doing the same thing. My only worry is I'm afraid of running off the road when I'm rubber necking trying to determine if the JD I see working a field is a 4010 or a 4020. Its a great way to see the country.
 
That was 90% of the reason I went on the wheat harvest. Running the machinery was boring, getting to see what was over the next hill on that red dirt road was exciting. The small town folks are unforgettably hospitable.
 
I've been on pretty much every mile of 127 from Grayling to Chattanooga. Real nice drive all the way. It's not someplace to be through Cincinnati is all. I did it once,but it takes you through some pretty ugly neighborhoods. That whole 122 from Eaton to Middletown and back on at Florence is the best way I've found.
 
You didn't say where you are now. Travel to interesting places means going to different places from where you live. I live in New England. I love to travel to the west where it open, there are tall mountains, and deserts. If you live in that area you might want to travel to an area with trees, streams, where you can't see distance unless you look for a place that is high and open. I have made several 4 to 6 week trips "out west" to camp and mountain bike. Having something to do like mountain bike is good as it is something to do when you get there and it keeps you in shape and is good after driving all day to get on the bike for a bit. I always traveled in the summer and sometimes it was hot. Almost always in a van. Never got a motel. Stayed in campgrounds sometimes. National Forest campgrounds out west, state campgrounds on the way out and back, seldom commercial ones. Once out west away from people you can often find a spot to camp where you happen to be if yo plan right, take side roads off the side roads etc. I always tried to be out of sight of the road, never had a problem. A van seems they way to go, maybe one done over into a camper. A larger vehicle can have problems in side roads off of side roads, the ultimate would be 4 wheel drive, maybe a box or cube van done over to live in. As I only had 2wd I always had set of chains. Only used them once on a hard packed dirt road in Utah or Colorado when it started to rain and the road turned to grease. Have had a lot of fun traveling and biking. There are biking trails all over the place, local bike shops can clue you in with advise, maps, guide books. Thinking of maybe next summer for something like this but don't have a van so I am thinking of a box on the back of my flat bed pick-up truck, 6"x 8', by maybe 5' high. Not as good as a van might work.
 
When I was in Vagus, I drove on a small seciton of RT66 on way to Grand Canyon and loved it. Nothing like the Canyon.
 
OK Bill, I'll throw a cooler in car for drinks and snacks. Usually motels have free ice. I love eating at restaurants off the beaten path. I go to the restaurant that have many local cars, stay away from those that don't.
 
I help my BIL drive a 40ft diesel pusher to Florida on two occasions. RV's are not for me, too big, no fun to drive. Fuel bill is about $.45/mile. Car will be less than half and we can share driving. My sister won't even think of getting behind the wheel of her RV.
 
Thanks to all. RT66 has peaked my interest. I can get on it at St. Louis in 3 hrs or go to Springfield in 2 hrs. What time of year may be best?
 
I was thinking Effingham was the crossroads of America or did they annex themselves out of Illinois.
 
If it's just a 2 lane road trip that you want to take,don't overlook Michigan's "Route 66". M66 runs north and south pretty much the full length of the lower peninsula. From down near the state line all the way up fairly close to the Mackinac Bridge. Then you could take two lanes through the U.P.,lots of things to see on the back roads up there. I've done that,knew kind of what I wanted to see,then just took off on the scenic route to get there eventually. That's a trip I'd take in the summer.
M66 doesn't go through many "big" towns. It hits the edge of Battle Creek,a few stop lights there,then Ionia,seven lights there I think,including the one in front of the WalMart. Other than that,farm land,woodland up north and small towns.
 
As bad as 27 is through there,127 is even worse. You can get on 75 off 27 fairly quick up on the north end. On 127,there's no ramp. You go over 75 then right down town through the hood. I went through a couple of times and found a way to 27 from 127 up on the north side in Hamilton so I could get on 75 sooner,before I found the Eaton to Middletown route.
 
I was told by an old person that Old US 41 and US 40 was the crossroads of America. 41 changed to 7th street and 40 is called Wabash ave.
 
Too many to remember, I have an entire list on my Garmin. However, if you ever travel to Utah to Bryce Canyon Natl Park, take Highway 12 to Torrey, then 24 to Hanksville, then 95 down to Canyonlands BEAUTIFUL

There are all sorts of travel books and maps and Garmin POI's showing the most scenic highways plus we make up our own often

John T
 
My Grandparents' vacations usually started at the end of the driveway, asking "which way does the weather look best, North or South?"

One of out best trips to MN to the In-Laws was taking route 14 from downtown Chicago rather than any Interstate. a few hours longer, but much more entertaining.
 
One of these years, I'm going to stop taking in tractor work, and head to the UP for a couple weeks with my Yamaha enduro motorcycle. I want to ride the forest service roads across the UP and fish my way across as well. I like being around no one else, nothing but the sound of the woods and the creatures that reside there. Someday...

Ross
 

I enjoy "no roads freestyling" by snowmobile. We go way north of Montreal in Canada, and just ride until it is time to stop or eat or whatever and then find a hunting lodge to eat or to stay at. We carry water and granola bars just in case, and except for the time that our sleds were stolen have never had a problem. There are lots of great sights and wild animals to see.
 
Take 150 south to Vincennes IN. Take 50 west Dodge City KS. Take 400/50 to Salida Colorado. Then 291 north to 285. Then at Johnson City CO take 24 north to I 70 Go West to Rifle CO. Go north at Rifle on CO 13 to the WY border. Ti turns into WY 789 go north to I 80. Go east to Rawlins WY then northwest on 287 to US 26 west into Yellowstone area Moran WY. 191 north into Yellowstone. Take US 20 east to us 14 East to Ranchester WY. and finally 25 south to Chyanne WY. Find your way back from there.
There are fuel and food and modest accommodations all this way. it is a good mix of western Americana, Mountains, and old west towns. Jim
 
Ive covered all of Michigan (my home) and tons of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin in searches for tractor related parts. When I am not running tight for time, I always opt for the two lane highways and roads versus the interstates. So much more to see and relaxing.

I used to work in Canada a fair amount. Buickanddeere gave me a few road suggestions that were very nice and beat the same boring drive up the 401 to Toronto.

Rick
 
(quoted from post at 19:09:00 12/03/15) Take 150 south to Vincennes IN. Take 50 west Dodge City KS. Take 400/50 to Salida Colorado. Then 291 north to 285. Then at Johnson City CO take 24 north to I 70 Go West to Rifle CO. Go north at Rifle on CO 13 to the WY border. Ti turns into WY 789 go north to I 80. Go east to Rawlins WY then northwest on 287 to US 26 west into Yellowstone area Moran WY. 191 north into Yellowstone. Take US 20 east to us 14 East to Ranchester WY. and finally 25 south to Chyanne WY. Find your way back from there.
There are fuel and food and modest accommodations all this way. it is a good mix of western Americana, Mountains, and old west towns. Jim
Click to expand...
Great route, Jim!
 
By the way, if you get close, go to Winslow, AZ. Stopped at a grocery store for supplies, while my wife rested I walked over to the intersection and stopped, "standing on a corner in Winslow, AZ," at least I have done that. Didn't see a girl in a flat bed Ford.
 
Forgot to add, DeLORME company made a state-by-state Atlas & Gazetter guide for each state, detailed topo maps, shows each and every road, trail, stream, forest, town, hamlet, trail, hill, valley, etc etc., really informative for each state. Barnes & Noble used to have them.
 
When I was younger, I would get on motorcycle and just drive. Usually do 100 miles or so to discover the back roads around where I lived. About 15 years ago I got a goldwing and drove on all the back roads around Terre Haute. Found some very interesting places. Then the Dr. said I needed spinal fusion or give up the caddy, jag, and motorcycle. Get a SUV or Truck. So he was right, got a SUV and Truck along with changing what I do. Glad I didn't get fusion, but miss the motorcycle. .
 
I do have a Garmin and wanted to shoot it when I was in Vegas. I like google maps on smart phone. Guess I'll take Garmin along and see how it works.
 
Two memorable vacations for me. First, just taking 10 days wandering around Michigan's UP. So many beautiful falls to see, mines, forest, you name it. Still in my bucket list is the Cornish Pump in Iron Mountain. Then we took 5 weeks and wandered the west and Canada. Drove as far as Iowa City on the interstate, the rest of 5500 miles on two lanes. We met so many friendly people, saw so much it was a lifetime memory. If you can spend a month in a car with your wife, you know your marriage is solid!! Randy, If you're not married to 127 thru Ohio, try I74 west out of Cinci to Ind 3 to Markle, IN. Good lightly travelled two lane, no big towns. Then let me know when you're coming, you can stop and see me.
 
Take route 2 from Duluth to Seattle. Strickly a summer time route. At Glacier, you can go up to Calgary, to Banff Park, and Lake Louise then over to the west coast. Then take 101 ALL the way, Redwood forest, etc. to San Diego. If you want cut across the middle, go east at Sacramento, Donner Pass over to Lake Tahoe where Bonanza was filmed. Then route 50 over to 40 and then 36 back home. Deviate off of any of these routes and you will see LOTS of beautiful country, such as the four corners area. You can't see it in one trip unless you take a very LONG one.

When you get to the Rockies is when the good part begins. Getting there is boring.
 
That I know, I drove through Kansas on way to Colorado. Telephone poles were about the most exciting thing along the road in Kansas.
 

I did that once when my sons were small and really enjoyed it. We took the back roads on the way out west. We were gone 2 weeks and drove 5000 miles on the return trip we needed to make up time and drove the interstates. Last spring my son decided he wanted to do the same by himself. He threw some camping gear in his ford ranger and took off. Sleeping in a tent mostly at CC camps and state parks. Other than 1 night that got into the teens he said he loved it and at that time of year there wasn't any crowds at the parks.
 

We take the bike to the UP in Mi about every year. Once we got to talking to a Dad ans on from NC, came up there to run US 2 all the way to the West coast, then South on 1. I didn't even know US 2 ran that far. One year I ran US 2 a lot hauling seed potatoes out of Wi, and the UP. Found out there was a potato farm North of Hancock Mi. in Calmet.
 
wife&I been doing it for about 8 years now, been all over the US and Canada, every summer after crops are in we leave for 4to6 weeks. lot of things to see all over.we pack the RV and off we go, can go about 10 days before we need a campground to dump black water and fill up on clean water and propane. no restaurants or motels just fuel, park anywhere and sleep eat and shower then off we go.
 
I always liked the backroads, trouble was we were always in hurry to get there and wife and kids were in a hurry to get back home. Tired of Interstates 70, 80 and 90, have always lived between a city block to about 6 miles from route 20. First thing I was going to do when I retired is take 20 west from Illinois. Got the route 20 book, Journey across America's longest highway, had the new truck a year and a half, 7000 miles on it and haven't been over 2 hours from home yet, might be a good day to read the book again. Have a nice trip George.
 
Geo,I respect your ideas,but this new motel deal with all the INDIA run motels and their housekeeping.So many of the old 2 lane US highways motels-hotels have turned into by the Hr.or by the week,it is hard at times to find a nice place when you want to stop for a night or two.I wasn't talking a 40 ft.motor home,but a small 20-22FT.Class c type or a 16-22Ft. trl.and you will get about as good a mileage. We have ran 30-36-40-50 end to end plus like Randy said 127 and 27 N-S.36 E to W and 27-127 Ohio river south are the most interesting drives.Look into renting a small Class C,you might like it and the freedom to move when and where you want to.Listen to John T a little.
 
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