West Coast to East Coast
A cross country road trip has been on my bucket list for quite some time. So when work was calling me to the east coast, I decided it was time for an epic adventure. Six days, six states and a whole lot to see. Flying solo with my favorite sidekick, I packed up my car and set out on this amazing journey.
In this post, I will show you how to drive across the U.S. with six overnight stays in some amazing states for less then a thousand dollars. Dog friendly stops, good eats, and stunning views.
Plan Ahead
A blend of efficiency and flexibility are imperative when taking a long trip like this. Plan ahead by deciding which states you want to stop in. I was going to be crossing eight states, but only stopping in six. One of them being my final destination. Since I was taking the drive solo, I decided how much driving I wanted to do per day. I also had to keep my pup in mind, stopping more often for him. After the logistics were figured out, I booked lodging and researched activities and must sees. Making a list of restaurants will give you options once you arrive. The last thing you want after a long day of driving is to have to research where to eat. Gas stations were also something I looked into for two reasons, safety and pet relief areas. Yelp is a great place to start and my go to for everything.
Six U.S. Stops
- Arizona: This U.S. State is a little over seven hours from San Diego. It’s landscape made up of dry desert, cacti and mountains. When people think of Arizona, they mostly think of the iconic red rocks of the Grand Canyon. Maybe even the spiritual vortexes of Sedona. However, there is another must see here. The Petrified National Forest is located in Holbrook, Arizona. It is known as the Painted Park for the variations of colors reflecting from it’s landscape. I had the National Park Pass which made the entry fee to the park free for me. I highly recommend getting one prior to this trip if you don’t already have one. Entrance to the park opens at eight in the morning. Once passed the gates you can drive straight to it’s breathtaking views. When we were done taking it all in I took Jet to the newly added Petrified Forest Dog Park. A perfect way to end the visit before we took off to the next stop.
Where to stay: Our first overnight was at a no frills inn called Greentree Inn. Affordably priced and met the needs for a one night stay. We checked in as soon as we got to Arizona. After settling in, I grabbed dinner to go. This allowed me the time to unwind and turn in early. I wanted to get to the Petrified Forest before it opened the next day.
Where to eat: Of course, finding the best spots to eat are a must wherever I go. In Holbrook I highly recommend Big Fellas BBQ. A hole in the wall with mouthwatering BBQ cooked by a two man crew. The aroma hitting your nose as soon as you pull up. The smoke coming out of the outdoor grill reminds you of summer picnics. The meat being carefully timed to ensure fall off the bone. While they don’t have an official website, their information can be found on Facebook and Google reviews.
2. New Mexico– My second stop on this road trip was not Santa Fe, but a small town called Alamogordo. Here is where you will find some of the most majestic views. White Sands National Park is a sea of wave like sand dunes. A perfection of pure white sand to climb. Jet and I arrived early enough to catch sunrise. Witnessing it’s beauty leaves you awe struck. Feeling grateful, we sat at the top of the dune and took it all in.
Where to stay: Quality Inn & Suites Near White Sands National Park is a pet friendly hotel just minutes away. Conveniently located minutes away from White Sands. This is another no frills hotel. However, it meets the needs for an overnight stay.
Where to eat: D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro serves a creative menu with award winning New Mexico wines. Their Lavender Honey Feta & Hummus appetizer is life changing! Pair it with their amazing selection of wine flights and you won’t want to leave.
3. Fort Worth, Texas– Fort Worth has a very lively downtown area with many options for good eats. Live music, long horns and smokey BBQ. These are the things that make the Fort Worth Stockyards a must place to visit.
We arrived a little late to Texas so I did not get to experience the cattle run. However, you should definitely fit it into your schedule if you can. To witness the walk of the legendary longhorns arrive between the hours of 11:30 and 4:00 pm. It’s free for everyone. If that doesn’t interest you, there are plenty of shops to peruse. After dinner, I took a stroll to Sundance Square. Also known as the “living room of Fort Worth” where everyone gathers to listen to the acoustics of talented performers. The string lights hanging over the whimsical water fountain in the middle of the courtyard give a euphoric feeling.
Where to stay: Avid Hotel is a trendy IHG hotel with colorful modern decor. Our hotel room was a definite upgrade to the last two we have been in. Conveniently located near the downtown area. Though they are pet friendly, there is a pet fee unless your pup is a registered service dog.
Where to eat: Or not…surprisingly, I will have to leave this one up to you. I was excited to try a highly recommended BBQ place by the name of Riscky’s BBQ. Unfortunately, I must have caught them on a bad night. The food was cold and left something to be desired.
4. Memphis, Tennessee Where the Blues is a way of life and the food feeds your soul. Memphis was one of my favorite stops. It gets a bad rap for being rough around the edges. However, what I encountered was a warm welcome and a seat at the table.
Where to stay: Hotel Indigo in downtown Memphis is a historic hotel with a luxurious feel. It’s colorful, trendy and stylish decor is aesthetically pleasing. Warmly greeted by the front desk, I was excited to have finally arrived.
What to eat: Just out the front door on the corner of B.B. King Blvd. you’ll find Biscuits & Jams. Serving food made with love. This restaurant offers an immersive dining experience with unforgettable food and entertainment. Their sweet but tangy bourbon bacon jam BBQ beef sliders will send your tastebuds into a tizzy. Pair it with their signature old fashioned. Created with attention to detail with only the finest ingredients. If you are stopping in for breakfast, this hidden gem serves a unique menu. With items like shrimp and crawfish creole benedict or their rum boogie french toast, you will definitely leave happy. Top it off with a their 4 drink mimosa flight to celebrate a great meal.
If you are not quite ready to end your night head down to their speakeasy. Make sure to get the secret password. A new password is given everyday and can be found on The Juke Speakeasy website. Once you are granted access and make it through the front door, you can make your way to the bar. Here you will be greeted warmly. Listen to the jazzy blues playing overhead while sipping on your favorite drink. From Wednesdays through Sunday events are held from tastings to live entertainment. Still feeling hungry? Small bites are offered at the bar.
5. Cincinnati, Ohio: A city with an energy that makes you feel alive. The tall buildings and bustling streets reminded me of New York with the exception of clean streets. This was a very walkable city. Entertainment was not far with hidden talent singing on the corner. Trendy restaurants all around and transportation easily accessible if needed.
Where to stay: Hampton Inn and Suites Cincinnati – Downtown is a budget friendly hotel with a luxury feel. From the moment you pull up to valet you are made to feel like VIP. The lobby had a baby grand piano and massive gold elevator doors that lead you to check in. At the front desk I was told they were sold out of standard rooms. So to our benefit, we were upgraded to a suite. A perk that was much appreciated after a long drive. I was greeted warmly with a swag bag and an attentive bell hop ready to take our bags. Once settled, I was eager to explore the city.
Where to eat: Cincinnati is known for it’s culinary scene. Bourbon Craft Kitchen & Bar is an aesthetically pleasing restaurant with a mouthwatering menu that caters to any palate. It was hard to decide what to try but I finally settled on the Truffle and Gouda Steak Burger. The truffle aioli, smoked gouda, and bacon jam made the burger heaven in between a brioche bun. I added a side of white chedder mac n cheese. Served with a crumble on top, it was rich creamy treat. Since they were known for their bourbon, I paired my meal with a smoked old fashioned. One word…Yum!
6. New York: Our final destination on this fun filled road trip was not the city. We settled in a small town in upstate NY by the name of Corning. Settling in for the last time. Home away from home for the next few months. For the where to eat and sleep, stay tuned to my blog. I will be doing a post on small towns to visit. Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoyed the journey.
