Where should I go....? {major vanity}

1-5-03 | ME

[EggsAckley]

After going through a series of family tragedies over the past three years, I realize that I want to take a vacation, no....I NEED to take a vacation. But I have no idea how to plan one.

I want to get to Sarasota Florida to visit my aunt, but without flying. So that leaves train, bus, or CAR. Since I want to take my little doggie with me for company, I guess train and bus are out.

SO...........driving from the Pacific to the Atlantic. Is it worth it? I don't want to drive in snow, so I'll need a southern route. Five hundred miles a day? Does that sound feasible? Five days to Sarasota? I will have my cameras and laptop with me, and would like to make the most of it by stopping in "picturesque" places along the way.

Would I get my kicks on Route 66?

[cricket]

After seeing you homepage; why not just fly your Aunt out to your little paradise. . .looks incredible.

. . .of course, no place is perfect and the Socialists surely have no clue how they impact the environment; so a different kind of fresh air would be a nice change.

Happy trails :^)

[Dog Gone]

Should we tell him about the legendary "Southern Hospitality"?

[EggsAckley]

Thanks guys for your suggestions. And thanks for the emails too. You've given me a little (much-needed) confidence that I SHOULD do this. I've only ever seen the western states, and would really like to get a feel of the Heartland. Starting to get excited.

I DO like to drive, so the distances aren't a problem. I'll just need to find motels that allow pooches.

[cricket]

. . .speaking of Homepages; I am still laughing. . .

. . .you have a sure woof winner!

[socal_parrot]

Those folks really don't like Jason Giambi.

[sockmonkey]

Would I get my kicks on Route 66?

I would think on Route 66 you might run into some snow this time of year. Lycos has a road trip page with some ideas. Road Trips

[blam]

Take I-5 south to LA, turn left (east) on I-10, go all the way across country on I-10, in north Florida, turn right (south) onto I-75 travel south to the Fruitville exit and turn right and you are in Sarasota. That's the least complicated way there. Should be nice there (Sarasota) this time of year.

[Howlin]

I knew you'd find this thread!

Can't take pets on the train?

[jigsaw]

OMG, your Homepage is hysterical!

[Willie Green]

I DO like to drive, so the distances aren't a problem. I'll just need to find motels that allow pooches.

That's good, because you'll be doing a LOT of it.
I drove from Michigan to here in Las Vegas just last year, and the memory is still rather fresh.

You're driving habits may be different than mine, so in the end it's up to you to decide. I still recommend planning a more leisurely pace, and having some alternatives planned if you happen to make better time. It's much better than planning a more hectic pace, then finding that you're falling behind. Remember, you're on vacation. Take your time and enjoy yourself, and drive safely.

[Howlin]

LOL!

[Howlin]

Hotels that accept pets

[Howlin]

Also this one

[Willie Green]

Can't take pets on the train?

Apparently not.
Except for "seeing-eye" dogs and such, they're allowed of course.
Looks like Greyhound has the same policy for busses.
Bummer.

[Unknown Freeper]

The Wonder Years

bwahahahaaaa you are sick.

[tpaine]

In the early spring a few years ago when I retired, I took the southern route to Florida from the SF Bay area with my dog along. Great trip.
Get a van type mini-motorhome [mainly for the dogs sake] if possible, - stay off the freeways, -- and forget trying to make mileage.

[dljordan]

Let's see. Hmmm. You're driving along on route 66 and get stopped by the Multi Jurisdictional Drug Task Force. They find your PC and camera and decide to conficate them under the Homeland Security guidelines. You protest and are thrown in jail for obstructing a police officer. Yeah, a nice coast to coast drive would be just the thing. Are your papers in order?

[Willie Green]

eat at little non-chain restaurants...the ones with the pickup trucks driven by working men parked in front. Have a cheese burger and fries...and a chocolate malt!

For that distance, a picnic cooler with some lunch meat, cheese, fruit, soft drinks, juice, etc. is also a good idea. Ice can be refreshed each day at whatever hotel/motel you stay at. And while you certainly can still eat at whatever restaurant you want, being able to fix some quick sandwiches not only saves a little money along the way, but driving time as well.

[Helifino]

If you take the southern route through Texas via I-10, take a Xanax before hitting the Houston traffic. Better yet, time it so you'll hit Houston either late at night or before dawn.

If time allows, travel the backroads. Talk to the people. If you're driving a two-lane backroad, watch the drivers as you pass. Notice the different types of waves they give you and count how many index-finger "waves" you get. Drive through Cut & Shoot. Ask the rural folks what they think of Hillary. :-)

Good luck!

Maps from University of Texas
http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/united_states.html

Texas Highways Online
http://www.texashighways.com/currentissue/index.php

Tourin' Texas
http://www.tourintexas.com/contents/index.htm

Texas Fun Travel Guide
http://www.texasfun.com/

Texas Historical Commission
http://www.thc.state.tx.us/

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/

@Texas
http://www.tourtexas.com/index.html

Texas (has some good links)
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~bdominguez/diversions/texas.html

Texas Hill Country
http://howdyyall.com/Texas/TravelEssays/HillCountry.cfm

Luckenbach
http://www.usatourist.com/english/places/texas/luckenbach.html
http://www.lone-star.net/mall/txtrails/luckenbach.htm
http://www.luckenbachtexas.com/

[blam]

Bellingrath Gardens And Home
Mobile, Alabama