Introduction

Welcome to another marathon road trip!  This time we are traveling almost all the way across the country in a general southwesterly direction.  The main thrust of this trip is to visit areas in the Midwest we have never been to before, explore some historic sites, and, of course, stop at every kitschy road side attraction we come across.  Although the majority of the time will be spent getting back to California, and we will be stopping along the way, we expect to explore the Southwest more thoroughly in a future road trip.  The itinerary map above shows the general route, but we expect to veer off the interstate from time to time.  Red stars on the map indicate planned overnight stops, but these are always subject to change either before we depart or during the trip.

As always, we'll keep you informed of current bookings and changes in plan as they happen.  As of today, December 10, 2011, no reservations have been made.

December 14, 2011:  A minor change was made to our route, substituting Bisbee, AZ, for Lordsburg, NM.  Rather than just an overnight stop along the road, Bisbee has enough to offer to make it worthwhile to stay for a couple of days.  An overnight stop was added in Hannibal, MO, to allow more time for sightseeing in the area.

December 27, 2011:  We're introducing the twist in this adventure today.  Rather than flying to Chicago, we'll be taking Amtrak's Southwest Chief from Fullerton, CA, to Chicago's Union Station.  We expect it to be God-awful, but we can assure you it will at the very least give us something to talk about and, who knows, maybe it will be fun!  Other details of our itinerary are now listed, but everything is still subject to revision.

January 09, 2012:  Our first three hotels have been selected and posted in the blog.  No reservations have been made yet and changes may be expected, but these are the best bets at the moment.  We anticipate using HHonors points for the entire stay in Chicago since it is by far the most expensive city we are visiting during this trip.  We were recently upgraded to Hilton Honors Diamond, so we'll see what additional amenities that gets us.

January 11, 2012:  More of our top-choice hotels have been added to the list as we narrow down our final selections.  No reservations have been made.  An adjustment was made to the itinerary to add back in a day previously deleted from the Marceline stay.  We are still wavering on whether to stay in the city itself or in a nearby town.

February 20, 2012:  We've made a change toward the end of our route to accommodate a family gathering south of Tucson.  All other stops remain the same.  We plan to start making reservations for transportation and some hotels at the beginning of the route in a few weeks.

Day 1: Tuesday, April 17 - In Transit - Amtrak Southwest Chief

The Amtrak Southwest Chief runs daily between Chicago and Los Angeles, through the vast expanse of the fabled American West.

You'll be mesmerized by this region's beauty and allure. We'll take you across the mighty Mississippi through eight states—past wheat fields and ranches, missions and pueblos, mountains and deserts. Carving through curving canyon passages only a few feet wider than the train itself, you'll see spectacular landscapes and pristine vistas not visible from interstate highways.

Onboard the Southwest Chief, enjoy Superliner Sleeping and Dining Car accommodations and spectacular views from our renowned Sightseer Lounge Car.

Day 2: Wednesday, April 18 - In Transit - Amtrak Southwest Chief

Day 3: Thursday, April 19 - Arrive in Chicago, IL - TheWit Hotel

With attractions and activities galore, Chicago is everyone's kind of town. See all the famous sights, then catch a show in the theater district or a Cubs game at historic Wrigley Field, followed by a late night visit to a blues club or jazz bar. Culture hounds will delight in the multitude of museums, including the prestigious Art Institute and the Chicago Historical Society. Families will find plenty to do at Navy Pier and to explore at the Field Museum and the Lincoln Park Zoo. You could spend all day strolling through Hyde Park or shopping along the Magnificent Mile. Discover vibrant ethnic neighborhoods, architectural landmarks, delicious restaurants and world-class hotels. From the top of the Willis (formerly Sears) Tower to the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago offers so much to do, visitors keep coming back for more.

Lose yourself in the vibrant epicenter of the Windy City at theWit- A Doubletree By Hilton, the newest downtown Chicago boutique hotel. Located on historic State Street -- in the heart of the revitalized theater and Loop business districts -- this all-new destination pulls the chair from underneath pomposity and seriousness … igniting the neighborhood with a new energy and spirit of fun. Relax in plush accommodations with breathtaking views of the Chicago River, the skyline, and Millennium Park. Take a short stroll and marvel at the city's premier museums, cultural landmarks, and entertainment. Experience the allure and style of the Chicago Loop.  theWit, your shining star among downtown Chicago hotels.

Day 4: Friday, April 20 - Chicago, IL - TheWit Hotel

Day 5: Saturday, April 21 - Chicago, IL - TheWit Hotel

Day 6: Sunday, April 22 - Chicago, IL - TheWit Hotel

Day 7: Monday, April 23 - Drive to Springfield, IL - Hilton Springfield Hotel

The spirit of the "Land of Lincoln" is nowhere else so alive as it is in Springfield, one time home to old Honest Abe himself and present home of the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site, the Old State Capitol State Historic Site, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site.

Located in the historic downtown area of Springfield, Illinois, the newly remodeled 30-story Hilton Springfield hotel in Springfield, Illinois features 360 beautifully appointed guest rooms and 9 Springfield IL suites, each with a spectacular, panoramic city view.

Day 8: Tuesday, April 24 - Springfield, IL - Hilton Springfield Hotel

Day 9: Wednesday, April 25 - Springfield, IL - Hilton Springfield Hotel

Day 10: Thursday, April 26 - Drive to Hannibal, MO - BEST WESTERN PLUS On The River

Nearly 160 years ago Mark Twain transformed this sleepy river town into an American icon.  Today, Hannibal offers many adventures in the spirit of those the author made famous.  Explore the caves, cruise on the riverboat, take in the museums and galleries, visit Twain sites, shop and dine around town and experience the excitement and magic of Tom and Huck.

Welcome to the BEST WESTERN PLUS On the River, located minutes away from the Mississippi River in eastern Missouri, where guests will find friendly customer service and comfortable accommodations at an unbeatable value. This Hannibal hotel offers 77 well-appointed guest rooms and suites, each featuring cable satellite television and free wireless high-speed Internet access. Guests staying at this 100% non-smoking hotel will enjoy a delicious complimentary continental breakfast before relaxing in the indoor swimming pool and hot tub.  The hotel is ideally located less than one mile from many key area attractions including the Mark Twain Lighthouse, the Mark Twain House & Museum, the Molly Brown Birthplace and the Rockcliffe Mansion. Hotel guests will enjoy taking a riverboat cruise down the Mississippi or visiting the Mark Twain & Cameron Cave, just five miles away.

Day 11: Friday, April 27 - Hannibal, MO - BEST WESTERN PLUS On The River

Day 12: Saturday, April 28 - Drive to Marceline, MO

Go to Disneyland in California -- or to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Florida, or Tokyo Disneyland, Hong Kong Disneyland or Disneyland Paris  -- and you will find that there is only one entrance: Under the station of the old-fashioned steam railroad, through a town square, and down the Main Street of a nostalgic, ginger-breaded, nineteenth-century American town. The town is lavish in its detailing: The names of the lawyers and accountants in gilt lettering on the second-story windows, the horse-drawn trolley down the middle of the street, the ice-cream parlor with the ceiling fans turning overhead. The town could be straight out of The Music Man, or Oklahoma -- or it could be Marceline, Missouri, the little town by the railroad where Walt spent his boyhood, finally made perfect.

Day 13: Sunday, April 29 - Marceline, MO

Day 14: Monday, April 30 - Drive to St. Louis, MO

The history of St. Louis has been heavily influenced by Westward expansion and blues music. The big "must-see" in this region is the Gateway Arch, while other important sites include the Museum of Westward Expansion, the St. Louis Cathedral and the Anheuser-Busch factory tour. The city offers plenty for the whole family. Children will enjoy the local zoo and the Magic House, while family members will also want to unwind at Forest Park, home to the World's Fair almost a century ago.

Day 15: Tuesday, May 1 - St. Louis, MO

Day 16: Wednesday, May 2 - St. Louis, MO

Day 17: Thursday, May 3 - Drive to Branson, MO

Don't let the small-town, rural surroundings fool you...there's a side of Branson that evokes Las Vegas without the casinos. Entertainment is nonstop on The Strip, a seven-mile stretch of live music and comedy shows, numerous restaurants, theme parks, shopping outlets and myriad hotels. You might catch Barbara Mandrell, Wayne Newton or Glen Campbell, all regulars at what some folks call the Live Music Capital of the World, where over 100 music and comedy shows run daily in over 53 theaters. But there's another side to this warm, hospitable town tucked into the foothills of the Ozarks. It's a paradise for outdoor recreation. The rolling hills offer 200 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding and biking, and three scenic lakes are havens for fishing and water sports. For less strenuous water activities, hop aboard one of the many lake cruises. The kids won't want to leave Silver Dollar City, where thrilling rides are combined with a glimpse into turn-of-the-century Ozark life. You won't be alone on a weekend visit to modern-day Branson...the natural attractions and live entertainment draw 8.4 million tourists a year.

Day 18: Friday, May 4 - Branson, MO

Day 19: Saturday, May 5 - Branson, MO

Day 20: Sunday, May 6 - Drive to Fort Smith, AR - Courtyard by Marriott

Nestled in the Arkansas River Valley, between the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains; Arkansas’s second largest city, Fort Smith, rests gently on the banks of the Arkansas River at the intersection of interstates 40 and 540.  When you visit, you’ll find that Fort Smith’s past is in its future. We uniquely combine the history of the “Old West” with the gentle charm of the antebellum “Old South,” offering travelers of all ages glimpses into its distinctive past through restorations, attractions, museums and festivals that make our history fun and exciting.

When you arrive in Fort Smith, make Miss Laura’s Social Club (the Fort Smith Visitors Center, a former bordello that was the first to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places), your first stop for a warm welcome and plenty of information about our community, our main attractions, or upcoming events.

At the Courtyard by Marriott®, Downtown Ft. Smith, you will be delighted by our central location, excellent service and spacious rooms. Located just steps away from the Fort Smith Convention Center.  We also offer easy access to many historical sites such as the Ft. Smith Trolley Museum, Ft. Smith Museum of Natural History, Miss Laura's Visitors Center, and Judge Parker's Historic Courtroom.

Day 21: Monday, May 7 - Fort Smith, AR - Courtyard by Marriott

Day 22: Tuesday, May 8 - Drive to Oklahoma City, OK

With over 50 legendary attractions including the National Cowboy and Western Museum and the Myriad Botanical Gardens, plus world-class shopping, restaurants and hotels, Oklahoma City is the ideal spot for a weekend of fun and reflection. Discover the sights and sounds of the Old West in Stockyards City, watch horse races at Remington Park, then have dinner and see a show in historic Bricktown. Designed to duplicate an 1800s frontier town, families will love the Frontier City Theme Park where visitors see an reenactment of the gun fight at the OK corral and ride thrilling roller coasters. On a more somber note, the site of the 1995 terrorist attack, known today as the Oklahoma City National Memorial, and the Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism, are not to be missed.

Day 23: Wednesday, May 9 - Oklahoma City, OK

Day 24: Thursday, May 10 - Drive to Canyon, TX - Holiday Inn Express Hotel & suites

Palo Duro Canyon State Park opened on July 4, 1934 and contains 29,182 acres of the scenic, northern most portion of the Palo Duro Canyon. The Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930's constructed most of the buildings and roads still in use by park staff and visitors. The Canyon is 120 miles long, as much as 20 miles wide, and has a maximum depth of more than 800 feet. Its elevation at the rim is 3,500 feet above sea level. It is often claimed that it is the second largest canyon in the United States. The largest, the Grand Canyon, is 277 miles long, 18 miles wide, and 6,000 ft. deep. The canyon was formed by water erosion from the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River. The water deepens the canyon by moving sediment downstream. Wind and water erosion gradually widen the canyon. Early Spanish Explorers are believed to have discovered the area and dubbed the canyon "Palo Duro" which is Spanish for "hard wood" in reference to the abundant mesquite and juniper trees.

Welcome to the Gateway of Palo Duro Canyon! Brand new look, same great service! Let the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Canyon. show you what "Great, Texas Hospitality" is all about at our beautiful hotel located in Canyon, Texas. Canyon is a Texas Main Street City.  Palo Duro State Park is located 12 miles from our hotel, this is the 2nd largest Canyon in the US, with hiking, biking, horseback riding trails, Jeep rides, and cowboy breakfast on the rim of canyon. It is also the home of the "Texas” outdoor musical drama.  There are also many tourist attractions within walking distance, including the Panhandle Plains Historical Museum, which is one of the largest historical museums in the state of Texas.

Day 25: Friday, May 11 - Canyon, TX - Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites

Day 26: Saturday, May 12 - Drive to Roswell, NM - Fairfield Inn & Suites

In the early years of Roswell history, the 1880s and the 1890s, it was not uncommon to hear of locals going for afternoon buggy rides and never return home. It is said they fell victim to the Apache Indians who were raiding the Pecos Valley. Cattle Baron John Chisum lost several ranch hands, many horses, and quite a few cattle, until he had finally had enough. Right before one of his famous cattle trail rides he came up missing a number of horses, so he gathered several locals and they trailed the Apaches to Fort Stanton where they raided the camp, killing many and retrieving over 100 of his stolen saddle horses, which he needed for his livelihood. This curtailed many of the raids in Roswell which locals had come to fear so mush. Chisum and his cattle were, in large part, responsible for sustaining a good part of Roswell's early economy.

Roswell's more recent history has not been any less colorful. In addition to agriculture and education, tourism is a force to be reckoned with. In 1947 a mysterious crash occurred north of the city. Responsible local citizens who witnessed the crash remained hush-hush about the doings until they retired. When they came out with their story, Roswell got the attention of the world who immediately wanted to know more about the incident. With the help of the government and their denials about the Roswell Incident, by which it has become known, we have now become a Mecca for people wanting to know more. The result has been thousands of people visiting annually and a new multi-million dollar tourism industry. Seven new hotels, with more on the way, and many new restaurants have sprung up to answer this burgeoning call. Even McDonald's has gotten into the mix by building their seventh worldwide themed restaurant here, designed to look like a spaceship residing on Main Street.

Fairfield Inn & Suites by MARRIOTT® in downtown Roswell, NM is located close to the UFO Museum, New Mexico Military Academy (NMMI), Roswell Convention Center, ILEA, Leprino Foods and Roswell Regional Hospital. Bring the family to our Piñata Fest, The Alien Chase Golf Tournament, The Chili Cheese Festival, The Electric Light Parade, The Dragonfly Festival and The Beetle Car Show - all fun events coming up. The Milkman Triathlon, NMMI GOLF or a visit to the Robert H. Goddard Museum will highlight your trip to Roswell, NM. Neighboring restaurants are Pasta Cafe, Amigos, Cattle Baron and Farley's with a STARBUCK'S across the street from our hotel. At Fairfield Inn by Marriott, in Roswell, NM, you can always count on a friendly smile from our award-winning staff and a GREAT night's stay at our newly renovated hotel. Come see what MARRIOTT has to offer YOU!

Day 27: Sunday, May 13 - Roswell, NM - Fairfield Inn & Suites

Day 28: Monday, May 14 - Drive to Carlsbad, NM - Hampton Inn & suites

Come out from under to the zoo at Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park for a glimpse of Chihuahuan Desert wildlife - everything from mountain lions, buffalo, bears and coyotes to reptiles, prairie dogs and roadrunners. Head over to the Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area for river swimming and waterskiing or to Guadalupe Mountains National Park for hiking trails with diverse terrain and incredible views.

Carlsbad, where mountains meet the desert…welcome to the Hampton Inn & Suites. Sitting on the banks of the Pecos River, Carlsbad offers a variety of adventures. The area surrounding the Hampton Inn & Suites® Carlsbad hotel has plenty to offer, including breathtaking scenery and internationally recognized sites.

Day 29: Tuesday, May 15 - Carlsbad, NM - Carlsbad Caverns National Park - Hampton Inn & suites

The internationally known Carlsbad Caverns are the biggest tourist draw in this city on the Pecos River. But before or after you've experienced the magnificent caves, you can round out your weekend with some wonderful above-ground sights and activities. If the thought of caves conjures up visions of narrow spaces and dark, cold clamminess, the comfortable year-round 56-degree climate, wide-open spaces and magical underworld of naturally created sculptures will amaze and enthrall you. In the summer, you get to see another natural wonder - some one million bats taking to the skies from the cave entrance every evening at sundown. Hardier cave explorers can take a side trip to the wilder Slaughter Cave for a down and dirty ranger-led tour.

Day 30: Wednesday, May 16 - Drive to El Paso, TX - DoubleTree by Hilton

For an alternative Texas experience, consider El Paso. Located far from the bright lights of Dallas or San Antonio, in the state's western corner along the sparkling shores of the Rio Grande, El Paso boasts a different feel than its eastern counterparts. A true melting pot of American and Mexican culture, the combination is noticeable everywhere. Visit the El Paso Museum of Art and see American works from the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as Mexican colonial art and retablos from the 1700s and 1800s. Restaurants serve authentic Mexican cuisine, Texas barbecue or a little of both. While this fusion of cultures draws some, the rock climbers who descend on El Paso have only one thing in mind: scaling the massive boulders of Hueco Tanks State Park. Those who prefer the ground can wander through the park's interpretive center and see ancient Indian pictographs. Other popular El Paso pastimes include golf, mountain biking and stargazing.

The Doubletree by Hilton - El Paso Downtown hotel in the heart of downtown El Paso, just off I-10, is conveniently located in the Museum District across from the Convention & Performing Arts Centers and City Hall. Our modern, full-service hotel is close to everything, only 10 minutes from El Paso International Airport (ELP) and 12 blocks from the International Bridge to Ciudad Juárez, Mexico.  The hotel brings a touch of modern luxury to old El Paso. At once, it's the sleek and dynamic hub of the city's financial and professional community - a mixed bag of classic architecture - a collection of fashionable upscale stores - and a lively mix of border-style boutiques selling everything from souvenirs to Mexican fashions and accessories. It's different. It's intriguing. And it's fun. Which is exactly why we chose to build our Doubletree Hotel El Paso right in the middle of downtown's most picturesque district.

Day 31: Thursday, May 17 - El Paso, TX - DoubleTree by Hilton

Day 32: Friday, May 18 - Drive to Tombstone, AZ

Tombstone, Arizona...That name means many things to many people. It creates images of gunfights and dusty streets, whiskey and Faro games, Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday and a plethora of old western movie scenes. But what many folks don't realize is that Tombstone, AZ is a real town with real inhabitants who have lived here throughout its history and still do today. That is part of the reason Tombstone has been called "The Town Too Tough to Die"

Walk the very same streets here in Tombstone that Doc Holliday, Wyatt Earp, Johnny Ringo, Ike Clanton and a host of other Western Legends walked over 130 years ago. You can just feel the history here! This is the most authentic Western Town left in the United States!

Day 33: Saturday, May 19 - Tombstone, AZ

Day 34: Sunday, May 20 - Tombstone, AZ

Day 35: Monday, May 21 - Drive to Tucson, AZ - Embassy Suites Paloma Village

Although Tucson's fantastic weather, national parks and forests and desert provide the perfect environment for tons of outdoor recreational activities, this city of half a million people also has its share of history and culture. With a history that goes back much further than many of its southwestern neighbors, Tucson boasts turn-of-the-century architecture, historic neighborhoods, museums and the Mission San Xavier del Bac, a still-functioning 18th-century mission considered one of the most beautiful in the U.S. Mexican and Native American influences are pervasive, and the city has a distinctly Western flavor. There's also a college-town atmosphere, thanks to the University of Arizona, which has its own share of museums and a science center. Whether golfing at a world-class golf resort, horseback riding, hiking in the wilderness, discovering desert flora and fauna at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum or exploring pre-Columbian and other art at the Tucson Art Museum, you'll have a mind-boggling array of things to do.

The Embassy Suites Tucson - Paloma Village hotel is nestled in the breathtaking foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, overlooking the impressive skyline of Tucson, Arizona. Our Tucson, AZ hotel is located close to a variety of popular attractions and the surrounding area.

Day 36: Tuesday, May 22 - Tucson, AZ - Embassy Suites Paloma Village

Day 37: Wednesday, May 23 - Drive to Yuma AZ - Hilton Garden inn

On the Colorado River in the southwest corner of Arizona, Yuma has been at the crossroads for centuries. Yuma's geography shaped the Southwest. Because this was the safest spot to cross the Colorado River, all roads led to Yuma for travelers from Spanish explorers to Okies fleeing the Dust Bowl.  Today Yuma is a vibrant multicultural community that celebrates its rich heritage, surrounded by wide-open spaces and pristine desert scenery - all with a river running through it.

Located on the banks of the majestic Colorado River, the Hilton Garden Inn Yuma Pivot Point hotel in Downtown Yuma, Arizona, offers on-the-go executives as well as leisure travelers everything necessary to make a trip to sunny Yuma/Southwest Arizona enjoyable, relaxing and most of all successful.

Day 38:  Thursday, May 24 - Drive Home

Summary