Our Summer Adventure
May 17th, 2012
Since we first started dating, Ned and I have always talked about our dream roadtrip. Packing everything in the car, rolling down the windows and just driving straight west. Stopping when we see something interesting. Cruising through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country and seeing it up close, instead of out of some airplane window. Ideally, some sort of retro teardrop trailer would be involved. It’s always been a nice dream, something to plan on for future days.
Well this year we decided to stop saying “sometime” and actually make it happen! In about a month, we’ll be packing up our little car, filling our iphones with audiobooks and heading out on a 3-week do-or-die, no-holds-barred drive across the western half of our big country. All in all, over 5300 miles. We might be insane.
We’ve had a rough plan of attack for a while but the other night we sat down, opened a google doc and started mapping everything out. Google docs is my saving grace for times such as this. Here, my friends, is a short list of all the planned stops we have so far.
Also…if any of you have great recommendations for places to stay/see at any of these stops I’d love to hear ‘em. We’re staying with family in Portland but the rest is all open!
This trip is quite the undertaking, with many chances for a lot to go wrong. But that’s what makes it an adventure, right?
I would LOVE to do something like this! It sounds like you’re going to see some pretty amazing things
SO epic! I hope you guys have so much fun :)
- Moorea
I grew up in Bend – you will absolutely love visiting!
Local eats: Parilla Grill, Longboard Louie’s (go to original Galveston Ave. location), Pilot Butte Drive-In (best burgers in town, but close around 7 or 8pm; go to the original Greenwood location), Pizza Mondo, Backporch Coffee, Thump Coffee, Nancy P’s Bakery, 10 Barrel Brewing Company, and Deschutes Brewery (that’s a given). Bend has the most micro-breweries per capita than any other city – enjoy them!
Local adventures: Mt. Bachelor, hiking Smith Rock, walking around Drake Park/downtown, floating down Deschutes River, shopping at the Old Mill District, watching local cyclocross races, basically any outdoor activity imaginable.
Top place to stay: McMenamins Old St. Francis School. Located downtown and close to everything you’d need. It’s a very desirable location to live in overall. I have a few friends down the street and they love it.
Everyone is super nice and friendly. You’ll have no problem asking locals for tips and suggestions. Unfortunately, other than downtown, there really isn’t a place to walk around a lot. Things are pretty spread out. You’re going during a great time of year. Let me know if you have any questions – I’d love to share!
Wow! Thanks so much for all this Katie. Very helpful to get some “insider” info.
I would strongly recommend this book:
http://www.amazon.com/Road-Trip-USA-Cross-Country-Adventures/dp/B002UXRZ9O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1337546906&sr=8-1
The author profiles all the small less-touristy points on the old interstates … SO fun if you have the time to explore …
Have fun! I hope you are planning on blogging photos!
Roadtrips are so much fun! Half the fun is researching and planning, and the other half is going with the moment and deviating from the plan. If you had time, I’d recommend adding Sedona Arizona ~ my boyfriend and I experienced the MOST AWESOME hikes ever. When we got there, we happened upon a local trail guidebook and that became our bible for the hikes. Also – highly recommend reading ‘Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Coast Trail’ by Cheryl Strayed while on roadtrip. Have a fun and safe journey!
This is pretty much EXACTLY my dream road trip. I am both jealous of and inspired by your plans! Enjoy yourselves. :)
Thinking of the Oregon Coast gives me chills. I’m Jealous love it out there.
Hit up Pacific City, I promise you won’t regret it.
Climb to the top of the Sand Dune at sunset with a bottle of wine for religious experience. Stay at the Craftsman Bed and Breakfast and eat at Delicate Palate, one of the best meals I have on memory.