Looking for Points of Interest (quick but long trip planned)

[Mona]

We are making a trip to Texas, leaving on September 2. We plan to be in Texas on the 6th, so for the 2 thru 5, we hoped to drive along, taking our time and stopping here and there along the way. We are planning on stopping in ND, and then on to the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore in SD. From there, we plan to travel through WY, CO, NM, TX, then we might wing down to LA. We will be coming back home through AR, MO, then IA and MN. It is mainly a place or two to see in WY, CO, NM, TX, LA, AR, MO that we would be interested in, as we have been to IA and MN in the past. Just kind of "quick stops", not something where you need to be there a long while and book to see, as we plan to just stop in along our way of travelling.

I know there will be a couple casino stops along the way...hubby has always wanted to see the ones in LA. Out west, I am looking forward to seeing the beautiful scenery and countryside, and hope to find a place or two along the way that offers nice quiet trail rides. My neck, back and legs can no longer take the jarring of a good ride, so trail walking would be best. We went on a 2 hour "walk only" trail ride out in the desert when we were in Vegas, and I realized just how much I miss riding. I really had the urge to "go", but we were only allowed to walk! I will settle for that though, just to be able to get on a horse again.

Also, any MAJOR headaches(cities) tot totally avoid? We won't be going into any cities if at all possible, and will be staying on by-passes etc., but I have heard some places are just plain nightmares anyway, epecially for us country bumpkins that are not used to driving in city populations of more than 10 thousand or so! LOL!

 

[REO]

Too bad you're avoiding OK!

You could have stopped in to Nationals.

 

[Mona]

Too bad you're avoiding OK!

You could have stopped in to Nationals.

Well, I never even thought of that, but doubt my non-horsey husband would be as thrilled as I would be to go, but I won't rule it out!

 

[Songcatcher]

You are going to be going to or nearby some beautiful country. Just don't be discouraged by the flat barren areas you have to go through to get there. Glad you have the Black Hills and Mt. Rushmore planned. In Wyoming, Yellowstone, The Grand Tetons, and Jackson are all in a row. Definately worth the visit for whatever amount of time you want to spend. If you are going close by the Rocky Mountain Nat. Park in Colorado, it is definately worth the time to drive through. Pikes Peak, at Colorado Springs, is awsome! Lots of other things in the Colorado Springs area also. In southwest Colorado, the Durango/Silverton area is spectacular! The Rocky Mountains are my favorite area for vacation.

I live within a 15 minute drive of Texas, but never do any vacationing there. Shame isn't it? I'm sure you could find lots of stuff by Googleing it. Their theme is "Its a whole other country", or something like that.

From Louisiana, there is no GOOD road through Arkansas to Missouri. I suggest you go back into Texas and north and northeast through Oklahoma to Missouri. Branson Missouri (about 30 miles south of Springfield) is a major tourist area. Lots of music shows, dinner theaters, outdoor drama, and shopping, shopping, shopping, at outlet malls. Also lots of lakes in the area. Very beautiful area.

If you travel north through Kansas City, MO, you will be going right by Bear Farms (conviently located just off the bypass on the west side, Shawnee, KS). Some of the most beautiful horses there, and nicer people you will never meet. From there north, you probably know more about it than I do.

 

[MyBarakah]

Hi Mona!

If you come threw Nebraska and need a place to stay over my parents have a bunk house that is just THEE neatest place! It's as nice as a bed & breakfast.... Carl Mitz stays there when he comes threw (which he's coming this Friday)...

but you guys are more than welcome to come threw & stay a night if you need. My mom even has the big horses and if you wanted to get on a horse to ride, I'm sure I could talk her into letting you take one with her on the trails they have.

 

[Ashley]

Ah so your to good for MN huh??? Well I wouldnt want to meet you anyway............

 

[JourneysEnd]

I think the ultimate city to visit in Texas is San Antonio.

You can see the Alamo (the real one, not the movie set ) and the river walk without having to move the car.

 

[Gini]

Mona since you will be going to Mt Rushmore please take the time to go to Crazy Horse Memorial you will be glad you did. I loved Mt Rushmore and thought it very interesting. Decided to go to the Crazy Horse Memorial and was not sorry we did. I would like to go back some day. Here is the link for you to see what I'm talking about. Have a wonderful fun safe trip!!!!

http://www.crazyhorse.org/

 

[Mona]

Thanks for the great ideas/suggestions. Songcatcher, it sounds like you have lined up a wonderful "trail" for us to follow! THANK YOU, and thanks Gini too for the tip on visiting the Crazy Horse Memorial!

Ashley, some day we'll meet, and I mean that!

There are a whole load of folks that I would LOVE to meet in person, however, we just won't have the time to get it all in, and with hubby being with me, and not a horsey person, he would not enjoy visiting all your wonderful farm as I would! If I was on this trip alone, that is exactly what I would be doing! I'd be making my trails to meet so many of you wonderful people!

Again, thanks to all for the wonderful tips!

 

[minimule]

I agree about San Antonio. The River Walk is a neat place.

When you come through NM, try to avoid driving through Santa Fe. It's an old city and the streets are always crowded. If you're coming down I-25 you'll pass by it but don't have to go through it. Some neat sites to see are Carlsbad Caverns. You don't have to book ahead. You can walk down the trail or ride the elevator down to the bottom and walk around there. White Sands is beautiful. If you want to just ride a horse......I have a perfect girl for you to go on a short ride on.

Too bad you're not coming the end of Sept. The Balloon Fiesta is the first week in Oct.

NM is really a pretty state (even though I don't like it here!) You will see a wide variety of landscapes from Piney Mountains to arid desert.

Wish you could bring a little mare with you!

 

[txminipinto]

Stay off 40 in Arkansas!!!! I saw my life flash before my eyes several times on that road.

 

[anita]

Wow, a wonderful trip! I envy you guys

You can visit Little Texas Miniature Horses just 2 hours n/west of Shreveport Casinos. We have a cute guesthouse

We like Shreveport/Bossier with giant casinos/hotels and its safe there. Tx and La is safe.

Anita

 

[Debd]

Palo Duro Canyon in the Panhandle of Texas is beautiful. We went there and saw a play in an outdoor ampitheater. We are in Central Texas and there are several smaller cities that have great antique shops. Stay off IH-35 and enjoy those back roads.

 

[Just Us N Texas]

Mona, just a suggestion, but get a GPS before you leave. Try to get it a few days early so you can learn to use it before you go. One hint, we never put a final destination on ours, we just ask for a city, get it there, then ask for the next city. It is the only way to fool it into routing you away from the interstates, and down the back roads.

 

[wildoak]

How far south into Texas are you planning to go? There is so much variety here......and so many miles of highway LOL. I agree, San Antonio is a treat if you are coming that far - then head northwest through the Texas hill country (Fredericksburg, Boerne, Bandera...) all very scenic and lots of great horse farms. Coming north, you'll see a series of hill country lakes that are beautiful. It's been dry this year but we are having rain now, so it should green back up a bit. If you are staying closer to I 35, Austin is another gem worth seeing. We are just 25 minutes northeast of Austin and would be happy to put you up if we are here, sounds like we'll be at Nationals when you are here though. Big cities may not be your cup of tea, but Ft Worth is so much fun. Not as big and sophisticated as it's sister city Dallas, but Will Rogers Expo (World show) is there along with the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame & Museum, several great art museums, and The Stockyards with everything from western stores to Billy Bobs, restaurants, great shopping...

Have a great trip.

Jan

 

[Charlotte]

Will you be going near Hot Springs, AR? Very quaint little town nestled in the 'mountains'. Beautiful scenery. You can take the hot mineral baths to cure whatever ails you in one of the romantic old hotels. I spent my growing up summers on Lake Hamilton there. Wonderful memories.

Have fun! I'm jealous!

Charlotte

 

[SweetOpal]

Definately do the River Walk in San Antonio, that is really just the neatest thing I have seen. I also love Fredricksburg, that is just an awesome little town.

 

[Feather]

Well, you could write a book about "What to see" in each of the places you listed. Just a matter of lining out a route between places you know you want to see & then filling in the blanks.

Texas has four of the largest cities in the USA: Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, & El Paso.

Tony's little America is near San Maros, he is a bank of knowledge on horses.

University of Austin is one of the largest campuses in the World & is beside the Texas Capital.

Houston has a large space center & the coastal areas.

Oklahoma is loaded around OklaCity with museums, etc What do you & hubby like to see/do?

Tulsa is very similair but different. Okla is only second to Nevada for Casinos in the USA.

State fairs for both are in late Sept/Oct.

Arkansas has many great views but most roads are totally not for zipping by.

Iowa has a must = Amish Country

Wyoming's most beauty is down the Western edge.

Colorado has many sites to visit all over. The Rocky Mtn National park is exceptional and Estes Park is heaven.

New Mexico has limited spots unless you love treeless land for miles.

What are your enjoyments when traveling. Most states has alot of fall festivals going on & towns with special heritage foods they

are noted for. Like Pella, Iowa; New Bunswick, Texas; Preg, Okla; KC, Mo, etc.

Missouri has rolling hills of varying sizes but be watchful of deer on the roads.

Have a very SAFE & enjoyable trip.

 

[CyndiD]

GEE...Sure wish Ohio was on your list....

 

[Witts Mini Horse Ranch]

Too bad you're avoiding OK!

You could have stopped in to Nationals.

Really...whats up with that...avoiding OK. We got some sights...for sure some trails...we even got some buffalo!