50 Stories for 50 States: An Epic Cross-Country Journey to See America

50 Stories for 50 States: An Epic Cross-Country Journey to See America - An Epic Cross-Country Journey to See America":

America is a vast and diverse country with so much to explore. An epic cross-country road trip allows you to experience the breadth of everything this nation has to offer. From the bright lights of the big cities to the wide open spaces of small towns and national parks, a coast-to-coast journey opens your eyes to the landscapes, cultures, foods, and people that make the United States unique.

Many travelers start out with a route that hits famous big city destinations like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. But the magic is in what you find along the way. Meandering two-lane highways lead you to quirky roadside attractions like the World's Largest Ball of Twine in Kansas or dinosaur sculptures in the Texas desert. You can stop to see Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone's epic geysers, wander through Amish country and Cajun swamps, and find your own hidden gems in places you'd never heard of before. The diversity across states and regions is astounding.

Interacting with locals in diners, mom-and-pop motels, and tiny town squares opens your eyes to how unique each area is. North, south, east, and west – the regional differences in cuisine, music, architecture and attitude make it feel like you're visiting separate nations within one country. Digging into Memphis barbecue, New England clam chowder, Tex-Mex enchiladas, and Pacific Northwest salmon gives you a delicious taste of America.

The national parks and wide open wilderness spaces remind you of nature's grandeur. Watching roaming bison herds in the Dakotas, glimpsing alligators in the Florida Everglades, whale watching along California's Pacific Coast Highway – wildlife thrives from coast to coast. Camping under starry skies, hiking up rocky trails, and breathing in pine-scented forests reconnects you with the land.

50 Stories for 50 States: An Epic Cross-Country Journey to See America - The Open Road Calls

The call of the open road beckons travelers looking for adventure. Winding backcountry byways full of unknown twists and turns create an allure unlike any other. Road trippers seeking to explore America answer that call, hitting the highway in search of new destinations and experiences.

The transformative power of an epic cross-country drive has inspired many. Author John Steinbeck chronicled his journey in Travels with Charley: In Search of America after realizing he didn’t know his own country as well as he thought. Modern nomads like the Van Clan family spend months crisscrossing America in their vintage camper, documenting their off-the-beaten-path discoveries on YouTube.

Part of road tripping’s magic lies in its unpredictability. You may set out with an itinerary, but unplanned detours lead to some of the trip’s most memorable moments. Long lost friends, cozy diners, quirky museums, and stunning landscapes all await. As travelers Bob and Maxine Bunker wrote after 25 years on the road, “Don’t make too many plans or follow rigid timetables and schedules. Expect the unexpected to happen - and just go with the flow.”

Meandering two-lane roads feel like a portal into the heart of America. Big cities and tourist traps get replaced by glimpses of small town life. Locals take the time to share insider tips at gas stations and cafes off the interstate. Roadside attractions like the World’s Largest Ball of Paint in Alexandria, Indiana add quirk. Even supposedly bleak stretches of highway reveal natural beauty if you take the time to appreciate them.

The sheer vastness of American landscapes astounds first-time cross country travelers. The sun rising over fields of wheat in Kansas or towering redwoods in Northern California stop you in your tracks. Epic national parks like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon give new perspective on nature’s wonder. Coastlines, farmlands, prairies, deserts - diversity thrives. Road tripping immerses you in the geography that makes each region unique.

While the open road calls, roadtrips can also strengthen relationships with loved ones. Long hours in the car lead to deep conversations. Sharing new experiences and spectacular places forges bonds. And solving the inevitable challenges and mishaps on the road together creates lasting memories.

50 Stories for 50 States: An Epic Cross-Country Journey to See America - Balancing Big Cities and Small Towns

America’s biggest metropolises offer a feast for the senses. Neon-lit Times Square and Chicago’s towering skyscrapers reflect urban energy. L.A.’s star-studded streets and San Francisco’s hilly vistas showcase natural beauty alongside cosmopolitan flair. Wandering narrow alleys in New Orleans' French Quarter transports you to another time.

Yet staying exclusively in big cities misses much of what makes America unique. Meandering two-lane highways linking small towns provide glimpses of regional cultures that large metropolises blend together. Here, local mom-and-pop eateries beat national chains. Quirky roadside attractions like the World’s Largest Ball of Paint add character. And residents take pride sharing insider tips with visitors looking to experience their hometown’s charms.

Balancing big cities with rural detours showcases America’s diversity. After hitting the hotspots in Nashville, a drive through Tennessee countryside reveals lush green rolling hills. Tracing the Lewis and Clark trail takes you from St. Louis to small prairie towns like Sioux City and Bismarck. And venturing into California’s Sierra Nevadas trades San Francisco’s palm trees for glacier-fed lakes and peaks.

Wandering country backroads in specific lead to hidden gems. Michigan's "Tunnel of Trees" scenic route winds past charming lakeside villages. The Natchez Trace Parkway’s emerald forests and streams connect Nashville and Memphis. And Route 40’s lonely desert roads feature stunning Grand Canyon access without the crowds. Roadtripper Rich Earl attests, “America's backroads are her arteries and veins, transporting travelers to the heart of the country."

Small town Americana thrives off the beaten path. Locals take time to chat at diners and corner cafes. Eclectic main streets maintain quaint charm. And exploring historical town squares offers glimpses into pivotal moments that changed America’s trajectory. From Louisiana's Evangeline country to the Berkshires of New England, regional architecture and attitudes differ too.

50 Stories for 50 States: An Epic Cross-Country Journey to See America - National Parks and Natural Wonders

America’s national parks and natural wonders inspire awe at nature’s grandeur. Traversing the country reveals its diversity – soaring snow-capped peaks, windswept prairies, mystical swamps, and arid desert landscapes thrive from coast to coast. Immersing yourself in these iconic outdoor spaces will move you deeply.

Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon top many travelers’ national park bucket lists. Watching Yellowstone’s Old Faithful geyser erupt on schedule against a backdrop of wooded mountains is humbling. Yosemite’s sheer granite cliffs and thundering waterfalls like Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall showcase nature’s untamed power and beauty. And gazing out over the Grand Canyon’s glowing red and orange layers of rock cut through by the emerald Colorado River highlights the earth’s immense scale and history.

Venturing beyond the most popular parks reveals a treasure trove of biodiversity. Great Smoky Mountains’ misty valleys shelter the greatest variety of plants and animals in any national park. Dry Tortugas’ isolated white sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs host sea turtles, sharks, and shipwrecks. And Redwood’s towering ancient trees reaching over 350 feet bathe visitors in forest primeval.

Our national parks also protect landscapes central to America’s Indigenous peoples. Mesa Verde’s well-preserved cliff dwellings offer a window into the Ancestral Puebloans’ lives. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes reveals the significance of volcanoes, lava and nature to Native Hawaiian culture through petroglyphs, burial sites and archeological areas. And Grand Teton and Glacier preserve sacred lands of the Blackfeet, Cheyenne, Crow, Flathead Salish and Shoshone tribes.

Beyond the national parks, many travelers appreciate America’s natural diversity by exploring iconic Drives. Utah’s Capitol Reef Scenic Drive winds through the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the earth’s crust with rainbow colored cliffs. The forest-lined Blue Ridge Parkway connects Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina. And the Pacific Coast Highway’s 120 miles of coastal cliffs and pounding surf from Monterey to Morro Bay showcase California’s raw beauty.

50 Stories for 50 States: An Epic Cross-Country Journey to See America - Quirky Roadside Attractions

America's backroads are dotted with unique, kitschy, and downright weird roadside attractions that have become destinations in their own right. Beyond being Instagram bait, these unplanned detours give roadtrippers a taste of small town charm and local pride. From the World's Largest Ball of Twine to a replica Stonehenge built of cars, quirky stops showcase what makes each region distinct.

In Cawker City, Kansas, the World's Largest Ball of Sisal Twine pays homage to the once booming sisal industry. This behemoth measures over 40 feet around and weighs over 19,000 pounds! Self-proclaimed "Twine Ball Minister" Frank Stoeber even crafted a miniature replica twine ball you can take home. Nearby, at The Garden of Eden art installation, you'll find over 300 concrete sculptures depicting Biblical scenes.

The World's Largest Six-Pack got its start when the former owner of Minnesota's Grain Belt brewery wanted to celebrate the business. Today, you can walk right inside the 57 feet tall 'cans' for panoramic views. And in South Dakota, see the mingling of pop culture and politics at the Presidents' Faces Monument, where the likenesses of past presidents are carved right into a cliff.

For a taste of the United Kingdom, visit California's Stonehenge replica made from autos in defiance of building restrictions. Or see a neighborhood-sized installation of Totalitarian Architecture in Knida, Idaho. Artist Steve Nelson created a collection of buildings resembling fascist and communist styles in an ironic monument to freedom.

50 Stories for 50 States: An Epic Cross-Country Journey to See America - Sampling Local Cuisine State by State

One of the greatest joys of a cross-country road trip is getting to sample regional cuisine in every state you pass through. America's diversity shines through in its food, with distinct flavors reflecting local cultures, ingredients, and histories. Indulging in iconic dishes offers a delicious opportunity to immerse yourself in each area's character.

In Maine, crack open overflowing lobster rolls drizzled in melted butter or sample hearty clam chowder made from freshly caught seafood. Heading south, pick up world-famous Philly cheesesteaks bursting with thin-sliced ribeye before crossing Mason Dixon for fluffy biscuits smothered in sausage gravy, a true Southern staple.

Further west, Kentucky’s bourbon country beckons you to sip its famous spirit while munching on skillet fried chicken, deemed "America's dish" by the legendary Colonel Sanders himself. Then dive into Memphis barbecue as you trace the Mississippi River's path into the Deep South, letting smoky pulled pork sandwiches melt in your mouth.

The Southwest opens up a world of Tex-Mex and Southwestern influences. Follow dusty backroads to hole-in-the-wall taquerias dishing up handmade tamales, tacos al pastor, and chimichangas for just a few bucks. In Arizona, get your chili fix at cult favorite eateries like Joe & Aggie's Cafe, where their fiery red and green sauces have been made from scratch for over 70 years.

Venture further west into California to taste why chefs around the globe look to the Golden State for inspiration. The combination of fresh, seasonal ingredients, a health-conscious focus and strong Hispanic influences make Californian cuisine uniquely delicious and irresistible.

Don't just stick to avocado toast and acai bowls in LA - get out to family-owned farms and fisheries where much of the state's produce originates. Take a tour of artisanal olive oil producers or munch on just-picked strawberries at a roadside farm stand. It's eye-opening to see all the love and labor that goes into each incredible ingredient.

Up the Pacific coast, sample wild salmon smoked with alderwood, a quintessential Pacific Northwest staple. And grab a pint at a Portland brewpub to appreciate the region's craft brewing prowess. Don't miss catching fresh island vibes through Hawaii's plate lunches, shave ice, and juicy tropical fruits either.

America's heartland satisfies with hearty comfort foods and time-honored traditions. Bite into hot apple pie in Iowa or a butter burger smothered in cheese from Wisconsin. Try perogies, sausage and new twists on cabbage rolls that speak to the Midwest's Eastern European influences. And always leave room for a gooey dessert - Ohio claims to produce the most ice cream of any state.

50 Stories for 50 States: An Epic Cross-Country Journey to See America - Encountering Wildlife Along the Way

America's epic landscapes aren't just filled with stunning vistas - a diverse array of wildlife also calls this country home. As you traverse the U.S. on a cross-country road trip, be on the lookout for unique animal encounters that'll make your journey unforgettable.

One of the best places to spy iconic American wildlife is Yellowstone, America's first national park. Massive bison roam grassy meadows and plateaus, grazing peacefully as you drive by. Catch them shaking their large, shaggy heads as they approach geysers to lick up silica-rich waters. Early mornings and evenings offer your best chance at sighting wolves, who mostly keep to themselves trotting through the forests and valleys. And a lucky few may glimpse grizzly bears lumbering near streams and meadows, though from a safe distance only - never approach wildlife!

Further south in Arizona's Sonoran Desert, road trippers can see dromedary camels brought over from the Canary Islands years ago. Their humped silhouettes contrast with the towering saguaro cacti dotting this rugged landscape. Keep your eyes peeled for collared peccaries called javelina who frequent watering holes too. Their pig-like snouts and curved tusks make them easy to identify.

In Florida's Everglades, alligators prowl murky waters, warming themselves along the shorelines. Watch them stealthily swim by just below the surface or lounge in the sun. The Everglades and Florida coasts also offer a chance to see gentle manatees up close. In winter, manatees congregate near warm springs and power plant outflows. They'll even come right up to you!

Heading north into Maine, whales frequently feed and migrate along the coasts. Schedule extra time in Bar Harbor or go on a whale watching tour out of Portland to see enormous humpbacks breaching and diving through the waves. On land, moose sightings are common, with the massive creatures wandering near roads and lakes. Give them a wide berth though - they can be temperamental.

And out west in Montana and Wyoming, majestic bison still dominate the plains alongside pronghorn antelope and mule deer. Their thundering hooves kicking up dust transport you back to America's untamed past. Dawn and dusk are prime times to observe them grazing and moving in herds. Just remember to keep your distance and remain in your vehicle. You're a guest in their home.

50 Stories for 50 States: An Epic Cross-Country Journey to See America - Meeting the People Who Make America Great

The landscapes and attractions certainly make a cross-country American road trip special, but it's the people you meet along the way who truly make it unforgettable. When you take the time to chat with locals, you gain insight into the cultures, attitudes, and way of life that make each place unique. Road trippers who ignore brief encounters with innkeepers, waitresses, gas attendants and more miss out on what's at the heart of this country - its people.

Pulling over at a weathered roadside fruit stand leads to swapping stories with a farmer whose family has worked the land for generations. He explains how the dust bowl storms nearly destroyed everything, but resilient souls replanted orchards even stronger than before. At a folksy diner off Route 66, the seasoned waitress shares how in its heyday the neon-lit parking lot brimmed with shiny sedans and road-weary travelers. Her mom cooked here back then too. She slices you an extra big piece of pie with a wink.

In a dusty Texas town, the old codger at the saloon talks your ear off about his rodeo days while refilling your sweet tea. And outside Charleston, the B&B host gushes about the ornate ironwork adorning the historic district's antebellum homes as she hands you the keys. She tells you her favorite hidden garden that'll transport you back to the 1700s.

Spark a chat at the corner market and you may just end up invited to a backyard barbecue or small town festival. Pull up a stool at the local watering hole and you'll hear political perspectives that never make primetime news. America’s beauty lies not just in purple mountain majesties, but in the waitresses, mechanics, and shop owners who proudly call this land home - take the time to hear their stories.

Some of the most welcoming people reside where passing through is still a novelty. In flyover country, locals light up meeting travelers seeking to know their hometown's joys. They share finest fishing holes proudly, recommend hikes to majestic views eagerly, and point you to the diner with the creamiest pies enthusiastically. They're honored you ventured off the big city circuit to experience the magic of their special corner of America.

50 Stories for 50 States: An Epic Cross-Country Journey to See America - Discovering Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path

America’s highways and backroads hold endless hidden gems just waiting to be uncovered by curious road trippers. Venture down unassuming side routes or chat with locals and you may stumble upon natural wonders, kitschy attractions, eateries, and more that surprise and delight. These off-radar spots showcase what makes each region unique without the crowds of major tourist hotspots.

Meandering two-lane blacktop roads lead to some of America’s most magical scenery. California’s Feather River Route winds through the plummeting canyons and mountain vistas of the High Sierra backcountry. Nabbing a window seat on the Western Pacific Railroad’s Zephyr for this leg offers epic views without roadtrip fatigue. Or take in the electric blue waters of Havasupai Falls, hidden deep in the Grand Canyon, after trekking miles into Supai Village. Few tourists make the effort, making its turquoise pools and thundering cascades all the more special.

Venturing beyond marquee national parks reveals nature’s hidden gems too. Watching the sunset transform the sandstone cliffs of Utah’s Capitol Reef from flaming orange to glowing pink awes. Paddling through Florida’s Wakulla River’s cypress knees and Spanish moss transports you to the jungle. And standing before Oregon’s Thor’s Well as powerful waves spray up and get sucked down into its gaping sinkhole leaves you in awe of the raw ocean's force.

Asking locals for tips uncovers the restaurants, cafes, museums and more that give their town spirit. Sample Sonoran-style Mexican fare at family-owned joints in Tucson beyond border staples like burritos and nachos. Sip chicory coffee at the heavenly dive Cafe Du Monde in New Orleans' French Market. And tour the offbeat kaleidoscopes and sculpture garden at Seattle’s Kube Glass Gallery. You'd never find these spots as a casual visitor.

Quirky Americana thrives off the heavily beaten path too. Giant roadside sculptures like North Dakota’s Enchanted Highway transformed fields into folk art trails decades ago. At Maine’s 45th Parallel Marker, stand with one foot in either hemisphere along the USA-Canada border. Or picture the World’s Largest Covered Wagon, crafted from nearly 700 barn boards in Afton, Wyoming. Locals beam sharing the tales behind their peculiar points of pride.