Any suggestions for interesting places to see on the drive from Denver to the East coast?

Northern, central or southern rte? Final destination? I did it in reverse from PA, OH.. INDIANA, MI, KANSAS, CO…It was pretty dull until we. hit the Rockies – then gorgeous.

Final destination is NJ. Wasn’t thinking of going too far South as that would be really out of the way. Just wondering about towns/sites worth stopping by in the midwest I guess (i.e. Kansas City for BBQ…)

The last time we drove cross-country we had a book with us titled “Eat Your Way Across the USA” by Jane and Michael Stern. It was a fabulous guide to non-fast food, really good local food in more places than you ever imagined. There is probably a newer version of the book by now – I recommend good restaurants during your drive.

I remember St. Louis arch as a little kid. You can take a ride in the arch to the top for views of Missouri.

I heard Branson, Missouri is cool. Never been there. Not sure if that is out of the way.

Pennsylvania Turnpike is a pretty drive from Pittsburgh to Philly…if you are in Pittsburgh try a sandwich at Primanti Brothers..they have two locations I believe. Check out Heinz Chapel, very beautiful chapel.

I love Chicago…walk along the waterfront of Chicago and windowshop along Madison (or is it Michigan?) Street. Try a deep dish pizza there. And their hot dogs, they don’t put ketchup in it..they put tomatoes, cheese and all the works. Very yummy. Check out Navy Pier. And drive around during nighttime, the buildings are beautiful at night time. Ohh John Hancock buildings etc. really cool and Cheesecake Factory is at the bottom of John Hancock I believe. They have zillions of choices for cheesecake. If you want less touristy type of food..they have lots of international foods..like German to name one. The best german food my German born uncle introduced to me.

Enjoy the trip!

I always enjoyed the Stern’s columns in Gourmet, so I’ll try to check out their book. Great idea. Thanks for all the suggestions!

i don’t know if you will be going through south dakota but you should really go to the badlands. it will change your concept of time. millions of years it took water and wind to carve out the crags and peaks and valleys, it looks like another planet. i saw bighorn sheep jumping from crag to crag last time i was there.

and if you are going to chicago may i recommend my very favorite restaurant, it’s on clark just a block north of fullerton, it’s called the crepe and coffee palace. mmm. crepes with pistachios, spinach, goat cheese, avocado and garlic… you can design your own crepe or choose one from the menu, sweet or savory… sooo delicious. and the people who own it are really sweet.