Things to bear in mind:
* If you're going to be passing Lake Tahoe near Labor Day, you might as well try to make it a few miles north and go to Burning Man. Well, if you can skive tickets or something -- too rich for my blood nowadays. If not, you might want to check out the Black Rock Desert anyway. It's an *extreme environment*, so be aware of that.
* Also be aware that South Florida is pretty much out of the way of everywhere. Florida is something like the fourth or fifth biggest state in the union and it's all north-south. That said, I've got a thread on here somewhere with nearly everything I could think of to see in Florida on it. Here it is. Underline the Indian Pass Oyster Bar (off I-10 and near Seaside, the creepy town where they filmed The Truman Show), Coral Castle, and the Koreshan State Site. Those are my favorites today.
* In mid-Texas, you might enjoy a quick paddle down the Guadalupe River. It's white water, but really easy -- they rent tubes and canoes.
* If you feel like driving off into the desert, don't miss Cochise's Stronghold, near the Mexican border in Arizona. Primitive camping, an awesome place.
* The Voodoo Museum & Mother's (THE LINE IS WORTH IT) in New Orleans. You can find 'em if you look. Accept no substitutes -- they'll try to fake you out with similar place names.
* I'm also very, very fond of Vermont. In summer, at least. Tour Ben & Jerry's, catch an art film in Montpelier, hike along Franconia Notch on the New Hampshire border, eat organic groceries from a co-op... they live well. Burlington is the only city that feels like a city. If you can plan to be in Montpelier on July 4, do it. It's SOOOO Americana, it's gorgeous. All the convenience stores sell Ben & Jerry's factory seconds, too -- cheaper than normal, because they (mostly) have *too much* stuff in 'em.
* If in north Georgia, near the North Carolina border, check out Amicalola Falls & nearby Dahlonega. Amicalola is gorgeous. There are campsites & cabins there, but you can also get a room at the Hike Inn -- a five mile walk up the mountain where cars can't go. Great place. Lots of people start Appalachian Trail hikes there, because it's not far from the trail head and has such great food. Dahlonega is an old mining town with a great home-cookin' boarding-house-style restaurant.
* If in south Georgia, near Jacksonville, stay at the Hostel In The Woods near Brunswick. And/or camp at Cumberland Island, which you can only get to by ferry at St. Mary's, GA -- you can also go for a day trip.
Cumberland = wild horses, ruined plantations, cemeteries, docile deer, scads of fearless armadillos and a pretty good beach. Dreamlike.
Brunswick/HitW = great hostel vibe, gorgeous woods, peacocks, a weird little pond with a barge on it, and weekend runs to a nearby juke joint for pool. I think you'll need to call ahead for both to reserve spots, although they're not too pricey if memory serves.
* You should read Blue Highways for some ideas. And on that old Florida page, follow the links to RoadsideAmerica.com -- great site. |
