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Originally posted by Skull Leader:
If you're in Paducah on the 8th you'll be in the eclipse totality zone.

I won't be there til the 12th. On the 8th I'll be on the road with a stop in Roswell and staying that night in Clovis, NM.

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Originally posted by V-Tail:

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Originally posted by HRK:

Starnes BBQ in Paducah, been there since 1955. The place still looks and feels like you're in the 60's and the Pork Sandwich, on toasted white bread wrapped in wax paper is great

Moonlite BBQ in Owensboro.

I like Owensboro and the bluegrass music there. It really isn't that far north of my route, but I'll probably stick with Paducah.

Just arrived in Taos. A lot colder than I expected and was predicted. Looking forward to some good Mexican food here.

Tell us about the Kit Carson museum.

^^^ It's closed tomorrow, but here's the website.

https://www.kitcarsonhouse.org/

How is the road trip?

I had a great road trip! Every stop offered an interesting perspective across the country.

I hit some serious snow on Rt 64 on my way to Taos. That was the only wrinkle. Got a bit white knuckle as I had to reduce speed at times to about 20mph. At times a total white out and wind blowing strong. I saw a low temp of 18. No other cars but one somewhere in front of me. I couldn't see it til I got further down the mountain, but could make out it's tracks every now and then. Scary thing, once clear of the snow, I saw a motorcyclist heading toward the weather. I don't know if he was turning, but hope he didn't continue too far. Stopped at a ranger station to tell them, but it was locked up.

Santa Fe is a very cool city and all very small. High end in places and pretty classy.

The Oklahoma bombing site was a very moving experience. I'm glad I went at night as the lighting display sure adds to the tragedy that happened there.

Branson was a kick, but the best part of that stop was the Dogwood Canyon Park tour and Top of the Rock, both owned by Johnny Morris, the guy who started Bass Pro Shops. He developed a world class early American history museum underground at Top of the Rock and was a phenomenal take! Had a great lunch at Arnie's there....named for Arnold Palmer. The entire barn structure was dismantled, moved and reconstructed from it's original site in PA.

Made an unexpected visit to Metropolis, IL and saw the statue of Superman and the museum. He's still fighting for truth, justice and the American way! That night was Paducah KY, where I enjoyed the recommended Starne's BBQ pork sandwich and picked up a few bottles of sauce for gifts.

Then on to Pigeon Forge TN. Drove through the Smokey's and took a special visit to Clingman's Dome. It's about a 1/2 mile hike to the observation tower, but well worth it! I could tell I was over 6000ft up though....whew! Beautiful views from up there; the highest point in the Smokey's.

I'd say the highlight of the entire trip was Arches National Park. Everywhere you turn are miraculous sights! For one uninitiated to the west and it's landscape, it was beyond fascinating.

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Originally posted by 6guns:
I'll be leaving Vegas Thursday morning, for a two hour drive to Zion. Given my time restriction, I think I'll be taking the Zion shuttle to tour and probably stay right on it for the 1 1/2 hours. Then 1 1/2 hours to Bryce and be there til maybe 3pm...or a little after. Since sunset isn't til about 8pm, I like the idea of heading north on Rt 12, but I do have a hotel reservation in Richfield that night. I assume the roads are fine to drive this time of year.

Friday I'll leave early to get to Arches. As it is now, I have a 12 noon entry time, but I hope to log on the night before and get an earlier entry. After Arches, I'll make my way to Durango where I have a reservation for that night. Saturday is when I'll be heading south to Taos and look forward to a relaxed afternoon there. The following late morning, down to Santa Fe.

Thanks for the recommendations! I wish I had a more leisurely schedule. At least I'll get an idea of what I may want to see more closely in a future visit.

Beanhead, Just Hamburger sounds like a place to eat!

Two hours from Vegas to Zion is really optimistic. There's almost always some construction delay especially in the Arizona canyon section. I'd get an early start if you can. Guessing it will come in at closer to 3 hours just to get to the park.

Roads should be fine.

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Branson was a kick, but the best part of that stop was the Dogwood Canyon Park tour and Top of the Rock, both owned by Johnny Morris, the guy who started Bass Pro Shops. He developed a world class early American history museum underground at Top of the Rock and was a phenomenal take!

Then on to Pigeon Forge TN. Drove through the Smokey's and took a special visit to Clingman's Dome. It's about a 1/2 mile hike to the observation tower, but well worth it! I could tell I was over 6000ft up though....whew! Beautiful views from up there; the highest point in the Smokey's.

Dogwood Canyon is a nice walk though the park. Did you see them shot the cannon at Top of the Rock? If I remember they do it at sunset. Great place for a nice dinner.

Nice you got to see the view from Clingman's Dome. Tried twice when I was in the Smokeys and both times it was misty and cloudy. IIRC the 1/2 mile hike is a little tougher then you would think for a 1/2 mile on a paved path.

Your trip sound's like an epic road trip. While I've been to many of the places you stopped it was over the course of many years. Would love to do a trip like that. Thanks for sharing.

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Originally posted by 6guns:
I'd say the highlight of the entire trip was Arches National Park. Everywhere you turn are miraculous sights! For one uninitiated to the west and it's landscape, it was beyond fascinating.

Indeed. My road trip back in 2007 through the southwest and National Parks was amazing. Arches and Bryce Canyon were my favs.