Head southwest to see a number of destinations that introduce you to Lincoln’s
early years which shaped his destiny. Kentucky boasts the longest explored cave system in the world and is where all Corvettes in the world are manufactured. History to horsepower, this is an area to explore during a stretch between events.
Time to explore and we have the trip for you!
First stop is Lincoln’s boyhood home at Knob Creek (www.nps.gov/abli/planyourvisit/boyhood-home.htm)--his
home from the time he was 2 ½ to nearly 8. From Lexington take U.S. 60 West to Exit 72 (Martha Layne Collins Bluegrass Parkway). Proceed on Bluegrass Parkway to Exit 21 (Bardstown, U.S .31E). Follow US 31E South for approximately 20 miles; entrance on right.
Next stop on your Lincoln odyssey is the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Park (www.nps.gov/abli).
(NOTICE: Memorial Building interior is closed for renovation.)
A replica of an early 19th century cabin is enshrined inside the magnificent Memorial Building. Also on the site is Sinking Spring, which provided water for the property. From his Boyhood Home at Knob Creek, turn right onto US
31E. Proceed southwest for approximately 10 miles and you’ll see the picnic entrance on left and main entrance on your right.
While in this area, visit the town of Hodgenville (www.laruecounty.org/) and the Lincoln Museum (www.lincolnmuseum-ky.org/). This site chronicles Lincoln’s life with memorabilia, dioramas and an art gallery.
From Hodgenville, continue southwest on KY84 to I-65.
Once on I-65, many options are worthy of consideration. The exit 58 at Horse Cave (www.kygetaway.com/) provides a little bit of Australia right here in Kentucky-- Kentucky Down Under (www.kdu.com/). Discovered in 1799, less than a decade after Kentucky became a state, Kentucky Caverns is still one of the most beautiful and easily accessible caves in the US and is located on this property.
Or at Cave City take Exit 53 to Mammoth Cave National Park (www.nps.gov/maca). The longest cave system in the world offers tours for anyone with any degree of hiking ability. There’s an historic tour or take of the many others
that afford different sights. For the more outdoors adventurer there’s an introduction to caving and a Wild Cave Tour.
As you head back to I-65, Dinosaur World (www.dinoworld.net/) is on your right. From the fossil dig, to the bone yard, this family-friendly property may entice kids to become paleontologists.
Back down I-65 brake for the National Corvette Museum (www.corvettemuseum.com/) at Exit 28 in Bowling Green (visitbgky.com/). Dine at the new Corvette Café. Come September they will celebrate the 15th anniversary of the museum with the opening of the 47,000-square-foot expansion. The Corvette is America’s Sports car and this is the place to see the rotating collection of this car.
Stay awhile and explore Bowling Green (visitbgky.com/). The charming town square and Western Kentucky University make this a both nostalgic and modern city to visit. Stop at the Visitor’s Center and map out more adventure.
Located just off I-65 exit 22, about 1/4 mile down Three Springs Road just look for the brown log cabin on the left.
Enjoy the Splendor of Nature at Crater Lake National Park Crater Lake National Park is one of the most beautiful in the state, and every year nearly a million visitors make the trek to this unique tourist destination. Crater Lake has many unique distinctions, not the least of which is the fact that the lake is the deepest in the entire country. Visitors from around the world often find themselves overwhelmed at the sheer beauty of the place, and Crater Lake National Park is the perfect place for individuals and families to hike, bike, fish, camp and just enjoy the great outdoors.
The history of what is now known as Crater Lake is as fascinating as the site is beautiful. The enormous lake for which the park is named owes its creation to the eruption of Mount Mazama, which collapsed in on itself following that violent explosion nearly 8,000 years ago. Over time the resulting crater cooled and filled with the crystal clear waters so many visitors know today.
But Crater Lake National Park is much more than its lake, and savvy travelers know to escape the crowds by hiking the beautiful trails. The Cascade Mountains that run through Oregon also run through this beautiful park, and this mountain landscape offers many beautiful places to hike, bike and ski.
Avid hikers will love the five mile trek up to Mount Scot. This peak stretches nearly 9,000 feet into the air, making it the highest peak in the entire park. Those with less hiking experience should keep in mind that this trail can be quite challenging, with steep grades and long stretches of upward climbs. Those who are less than avid hikers may want to take the easier (but far more crowded) trail to Garfield Peak.
But those who persevere on the journey to the top of Mount Scot will be well rewarded for their efforts. The top of the trail offers some truly spectacular views of the famous Crater Lake, as well as beautiful vistas of the surrounding mountains and woodlands.
And even though it will likely be crowded, visitors should definitely drive the famous Rim Drive. This 33 mile drive is a must for any visitor to Crater Lake National Park. Drivers who make the trek will be well rewarded with many spectacular views – the Rim Drive alone offers more than 20 overlooks where visitors can rest, reflect on the beauty of nature and of course take lots of pictures.
Visitors planning a trip to Crater Lake and the famous Rim Trail should keep in mind that the trail is open only during the summer, closing from the middle of October through the middle of June due to the possibility of significant ice and snow buildup on the road.
That does not mean that all the fun at Crater Lake ends with the coming of winter. Skiing enthusiasts love to ski along the famous Rim Drive when the snow starts falling, and this great area offers some of the best early season Nordic skiing anywhere.
Whether you choose to visit the beautiful Crater Lake National Park for skiing, hiking or a combination of the two you are sure to enjoy your visit. This beautiful park offers plenty to see and do, and the nearby campgrounds make it easy for visitors to stay the night or enjoy a long term visit. With so much to see and do it is no wonder Crater Lake is one of the most popular destinations in the state of Oregon.
Going to the Grand Canyon on vacation, or just driving thru, might as well see a few attractions on the way. Depending of couse on which way you're driving. Click here to read about a few stops.
GRAND CANYON: State: Arizona If you are in to HIKING, Read our article on hiking at the south rim. - READ -
RESERVATIONS:
Reservations & Fees.
Campground Reservations:
Campground reservations can be made for two of the campgrounds within Grand Canyon National Park: (one on each rim)
The Mather Campground on the South Rim (in Grand Canyon village)and the North Rim Campground.
REMEMBER that the South Rim and North Rim are 215 miles apart (5 hour drive).
Reservations can be made through the National Recreation Reservation Serviceby calling 1-877-444-6777
Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance.
Most People Visit Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim.
The South Rim is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
ALL VISITOR SERVICES:
camping, lodging, and restaurants are available year round. Reservations are strongly recommended during the busy summer season.
Because the South Rim is easier to get to, Day-use visitors should expect traffic congestion and parking problems, particularly in summer.
The least crowded time is November through February. However, winter weather is a major consideration when planning a trip during these months.
A free shuttle bus system operates in the Grand Canyon Village area. Make your visit easier and save fuel by parking your car and using the shuttle to get around.
The South Rim of Grand Canyon averages 7000 feet/2134 m above sea level. Visitors with respiratory or heart problems may experience difficulties. Walking at this elevation can be strenuous.
ENTRANCE PERMITS:
$25 per Private Vehicle is the entrance fee to Grand Canyon National Park.
The fee for an individual entering by foot, bicycle, motorcycle, or non-commercial group is $12.00 per person.
Admission is for seven days and includes entrance to both the North Rim and South Rim. Sorry,No refunds are given.
Where can I buy an Entrance Permit ? Visitors to the South Rim can purchase entrance permits at the park entrance stations - or - at the following locations prior to entry:
Cameron, AZ - Cameron Trading Post Vehicle ($25.00) and Individual ($12.00) permits. Williams, AZ - Williams Visitor Center All permits. Valle, AZ - Chevron Travel Stop Vehicle ($25.00) and Individual ($12.00) permits. Tusayan, AZ - IMAX Theatre All permits and passes are available when a ranger is on duty.
Tusayan, AZ - Canyon Squire Inn Tusayan, AZ - Red Feather Inn Tusayan , AZ - Quality Inn Vehicle ($25.00)
Grand Canyon National Park Annual Pass Cost: $50.00
National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Cost: $80.00
Camping fees are in addition to entrance fees and are charged per night. Reservations for camping and lodging are essential. When making reservations, remember to identify the rim you plan on visiting.
Campsite reservations fill up fast:
Make reservations as far in advance as you can.
OTHER CAMPGROUND:
WILLIAMS, AZ Williams / Exit 167 / Circle Pines KOA 928-635-2626 I-40 Exit 167, follow Circle Pines Road to KOA’s entrance.
Railside RV Ranch 888-635-4077
Kaibab Nat'l Forest / Kaibab Lake Group Area 928-635-5600 Approx. one mile or so north of I-40, on the way to Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon Railway RV Park 92773-1976
Grand Canyon / Williams KOA 928-635-2626 From Williams, take Exit 165 off I-40. Head north on Grand Canyon Highway (SR 64) for approximately 5 miles. KOA entrance on the left.
NOTE: GRAND CANYON IS APPROX. 57 MILES NORTH ON HWY 64, FROM I-40.
Arizona Roadside Attractions: Big is Beautiful, and Kitsch is Cool
When you’re on holiday, museums and art galleries have their place. It’s just that sometimes that place is far, far away. Because every once in a while you just want to see weird, fun, kitschy stuff and not have to think too much. It’s what tourists are supposed to do, after all; drive somewhere, get out of the car, look at things, and then go away again. After the stress of work and day-to-day life, you deserve to drive through beautiful countryside, stopping occasionally to look at a giant head, or Fred Flintstone’s imaginary house. Welcome to the Wacky World of Weird Roadside Attractions, Arizona.
When old Route 66 was mothballed and bypassed (by the I-40 highway in Arizona), towns that once thrived had to innovate or die. And by golly, innovate they did. Tacky, quirky or just plain weird, there’s a roadside attraction out there for every taste:
The Giant Skull
Longhorn Bar & Grill (Amado) – The gimmick here is the giant, fake steer skull (with antlers), that forms the entrance to a restaurant, so you can combine slight weirdness with a nice lunch. This attraction will appeal to children because the giant skull is sufficiently striking and realistic looking to inspire all sorts of gruesome imaginings.
Stewart’s Petrified Wood (Holbrook) – When you spy the life-size animatronic dinosaurs outside the shop, you’ll know you’re in the right place. You can buy petrified wood souvenirs (fossilized trees), while simultaneously admiring the authenticity of the mannequin body parts clutched in the dinosaurs’ rapacious jaws. There’s also an ostrich farm on the premises and you’re encouraged to feed the birds. This attraction could very well be kid heaven: fossils, man-eating dinosaurs and giant birds. What more could you ask for?
Location: I-40 exit 303. Situated 13 miles east of Holbrook, Arizona.
The Giant Head
Giganticus Headicus (Kingman) – That’s “Gigantic Head”, for those of you who don’t speak fake Latin. A creation of artist Gregg Arnold, the giant green head is a 14-foot high Easter Island wannabe made of stucco, wood and metal. It adorns the entrance to the Kozy Korner trailer and RV park, so you can overnight with the Giganticus, should you feel the urge.
Location: Kingman, AZ at the junction of Route 66 and Antares Road.
Fred & Wilma’s House
Flintstone’s Bedrock City (Valle) – Where else in Arizona (or the world, for that matter) can you slide down a brontosaur’s tail just like Fred did in “The Flintstones”? Bedrock City offers a kiddie train that travels through a volcano, a cinema showing cartoons, and colorful replicas of Fred and Barney’s houses. There’s nothing very high tech about Bedrock City, but that’s part of the charm. The site is also a campground, so you can stay overnight and try Fred’s Diner for breakfast (where they serve brontoburgers and a 5 cent cup of coffee).
Location: Halfway between the Grand Canyon and Williams, Arizona at the junction of AZ 64 and US 180 in Valle, AZ.
Burros and Gunslingers
Oatman, Arizona is a ghost town with a population of about 200. It’s located on the now defunct and by-passed Route 66, but has survived the loss of highway through-traffic by emphasizing its Wild West street cred. Gunslingers from two rival gangs stage shoot-outs several times a day and wild burros roam the streets. It’s how the Wild West probably was; slightly dusty and disheveled with intermittent bursts of violence.
Location: From the I-40 take exit 44, and then follow the signs for Oatman, distance 23 miles.
Once you experience your first Arizona roadside attraction, you’ll be a devotee. And they’re all over the place. Keep your eyes peeled for signs pointing you to the two-headed stuffed lamb, the meteor crater, the space-age diner, the rock food, the giant teepee, and the world’s largest rosebush. Failing that, just look for signs that say “World’s Biggest [WhatEver]”. You can visit the art galleries and museums on your next holiday.
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We are planning a trip back east and your information on the Grand Canyon was really helpful. Thank You. sam-55
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