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I am beginning to plan a month long roadtrip that we plan to take this summer. We plan to drive the northern route starting from Portland Oregon through Coeur d'Alene Idaho - Billings Montana - Fargo North Dakota (prior to driving to Fargo we plan to visit Mount Rushmore) - Chicago Illinois - Niagara Falls NY - Camden Maine - Cape Cod MA - Newport RI
I would like to hear from my fellow Vette enthusiasts about must see/dos along this route. I would specifically like members to share experiences and/or recommendations around three destinations (long stay stops) in Camden Maine, Cape Cod MA and Newport RI.
I know it’s only January but it’s never too early to start planning.
Crazy Horse Memorial (do it at night for the laser show)
Badlands and Devil's Tower
Welp, Ken beat me to it already.
Also while you're in Montana, and if you have the time, the Beartooth Highway (U.S. Hwy. 212) is an amazing drive. And, if you're a history buff the Little Big Horn Memorial is close to the Beartooth.
As an East Coast Pa resident, I am in the process of planning a trip just like you’re doing except going the opposite direction. My best recommendation is to purchase the latest edition of this book for fabulous destination stops. For your extended stay on Cape Cod, Hyannis is great but try to drive all the way to the tip of Cape Cod too. As to Maine, nearby your rt 95 route is Ogunquit, Maine where if you want a leisurely walk stop at the “Marginal Way”. Great seafood and I would think someone from Portland, Oregon would appreciate a lot.
Bear Tooth Highway to Cody and over The Big Horns via US 14 (fantastic drive) to Custer Battlefield. Then back to I 90 to the Black Hills. Recommend while there you put Spearfish Canyon and Iron Mountain Road on top of your list. Pick up a free map of the Black Hills that you can find most anywhere and it shows the scenic roads and attractions. By the way great museum in Cody.
Don't forget Road to the Sun in MT, tremendous journey. Also I'd skip Fargo ND. Really nothing there, unless you like flat ground (brown) and telephone poles (state tree). Really skip it.
On the way back do Tail of the Dragon after visiting the Biltmore in Asheville, NC.
Well if your going thru portland Maine ,You have to stop off here from some real fresh life Maine Lobster., I shoot a match in Main and stop off here for a dinner
Down the Eastern seaboard then take Interstate 20 through Dixie! Some of the most beautiful countryside you will ever see in your life. Continue on to Interstate 10 back to Santa Monica then up Interstate 101 or the interstate 5 to Portland
While visiting Cape Cod driving out to the tip Provincetown is cool and then back to Falmouth (Woods Hole) where you can take the Ferry to Martha’s Vineyard.
Hyannis is a nice central location on the Cape to stay overnight.
After Cape Cod if you plan to head south find your way towards Newport, RI. Very cool town with gorgeous old mansions and fishing ports.
Mall of America and the largest ball of twine in MN and since you are coming through here bring me some Pelican barrel aged beers...LOL. Sounds like a fun trip.
Stop in Billings and see me at Denny Menholt Chevrolet, that will make your trip(Ha Ha). All the suggestions are great and driving the Beartooth Highway in a Corvette is a thrill, something you will always remember. If you need any help with anything call me at 406-896-3082(office phone) or my cell is 406-698-6355. Looking forward to possibly meeting you in person.
First of August, the mega motorcycle rally is in Sturgis SD. Johnny Law has toned down some might say dumb downed the outlaw attitude over the last 20 years. Personally, it is for the better. And saved the event from self destructing. But still a remarkable sight. Easy to do as a day trip. Overnight someplace west, drive in for a half day downtown, and east out of town to spend the night down the road.
A week after it ends, the national Corvette folks have a rally in Spearfish SD just north of Sturgis. Much more upscale group. Lots of vintage 50s, 60s, Vettes galore. I was filling my motorcycle at a gas station in Sturgis. Line was 20 deep at the pumps. Told the owner the rally was good for business eh? He said he liked the Vette folks coming in next week far more. Surprised I ask why? Laconic his reply. Bigger gas tanks.
Couer d'Alene Resort Hotel is on the lake. Just off downtown. Take one of the resort's mahogany shuttle speed boats from the hotel marina to their golf course across the lake. The same way it was done in the 20s. Elegant style.
And pack some Deep Heat patches. Seems you'll be needing them.
Your number 6 spot Western New York. Obviously must see Niagara Falls but may want to add Pierce Arrow auto Museum in Buffalo and Canal side in Buffalo and the Naval Park. Food wise don’t forget Anchor Bar for those chicken wings they have locations downtown and in the suburbs. If you’re planning to go on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls don’t forget the passport.
Crazy Horse Memorial (do it at night for the laser show)
Badlands and Devil's Tower
Well, I don't much care for Sturgis but the others are great.
If your timing works out, the Black Hills Corvette Classic (July?) that others have mentioned is a great event but of course the area gets crowded and motels fill up far in advance.
We've been to the BHCC three times and still haven't seen all the beauty in that area.
Either way, don't try to cover too many miles each day. Enjoy the ride.
Medora, ND is near your route. The whole town is about Teddy Roosevelt, most nights they have the Medora Musical. A bit kitschy but great fun.
01-18-2019, 01:18 PM
I want your input....Roadtrip
