You're Stuck Between a Rock (Santa Fe) and a Hard Place (Oklahoma City)? Don't Despair! There's More to This Stretch Than You Think!
Let's face it, that drive between Santa Fe's adobe dreams and Oklahoma City's yeehaw spirit can feel a tad, well, uneventful. But fear not, weary traveler! This ain't no cinematic montage where tumbleweeds roll by and tumbleweeds roll back. This is your chance to spice up your road trip with some hidden gems and quirky detours.
What is There To Do Between Santa Fe And Oklahoma City |
Route 66: Blast Back in Time (Without the Flux Capacitor)
Feeling nostalgic? Take the historic Route 66 for a dose of Americana. Elk City and Clinton boast Route 66 museums, Clinton even has an old-school soda fountain for a sugar rush pit stop. Don't forget to snap a pic at the Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo, Texas, where a row of classic cars have been half-buried in the ground for an artistic (and slightly bizarre) roadside attraction. Just remember, these beauties aren't for climbing (sorry, Ferris Bueller).
Word to the Wise: Watch out for rogue tumbleweeds and keep an eye on the gas gauge - stations can be few and far between on some stretches.
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Nature's Calling: Get Your Canyon On!
Craving some wide-open spaces? Palo Duro Canyon State Park in Texas offers stunning vistas and hiking trails for the adventurous soul. Tip: Rent a mountain bike and conquer the trails like a champion (or at least pretend to be one - we won't judge your post-trail wheelie attempt).
Feeling peckish? Grab a bite at the Big Texan in Amarillo. This legendary restaurant has a 72 oz steak challenge - finish it in under an hour and it's free! Just be warned, your belt buckle might need a serious upgrade afterwards.
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Embrace the Quirky: There's More to Life Than Cowboys (and Art!)
Looking for something a little...different? Tucumcari, New Mexico boasts the Blue Swallow Motel, a neon-drenched ode to mid-century kitsch. Feeling spooked? Check out the Etna UFO Museum for some extraterrestrial intrigue (little green men not guaranteed).
Need a caffeine fix? Detour to Erick, Oklahoma for the one-and-only World's Largest Peanut water tower. Yes, you read that right. And yes, there's a peanut museum attached.
QuickTip: Go back if you lost the thread.
Remember: Don't be afraid to get off the beaten path! There are quirky towns, roadside attractions, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Road Trip FAQ: You Asked, We Answered (In a Dashing, Witty Manner)
How to avoid feeling like you're driving through a never-ending cornfield?
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- Embrace the audiobook! Podcasts, music, or a good old-fashioned story can make the miles fly by.
- Pack some road trip games! Classic singalongs, I Spy, or the ever-competitive "slug bug" counting game are guaranteed giggle-inducers.
- Plan your pit stops! Research quirky roadside attractions or interesting towns along the way. A little pre-planning goes a long way in avoiding the monotony.
How to avoid a gas station meltdown?
- Download a gas station app! They'll show you gas prices and locations in real-time, preventing that dreaded "empty tank, nowhere to go" feeling.
- Fill up when you can, not when you have to! Don't rely on that one gas station on the horizon - it might be a mirage (or just permanently closed).
- Pack a gas can (just in case)! But remember, safety first - check your car's manual for proper usage.
How to avoid a snack-induced mutiny in the car?
- Pack a variety of snacks! Sweet, salty, healthy, naughty - cater to everyone's tastes and avoid the dreaded "hanger" monster.
- Get creative with car picnics! Pack a picnic basket and pull over for a scenic lunch break.
- Hit up local diners! Support small businesses and experience some regional cuisine.
How to avoid a backseat rebellion?
- Keep the entertainment flowing! Portable DVD players, tablets loaded with games, or coloring books can be lifesavers.
- Involve the kids in the planning! Let them pick out some roadside attractions or snacks