Traveling Coast to Coast: Bed and Breakfast Style!
Outside a favorite Bed & Breakfast in NH
Driving: Enjoying the Adventure!
“Everything in life is somewhere else, and you get there in a car”
~E.B. White, One Man's Meat, 1943
I enjoy driving. For me, flying just means paying money to move at 400 mph and 35 thousand feet above everything that interests me! Why would I do it? Getting there is at least half the fun! Driving allows you to see, explore, and involve yourself in the adventure! Spot an interesting gift shop? You will never even see it from a plane! But on four wheels (or 2 if you prefer) you can investigate that interesting icon, cross over into that curious little corner café, or just pull over for a moment and ponder over a panoramic point on the path. I enjoy driving.
I also enjoy staying and eating in unique places and prefer to avoid (whenever possible) the larger commercial hotels and restaurants. Not that I have any bones to pick with these big box bad boys, but the reality is that they all look and taste alike, and I find that rather boring. Give me a cozy quaint cottage over a commercial castle any calendar day. For me, a uniquely decorated Bed and Breakfast is far more charming than any chain.
And I’m not a millionaire. Not even close. So I don’t stay places that cost me a kidney or leave me mourning in credit card crisis a month after the trip. I won’t sleep in a roach motel, but I’m also not likely to book a room at the Ritz. I don’t buy meals that may require a second mortgage. I like good food in a unique and original atmosphere, friendly service, and a fair price.
Does any of this appeal to you? If so, I invite you to come along as we travel Coast to Coast: Bed and Breakfast style! We will drive only about 8 hours a day, stay at 5 reasonably priced and unique Bed and Breakfasts, and make it from Boston to L.A. in 6 days! This is an awesome adventure! Come along, hop in the car, bring your spouse and family if you like, and enjoy an unforgettable drive!
ABOUT THIS TRIP:
1) We will be heading from EAST to WEST, but you could just as easily reverse the directions! Also, depending on where you are in the country, you could easily pick up the path halfway through!
2) The trip is designed as 6 days...but you could easily make it 12 days and spend 2 NIGHTS IN EACH LOCATION! This would greatly improve your opportunities to see the attractions in each of the stops.
3) Travel time was designed to be, on average, 8 hours per day. I've traveled longer...but personally 8 hours is long enough. I like to get out and see things! Using this "map" you will make it from Coast To Coast in 6 days! Enjoy the read...and enjoy the ride!
Boston to Buffalo
Day 1: From Boston to Buffalo
Approximate Distance: 455 miles
Approximate Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
Destination Address: Marienthal Country Inn
5107 Langford Road
Eden, NY 14057
Our first stretch carries us across the long length of Massachusetts. We will have to pay some tolls along Interstate 90 (locally known as the Mass Pike) but it is a convenient traveling route with plenty of opportunities to stop for gas, snacks, or other necessities along the highway without the need to take an uncertain exit and wander far off the beaten path (though that can often be fun!!).
In New York we will pass through Albany, the State capital (quiz the kids...did they know that?), which is also the second oldest State capital in the country! We will also travel just north of Syracuse, home of the Great New York State Fair. We will cruise just a bit south of Rochester, famous for several unforgettable local foods like the "white hot" and the "garbage plate".
Our evening destination is located in Eden, NY which requires us to pass through Buffalo, located less than 20 miles from the famous Niagara Falls. Some nicknames for the city of Buffalo include "The Queen City" and "The Nickel City" and "The City of Good Neighbors" and "The City of Light". The history behind some of these names could be a hub by itself!
Continue to travel through Buffalo to Eden, NY, about 20 more miles.
The First Night: The Marienthal Country Inn
Marienthal Country Inn
5107 Langford Road
Eden, NY 14057
Room Rates: $85 to $150 per night
The Marienthal Country Inn provides the perfect atmosphere for any getaway! Beautifully decorated and conveniently situated this cozy and comfortable inn awaits your arrival! VISIT THEIR WEBSITE HERE!
Here is a wonderfully worded description of the property by the owner, Louise D. Vacco, herself:
"Marienthal Country Inn can be your stop between Niagara Falls – one of the wonders of the world – quaint Ellicottville, NY (our own little “Lake Placid”), and our thriving Amish Community on the tour westward. The spectacular rolling hills and bucolic countryside is refreshing and relaxing. While here, take a break on our complementary bicycles (including our bicycle-built-for-two), a walk in the creek, or relax on the porch with a refreshing glass of ice tea. You may even catch one of the art workshops or throw a pot on our pottery wheel during your stay. We’re based on the grounds of an 1858 country church. Our fabulous breakfasts, relaxing bedrooms and cool bathrooms will not disappoint."
Lake Erie
Buffalo to Indianapolis
Day 2: Buffalo to Indianapolis
Approximate Distance: 497 Miles
Approximate Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
Destination Address: Speedway Bed and Breakfast
1829 Cunningham Road
Indianapolis, IN 46224
The second leg of our Coast to Coast journey brings us right alongside beautiful Lake Erie for about 200 miles. Lake Erie is the shallowest of the Great Lakes and is so named because of the "Erie tribe" of Native Americans who populated its shores. We will also be passing directly through the city Erie, PA which is the home of the much-visited Presque Isle State Park.
We will exit Pennsylvania and make our way into Ohio, heading straight for Columbus, the state capital, and most populated city in Ohio. Columbus attractions include the Ohio State Fair and Red, White and Boom, the largest fireworks display in the Midwest.
This chapter in our Coast to Coast book ends in Indianapolis, IN (yet another state capital...imagine that!).
Speedway B & B
Second Night: Speedway Bed & Breakfast
Speedway Bed & Breakfast
1829 Cunningham Road
Indianapolis, IN 46224
Room Rates: $75.00 to $175.00
Our second night's rest is in the comfortable and accomadating company of Don and Ann Ninness, owners of The Speedway Bed and Breakfast, the largest home in the town of Speedway. CLICK HERE to visit their website.
Looking for a special dinner tonight? Be sure not to miss Rick's Boatyard Cafe located on beautiful Eagle Creek Reservoir, serving up mouth-watering masterpieces including steaks, seafood and pasta!
Day 3: Indianapolis to Kansas City, MO
Approximate Distance: 482 miles
Approximate Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
Destination Address: 116 East 46th Street Kansas City, MO 64112
Now we are really traveling Coast to Coast Bed and Breakfast style! Today we will leave Indiana heading west on Interstate 70 toward Kansas City, MO. Along the way we will passing just a bit north of St. Louis, the "Gateway to the West". Hey sports fans! Check out the websites and schedules for any of the great St. Louis sports teams and see if you can catch a game on your way through!!
Along the way today we will be passing over BOTH the Mississippi river AND the Missouri river, which are the first and second LONGEST rivers in the U.S. Wow...both in 1 day!! What a trip!
Continue on toward Kansas City, the largest city in the state of Missouri, famous for Jazz and Blues music and their world famous Kansas City Barbeque!
Third Night: Southmoreland on the Plaza
Southmoreland on the Plaza
116 East 46th Street
Kansas City, MO 64112
Room Rates: $130 to $190 per night
With Wi-Fi, Jacuzzi rooms or a private fireplace, this classy inn has it all! Other amenities include complimentary wine, Hors D' Oeuvres, and a gourmet breakfast! You may never want to leave! CLICK HERE to visit their official website and check out the extensive list of area attractions they list.
While here, you art lovers will have to make time for the short walk down to the famous Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art...admission is FREE!! To check out their website CLICK HERE.
Day 4: Kansas City to Denver, CO
Approximate Distance: 609 miles
Approximate Time: 8 hours 58 minutes
Destination Address:
Capital Hill Mansion Bed and Breakfast
1207 Pennsylvania Street
Denver CO 80203
Today will be the longest drive. But I know you had an awesome night's rest and are ready to really make some progress in our Coast to Coast trip, Bed and Breakfast style! Today wil be all Interstate 70, traveling the full length of Kansas (called the "Main Street of Kansas"), and getting nearly half way through the great state of Colorado.
The first major city in Kansas we'll travel through is Topeka, the capital city. If you can spare some time, visit the Topeka Zoo!
We'll also pass through Hays, KS with connections to both famous and infamous names from the past such as James Butler (aka "Wild Bill") Hickok and William Frederick (aka "Buffalo Bill") Cody. Take a walking tour of the town or time your travel to correspond with the Annual Wild West Festival.
Today will end in beautiful Denver Colorado, the capital and most populated city in the state. Denver is known as the "mile-high city" due to the fact that its elevation is exactly 1 mile high. I suppose you could also call it the "mile-long" city because a list of things to do in Denver could easily stretch a mile!
Here are a popular list of the 6 Best Things to do in Denver with links to each place:
- The 16th Street Mall
- Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
- The Denver Art Museum
- Tattered Cover Book Store
- Pint's Pub
- Cafe Brazil
Hopefully you will have time to visit one or more of these spectacular establishments during your stay in Denver!
Fourth Night: Capital Hill Mansion Bed & Breakfast
Capital Hill Mansion Bed & Breakfast
1207 Pennsylvania Street
Denver, CO 80203
Room Rates: $114 to $195 per night
Tonight you are in for a special treat! Choose from any of the 8 rooms that suits your style the best. They have 2 room suites, balcony suites, rooms with fireplaces, and even rooms with a whirlpool tub!
The website lists an extensive directory of "area attractions" that you won't want to miss! I would definitely plan on 2 nights here...so much to do!!
Day 5: Denver to Cedar City, UT
Approximate Distance: 580 miles
Approximate Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
Destination Address: The Big Yellow Inn Bed & Breakfast
234 South 300 West
Cedar City, UT 84720
Have your camera ready today...we're headed through the Rocky Mountains! We will also travel through the famous Eisenhower Tunnel, the highest vehicular tunnel in the world (over 11,000 feet above sea level)!! The tunnel is 1.7 miles long.
Before leaving Colorado you will pass through the city of Grand Junction. Here you might want to visit the Colorado National Monument, one of the many fine Wineries, or continue a bit further to explore the Dinosaur Journey Museum in Fruita, CO.
Fifth Night: The Big Yellow Inn Bed and Breakfast
The Big Yellow Inn Bed & Breakfast
234 South 300 West
Cedar City, UT 84720
Room Rates: $99 to $199 per night
This night you will sleep in the lap of affordable luxury! Beautifully decorated, spacious, and charming the Big Yellow Inn offers the perfect place for the Coast to Coast traveler to rest and revive! The premier room in this facility is the Gable Suite offering sleeping accomadations for 5, a double jacuzzi tub, fireplace, and a telescope through which to view the breath-taking views! Go for it!
While staying in Cedar City be sure to check out some of the popular local attractions like:
The Utah Shakespearean Festival
Looking for a fantastic dining experience? Check out the Cedar Creek Family Restaurant!
Day 6: Cedar City to Santa Monica, CA!
Approximate Distance: 457 miles
Approximate TIme: 6 hours 45 minutes
Destination Address: Channel Road Inn 219 W. Channel Road Santa Monica CA 90402
We're almost there! Today we will be driving throught the tips of Arizona and Nevada right to the Pacific Ocean destination of Santa Monica CA!! We'll travel right through the center of Las Vegas, with plenty of entertainment and places to eat and play.
When you arrive safely in Santa Monica you'll want to grab your towel, swimsuit, and sunscreen and head right for the soothing sand! Enjoy the sensational sunset...you've driven nearly 3000 miles to see it! Congratulations!
Sixth Night: Channel Road Inn, Santa Monica!
219 West Channel Road
Santa Monica, CA 90402
Room Rates: $230 - $450
I picked the Channel Road Inn because of the combination of Beauty and Affordability. Choose from any of the 15 uniquely decorated rooms, some with spas, balconies and ocean views. Your stay will include a full breakfast, afternoon tea, wine and hors d'oeuvres. They are also well-known for their home baked cookies!!