Fellow travelors and locals -
I am driving from the Sacramento area to Des Moines Iowa with my 21 year old daughter and 16 year old son this July. We are looking for short side trips or byways to get off Interstate 80. My daughter is looking for "campy," early route 66 type roadside attractions or restaurants. I am looking for decent places to eat and to walk a little to break up the long drive (we are taking 4 days to get from Sacramento to Des Moines). My son likes geology and history.
Basically we are sticking to I80 because it is the fastest route. However I have fond memories of similar trips in the 60's prior to the big interstate when we drove through every little town along the route - and the hotels were not big chains. So - I guess I am looking for suggestions on small, quaint, inexpensive hotels along the route also.
Assuming we drive 8-9 hours a day it looks like we will need hotels around
Wendover Utah,
Rawlins to Larimie Wyoming, and
Lexington to York Nebraska.
Thank you all!
Worthwhile side trips and small hotels off I-80
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Melissa,
I live in western Nebraska (near Chimney Rock but, alas, not on I-80)and can give you a few recommendations. My first one--Mi Ranchito in Sidney, NE has great, authentic Mexican food. Our area has a large Hispanic population and I daresay no one in the US enjoys better authentic Mexican food than we do. The restaurant's not fancy but the food is great. Also,do NOT stay overnight in Lexington. I would try for Lincoln--even though it's a larger city I think you'd be happier. Eat at Rock and Roll Runza in downtown Lincoln if you've never had a runza (or cabbage burgers, as we call them--they're a German food made with hamburger, cabbage and spices encased in a baked bread roll--Runza's a chain but the food is great). Another Nebraska "institution" is Valentino's Pizza. It's so popular that they even sell it at Nebraska football games. The original Valentino's restaurant is located in Lincoln at about 35th and Holdredge. This would be a fun place to eat and chat with the 'natives.'
Also, take an hour and stop at the Platte River Arch (can't remember its exact name) in Kearney. It's a tourist attraction for history buffs--the whole arch spans I-80 and is worth a stop. My family finally stopped and toured it last year and had a great time. It's hard to describe but let me know if you would like more info...
I know I'll think of more but this is what first comes to mind. Have a fun trip!
If you want one last break before you take the two hour drive from Nebraska border to Des Moines, you might think about a sidetrip to Missouri Valley to see the Bertrand exhibit, an old steam boat excavation. There are also a couple of Lewis and Clark interpretive exhibits in the Council Bluffs area.