nuccijs

Driving daughter, 2 of her friends, and 1 of mine to keep sane, to college in Virginia. Leaving Los Angeles on July 4th and taking route 40. Trying to find good places to make quickie stops that are fun, even if it's for a quick kodak moment. Our first stop is the Grand Canyon (only 1-2 hour stop), stopping somewhere in New Mexico. The next stop is Graceland.

Not looking for musuems or tours. This is a short 5 day trip.

So I'm looking for :
- places to see fireworks in New Mexico before Alburquerque
- Fun landmarks, pic places
- Good eats
- A good place between New Mexico and Graceland

Any ideas out there???!!!!! Thanks!!!!

tomfuller

You might want to try for Flagstaff. http://www.flagstaffarizona.org/fourth/
The fire danger is very high due to the severe drought.
Anything you want to see in Oklahoma City?

DebitNM

What time are you leaving LA? I assume you mean you are leaving LA on July 4th in the early morning, want to stop at Grand Canyon and then see 4th of July fireworks in NM but not in ABQ??

A rough look at driving times using mapquest it looks like 6.5 hours LA to Williams AZ. Then an hour to Grand Canyon and an hour back to I40. If you if you spend an hout at GC, you are at about 9.5 hours into trip. That doesn't include gas, food and rest room stops.

Once you get back on I40, it will be over 3 hours to Gallup. So to be there for fireworks [usually 9pm ish in these parts] you need to leave LA by 7.

I can't find anything specific about fireworks in Gallup but I'd "guess" there will be some. NOTE: We are in the midst of severe drought here and there have already been bans on many types of fireworks due to EXTREME fire danger. Again, I am "guessing" but most likely there will be some fireworks. Albuquerque for sure, but that adds even more drive time.

Lastly, Grants NM [further east] has this:
Wild West Day's, sponsored by the Grants/Cibola County Chamber of Commerce. Wild West Days is a three/four day event which includes a carnival, parade on July 4, rodeos, arts and crafts fair -- featuring handmade crafts, food, commercial and game booths, FREE entertainment, street dances, and a Fireworks Extravaganza. A fun filled weekend of entertainment for the whole family. (800) 748-2142.

Gretchen

I think Flagstaff is the US home of Mexican sterling jewelry, being that it's girls.
In Nashville you must partake of an iconic American dish--hot chicken.
try this place
http://www.roadfood.com/Restaurant/R...-chicken-shack

DD and fiancé just "did" it about a month ago and it is worth the "tale" that will go along with it. Take the lady's advice and order "mild"!!
there are other places in Nashville for it also, but this was hilarious for the scene. Go in a plain room with a window in the back. Window slides open and lady says "Want chicken baby?" Order. Window slides shut. Opens to serve. LOL

Gretchen

Wait wait. Prince's is the "famous" place--long wait. They went to Bolton's for the above tale. LOVED it.

nuccijs

Any stops in any states are good.

Yes, we are leaving super early on the 4th...like 5am, because of the drive. I was hoping to stop in Gallup but I couldn't find any fireworks either. So maybe best to stop in Grants or Alburquerque - which will be further.

The good thing is that all 5 can drive so that will help.

Thanks for information!!!!

DebitNM

I would pass on Grants and aim for ABQ. Way better fireworks and generally a better place to stop for the night.

ElendilPickle

You'll have to leave that early to make it to Albuquerque by fireworks time.

If you miss the city fireworks (see http://www.cabq.gov/culturalservices...freedom-fourth for more details), the Isotopes will be in town and will have a nice fireworks show after the game. http://www.milb.com/schedule/index.j...42&m=07&y=2013

Lee Ann

tomfuller

Someone mentioned Nashville-Graceland is in Memphis. Visit the recording studio and take a picture standing next to the Mississippi River. Depending on where in Virginia, you might want to see Natural Bridge and a part of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

ElendilPickle

I did a little research - Albuquerque's city fireworks start at 9:15 at Balloon Fiesta Park, if you'll be in town by then.

If not, Grants, Laguna Pueblo, and Acoma Pueblo will all have fireworks shows that evening. Here's a link to information:
http://www.cibolabeacon.com/news/fir...9bb2963f4.html

Lee Ann

nuccijs

Thanks so much for everyone's replies!!! I think we will try to get to Albuquerque to see the fireworks!!! Wish us luck!!!

ElendilPickle

You may have difficulty finding parking at Balloon Fiesta Park. Their lots will be full by the time the fireworks start, and the park and ride only runs to the park until 8:00.

You might have better luck parking in one of the lots at Isotopes Stadium and watching from the parking lot. They are all paid parking, but I would think if you get there after the sixth inning or so that you might be able to park for free.

Hope it works out for you!

Lee Ann