States #26, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31: North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri
From Minnesota to Fargo
Our journey led us to bid farewell to Minnesota and set our sights northward toward Fargo, North Dakota. The anticipation of new experiences filled the air as we embarked on this leg of our adventure.
Upon arriving in Fargo, we visited Jo Jo’s Italian restaurant to indulge in focaccia bread with herbed ricotta, sundried tomato, and spicy sausage, which proved to be a delightful treat for our taste buds.
Fargo held another tasty surprise for us – the birthplace of the iconic Dilly Bar at the nation’s first Dairy Queen. We paid our respects to this frozen treat landmark, a sweet and satisfying end to our time in Fargo.
South Dakota and a Family Reunion
As we bid adieu to North Dakota, we began our journey southwards, making a stop in South Dakota to reconnect with several of my beloved relatives.
They treated us to the local delicacy known as chislic – succulent skewered cubes of mutton and lamb seasoned to perfection. It was a delightful taste of South Dakota’s unique cuisine.
Sioux Falls and Across the Plains
The next destination on our travel itinerary was Sioux Falls, where we immersed ourselves in the city’s charm and attractions.
Captivated by the sights, we continued our journey, passing through Nebraska and Iowa en route to our next destination – Kansas City.
Kansas City BBQ and Local Brews
Kansas City greeted us with a warm welcome and a promise of incredible barbeque flavors. We couldn’t resist visiting the legendary Jack Stack’s to sample their traditional barbeque offerings.
The tender and smoky meats paired with flavorful sauces left us craving for more. Of course, our culinary adventures didn’t end there; we also made a stop at Boulevard Brewing to savor some fine local brews.
The Gateway to the West
We next went to visit the iconic Gateway to the West – the majestic Saint Louis Arch.
After exploring the captivating museum beneath the arch, we embarked on a thrilling journey to the top. From that vantage point, the entire city of Saint Louis unfolded before our eyes, creating memories that would last a lifetime.
Six More States and More Memories
As our travel escapades continued, we cherished each moment and eagerly anticipated the experiences that awaited us in the cities ahead.
Where I Stayed:
Element Hotel, Fargo, North Dakota
Our stay at the Element Hotel in Fargo gave us another comfortable stop as we continued across the Midwest. The property has the open, modern feel typical of Element hotels, with spacious rooms and amenities geared toward longer stays.
One of the best conveniences was having JoJo’s Italian within walking distance, so we could leave the car parked and walk over for dinner. Element Fargo also offers features such as fully equipped kitchens, a pool, fitness center, and complimentary breakfast.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Omaha Papillion
The Fairfield Inn & Suites Omaha Papillion was a convenient stop during our road trip, with a particularly memorable dining option just across the parking lot. We really enjoyed being able to walk over to Jerze’s Sports Bar-Grill-Keno for dinner, drinks, and some entertainment without having to get back in the car. The hotel itself offered the comfortable, dependable accommodations we had come to appreciate during our long days on the road. Having a good restaurant just steps away made this an especially easy overnight stop.
Fairfield Inn Shawnee, Kansas
The Fairfield Inn in Shawnee gave us another comfortable place to recharge as our cross-country journey continued. It was the kind of straightforward, convenient hotel that worked perfectly for a road trip, giving us a comfortable room and an easy base for exploring the area. After spending much of the day behind the wheel, it was nice to have a familiar Marriott property where we could simply relax for the evening. It fit right into our strategy of finding comfortable and convenient places to stay along the route.
Fairfield Inn St. Louis Fenton
Our stay at the Fairfield Inn in Fenton put us just outside St. Louis, making it a practical base for our travels through the area. The property offered the familiar Fairfield Inn experience we had come to expect, with comfortable accommodations and the convenience of being close to the interstate. After another busy day of exploring, it was a welcome place to settle in and get some rest. For a cross-country road trip, those easy overnight stops can make all the difference.