States #36, 37, 38, and 39 (Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona)
The Alamo and the Lone Star State
Our exciting cross-country road trip continued west, leaving the lively jazz vibes of New Orleans behind as we rolled into the Lone Star State, where we couldn’t resist making a pit stop at the iconic Alamo, one of the San Antonio Missions listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We immersed ourselves in the tales of the brave Texans who stood their ground against the Mexican army in 1836. It was like stepping back in time, yet with a modern city surrounding the small Alamo.
A Little Texas Football Rivalry
I had visited Texas several times previously, both for work and for football. I enjoyed taking some pictures with the iconic Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader models—while proudly repping my Washington Redskins shirt.
Let’s just say the tension was real, but the smiles were even realer! Rivalries aside, they were absolute pros—graceful, charming, and game for the photo, even if I was decked out in enemy colors.
The NFC East may divide us, but hey, football still brings us together… sometimes.
Tex-Mex and the Road West
We hit the jackpot when it came to food. In the Southwest, Mexicali-style restaurants were calling our names.
Tacos, enchiladas, and sizzling fajitas danced on our taste buds, leaving us wanting more. We indulged in the delightful Tex-Mex cuisine like there was no tomorrow!
Route 66 and the Blue Hole
We set our compass for Tucumcari, New Mexico, to hit the iconic Route 66, the Mother Road! Cruising along this historic highway was a dream come true.
During our trip, we couldn’t pass up a refreshing break at the enchanting Blue Hole in Santa Rosa, NM.
Who would have thought that an 80-foot-deep artesian spring could be so mesmerizing? This aquamarine oasis left us awestruck!
As the crystal-clear waters glistened under the sunlight, we discovered that divers from all corners of the world come here to explore its magical depths. It is indeed a one-of-a-kind dive destination.
Petrified Forest National Park
With our hearts full of adventure, we continued westward, and the Blue Mesa Scenic Road led us to Gallup, New Mexico.
This route was a treasure trove of natural wonders, which we discovered at the Petrified Forest National Park. It felt like wandering into a mystical realm, spotting ancient pueblos and mysterious petroglyphs along the way.
Meteor Crater: A Journey Into Space
The wheels kept turning, and our journey finally took us to Winslow, Arizona!
Nestled in the heart of Winslow, Arizona, lies a surreal and awe-inspiring testament to the forces of the universe – the Meteor Crater National Park.
During our trip to Winslow, we couldn’t resist the opportunity to immerse ourselves in this otherworldly experience and embark on a thrilling hike at one of the most well-preserved impact sites on Earth.
As we approached Winslow, the desert landscape stretched endlessly before us, painted in varying hues of red and gold. The scenic drive set the stage for the adventure that awaited us at Meteor Crater.
The area is steeped in history and geological significance, making it a must-visit destination for anyone with a love for science and natural wonders.
Standing on the Crater’s Rim
Upon arriving at Meteor Crater National Park, we were welcomed by the park’s informative visitor center. The center provided us with an overview of the meteor impact event that occurred thousands of years ago.
The crater, also known as Barringer Crater, was formed when a massive iron-nickel meteor, about 150 feet in diameter and weighing several hundred thousand tons, hurtled from space and collided with Earth’s surface at a staggering speed of 26,000 miles per hour. This impact unleashed an explosive force equivalent to millions of tons of TNT, forever altering the landscape.
As we set out on the hiking trail, a mix of excitement and anticipation filled the air. The well-maintained path led us to the crater’s rim, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the colossal crater below.
Its massive size, measuring nearly 4,000 feet in diameter and over 550 feet in depth, is truly mind-boggling, leaving us humbled by the immense power of the universe. We couldn’t help but marvel at the various rock layers exposed on the crater walls, revealing some of the Earth’s history.
Reaching the rim’s edge, we paused to absorb the sheer grandeur of the site. The surreal landscape resembled a scene from an alien world, with the crater’s central peak, known as the “saucer,” sitting in the center as a reminder of the meteor’s impact.
It was a humbling experience, realizing the forces that shape our planet and how Earth has evolved over time. Standing there, surrounded by the silence of the desert, we felt a profound connection to the vastness of space and the intricate dance between celestial bodies.
Standing on a Corner in Winslow, Arizona
This charming town had gained fame thanks to the legendary tunes of Jackson Browne and Glenn Frey.
And you bet we couldn’t resist taking a moment to stand on a corner in Winslow, Arizona, just like the lyrics of “Take It Easy.” What a rockin’ way to cap off our day!
A Taste of Arizona
While in Arizona, we tried a local specialty: the Navajo Taco.
This dish is made with fry bread smothered with homemade chili con carne, topped with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheese, cilantro-lime crema, and served with a side of fresh salsa.
The Road Ahead
The road ahead promises even more excitement and discovery.
Remember to keep your spirits high and your sense of adventure even higher! Happy trails!
Where I Stayed:
Courtyard Beaumont, Texas
The Courtyard Beaumont was another convenient stop as our journey carried us west through Texas. Located just off I-10, it was well suited to our road-trip itinerary and gave us an easy place to spend the night without straying far from our route. The familiar Courtyard atmosphere made it a comfortable place to relax after a long day of driving. We were quickly learning that a good location and a comfortable bed were two of the most valuable things on a cross-country adventure.
Aloft by Marriott Austin Round Rock
The Aloft Austin Round Rock offered a more modern and lively atmosphere than many of the traditional hotels where we stayed during the trip. Its loft-style rooms, contemporary design, W XYZ bar, Re:Mix lounge, and outdoor pool gave the property a distinctly more energetic feel. The hotel also features live music events, making it a fun change of pace from the standard roadside hotel. It was a memorable place to stay while experiencing the Austin area.
Hilton Garden Inn Ardmore, Oklahoma
The Hilton Garden Inn Ardmore was a particularly convenient stop because of its location just off I-35. We walked over to Chili’s for dinner, which was exactly what we wanted after another long day on the road. The hotel itself had an outdoor pool, fitness center, on-site restaurant, free parking, and Wi-Fi, making it a comfortable place to spend the night. Sometimes the simplest conveniences make a roadside hotel stand out, and being able to walk to dinner certainly did that for us.
Fairfield Inn Tucumcari
The Fairfield Inn Tucumcari was a welcome stop along the historic route through eastern New Mexico. Tucumcari has long been associated with Route 66 and its colorful collection of roadside Americana. Staying there gave me a chance to experience a small but fascinating piece of the classic American road trip. It was exactly the kind of place that makes a cross-country journey interesting.
Americana Motel Tucumcari, New Mexico
Staying at the Americana Motel in Tucumcari was a chance to experience a little of the old-school Route 66 atmosphere that made this part of our trip so memorable. Tucumcari has long been associated with the Mother Road and its collection of classic roadside motels, so staying in a local motel felt appropriate for our Route 66 adventure. The Americana provided a simple, comfortable place to spend the night before continuing west. Tucumcari itself is still known for its Route 66 heritage, vintage motels, murals, and roadside Americana.
Royal Holiday Motel, Gallup, New Mexico
The Royal Holiday Motel in Gallup was another classic roadside stop that fit perfectly into our Route 66 journey. The motel was built in the 1960s specifically to accommodate road-trip travelers and sits along Historic Route 66. After a long day of driving through the Southwest, it was nice to stay somewhere that felt connected to the history of the road we were following. With free parking, Wi-Fi, and breakfast, it provided the basic conveniences we needed before getting back on the road toward Arizona.
Springhill Suites Flagstaff
The Springhill Suites Flagstaff gave me a comfortable base in northern Arizona and placed me near the dramatic landscape surrounding the city. Flagstaff sits at a high elevation and is surrounded by mountains, forests, and easy access to some of Arizona’s most famous attractions. The cooler climate was a welcome change after traveling through the desert regions. It was a memorable stop on my journey through the Southwest.