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Okay, I am looking at two different routes from Chicago to Houston next weekend. One would take me south on I-55 all the way to Baton Rouge and then west on I-10, and the other would take me west a bit earlier and then south on Route 59.
Route 1 is about 100 miles longer, but is going to be all interstate, so I'd think that driving speed would make up for it. Plus, there should be less danger for stone chips along the way.
Route 2 is shorter, but I am not sure what kind of roads I'd be driving once I hit 59. And I am pretty sure that I'd pass a bunch of smaller towns on the way, so there'd be potential danger of speed traps and if the roads aren't so good, there's the gravel/rocks issue to deal with.
On the other hand, I'd like to make the most of this trip and maybe take a touristy detour. Not sure what would be along the way on either route, but I'd think the chances of seeing something would be greater if you stray off the interstate.
Decsions, decisions.... Any ideas/opinions/comments?
I vote Route no. 2. Last time I went Eye Ten to LA there was a mess o traffic and construction at the state line. Granted that was 2 + years ago, but avg. street repair time is 12 - 15 years.
Besides, I hear that Arkansas has nice driving scenery.
Man, have I got a route for you, go through STL and take I-44 west to
1= Springfield and the head southwest through the Ozarks,(this part is up to you, like on Hwy180 to hwy348 to hwy 37 to hwy 62) and stop in Fayetteville, AR
2= Joplin and take Hwy71 south. this is a little faster.
But the route you really want to take is Hwy271 south out of Fort Smith into Oklahoma and then get on Hwy59, but when Hwy59 turns back east, take Hwy259 south, what a blast this road is. Then when you get into Texas, just stay on Hwy259 until you come to Hwy59 again.
So we are talking about this route?
Certainly looks interesting, and at 1,200 miles it's pretty much the same distance as the alternatives. What's the driving like along the way? Small towns with big Sheriffs (i.e. I better slow down)? Any gravel/paint chips issues? Plenty of gas stations or do I need to do some planning around re-supply in the middle of nowhere? Motel rooms should be available without reservation in Fayetteville, right? That place does not strike me as a major tourist mecca.
Anything along the way that would be worthwhile to stop for?
I've driven between Houston and Chicago many-many times and tried a number of routes before I settled on this one:
55 to St. Louis
take 44 West - the scenery going thru Missouri is excellent. Much better than Arkansas.
Take 69 south to Dallas(exit#283 off 44, after Vinita, OK - though you can exit at Vinita and take a short drive on 60 to 69)
I normally spend the night somewhere near Pryor, OK
North of Dallas 69 turns into 75
Downtown Dallas 75 turns into 45
Take 45 to Houston.
I don't like to take 59 in north east Texas - lots of little towns and the speed changes a lot. I know from experience that it's easy to miss a speed limit change and get a much bigger ticket than you planned to "chance"
Also, I10 in Louisianna is very bumpy. The road is basically concrete slaps in the middle of swampland. The sections have shifted so you'll hear and feel "thump-thump-thump-thump" for most of that part of the drive.
I drove the 59 route to Memphis three years ago and would definitely recommend that route. The roads were in good shape and the fact that it is a two lane road up to Texarkana or so made for a much more interesting drive. . Stay away from Louisana.
I took your route #2 in the past. It's a good drive. Just watch out around Texarkana. Got pulled over there, but got out of the ticket. I have also done a little variation on route #2 in that I took the more northern route out of Little Rock. That went through a lot of little towns, but it was fun.
That's the route. If you want to stay off of Hwy59 in Texas, what you can do is take I-30 west to Hwy271 south to Hwy155 south to Hwy79 south to I-45.
The route in eastern OK is great, with elevation changes and a lot of curves. Also not highly traveled, gas and food should not be a problem.
"Motel rooms should be available without reservation in Fayetteville". That is correct. We got a room for $49.00, Comfort Inn or Comfort Suites.
"Anything along the way that would be worthwhile to stop for?"
STL = will have the "Gateway to the west Arch"
Branson= If you want to go there, a little out of the way, has some shows of different types, if you can get tickets and a room.
East OK = Great scenery on Hwy259, and route1 east is a nice side trip along a ridge.
Other than that, not that I know of. Or even if you will have the time.
Are you going this weekend?
Are you going to the Thursday night GTG? , If so then Cammie and I will try to make it and I can show you the route on our computer.
