First trip with the airstream.

[DML Andrews]

We plan to leave Tampa Bay in a few weeks for the Albuquerque area. We would like to see some of the Ozarks on the way. Any route suggestions as well as sites along the way would be appreciated.

[mandolindave]

What kind of outdoor activities, your interests, taste in food and music. If you're going thru the Ozarks and like country music, Branson would be a thought.

Perhaps a different route on the way home. Although I 10 is supposed to a nightmare in some spots, Austin, Texas has all kinds of music. Louisiana for some Cajun food and music.

From my experience Google maps directions can take you thru residential areas to save you an 1/8th of a mile. BUT, I like to check my routes on Google Earth. Running the cursor over your highways can tell you elevations, to avoid major hills.

If you are going as far as Albuquerque, I would suggest ANYWHERE, in Utah. Anywhere but the Moki Dugway which is so steep and curvy that they used to not let RVs on it.

[PKI]

Welcome to the forum. Nice to see another 23 in the group.

Run up to the Blue Ridge parkway for the view. Head through Kentucky and consider a stop at the old Kentucky home, Corvette Museum/factory and into Memphis. The trip into Northern Arkansas or Southern Missouri offers several route options. In any case, hit as many stops as you have time to include. Rogers, Beaver Lake, Eureka Springs, HW 7.....

From there West - run through Northern Oklahoma, visit the CowBoy Hall of Fame in OKC, the Memorial, and try out Hanks RV park in Woodward OK (no attendant, pick a spot and pay in the morning at the laundry office).

Head out the OK panhandle and visit Angel Fire and Taos before dropping down to your destination.

Look for wine along the way and have fun, but travel safe. Slow and steady. . Pat

[Mollysdad]

First, what time frame do you have? Do you need to be back a certain time?
Then, consider the season...hot.
If it were me, I'd avoid the straight line including I-10 west, as much as I'd like to graze on Texas BBQ.
Yes, a route more northerly makes sense.

[PKI]

Going home - Carlsbad Caverns, Austin, Texas Hill Country, a bit of New Orleans Jaz, and roll it slowly on back to the farm.

COE parks can save a buck or two. Helps if you stop in at a National Park and get an America the Beautiful pass or similar. Old age makes this a real winner.

There is a where to stay in Arkansas thread that may help if you search for it.

Mid America weather is not too nice recently, so check ahead. What is not accessible heading West can be your go to solution going East.

Travel safe. Get a good night's sleep. Do not let your schedule put you in an unsafe situation. Back off and reset the schedule. Luck. Pat

[mimiandrews]

If your route takes you through Texas, check out our State Parks at https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/
My favorite is Inks Lake, northwest of Austin.

[Piggy Bank]

Also check specific areas/campgrounds for flooding. Also check highway DOT sites for road closures. Interstate I-29 is closed between Kansas City and Omaha. (Route I-29 north to St. Joseph, MO, then to US 36 west to Hiawatha KS then north on US 75 to Omaha/I-80. Or I-35 to Des Moines IA to I-80.)

I live in Kansas City. Many campgrounds in eastern Kansas and western Missouri are closed due to flooding. Oklahoma in the Tulsa area also has flooding.

[Gleverett]

Suggest a visit to Sante Fe while in New Mexico.

[Overstreet]

I would limit my I-75 miles. Life is just too short for that foolishness.

We often go from Talahassee up to Eufala, Ala and stop over night so we can go to the Cajun café on the main street corner, at the statue. Then we wander up I-65 to Birmingham and take a road over to Memphis. That puts you in line for Branson.

We then up the MO side of the river to St Louis. I just like to avoid Atlanta. Been driving through there since the 70s I'm tired of Atlanta.

[coasttocoast]

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville is stellar. Branson has the Titanic Museum. Kansas City has the WW1 Museum and also the Power & Light District.

[banderabob]

Originally Posted by DML Andrews

We plan to leave Tampa Bay in a few weeks for the Albuquerque area. We would like to see some of the Ozarks on the way. Any route suggestions as well as sites along the way would be appreciated.

My only contribution is to check flooding conditions that may exist in AR, which may impact OK as well.

[Acheron2010]

Be sure to check out the zoo and the National Museum of Nuclear Science. The Albuquerque KOA is a good location for exploring, and the local Airstream dealer is two blocks away.

[DML Andrews]

Sincere thx to all for the responses and suggestions. Everything I’ve read regarding air streamers is obviously on spot. After discussing with my boss🙄 she feels it may be too hot this time of the year. Therefore we have decided to head north to Michigan and on to Canada. She has family there and we can visit as well as explore