2,500 miles of surprises, stories, and scenic detours.
I typically try to avoid the big interstate highways on my travels, but this time I decided to do something different and took Interstate 40 from Arizona to Tennessee—and I’m glad I did.
With side trips and a few detours, this leg of my journey covered just over 2,500 miles and turned out to be an absolute joy.
From Lake Mead and the Grand Canyon to Memphis and Nashville, the entire route was filled with adventure—and yes, a few potholes along the way.
After spending three months in the Arizona desert, I was more than ready to trade sand for something new. This journey didn’t disappoint.
Montezuma Castle & Montezuma Well – Camp Verde, AZ
My first stops were Montezuma Castle National Monument and nearby Montezuma Well.
Despite the name, the cliff dwellings have nothing to do with Montezuma. Early explorers misattributed them, but they were actually built around 1125 A.D. by Indigenous peoples.
The dwellings sit about 90 feet up a limestone cliff overlooking a lush valley and stream—once home to around 100 people.
Montezuma Well, just five miles away, is a limestone sinkhole fed by a natural spring flowing at about 1.5 million gallons per day. It’s been used for irrigation for centuries and also features additional cliff and cave dwellings. A fascinating glimpse into early North American life.
Meteor Crater – Winslow, AZ
Meteor Crater was a surprise—mainly because I assumed my park pass would work (it doesn’t!).
That said, it was worth every penny.
The guided tour was excellent, and the sheer size of the crater is hard to grasp. Formed over 50,000 years ago, it’s one of the best-preserved meteor impact sites on Earth.
Winslow, Arizona
Fans of Eagles will recognize this town from Take It Easy.
Standing on the famous corner in Winslow is a fun and nostalgic stop. The town has leaned into the song with a small park, statue, mural, and even a flatbed Ford. It’s a quick but worthwhile stop along historic Route 66.
Petrified Forest & Painted Desert – AZ
Petrified Forest National Park and the Painted Desert ended up being one of my favorite stops.
I’m glad I ignored the advice to skip it.
The 30-mile scenic drive is packed with viewpoints and short hikes. The park is well maintained, trails are clearly marked, and every stop feels unique. I used the Just Ahead app, which added great narration along the way.
Take your time here—it’s worth it.
Ice Cave & Bandera Volcano – Grants, NM
This Harvest Hosts location near Grants was a standout.
Bandera Volcano and the nearby ice cave offer a unique landscape to explore. From hiking up the volcano to walking into a naturally preserved ice cave, it’s a memorable stop with a lot of character.
Petroglyph National Monument – Albuquerque, NM
Petroglyph National Monument stretches over 17 miles and contains roughly 24,000 carved images.
Some date back as far as 3,000 years.
I hiked Rinconada Canyon—a 2.2-mile loop with over 300 petroglyphs. If you have the time, you could easily spend a full day exploring the different canyon areas.
Bandelier National Monument – Los Alamos, NM
Bandelier National Monument is both scenic and immersive.
The drive in alone is worth it—winding roads, sweeping views, and dramatic landscapes. The monument covers over 33,000 acres and includes more than 1,000 ancestral Pueblo dwellings. Some are accessible by ladders and narrow stone paths, making it an interactive and unforgettable experience.
I stayed two days and could’ve stayed longer.
Santa Fe, NM
After Bandelier, I needed a break—so I headed to Santa Fe.
I spent the day wandering the historic plaza, browsing galleries, and enjoying a great meal before calling it an early night. It’s a place I’d definitely return to explore more deeply.
The Big Texan – Amarillo, TX
The Big Texan Steak Ranch & Brewery might be called a tourist trap—but I’d say it’s worth the stop.
Good food, fun atmosphere, and the famous 72-ounce steak challenge (which I wisely avoided). Watching others attempt it was entertainment enough.
Palo Duro Canyon – TX
Palo Duro Canyon is the second-largest canyon in the United States—and it appears out of nowhere.
One minute you’re driving through flat farmland, and the next… this massive canyon opens up in front of you.
With a 16-mile scenic drive and numerous hiking trails, it’s a must-see. The Lighthouse Trail (about 6 miles round trip) is especially rewarding.
Healing Hands – Tulsa, OK
The Healing Hands sculpture at Oral Roberts University stands 60 feet tall and is one of the largest bronze sculptures in the world.
After all the hiking, it felt like the perfect place to pause, reflect, and give thanks.
U.S. Marshals Museum – Fort Smith, AR
The U.S. Marshals Museum sits along the Arkansas River and offers a deep dive into the history of the Marshals Service.
While in Fort Smith, I also explored Fort Smith National Historic Site.
This area played a major role in westward expansion and was a key location during the Trail of Tears—a sobering reminder of the past.
The Old Mill – North Little Rock, AR
The Old Mill is a hidden gem.
This recreated 1930s water-powered mill was featured in the opening of Gone with the Wind. Many of the “wooden” structures are actually sculpted concrete.
It’s a peaceful place with beautiful gardens and passionate volunteers—perfect for a slow morning.
A “Pot of Gold” in Sparta, TN
My journey ended on a high note in Sparta.
A fellow Pleasure-Way owner, Skip Boyland, reached out and offered me a place to stay—despite us never having met. That kind of hospitality says a lot.
We shared stories, a great meal with friends, and the next morning hiked Burgess Falls State Park before I headed back toward Virginia.
Meeting Skip was a reminder of what makes this lifestyle so special.
Back to Virginia
Now I’m back in Virginia for a couple of weeks—catching up with friends and family and getting the green light from my doctors before the next leg of the journey.
Life on the road continues to surprise me, challenge me, and reward me in ways I never expected.
I’m grateful to be part of the Pleasure-Way community—and even more grateful for the road ahead.
Destination Unknown – sort of.