A wheel from one of the wagons our descendants traveled in to their homestead in Wyoming in the 1800's.

I’m sure you’ve seen the “Ask Friends Who Know” query box on Uptake’s main page. I thought I’d share with you my experience with using this feature. Yes! Not only do I WORK for Uptake, I’m also a customer!

My husband’s father passed away in early December, which prompted a last-minute road trip to Wyoming from our home in Arizona. Concerned about snowfall and road closures, I posted the following question in the “Ask Friends” query box at 9:22 a.m. on December 21st:

“What is the best winter driving route from Phoenix to Cheyenne? We’re trying to avoid treacherous routes and road closures!”

At 10:14 a.m. on the same day (less than an hour later!) I received this response from John Johnson:

“This time of year its best to avoid the mountains if it all possible. With this in mind, from Phoenix I would take Highway 89 North to Salt Lake City, then merge onto Northbound Interstate 15 towards Beaver.

Take exit 298 and merge onto Interstate 215 West (Belt Route), from there take exit 20A and merge onto Utah 201 East.

Continue on until you see the signs to merge onto Interstate 80 East. Take exit 358 (W. Lincolnway) off Interstate 80 and this will put you in downtown Cheyenne.”

We followed John’s recommended route EXACTLY and had precisely ZERO issues. We drove straight through to Salt Lake City (nearly 12 hours!) and stayed overnight at the Little America Hotel, which was just lovely. Then we drove the remaining way to our relative’s home in Wyoming.

John’s advice gave us considerable peace of mind in a trying time, and for that we were grateful. I had faith and confidence in his recommendations because of my faith and confidence in the Uptake community.

So. My advice to you all is to take advantage of that lovely feature the next time you find yourself traveling!

Photo credit: Tiffany Joyce

The eyes of America are on New Hampshire today, but what about the stomachs? Sure, everyone is making time to vote, but what about time to dine? Ask Bobby (or his girl), dining is important. I’m actually surprised it hasn’t come up in the debates.

I’ve been to New Hampton, New Hampshire (or through it as the case may be), but I didn’t spot this diner. Too bad, I’m a sucker for cool signs, romantic gestures, and bacon.

New Hampshire is a great year-round destination for family vacations. Also, voting.

This post is part of Uptake’s Tuesday Roadside Diners & Attractions Series. If you have a photo of an odd, funny or interesting roadside attraction that you would like to see featured here please submit it via the link in the sidebar with subject line: Roadside.

Ausable Chasm in the Winter

This Christmas break my family hopped in our Toyota Prius and road-tripped to the Lake Champlain region of the Adirondacks.  Although the ski conditions near our home in Massachusetts were just awful due to the unseasonably warm weather we’ve been experiencing, the conditions were great in the Adirondacks.

To start, we traveled to Plattsburgh by way of Vermont, taking the Grand Isle to Plattsburgh ferry.  It was incredibly easy to take the ferry, which runs every few minutes twenty-four hours a day, and saved us lots of time.  Once we arrived in Plattsburgh, it was just a short drive to the Comfort Inn and Suites, where we were staying for our trip. Read More »

Wonderland Express

Chicago beckons with holiday events galore, from ice skating in Millennium Park to Navy Pier’s Winter Wonderland. But no tradition excites kids (and the young at heart) more than the miniature trains that chug through the Chicago Botanic Garden during the annual Wonderland Express event. Read More »