Driving across America feels like trying to figure out what a song is when it's just barely loud enough to hear.
Here are some completely subjective favorites from the westward trip in June. For the record, I have not been offered any compensation to promote any of these places. You'll notice that this route included a swing through southern Canada. Fortunately, the customs agent at the Niagara Falls border was apparently unconcerned that we were driving a sedan stuffed full of people and luggage.
Best dinner: Tucker's Better Buffet in Burlington, Ontario, Canada
Maybe it's because I was tired and hungry, but I was impressed by this restaurant. The buffet, which I recall as being a reasonable price, had a wide variety of choices. I particularly remember that there were pierogies, and maple butter to go with the rolls. Though we came in somewhat late, the staff was welcoming, and the buffet still well-stocked and tidy.
Best snack break: Tim Hortons in Wyoming, ON
Our selection of donuts was satisfying, especially the fact that there were at least two maple varieties (and not just "round" or "long"). But the thing I wish I could have again is the Creamy Maple Chill, a sweet, delicious not-quite-milkshake. It's to my benefit that I don't live closer to a Timmy's, lest I drink myself to death on Creamy Maple Chills.
Best regional fast food: Runzas in Nebraska
A runza is a roll stuffed with seasoned ground beef and cabbage, to which other fillings, like cheese, may be added. After seeing a few signs, we stopped on the "What is that?" principle. The combination of bread, meat and cabbage make it an extremely Midwesty food--which is in no way a slight.
Best breakfast: The Egg and I in Clifton, CO
Kind of a gimme, because most of our breakfasts were continental-style, provided by the hotel, and unremarkable. I think I had biscuits and gravy with scrambled eggs, but the important thing was that I had a kale cooler that was actually rather tasty.
Best part of the Celestial Seasonings factory tour: the Mint Room
Before the free factory tour begins you can try as many different kinds of tea as you want, and as you exit through the gift shop you can buy it. (My new pick is Coconut Thai Chai.) While the whole tour smells good, by far the most aromatic part is the Mint Room, where bales of crushed mint leaves are stacked; they must be kept apart from the rest of the ingredients, lest the mint scent overpower that of less pungent herbs. You can smell the Mint Room even before the industrial door is rolled up, but that's nothing compared to stepping inside, where the scent is so strong that your eyes water. Though I'm sure some people might find it overwhelming, to me the power of the mint was almost cleansing.
Most informative fast food restaurant I've ever been in: Burger King in the Navajo Nation (Kayenta, Arizona)
There are huge swathes of American desert seemingly without human inhabitants, and on the edge of one of these is a Burger King. Unlike other BKs, though, this one had educational value. On the way to the bathrooms is a framed display showing native plants and the dye colors they produce, and in the dining room there is a much larger space dedicated to the story of the Navajo Code Talkers, whose service and culture were instrumental in World War II. When you think about it, it's a brilliant place to display the information; whereas many travelers wouldn't necessarily stop at a visitors' center or small museum, they would be more likely to stop for burgers, especially in the absence of other food options, and boom! information where and when you least expect it. Well played, Burger King franchisee Richard Mike.
Coolest natural phenomenon: a tie between Niagara Falls and Monument Valley in Arizona
The difference between neighborhoods on the American side and the attractions on the Canadian side of the falls is striking. I was reminded of those arcades and restaurants and hotels when we drove through downtown Myrtle Beach in December. All of the parking we saw on the Canadian side was hideously expensive, though luckily we had stopped back up the gorge a bit before we crossed over. Even just driving by, the falls are amazing.
And the same country that has a seeming overabundance of water has this on its other end.
