Our journey across the Texas Panhandle began with a visit to the quirky and colorful Cadillac Ranch, just outside of Amarillo. This roadside art installation is one of those classic Route 66 stops you just have to see in person. Ten Cadillacs, half-buried nose-first in a row, covered in layers of spray paint left by visitors from around the world — it’s an evolving piece of Americana. We grabbed a few cans of paint and added our own mark before continuing east.

Following Historic Route 66, we crossed into Oklahoma and spent the night in a small town along the old highway. There’s something special about Route 66 — the neon signs, the vintage motels, and the sense that you’re traveling through time. We enjoyed being off the interstate for a night.

From there, we drove into Arkansas, making a stop in Fort Smith to visit the U.S. Marshals Museum. It’s a fascinating and well-done museum that traces the 230-year history of the Marshals Service — from taming the Wild West to modern-day law enforcement. The exhibits are immersive and tell the stories of courage and justice that helped shape the American frontier.

Next, we continued on to Hot Springs National Park, one of the oldest protected areas in the country and unlike any other national park. Unfortunately, due to the government shutdown, we couldn’t get our park passport stamp — but we still enjoyed exploring Bathhouse Row. The historic bathhouses, many built in the early 1900s, line the street like a time capsule of an era when “taking the waters” was the height of health and luxury. You can almost imagine the wealthy travelers of the past strolling between treatments and mineral baths.

While in the area, we also visited Garvan Woodland Gardens, a breathtaking botanical garden owned by the University of Arkansas. The trails wind through lush woodlands, past ponds, waterfalls, and seasonal blooms. The highlight was the Anthony Chapel, a stunning glass-and-wood structure that feels like it’s part of the forest itself — serene, light-filled, and peaceful.

Our journey then took us to Memphis, Tennessee, a city rich in both music and history. We spent several hours at the National Civil Rights Museum, located at the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. The museum is powerful and deeply moving — the exhibits walk you through the civil rights movement from slavery to present day, and it’s impossible to leave without reflection. Afterward, we grabbed a plate of smoky, tender barbecue ribs from the restaurant next door, Central BBQ — Memphis comfort food at its best. And of course, no visit would be complete without a quick “Elvis drive-by”of Graceland.

Our final destination on this leg of the trip was Huntsville, Alabama, known as “Rocket City.” We camped at Monte Sano State Park, which sits high above the city and offers beautiful wooded sites, hiking trails, and peaceful views. The park felt like a quiet retreat after several busy days of sightseeing. We also visited the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, home to rockets, space capsules, and exhibits that celebrate America’s journey into space. Standing beneath the massive Saturn V rocket was truly awe-inspiring — it’s a reminder of the ingenuity and courage that took us to the moon.

From quirky roadside art to national landmarks and natural beauty, this stretch of our journey was a perfect mix of history, reflection, and discovery.