Florida to Colorado Roadtrip Part 2
So, we made it to Nashville as you saw in a previous post. Four days into our Florida to Colorado roadtrip, how am I feeling? Firstly, when when I’m sitting for hours at a stretch, especially as the passenger, I feel like carb snacking. As a result, it feels like my waistline is being challenged day by day. So to compensate we’re doing our best to get out and walk around at every stop. Having Part 1 of our mega journey, we were onto Florida to Colorado Roadtrip Part 2!
It’s good to love the company of who you’re travelling with!! Long drives on highways are a great time to chat about things that never arise day-to-day. Read our Florida to Colorado Roadtrip Part I here.
Roadtrip From Florida to Colorado – Missouri
So on we drove passing through a slim slice of western Kentucky into Missouri. Finally, we arrived in St Louis for a night’s stay. We headed downtown to explore the city a little bit and were drawn to the welcome Arch as a starting point.
Things to Do In St Louis
Visit St Louis Gateway Arch
Gateway Arch Ticket Center Site
The arch was built in the 1960s, but conceived of and designed through a competition in the 1930s, it was intended to create a more welcoming image for the city.
There had been a terrible fire on the riverside earlier and a lot of the water frontage was destroyed. The city leaders felt something was needed and hence the idea of the arch was born.
The national park and the museum underground offer over 200 years of history. The exhibits were well done with information going back to the days of the French and Spanish.
Take a Tram up the Arch
But the other surprise was a tram ride that goes up 630 feet inside the arch to a viewing area right at the top – it’s America’s tallest monument.
Four minutes take you to the top with ample time to look out over the Mississippi and the city before a three minute descent, speeded up with the help of gravity.
We went around 4.30pm and caught a lovely sunset. Also it wasn’t packed but I imagine during peak times it might be a little crowded at the top!
Stroll Laclede’s Riverside Landing
Right on the river front, in the oldest part of the city, this landing dates back to when the city settlement was founded in 1764.
It has adapted and evolved into a popular place for entertainment and eating out.
If you are a blues music fan, check out the big muddy blues festival!
Sail on the Mississippi
The mighty Mississippi River runs through the city and there are over a dozen bridges criss crossing the waters.
There are plenty of fun options to get out on the water and enjoy the city skyline especially at sunset. Probably better in the summer months!
Hang Out For An Evening in Union Station
Union Station in the heart of St Louis was once the busiest station in America. It was designed in 1894 and continues to offer residents and tourists a range of activities from train rides (of course!), rope climbing and mini golf.
There is even an aquarium within the complex.
You will find a few restaurants within the station to grab a bite to eat. If you are travelling with kids, I think they would love an afternoon here.
Things to See In Kansas
Hayes Kansas
Day 7 and we made it into Hays, Kansas. I so enjoyed this small town with a huge historic tale to share. Imagine the old Wild West with a Main Street that recounts the tales of colourful characters including Old Bill Hikok and Buffalo Bill.
This historic district has been carefully maintained with a mix of independent shops and restaurants and it has a lovely old world feel to it. The railroad cuts through the town as historically trains were the reason for this town’s existence as pioneer settlers moved west.
Goodland, Kansas
Our next stop was in Goodland, Kansas. This is the heart of Kansas farming and as we drove it was field after field. It warmed my heart to see the massive agriculture activity.
Grains bins dotted the landscape with rail lines adjacent. We saw a massive set up in central Goodland where grain was transferred from storage bins to train wagons.
We also loved the homely feel here and ended up in a Mexican restaurant called Tequilas – the only one in town. It was like being in someone’s home – warm welcome, great fresh food and full of locals eating at the end of their day’s work in the fields!
The Oz Museum in Wamego is a good stop off to indulge in one of the largest Wizard of Oz memorabilia in a private collections. You can hunt around the town to find the 18 Totos! Some of this is a little touristy but why not?
The Sunflower Capital of the High Plains
Goodland, known as the “Sunflower Capital of the High Plains,” will be or is the only place in the United States where a sunflower painting can be seen on top of an 80 foot high easel. This is the third of seven planned reproductions by a Canadian artist.
Traditional and Emerging Energy stand side by side and greeted us in the fields of Kansas. Decades old ‘nodding donkeys’ pump away as giant wind turbine farms join them in harnessing the natural resources of the region.
I also learned about US state mottos. You can check them all here! For example in Kansas it is ‘To the stars through difficulties’. I thought this was very apt given the challenges of agriculture!
Day 8 and State 8 – Colorado
As we continued on our last few hundred miles, we crossed the border into our final state – Colorado. Our Florida to Colorado Roadtrip Part 2 was almost over!
The first sight of the Rockies was stunning! With a dusting of fresh snow they sparkled in their welcome.
An hour’s drive into the mountains, we passed through the 2 mile Eisenhower Tunnel crossing the Continental Divide. We arrived at the town of Frisco, at an altitude of 9097 feet, compared to our sea level starting point in Sarasota!
Florida to Colorado EV RoadTrip
Apart from a rain shower driving through Atlanta Georgia, we had had blue skies throughout our travels. Our roadtrip from Florida was a fantastic experience to slow down and connect with the heart of America. Although we only saw a slice of these great 8 states, I loved the pride and distinctive nature of each one.
Florida to Colorado Roadtrip Part 2 – Costs
Our journey using our electric car cost us $220 dollars. For 2000 miles that works out at a cost of 10 cents/mile!
Of course, we had to add hotel costs which were around $1000. Overall, this roadtrip was no more expensive than flying and renting a car when we arrived in Colorado . We also had a lot more fun as time wasn’t a factor!
We stayed at hotels with EV charging (or with it nearby) so that dictated our choice. The highway system in America has a great infrastructure and so we just used booking.com to book a stop each night.
Other Amazing Roadtrip Ideas
Within the USA, Alaska offers a great roadtrip opportunities, although distances can be vast. Why not plan a roadtrip around Kenai Peninsula from Anchorage or up to Denali National Park.
Down under you will find New Zealand is tailor made for a 2-3 week road trip. Use our guide to help you plan your own road-trip.
Or head to Europe and explore Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania by car – otherwise known as The Baltic States.
