Though it's diminutively referred to as the "Road to Nowhere" there's truly a plethora of things to enjoy along US-83. Not only will you witness firsthand the semi-arid steppes of America for most of the trip, you'll also discover the myriad of interesting, exciting, and curious attractions along the way. No matter what, you're sure to discover just how much awaits you along US-83's Road to Nowhere.
Finally, finish up your road trip down America's Road to Nowhere in Laredo, Texas. Zaragoza Street is the main strip of historic Laredo. Think, cobblestone streets and beautiful old Spanish architecture, with plenty of shopping and dining, and some attractions thrown in for good measure.
This part of Texas has a lot of great places for motorcyclists to drive, so it's no surprise that there's a museum dedicated to the motorcycle here. From British antique bikes to newer models, there's a lot to see at the Lone Start Motorcycle Museum in Utopia.
"Red drum with lemon aioli" and "Ancho chili honey basted quail" aren't things you'd expect to find on the menu at a tiny little roadside joint in the middle of nowhere, but Mac & Ernie's is something special. It's seriously the best meal you'll ever eat off of a paper plate on a picnic table.
When you're ready to unwind with a beer, visit Mr. P's Hitching Post in the town of Melvin. Pool, shuffleboard, and line dancing make this one of the most authentic Texas saloons left. Grab a drink and chat with the friendly locals!
After being on the road so long, you might want to pamper yourself. The best place to do that is Rancho Loma in Talpa, TX. This massive ranch hides a sleek, modern boutique hotel, but it's a family-run operation and serves a homemade breakfast, so it still has a little bit of the B&B feel. Basically, it's the best of both worlds. The onsite restaurant is legendary as well!
Before leaving Abilene, fuel up at Mezamiz Coffee House. Locally-roasted coffee and a selection of booze really make this place feel like a European coffee joint where you can hang out with friends over a drink, but the covered back patio and sandwiches make it a casual place to grab a quick meal as well. Plus, it has comfy couches and free wifi!
Get your camera ready, cause the World's Largest Buffalo Skull is a great Abilene photo op. It might not be a Texas longhorn, but a picture posing with this roadside oddity will make for a great memento of your trip through the plains.
Ever wondered what it was like to live in the Wild West? Apparently it wasn't all drinking whiskey while watching can-can dancers and avoiding gunfights in the street all the time. Learn all about Texas during its frontier days at Frontier Texas! This Abilene museum shows that living in Texas in the 19th century was hard work, and you'll learn all about it with their interactive, hands-on exhibits.
While in Childress, spend the night at the Magnuson Hotel. This basic hotel might be simple, but it's incredibly comfortable. Free parking and wifi, a safe location, and breakfast in the morning ensure you get a good night's sleep, and are ready to take on the next day.
Many places try and emulate the distinctive feeling of classic Texas BBQ joints, but J T's Drive-In in Childress is the real deal. Burgers, smoked sausage, brisket, slaw, beans, and homemade BBQ sauce are served to you on those iconic tin plates in this little joint. How much more authentic does it get?
Next you'll come to the town of Shamrock. Route 66 enthusiasts and fans of the Disney movie "Cars" will likely recognize this classic roadside icon: the art deco design makes it the sexiest gas station along Route 66. It no longer serves up grub or gas, but it's been lovingly restored since being abandoned in the 1960's, and now houses a little museum and gift shop, and plans to open a soda fountain-style eatery inside are in the works.
There's no rhyme or reason to the dozen or so concrete statues that adorn Gene Cockrell's yard in the town of Canadian, Texas. They range from a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader to dinosaurs to aliens to Jesus. They're incredibly impressive, especially since Gene made them all himself, but remember that this is private property, so admire from the road.
Your next stop is in the Land of Oz. The Wizard of Oz has been a childhood classic for generations, and since you're in Kansas, your road trip along US 83 will take a detour into the Land of Oz...but not before you tour Dorothy's house (they kind of take some liberties with the classic story's details, but it all adds to the experience). It's a nice reminder that there really is no place like home!
Sometimes it can be hard to find a good cup of coffee on the road, so stop off at Patrick Dugan's Coffee House in Garden City to refuel and recharge with some excellent drinks and delicious pastries. There's nothing like a nice, strong latte to keep you going!
When you're ready to call it a night, stop in Lakin, KS at the Windy Heights Bed and Breakfast. You'll feel right at home in this cozy little B&B. The beds are heavenly, and the hosts are accommodating, but not overbearing, so it really does feel comfy but not stuffy.
Next, you'll come to the town of Holcomb, which has a rather macabre claim to fame. Here you'll find the Clutter House, a humble little home with a fascinating place in American history. Two drifters brutally murdered a family living here during the late 1950's, and the crime, subsequent hunt for and capture of the murderers, and eventual trial, were written about by Truman Capote in his well-known true-crime novel "In Cold Blood." The house is on private property, but you can cruise past and get an even better sense of the wild story.
Go back even further in time at the Fick Fossil and History Museum. It's free to check out their exhibits of fossils (seriously, when it comes to fossils, Kansas is super impressive: who knew you could find shark teeth here?), bones, folk art, and more.
You're in Kansas, so why not spend the night in the Victorian West? The Landmark Inn at the Historic Bank of Oberlin has a special place in the town's past, and each room is not only done up in unique vintage charm, but they all have stories to them. Thankfully, amenities like wifi and TVs provide modern convenience.
And if that's not enough for you, just over the border in Oberlin, Kansas is Frontier Restaurant. Home-cooked staples like biscuits and gravy and sandwiches make this place a reliably tasty place for a meal. If you can snag a peanut butter cinnamon roll, though, you'll definitely understand why the locals love this joint.
Down the road is Penny's Diner. Located in a classic silver dining car, this retro diner still serves up really solid road food. You can't go wrong with the chicken fried steak or a breakfast special piled high with eggs, hash browns and sausage!
The best time of year to take a road trip down America's Road to Nowhere is spring, summer and fall. Driving, particularly up north, is a bit precarious during winter, with unpredictable snowstorms hitting the plains. Summer time is high season for tourists, but luckily, the Road to Nowhere isn't particularly famous for its crowded motorists, so you're pretty safe whatever time of year you choose to travel down it.
