I would also suggest the Sound Opinions podcast, if you are interested in rock and roll (and if your dad has any interest) – the two guys that do it are pretty interesting, they review some pretty good stuff.

As for food, I can be of no help until you get to Portland, but you know Portland. So I got nothin’.

I stopped by San Diego, so I don’t really know anything along your route haha

I’ll make them all little Mariners hats out of tinfoil or something.

You don’t want to risk getting snowed-in between Kansas and Idaho. The drive between Denver and Salt Lake City is mountainous and will likely be slow.

I think it would be worth the extra 100-150 miles to avoid the mountains this time of year. And I bet it is faster considering the highways would be easier to drive, snow or no snow. The only benefit going up through Denver and SLC is the scenery.

We never lack for things to talk about, but then we are both very comfortable arguing. Not in the angry way, but in the please explain your point of view way.

That being said, I have never failed with this approach on road trips. Pull into a town and look for the busiest restaurant of a non-chain variety. Without a doubt you will get some good local home style cooking there.

I just need to go out and live a little. The problem, I think, is returning. That’s a reason to go train because I could fly back or something.

Best Beer Brand

1. Abita " Whether it’s the Amber, Golden, Restoration Ale, Light or the exotic Purple Haze, Abita has become the beer of Louisiana " rich in flavor, body and, now, history. It’s ever-expanding line of beers " soon to include Andygator in a large bottle " is replacing the area’s old means of beer choice. New Orleans once was home to some 30 breweries, mostly producing light-bodied lagers and pilsners. Abita is still growing in production, but its craft-brewing mission is churning out more styles than ever before " now more than 20. Just stop by the brewery’s new luxe tasting room to see what’s on tap.

2. Dixie

3. Budweiser

Plan on eating fast food between Wichita and Denver. Weird comment but avoid the Pizza Hut in Salina, there’s absolutely nothing redeeming about this place and every time I’ve been through there it’s been completely packed.

In fact, I’d just stay on US 65 up to Kansas City and go across Nebraska way- Nebraska >>> Kansas especially since the speed limit is 5 MPH faster

If you’re looking for scenery though I’d go from Denver to Salt Lake by way of Grand Junction and Price, that’s a lot prettier than Wyoming

If you take the route you are taking- watch carefully for deer on I-70 in western Kansas/eastern Colorado, they chill right by the freeway and the last couple times I’ve passed through there I’ve seen multiple dead deer.

You might run into some weather issues on I-80, and make sure for the love of God you buy gas in Laramie- it’s expensive through the roof from Laramie to Rock Springs

I know just about all the restaurants in Boise that are near the freeway, if you’re eating there and you need food help

As far as food though your route isn’t inspiring towards great restaurants- if you’re looking for character your best bet is just going to be to tackle truck stops or take freeway business loops and just drive through town and see what you get but lots of times you’re going to go 60-70 miles without a single restaurant and what you get is what you got