Road Trip USA!

[Dr.Hashman]

I am planning on taking my 7500 mile journey this summer across the United States of America. I am planning on taking a trip around the United states and also stopping through Toronto. Here is a little map of where I am going.

If anyone has taken a road trip around the US, any advice is appreciated. I am looking to spend less than $3,000 and do it in less than 4 weeks.

I plan on hitting up Houston, New Orleans, Washington DC, Boston, family in Maine, Hotbox Cafe in Toronto, Chicago, Twin Cities, family in the middle of nowhere Iowa, more family out west, then home.

[puddlecruzier]

add an extra hour to get home freeway is jacked in tucson area right now and the next 3 years. thats a cool trip man have fun!
try to know the weather of an area before you get there will help

[420marijuana420]

that's pretty cool but are you sure it's gonna be under 3 g's?

[Dr.Hashman]

I think you are thinking of the Light rail construction. Arizona is stepping up public transportation :)

I can get 5 probably. But I want to keep it relatively cheap.

[puddlecruzier]

no its the freeway widening project in tucson

[Dr.Hashman]

I am excited to go to the Hotbox Cafe
HOT BOX CAFE (http://www.roachorama.com/hotbox/)

I want to set aside alot of extra time incase I like a state alot and I want to just explore it via automobile. If I like Canada alot I might stay in Toronto for a couple days.

[puddlecruzier]

stick to the cheap hotels figure out how far you can get in a day then multiply times how much hotel will cost and you know that budget. figure a tank of gas every so many miles and how much food you eat?

[Dr.Hashman]

7500 miles @ 20 miles a gallon @ $3.00 a gallon is around $1200. As far as food and water, I will be buying 24 packs of waters at grocery stores and drinking that instead of soda. I will be eating alot of Subway and small off road diners that are cheap.

I have the 7500 miles of driving that I need to worry about.

[Dr.Hashman]

I also have to take into account that I will need a way to smoke almost everynight with different people.

Does your car ever get searched for stuff when crossing state lines? Could I sneak around an eigth around the states? 1/8, small bong, pipe, grinder. I have a really good hiding spot in my car too (in my trunk, there is a little compartment that I can fit a whole handle of rum in.)

[UTD Toker]

Dang Dr. Hash wish ya the best bro:thumbsup:

btw:cafe looks sick

[Dr.Hashman]

I am really looking foward to the cafe. That is the point of my trip where I start to head back home.

[ValkyrieAg]

I have been blessed to visit ~40 states so far.

From Houston to El Paso, that is I-10. I-10 actually is a straight shot from Houston to El Paso. I-10 runs through San Antonio. I don't know why your little map has a detour through Austin. That is not a recommended way. Stay on I-10. Speed limit between San Antonio and El Paso is now higher than the posted limit...like 80. Going through SA will be quicker and easier.

Don't know what you are doing in Houston (ain't much to see in my opinion) but I would rather visit San Antonio as it has a better 'texas flavor'. Love texas, but never thought houston was worth a shit, personally.

Another place I think you should take a detour is Salt Lake. Instead, go I-70 to Denver. MJ is decriminalized and tolerated so you can literally be A MILE HIGH!

Also, check out Mount Evans Scenic Byway -- Road Open/Closing Information (http://www.mountevans.com/ME-PlanningRoadOpenClosing.HTML)

That is mount evans. It is *THE* highest paved road in north america. As you can see it opens memorial day usually. Have a good solid car as you will be at 14k feet. Top of the world. Smoke a bowl in the car and no telling how high you can be. Definately a must see. Better than Cheyenne. Mt. Evans is about 1 hour west of Denver. Great drive. I recommend it. Once you go through Denver, you can head NE and get back on your route.

[stinkyattic]

I'd increase the length of your trip to include the Pacific Northwest, Wyoming, and Montana... can't miss those... stunningly beautiful.

[ValkyrieAg]

Roads in Minnesota and wisconsin suck. Lots of bridges and sectional highways will drive you crazy. Been there done that. Never will go back.

[ValkyrieAg]

Also, just so you know, Denver to Kansas City is *really* short because the flow of traffic is ~90. I went on a 1900 motorcycle trip with my dad and that road is *really* fast. Fastest drivers/flow was in Missouri. Awesome on my flat 6 cyl 1500 Honda valkyrie.

Don't trust mapquest and the like too much. As a traveler I have come to find out that a real map (randmcnallys) is the best. When you stop, you can plan out the next days journey....look at shortcuts....view mileage.

Trust me when I say to be cautious with mapquest-like services.

[ValkyrieAg]

Oh are you from phoenix? I thought you were from boston. My bad. I actually used to live in scottsdale. I keep talking. :)

Radar detector would be great to have...see if you can borrow one. From my experiences people are always willing to lend their detectors to someone who is traveling like this.

[thedoobie]

hey man, enjoy the hotbox in toronto as well as Canada, my mom lives just a 10 mins walk from the place im there a lot, maybe let me know when your going to be there and we could meet up for a joint. American pot smokers are more than welcome!

[StrwbrryFldsFrvr]

Hey tDoobie, how is Toronto around 420?? I was planning on taking a trip up to canada the week of 4/20

[420izzle]

That is awesome. I would love to join you! Roadtrips are so much damn fun. Okay, so you've asked a couple questions that haven't been addressed:

:jointsmile: You won't get searched crossing state lines. Some states like California (I-80 over Donners Pass) have agricultural checkpoints, but no worries). I've been riding dirty for 17 years....Just maintain speed limits, have a car that is current on registration and no tail/head lights burned-out and the radar detector is a good idea too.
:rastasmoke: Utah is beautiful and if you come through, hit the mountains or deserts and if you need a friendly place to chill...let me know. California is another place to spend extra time...lots of cool places/people. If you choose the suggested I-70 through Denver, be cautious since that is highway patrol/drug alley.

Peace and good luck.

[napolitana869]

I dont know where you're going where gas is $3 but its not in the DC metro area. Also, driving in DC sucks and there are a ton of one way roads and you cant get out the same way you went in. If you want to go sight seeing and stuff take the metro. You'll save yourself a big headach

[Skrappie]

fuck nebraska, come to kansas and smoke pot with skrappie.

I really enjoy road trips and try to take them as often as i can, but i must admit your trip is defiantly longer (and therefore hopefully more exciting) then any i have been on.

Take a camera and a roadside kit with you. Learn to change your oil if you don't know how already, actually learn to change all your fluids, and if you got the extra change, take a tire with you, you never know when a blow out may happen. forget about hotels, plot out hostels, canna.com board members, 24 hour saunas and uni libraries if you can and are willing (if we are talking about as cheap as possible) if hotels are a must for you, make sure you know where you are going before you get there.

Take pictures and share it with the members who are too bogged down to make such a trip. It might be a good idea for memories too.

Keep us updated :thumbsup:

[Awill3449]

Boston is a great place. You'll enjoy seeing it. You should go to the beach on the North Shore or down on the Cape. There are some really nice beaches/places to smoke, ect.

In the city, there are alot of kids and its not a big deal to smoke anywhere, especially if it's just a J or a blunt. People dont really get busted around here unless they're driving around with it... but don't get caught. We also get some really good concerts at the pavillion and other places in the city, so check those out too.

[higher4hockey]

if you're going to be as close as you are to Gettysburg, i HIGHLY recommend to you that you stop there and spend the day. Gettysburg is one of the most haunting and chilling places in the country, i've been there and my eyes are watering and im getting goosebumps just thinking about it. do yourself a favor man and check it out.

[Samwhore]

I'd increase the length of your trip to include the Pacific Northwest,

If you do, I would highly reccomend driving on the 101 (Highway 1) through Southern Oregon for a few hours. So beautiful, lots of nice scenery and you are, right on the water on very high cliffs. Then get back on the I-5 because the 101 takes too long to get anywhere.

[higher4hockey]

Scottsdale? im flying their tomorrow at one o'clock. this time tomorrow i will be in scottsdale, aint that something.

[russ-bob]

i wold recomend checking out the finger lakes area there are a bunch of parks/lakes(free shit ot do) and its right on your map!!!!

[Dr.Hashman]

Wow... So much learned in 5 minutes of reading...

ValkyrieAg- I will definitely go through San Antonia instead of Houston

Stinky- Only for you... See that big spray painted spot?

420izzle- Thanks for the tips, I'll have to checkout Mormonville. I know a bit about the desert, as I live in this 120 degree paradise called Arizona.

Napolitana869- Thanks for the DC advice. I will park on the outskirts of town and take the metro in, thanks for the tip! (Gas is $2.79 right now, $2.25 a months ago, it will be $3 in summer)

Skrappie- I'll make a special trip just to smoke with ya lol... Go from Iowa to Skrappie to Salt Lake area... I will try to learn how to do alot of the stuff before I go. My car is in good shape (just hit 50k) and I will get the works on it before I go. I should have a new laptop so it looks like I will be posting pictures and updates in Starbucks. I will have to look into 24 hour saunas lol... Imagine the Cannabis.com Roadtrip Tour '07! Do a roadtrip around the US and stay with different member and smoke up every night lol. I will definitely be hitting up relatives and such for about half the nights so it won't be too bad.

Thank you all so much for the help with this. I will be sure to keep you updated and here is a little map of places I want to go (revised)

I am starting/ending in Phoenix, Arizona. The shaded green area is Stinky's recommendation for some nice views;)

[Dr.Hashman]

Have fun in Scottsdale! I would hook you up with some stuff (like Rainbows and happiness!) while you are here but I just ran out (pretty crappy stuff too...). I think I might go pick up either some $50/ eighth, or some hash... I have never bought hash as it is REALLY bad in my area, but my friend made some. Where in Scottsdale are you going?

My sister lives in Boston and I go there about 3-4 times a year. I saw Tool play last time I went, awesome stuff...

As far as the Oregon Coast, I took a road trip down the California/Oregon/Washington coast a couple summers ago, that is why I am not that eager to go over there again, beautiful and a must see though. Finger Lakes looks like a nice play in NY, but I don't think I would go there (I'll probably drive through it though on my way to Toronto).

Thanks for all the new info guys! (and gals too!)

[Skrappie]

check your CP doc hashman.

[higher4hockey]

fucked if i know, my cousins live out there, i havent been there in years, i dont remember the area that well...

dont worry about the rainbows and happiness~ i dont smoke anymore. my cousin goes to school out there, he's gay so he knows a shit-ton of good looking girls. im looking forward to getting drunk hitting on the good looking girls he knows and enjoying the weather. its supposed to snow in PA this week. :jointsmile:

[Dr.Hashman]

Have alot of fun out here Higher4hockey. It is shorts weather so pack shorts, shirts, and sandals! I would bring along some other clothes for the night as it gets a bit chilly.

Skrappie-Thanks man :jointsmile: !

Here is the big problem in my itenarary... I am going to be scoring weed from all these different cities, but I won't have enough time to smoke it all! I hope to pick up alot of pot from chill people I meet on the way. I'm going to be safe about it and do the whole "Salad? This is some expensive, interesting looking salad I see here. Looks like it will be really good with some ranch dressing:jointsmile: ."

[thedoobie]

Here in Toronto every year we have a huge march downtown where everyone smokes and just hits bongs all day, I think its may 2nd, thats something that gives you goosebumps, everyone is just together, sharing weed, cops dont mind for the day...all out good times

[stinkyattic]

Boston area... It's great.. but the beaches on the North Shore are DURRRTY (Reveah and Salisbury)... go down the Cape instead! It's really nice. Actually stop in Plymouth because that town has a lot of good stuff for a tourist... the Plymouth Rock, Plimouth Plantation (a reproduction working Pilgrim-era village), the Mayflower II, a working fishing port, a town beach that if you park there and then walk out along the spit it's GORGEOUS... a rocky beach with a very few cottages perched on a long spit of land that juts out into Plymouth harbor... and not as bad a drive as trying to go down the Cape on a summer day.

[Dr.Hashman]

Boston area... It's great.. but the beaches on the North Shore are DURRRTY (Reveah and Salisbury)... go down the Cape instead! It's really nice. Actually stop in Plymouth because that town has a lot of good stuff for a tourist... the Plymouth Rock, Plymouth Plantation (a reproduction working Pilgrim-era village), the Mayflower II, a working fishing port, a town beach that if you park there and then walk out along the spit it's GORGEOUS... a rocky beach with a very few cottages perched on a long spit of land that juts out into Plymouth harbor... and not as bad a drive as trying to go down the Cape on a summer day.

The town is so creepy! I went to the Plymouth Plantation and saw them doing all the stuff. It was really cool (especially the cheese hut), but kinda creepy because I felt like I was in a flashback like in The 6th Sense. I have been to most of the states already, I just want to do a road trip. Here is a map of where I have been before.


red-Been there done that
Green-Seen it a bit, could go back for more
blue- never been there

I am doing this road trip for the sake of a road trip mostly. I have already driven from Florida to Minnesota. Then a road trip from Arizona to San Diego, then up along the coast until we hit Canada. Then I have traveled a lot throughout the US for various things. I want to see Canada, I have only seen the Victorian Gardens, that's it...

[StrwbrryFldsFrvr]

The town is so creepy! I went to the Plymouth Plantation and saw them doing all the stuff. It was really cool (especially the cheese hut), but kinda creepy because I felt like I was in a flashback like in The 6th Sense. I have been to most of the states already, I just want to do a road trip. Here is a map of where I have been before.


red-Been there done that
Green-Seen it a bit, could go back for more
blue- never been there

I am doing this road trip for the sake of a road trip mostly. I have already driven from Florida to Minnesota. Then a road trip from Arizona to San Diego, then up along the coast until we hit Canada. Then I have traveled a lot throughout the US for various things. I want to see Canada, I have only seen the Victorian Gardens, that's it...

Definately come to RI, LOAAAAADSS of stuff to see.. nice parks, light houses, WWI/WWII forts, and some pretty beautiful beaches.. NJ has some nice shoreline as well.

[FreeVenice]

Do you plan on stopping in Los Angeles, or are you just driving by?

[Dr.Hashman]

I am going to stay in LA overnight then drive to San Diego in the morning. I want to check out the city a bit as I have only driven through it. I don't think I am going to spend much time in San Diego as I have been there so many times. So LA might be my last rest stop before I get home.

[FreeVenice]

drive to the coast, thats the only thing worth looking at in LA. Besides all that other crap, lol, it's boring cause I live here I guess. I am actually driving to Texas tomorrow night. I'm going with my girl to visit here parents for a week. I want to make so many pit stops on the way though. . .

[ToDrunkToFish]

Hey man I saw you were goin through Michigan. I live right outside Detroit and heres some tips.

I dont know much about Lansing but Ann Arbor is a cool spot. Its the only place in Michigan thats Leinient(sp) of Pot. Its like a 50$ fine and thats it. But do NOT go on the campus of Michigan with pot. Its a federal offense otherwise. And you should be able to find weed fairly easy there. Just always be cautious there are some bad spots.

Detroit is a pretty cool place to go. Just stay outa there at night. Also a place thats easy to score pot and the cops have alot more to worry about things then pot too. And the Drivers are fuckin crazy. In the heart of detroit there really is no such thing as lanes of traffic especially on one way streets. And there will always be 1-2-3 cars runnin the red light. So be aware.

Ive been across the border to Canada 100000 times. I suggest you have a passport. Birth Certificate. ID. The more the quicker you get by. Do not look stoned, do not smoke at least 20 minutes before gettin there. Or just air out very well. And be ready to answer questions (How long in canada, reason, taking liquor or anything else into canada)

Ive never been pulled over or searched but thats because I got a passport thats been to many places around the world. Ive been at the checkpoint for a minute and ive been there 5 minutes. It just depends how things are runnin that day. And have a relativly clean car when you pull up. No mounds of garbage or shit. And youll have no problem.

I live right in your path. I know I shouldnt say it but I wouldnt mind hangin with you for an hour or two and toke. If you want more info ask. I know where your goin quite well.

[ToDrunkToFish]

Hey second post, and I cant edit my last one anymore lol. I see your not actually goin through detroit so scratch that. It seems your goin across the Blue water bridge farther up north. Its quicker and you wont have any traffic delays as possibly in Detroit.

Actually my whole last post can be ignored lol. You wont be goin through Ann Arbor. And you wont cross my path =/. But I saw that youve never been through Michigan.

Theres two things about Michigan. Theres Detroit and out West to Lansing is about it. And then way Up north to go Skiing and have beautifull views. Look at your map. See at lansing how you go north-east as your route shows, but if you follow the path south-east down to Detroit then read my last post.

It may add a couple hours but I say its worth it. You visit Lansing, Ann Arbor and Detroit. And when you get Into Canada you can make up a little time since youll be on the 401. Its basicly miles after miles after miles of nothing but Highway. And if you find a good pack of cars you can cruise goin 90-100 MPH the whole way into Toronto (almost lol).

But its up to you. I really have no clue what youll see the original route your going. Or if you have a reason. But if you do go my way like I said it will add hours to your trip. And if you get lost in Detroit then your fucked. Ive been lost and almost ended up in Canada, litterally. Even though thats where your goin lol. And ive been to Detroit many times.

I know ill be makin a third post of more info and shit. But I figure id let you read this. Peace!

[Dr.Hashman]

Lol, thanks for the info ToDrunkToFish! Detroit isn't much of an interest to me. I think I am going to get lost in Toronto on purpose and go check out some cool shops and such.

I want to get sooo many pictures of my trip. I just can't wait to do it!

[ToDrunkToFish]

Ah man I was hopin them long posts would change your mind. But as said its up to you. But you aint gona see much of Michigan without it! Youll see nothin but Suburbs after Lansing that im aware of. And you go right in and outa Detroit into Canada if you dont want to see it. Detroit really isnt that bad and has many cool things to see. Ford Field, Cobo Center, GM buildings, old Tiger stadium and many nice old buildings. And youll end up right on the same Highway right before Toronto as if you went your original route. I know youll be spent on money/time but if you got the extra goods I do suggest you try it. And youll pass right by me and if it all happens ill point you in the right direction.

[Dr.Hashman]

Yeah... Detroit doesn't seem like that much fun. I'll see it some other time. Need.... Bong hit.... must.... smoke.... bowl.....

[ToDrunkToFish]

Boo you suck lol =) but I guess you really dont wana see it I tried almost my hardest.

[Dr.Hashman]

You tried hard, a valient effort, but Detroit isn't my thing. I really like the Airport though!