Last year, the annual Golden Crown Literary Society (GCLS) convention was held in New Orleans, Louisiana. For those not in the know, GCLS is a fabulous organization that is dedicated to all things lesbian fiction. At the conference, there are panel discussions on all areas of lesbian publishing, as well as an awards ceremony that features several different categories, including lesbian romance (that’s what I write).
Two weeks prior to the convention, my family and I headed out on a cross-country roadtrip adventure. Three days later, we cut our trip short because our youngest daughter was having some health issues.
This year, the convention is in Washington DC (okay, it’s actually in Alexandria, Virginia, which is just across the river). And, once again, we’re planning an epic roadtrip.
This time, we’re doing things a bit differently. For instance, last year we towed our camper trailer behind us. This year, we’ve booked hotels along the way. Last year, my better half planned the trip. This year, I’m making the arrangements.
Rather than eating out for a month and a half, we’ve decided to challenge ourselves to eat only fresh foods that we prepare. Obviously, we’ll hit up the grocery stores along the way, but if you know of a fabulous farmers market in any of the places we’re stopping, let me know. We love to support local businesses, especially farmers. We’re taking along a propane grill for tailgating, a toaster oven, and, if I’m lucky, a smoothie maker. Most of the places where we’re staying have kitchenettes, so that will help.
Also, I’m putting together a roadtrip binder. It contains our schedule, hotel confirmations, games to play in the car, and a list of fun, free or cheap things to do as we travel. I would love suggestions for cool things to do along the way. We plan to take a couple of bikes with us as well, so bike trails that are safe and beautiful are high on my wish list as well.
Because I’m feeling especially proud, I wanted to share the places we’re stopping along the way. Check it out:
- Wenatchee, Washington
- Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
- Butte, Montana
- Deadwood, South Dakota
- Ashland, Nebraska
- Kansas City, Missouri
- Monroe, Michigan
- Jackson Center, Pennsylvania
- Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
- Atlantic City, New Jersey
- Alexandria, Virginia (Woo! GCLS)
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- Helen, Georgia (staying in a treehouse here!)
- Montgomery, Alabama
- Milton, Florida
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Greenville, Texas
- Amarillo, Texas (Texas is a big state, yo.)
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- St. George, Utah
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Ventura, California
- Monterey, California
- Hendy Woods, California
- Crescent City, California
So, I ask of you, kind reader, the following:
- Information on farmers markets in any of the cities along the way.
- Fun FREE things to do in any of these places, including bike/hike trails.
- If you want a postcard from us as we make our journey to the east coast and then back again, hook me up with your address. You can email me at jovebelle at gmail dot com.
Woo!
Kansas City has the city market and more than half a dozen farmers’ markets on Saturdays. We have bike trails. We also have museums, music, an eight-day LGBT film festival (starting June 23), and much else. We also have lesbian authors and LGBT radio (including the Sandra Moran Alphabet Soup Radio Book Club).
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Hey! We’re actually going to be in Kansas City during the film festival! Adding city market and bike trails to the list. Thanks!
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Depending on the route you take from Jackson Center to Harrisburg PA you might want to consider a quick side trip to Gettysburg. Failing that there is always a drive thru of Hershey after Harrisburg. There is always a quick drive thru of Philly for the History fan as you head to Atlantic City. While in AC be sure to hit the boardwalk and try some Salt Water Taffy. Enjoy the trip. I’m going to the con this year as well so I’ll be on the lookout for you. Happy Trails.
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I’m on a couple of panels, teaching a class, and I’ll be hanging in the vendor area at the Women and Words, Ylva Publishing, and Curve Magazine cluster of tables. I’d love to meet you as well. 🙂
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Wow, take it easy in that winery club, Jove! Just kidding. Have a wonderful, safe trip. I hope to get to meet you at the GCLS Con.
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Doreen! I look forward to meeting you, too! It’s overdue, doncha think?
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I DO think, Jove! Connections outside of cyberspace are that much more inspiring. Bon voyage!
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Have a safe trip. It is a fun trek from Va to Tx. I have made the trip several times. I hope y’all have lots of fun. Wish I could make it to DC to meet y’all. Unfortunately I live 30 min. west of Greenville, Tx. There are a lot of fun things to see here in the state of Texas. While in Amarillo you must drive through Paladuro Canyon.
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Awesome! We’ll definitely check out Paladuro Canyon! And we’ll wave in your general direction on our way past.
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Harrisburg PA has a River Park that’s nice. http://parkharrisburg.com/destinations/riverfront-park/
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Thanks, Sharon! Adding it to my list!
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If you’re not bothered by heights, the Sandia Peak Tramway in Albuquerque is pretty awesome. I *am* afraid of heights and I still really liked it. And if you’re spending time in that area, the Very Large Array (you know, the place Jodie Foster hung out in Contact) is just a 2 hour drive south of Albuquerque.
Make sure you visit Mount Mariah Cemetery in Deadwood. Calamity Jane! Wild Bill Hickock! It’s only $2 (which covers the maintenance of the cemetery) and it’s a nice walk. Lots of hills and stuff, so it’s healthy AND educational. There’s plenty of cool museums. And, if I remember correctly, they do reenactments of shootouts, the trial of the man who shot Wild Bill, etc. It’s a fun little town. And they have a bus service that only costs a couple of bucks, so you don’t have to worry about driving places. (They have a cute Best Western there, too.)
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Good to know! I’m especially excited about Deadwood. We’re staying in a cabin there, so that will be even more fun. 🙂
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