It’s summertime. And for us, that means blowing out of town as fast as we can with kids and parents in tow (this whole school thing really cramps our style). Some might consider this a questionable decision … and those folks may be right but nothing makes memories like loading up in a van with the whole fam damily and taking a Great American Roadtrip Griswold style. You may remember some of our past Griswold adventures, most notably, our epic Route 66/Grand Canyon roadtrip (wanderlust) and our recent Sonoma excursion (winederlust).
This Saturday, we’ll be wheels up and northbound. Crossing first through Texas and then taking our sweet time through Arkansas, The Natural State. As many of you know, our dad is a true blue Arkansas boy and although we may be Texas girls, half of our heart will always be in Arkansas. Also known as The Bear State – home of waterfalls, diamond mining, 50 state parks, 6 national parks, and The Ozarks.
We’ll eventually pass through Arkansas and on into Southwest Missouri where we absolutely CANNOT wait to see Big Cedar Lodge, epic wilderness lodge created by Johnny Morris founder of Bass Pro Shops.
There is a very real possibility that we may have lots of stories to tell on this trip. So if you want to live the roadtrip (the good, the bad, the ugly) with us, be sure to follow along on Instagram and Instagram Stories.
As always, Thelma & Louise are riding shotgun, Jack Kerouac is our North Star, & Willie Nelson is our navigator (he’s kind of like an imaginary friend. random sidenote: our van actually does have a random Willie Nelson connection which means he truly is our navigator).
Check out our Ozarks roadtrip Pinterest board here!
Comment below with any suggestions on roadside stops, must-sees, or tips on how to survive van life with your entire family ;).
(pc: big cedar lodge, william rainey photography, and southern living)
11 Comments
Are you making another TV Series about your travels? I sure miss your shows! .
If y’all go to the Diamond Mine in Murfreesboro, you oughta swing through Delight, home of Glen Campbell! We’d LOVE to see y’all!
I miss your shows too ☹️. Have fun in the Show-Me-State…my home state,. We live in the southeast part of he state though, so I likely won’t run into you lol! There isn’t much to see here but flat farmland and the Mississippi River. It’s very different from southwest Missouri.
Never had sisters but y’all are kindred spirits. I’ve been to all but 4 states and have a lifetime of good bad and ugly memories. Y’all need to check out the trail to Yellowstone doom time there is lots of cowgirls up there too. Lol. Miss your show terrible follow everything I can Love ya xo
Hopefully you’ll be coming through Fayetteville to visit kinfolks! Me!!! I love this area! You need to visit Eureka Springs if you’ve not before…unique, quaint, funky! My favorite escape in the area is Crystal Bridges, the outstanding Museum of American Art, located in Bentonville. Close by is the Children’s Amazeum!
Didn’t realize I posted as Anonymous!
Ladies, keep heading north! Come sample some Canadian hospitality.
Hey ladies – Mrs. Missouri 1996 right here (but now a Texas girl!). You simply MUST visit Silver Dollar City in Branson. It’s STILL my favorite place on earth. Did you know the Beverly Hillbillies were originally from Taney County, Missouri – which is where you’ll be when you stay at Big Cedar Lodge. If you’ll go to College of the Ozarks Museum you’ll see the car that they drove from Missouri to Beverly Hills. Also, there is a beautiful store there called ‘The Secret Garden’ that is quite the experience. Enjoy my former home state but get back to Texas ASAP, y’hear? Also – I had planned on visiting your neck of the woods week after next – will you be back the week of the 11th? (also after visiting my old stomping grounds you’ll understand why my nick name is ‘hillbilly debutante.’ VERY, VERY country.
Have a great time! Seeing the country through the windshield of a car is the only way to truly see it!
Closet drinking sometimes helps on a family road trip. Haha. They will think you are in a great mood. ?. The kids won’t know so you can still set a good example for them. Love from Grandma Sue in Montana.
If your are in Northwest Arkansas the 8th and 9th you should go over to Prairie Grove and go to the Junk Ranch! Lots of stuff to see and y’all would love it! Have a great trip!