An Atlas Just for Your Backseat Driver

As we made our way across half the country Brenna would ask, quite often, to see our road atlas. We would do our best to show her where we were, where we planned to drive and anything we thought might interest her. She listened intently and did her best to follow along.

But our map is made for adults. It's big, rather unwieldy and, honestly, isn't very interesting. it wasn't until after we arrived that I found the Rand Mcnally Kids' Road Atlas, which I snatched up for our drive home.

This book begins with two pages on using an atlas; including the legend, scale and coordinates to find locations on a map. And it's done in a way that makes it seem like fun, not (gasp!) learning.

Next is a US map with the interstate system and our largest lakes & rivers. Not as many squiggly lines as on our big atlas. And beside that is more learning! This time state abbreviations, with hints on how to figure them out using the atlas.

Then it's on to the states. Each state has a page showing larger cities and main roads, the state tree, flower and bird, and a game of some sort (more learning!).

Canada and Mexico are also included, as is an index; just like in a "real" atlas.

Brenna may be a bit young for the puzzles and games, but she enjoys having her own atlas. She'll grow into it.

Rand McNally has an entire line of maps and books for kids of all ages. I highly recommend the Kids' Road Atlas and I will be looking into the others as the girls get older and we continue our travels.

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The World's Largest Truck Stop, Interstate 80, just north of Walcott, Iowa

Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel from coast to coast without seeing anything. ~Charles Kuralt

Truer words were never spoken. As we set out today, van pointed east, destination Boston, our only real goal is to arrive before Doug has to be at work Tuesday. Which leaves little time for sightseeing.

With the rented minivan packed with necessities for our extended stay in Massachusetts and items that would, hopefully, keep the girls from getting too bored during our drive, we were off.

• Two Screen Portable DVD Player and lots of DVDs (and Animal Design Headphones so I don't have to hear their movies)
  
• Activity bags from Tika Kids with dry erase boards & markers, magnets, notepads & pens, coloring books & crayons
• VTECH Write & Learn Letter Book & Barbie B-Bright Laptop (that I bought when Brenna was just over a year old!)
• VTECH KidiZoom Camera (it takes photos & has games!)
• Snacks & drinks

One thing you do see along the interstate, though, is truck stops. And the World's Largest Truck Stop just happens to be located along Interstate 80 in eastern Iowa.

The Iowa 80 truck stop opened in 1964 at exit 284 just north of Walcott, Iowa. Interstates did not yet spread across the country and the trucking industry was only a fraction of what is is now. Today the truck stop includes:

• a sit down restaurant, the I-80 Kitchen which serves a full menu of "home cookin'" and offers a hot buffet (which featured meat loaf, chicken & pork loin along with sides and veggies when we were there) and full salad bar. The buffet is $10.75 for adults, kids 5 and under are free.
• a fast food court with Wendy's, Dairy Queen, Taco Bell & Pizza Hut Express (you'll find the restrooms and a family restroom back here)
  
• a huge convenience store & gift shop
  
• a showroom full of semi truck accessories. Two semi's are there as well, one on a rotating show floor.
• a full semi & trailer with an incredible painted mural
• at least half a dozen antique cars and trucks
• a second floor for truckers with not only showers and laundry but a theater, dentist & chiropractor!
• a full service center to get any fixin' done or add some chrome you just picked up.
• a truck wash
• the I-80 Trucking Museum is located just behind the truck stop. From antique pickups to classic semis...
  

My little girls were fixated on everything there was to see. This is definitely a fun stop even if you're not a trucker. And if you're near here in July you'll want to stop in for the Trucker's Jamboree (check website for dates). Live music, exhibits, antique trucks and much more!

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A Change of Venue: Off to Boston

Being as I love adventure (of the travel kind) and I'm not one to pass up an opportunity when my husband began commuting to Boston every week I looked into a way for the girls and I to join him. First, it was hard on all of us for him to fly out on Sunday afternoon and fly back late Friday night. Second, I worked the numbers and realized that his company could save so much money if they
a) rented a small vacation house for a longer period instead of a hotel weekly
b) rented the car for a long period instead of weekly
c) Doug had a kitchen instead of eating out 3 times a day
d) didn't have to fly him back every week

And that is how we came to the decision to pack up a few things and transfer ourselves to Boston for 7 weeks. Corporate approved it last week (of course they did- it's saving them thousands!) and we leave Saturday. As in two days from now. Which is why I should not be on the computer right now.

But before I sign off, a few facts.

• We are staying here. A lovely 3-bedroom house with a sunny dining nook that we found on HomeAway.
• We are driving from central Iowa to Boston. We had actually planned to take the train but Amtrak isn't very user friendly- not one of the Iowa stations allows you to check bags and we would have had to get two sleepers.
• We'll spend three days driving, arriving Monday, February 16, in Scituate. I'll do my best to fill you in along the way.
• We haven't completely decided on a route yet, but are considering crossing a bit of Canada and re-entering the US at Niagara Falls.
• My daughters have never taken a car trip this long. Things could get really interesting as my youngest is potty training (her decision, not mine)

Because we'll be exploring for the next 2 months I am sure to have new destinations, tips and stories to share!

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Des Moines, Iowa: There's More Here Than You Might Think

I recently spent the weekend in Nashville meeting bloggers from across the country (and even a few from Canada). It was an amazing experience but I was surprised at the "What can you do in Des Moines" questions.

A Great Place to Live and Work
First I want to let you in on a little secret: Des Moines is the #1 spot for US insurance companies to do business and is home to ING Group, Aviva, Principal Financial Group, Nationwide, Holmes Murphy and others. Banking is also big here with Wells Fargo recently building a 176 acre, $250 million campus in West Des Moines. In fact, Meredith Publishing (Better Homes & Gardens, American Baby, Parents, Family Circle & many more) is headquartered right downtown. So we are very popular with businesses.

Des Moines is also becoming quite the popular place to live as noted by Kiplinger #9; ArticlesBase.com #6; and Forbes . And the suburb of Ankeny (my home) was touted as one of the 10 Best Towns for Families by Family Circle.

But what good are jobs and great communities if there's nothing to do? Well, as Des Moines has grown in business it has grown in substance. Take a look at these offerings:

Downtown
It wasn’t long ago that downtown Des Moines seemed to roll up its sidewalks at night. The revitalization of downtown has changed that. With new condos and lofts replacing vacant buildings the downtown area has responded with great restaurants and activities.

If you’re looking for funky charm the East Village, which sits just below the state capitol, provides an eclectic atmosphere for retail therapy and amazing dining.

For night life and more food head over to Court Avenue and take your pick from dozens of amusements. A family friendly atmosphere can be found at Spaghetti Works, Court Avenue Brewing Company and the Royal Mile (best fish & chips in town).

For dining and gaming fun head to AllPlay, formerly InPlay, for food, mini bowling and two floors of games for the whole family.

Des Moines has culture, too. The Civic Center features Broadway plays and musicals, Hoyt Sherman Place and the Temple of Performing Arts host more intimate performances. Des Moines even has a ballet, a symphony and a Dance Theater. You can also explore a couple of art galleries and every summer brings the Des Moines Arts Festival which is quickly becoming a "must do" for artists from all over the world.

For sports fans we have the Barnstormers minor league arena football, the Iowa Cubs minor league baseball, the Iowa Chops AHL hockey, the Des Moines Buccaneers US Hockey League, and the Iowa Energy NBA Developmental League basketball. Want to get out and be active yourself? Explore the Riverwalk or the Gray’s Lake area.

More kid friendly activities include the wonderful Science Center with play and learn displays and the Blank Park Zoo, which isn’t really downtown but is mighty close.

If you happen to be in Des Moines on a Saturday between May and September Court Avenue closes to traffic and is filled with vendors for the Downtown Farmer’s Market. Fresh produce, food stalls and crafts line the street. The months of November and December bring an indoor version just in time for the holidays.

Out from Downtown
If you’re searching for history you’ll want to head west out of downtown on Grand Avenue. As you crest the hill you can’t miss our governor’s mansion, Terrace Hill, overlooking the city. Terrace Hill was given to the state in 1971 and has been home to our governors, who live on the 3rd floor, since that time. Tours are available Tuesday- Saturday from March thru December.

As you continue west watch for the signs for Salisbury House, modeled after the King’s House in Salisbury, England. Built from 1923-1928 this majestic building was a family home and now houses amazing collections of swords, art and books. The house is available to tour March through December, Tuesday through Friday and Sunday. Many events also take place here including weddings, classical concerts, teas, Shakespeare of the Lawn and the Salisbury Classic Auto Show.

Historic Valley Junction is just a bit farther west and offers dining, unique shops, art galleries and a look back at Des Moines history.

If you want to take a “step back in time” be sure to visit Living History Farms in the suburb of Urbandale. See how life was “in the olden days” from the native Indians to the settlers that farmed the rich soil.

The Suburbs
For upscale shopping and dining head to West Des Moines’ Jordan Creek and West Glen areas. Jordan Creek Town Center houses stores like Sephora, Godiva, Barnes & Noble, Build-a-Bear and many others. It also has a large theater and dining at restaurants like the Cheesecake Factory, Champps and Panera.

Surrounding the mall is the Lake District and the Village, home to more shops (like DSW and Ulta as well as the new Aveda school) and restaurants like Joe’s Crab Shack, Fleming’s Steak House and PF Chang’s.

The West Glen Town Center, just off Interstate 35, brings exclusive shops, scrumptious dining and urban living together with a small town feel.

In Altoona you’ll find Adventureland, an amusement park for all ages. Nearby is Prairie Meadows for more adult entertainments like horse racing, casino gaming and live music.

Though it's not really a suburb I must mention Newton, a bit farther to the west, and the Iowa Speedway for NASCAR enthusiasts.

The remaining suburbs- Ankeny, Waukee, Norwalk, Grimes, Johnston and others- provide parks, pools, libraries, golf, summer festivals and other year round amusements.

Iowa State Fair
I can’t really talk about Des Moines without at least mentioning our great state fair . The setting for movies, songs and Broadway musicals the fairgrounds sit on Des Moines’ east side. The Iowa State Fair runs for 10 days in mid-August and brings people from absolutely everywhere in the world.

How to Get Here
Des Moines is located in the center of the great state of Iowa. It is serviced by the Des Moines International Airport. Des Moines is also the meeting place of two main interstates- I-80 & I-35, making it an easy destination to get to.

Where to Stay
Des Moines and it's suburbs have hundreds of hotels. Choose your favorite; chances are it's here.

It's funny how I can say I'm from Iowa and practically everyone has an Iowa story. Come make your own. And be sure to let me know. I may be able to take you to a real farm with live animals. And, a big thanks to reader Melody (who commented) who supplied this link to Agritourism Farms in Iowa.

Things To Do
Des Moines

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Free Weekend Day Car Rental from Hertz

Straight from the Hertz website:

Now through March 31, 2009, you can enjoy one free weekend day, when PC#127595 is included in your reservation of Economy through Full-size class cars. Only one redemption per month is permitted.

With this deal you could technically get two free days: one in February and one in March.

Of course this doesn't include SUVs or minivans... But it's still a great deal!

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