Things to do in off time

SecondChance · Jul 1, 2001

Hi all, being new to expediting but not driving I find this site very informative.

We all have time with nothing to do at times, always leary of if we can get truck in/out of certain places. I'd like to see what places/things you have learned of. I had found an article a while back of different things including the Lake Champlain Ferry but can't find it again.

For one, I would suggest Meramac Caves on I-44 in Missouri. It is beautiful back there and yes you can drive back there. I've even had 18 wheels back there several times. Besides the cave itself there is a beautiful camp grounds and such clear water running in the river! Although I have not personally tried it yet, they also have boat rides back there.

Speaking of campgrounds, does anyone know of any others that we can get into?

Thought this might be a subject we would all be intersted in at one time or another.

Stay safe!

Trucker Matt · Jul 1, 2001

Don't be afraid of taxi's. We did the French Quarter in New Orleans last week. It was a blast. Park at the Mardi Gras Truckstop ($5 and they have security) and call a cab.

SecondChance · Jul 14, 2001

Thanks for the info we will keep it in mind.

Have also recently discovered......don't need cabs. You can rent Enterprise cars with only small desposit, credit card not necessary and they come to truck stop to pick you up!

WendyCal · Jul 22, 2001

i should think that any campground that could handle RV's would be able to handle one of us -- the trick would be to FIND them in the first place! ;-) If you knew you were going to have some time off in a certain state, you might be able to stop at the Visitor's Center for information on your way in.

Trucker Matt, another thing to not be afraid of is renting a car -- we did that in Chattanooga, and got to see the Aquarium, as well as a nice laundromat! LOL We usually do Enterprise because they have weekend specials.

*********
Godspeed to all of you out there on the highways and byways!

Christyrose · Jul 22, 2001

We have been to Stone Mountain, Ga. They allowed us to park and enjoy the day there. We also went it to Disney World with our truck. The parking was expensive, $11.00 a day. They also allow semi parking for the same price. You park in the bus parking area. This was my first time to Disney World so I am still shocked at the prices! $48.00 per person at the Majic Kingdom! A full ticket for all parks run $227.00!!! I did not ask if this was per person or not, to shocked! Would we go back to Disney, yes. But, we would plan it out better. We did not have to make delivery till Monday, so we spent Sunday there. I know there has to be better deals out there.

Wild Bill · Jul 23, 2001

We broke down in Memphis one time and while we was there we visited Graceland. I loved that.
We also went to South of the border once (both of them, the one on I-95 and the one below the Rio Grande)

I also have other interests that I find enjoyable and and stimulating while on the road.

http://www.expeditersonline.com/dcforum/User_files/3b5c10922ba50cd3.gif

Check out my homepage: [link:www.geocities.com/wildbill4518|My Homepage]Please sign my guestbook

Big Scooter · Jul 24, 2001

Last Sunday we found ourselves in San Antonio, Tx. We spent the day downtown at the Alamo and the Riverwalk, both great spots! They are across the street from each other so you only have to park once. We found a 30 min. commercial spot on the street and parked all day for free (it was Sunday). There is all day parking available in lots for $15-$25. There is no charge for the Alamo and it is a great history spot. And the Riverwalk is beautiful with shops and restaurants all along the way. There is also a boat ride along the river. If you get a chance, you should see it. Now we need to get back to work!

SecondChance · Jul 29, 2001

Thanks everyone!

Wendy, yes Enterprise is great! We just discovered it also, and they pick you up!

talltotem · Jul 29, 2001

Yep! That is per person price. Outrageous, isn't it? I'm not a big fan of Disney since they took jobs away from the small businesses in the U.S. and sent the work to China. I live in FL and they couldn't give me passes to go to Disney World.

Christyrose · Aug 6, 2001

There are some drivers that have taken 5 to 10 feet of their trailer space to store personal items. (Motorcycles, bicycles, chairs and bbque units.) I know of one couple, that carries a motorcycle. When the time is available, they take off and explore the city they are in. Another couple, carries their fishing poles and golf clubs.

There is Frankenmuth, MI. A small city just off of I-75 north of Flint. Famous for Chicken dinners and Christmas all year round. They have festivals planned on most weekends. The German Fest is a blast! http://www.frankenmuth.org/

Some cities are not truck friendly and make it hard to go in and just park the truck. Detroit is one of them. The closest truck stop to downtown Detroit is the Detroiter. With all of the casinos that are available, there has yet to be a shuttle to pick up and return you back to the truck stop. There is Windsor as well, with the discount on the Canadian dollar, you can make a killing at the mall!

Weave · Aug 8, 2001

If you enjoy trains, the Illinois railway museum is a few miles north of the Marengo exit on I90 between Chicago and Rockford In Union, IL. There is a T/A and a couple of small truckstops there. OOOHHH, Weave like!
--Weave--

RichM · Aug 11, 2001

We have used Enterprise from time to time,but you can save about $10-15 per day if you go to a local U Haul rental place.I have found that they will usually let you park your truck there and you can rent a small pickup or van for about $19.99 or less per day.Enterprise seems to come in at about $30 per day.Of course you are driving a U Haul but so what..

Trucker Matt · Aug 13, 2001

We carry several travel guides in our truck. Fodor's USA is one. If we know we are going to be laid over somewhere during the weekend, we can always check our books and see what there is to do in the area.
Local papers are also a good resource for concerts, festivals and so on.
Delorme's Road Warrior program is another resource, you can find golf courses, bowling alleys, movie theaters and more.

RichM · Aug 13, 2001

I carry in the back of the truck a fold up bicycle,It is made by a company called DAHON (www.dahon.com).. It weighs about 20 lbs and folds up in half,takes up very little space.It cost about $160 ,and it is great to take out and bike around a park or even a shopping mall lot. After a long run it gets the kinks out nicely.I would recommend it highly..

Marcel · Aug 21, 2001

When in LA, you can park your truck at Hunnington Beach for $3.00 good until 9 or 10 pm. They have restrooms snack shop and all the rental stuff thats beach related. We got there early one Monday morning after a drop. There are long RV parking spots overlooking the beach. It was about 65 degrees nice breeze and people were surfing, had been there about an hour and then Beep Beep Beep, hot load ready to pickup NOW.