Places to see/do along I-10/I-20
 

I'm driving back a new car from Mesa, AZ and want to make this more of a vacation than shipping a car... Whats out there to do? Good places to stop and eat? I plan on sleeping in the car, so any place to catch a shower? (what do truckers do??)

The Vicksburg National Military Park in Vicksburg, MS, off of I-20 after you cross the Mississippi River.

http://www.nps.gov/vick/

I found one place I definitely have to stop -- the Pilot in Van Horn, TX, home of the famous Diesel Fried Chicken sign... Have to get a picture with the Benz

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p...DieselChic.jpg

The World Famous "World" at the last exit EB in Louisiana at Delta. It sets on the N side of I-20 next to a cotton field. Interesting place, write your name on the wall sort of joint. Excellent Burgers, good place to take a break. Multicultural whites, blacks, Hispanics, truckers, doctors, lawyers, bikers.

Most all truck stops have showers for free if you fuel - but I doubt you make the 100 gallon minimun. Expect to pay $5. If you can apply and get a Flying J frequent fueler card before your trip you can probably talk your way into a free shower.

Don't forget Willies BIO D Truck stops in Texas. Service with a smile and sometimes a song.
http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/...nelson.390.jpg

Truck stops have showers that you can use (may have to pay).

There's not much to stop for on I-10/I-20.

Monahans, Texas has some big sand dunes. Locals go sand surfing there.

Midland/Odessa - Just keep driving :)

If you need a meal between Abilene and Dallas the best restaurant is "The Smokestack." It's about half-way in the middle, nearest town is Thurber.

If you stay on I-10 the speed limit is 80MPH until Kerrville.

I would just drive this one straight through...

- JimY

Is that next to the levee underneath the I-20 river bridge, or is it right at the corner od Hwy 80 and 3218?

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=39180&ie=UTF8&ll=32.322317,-90.925684&spn=0.009465,0.016093&t=h&z=16

You might want to stop at the air musem in Pima Ariz. If your into airplanes its an interesting stop.

I found something called IdleAire thats available at truckstops, anyone know if theres any reason a car can't connect to it? Basically they stick a big tube in your window (maybe sunroof on the MB would be better) that provides cool air, electricity, and internet access... It'd be nice to use if I'm still in the dessert when its time to stop for the night...

There is a big Mercedes parts yard on I-20, somewhere between Abilene and Ranger TX. The name of the town escapes me at the moment, but I will try to dig it up.

Edit: Olden, Texas, looks like about milepost 345. If you zoom in to level 14 on the mapquest aerial view, you can actually see the cars.

You will pass by the Mercedes-Benz Visitor Center on I-20 near Tuscaloosa, AL. The center is adjacent to Daimler's only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant. The Visitor Center is free and they also have factory tours by reservation. This link will take you to their website for more info

http://www.mbusi.com/pages/vc_home.asp

Here is a better shot of Delta

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=39180&ie=UTF8&ll=32.322317,-90.925684&spn=0.009465,0.016093&t=h&z=16

They don't sell the window connector for automobiles, most respectable TS don't let cars in the truck area, you don't have one time fees with idle air its a subscription.

I'll probably be getting some Mexican diesel passing through El Paso.. Its only $2 over there!! (and filling up a 5 gal walmart bottle too...)

Howdy 300,
When you get to Arizona go down to Tombstone. Then when you hit the edge of Tucson stop at the TTT(Tucson Truck Terminal) for a meal. These places are off the I-10.