There is nothing like adding a little travel challenge to our 50 state tour, and that is exactly what we did this past week!
Each week that goes by, we get a little closer to that September 9th launch date.
And part of the fun leading up to it is getting to think about all of the things we want to see and do. Including some things we want to do in every single state.
![travel challenge](https://livesimplenow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/campfire.jpg)
So this past week, we sat down one night outside at the farm and spent the evening coming up with this personal couple travel challenge:
Think of 5 things we want to do or accomplish in every single state we visit.
After all, it’s not every day you get the opportunity to see all 50 states in a single year. So why not have the most fun you can with it!
Here is what we came up with:
The Travel Challenge – 5 Things We Are Going To Do In Every State!
#1 The Bicycle Challenge
We love riding our bikes every chance we get. And we don’t plan on stopping that practice on the road!
There is something so special about peddling around, taking in the views, and being outside.
![travel challenge](https://livesimplenow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/biking.jpg)
So with that said, our first travel challenge goal is to bike at least 25 miles in every single state we visit.
What better way to see the sights and sounds up close?!
#2 A Bottle Of Red…
There is something so special about the culture and people behind wine. We have always loved to visit wineries anywhere we travel.
The vineyard. The grapes. And, of course, the beauty and atmosphere of it all is something special to behold. We even have our own little vineyard at home, and someday hope to make a few bottles of our own wine.
So we thought let’s make it a part of the trip.
![wine bottles, part of our travel challenge](https://livesimplenow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/wine-challenge.jpg)
The goal is to enjoy a bottle of wine in every single state we visit. And hopefully, a wine native to that state.
And as we do, we will date each and every cork, and save them until we get back.
It is then we hope to create a wooden wall map of the U.S., with a little cut-out within each state to place the dated cork.
And, as a member of Harvest Hosts, we will be staying at some of the most beautiful wineries along the way!
#3 The Selfie State Challenge
Along the same lines of creating a lasting memory is our state selfie travel challenge.
![Travel Challenge](https://livesimplenow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/state-sign.jpg)
As we head around all 50 states, we will stop and take a selfie photo of us and the state welcome sign.
And by the end of it all, what a memory we will have in pictures!
#4 Oh Christmas Tree…
We have always both loved to decorate our Christmas tree. And have always wanted to create a special themed tree to put up in the barn.
Mary came up with the great idea to collect one ornament from every single state we visit.
![teardrop camper](https://livesimplenow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Living-Simple-Icon.jpg)
And when we return, we will decorate a new barn Christmas tree every year with only those ornaments.
It will be a great way for us to always be able to remember our trip every Christmas Season from here on out!
#5 A Garden In Every State
It may be listed last, but this travel challenge is certainly not least.
It is our absolute dream and wish to visit at least one garden from one of our followers in every single state.
![touring a garden](https://livesimplenow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/garden-tours.jpg)
It may not always be in season as we travel around, but to share in the love and joy of gardening with our fellow gardeners is our absolute favorite thing to do.
And this trip gives us the chance to do that from sea to shining sea!
Here is to counting down the days until we begin this magnificent journey in our Tab 400 Teardrop Camper!
If you haven’t yet, please visit our state by state interactive map ( Our Travel Map) and click on your state to leave us your top places to see in your neck of the woods!
Happy Traveling – Jim and Mary
In Oregon, a bike trip through the Mosier Tunnels along the Columbia River – it’s part of the historic scenic highway and iconic to the area. A great winery in the same area is Syncline Winery, right across the river in Washington – There’s The Bridge of The Gods in Cascade Locks, and a sternwheeler ride from Cascade Locks to Bonneville Dam. Honestly, you could spend a week in our area and never run out of things to see and do 🙂
The NW corner of Oregon is great place to see and with so many things to do and see in the area you will want to stay forever! 🙂 Since you like wineries our favorite winery is also across the river from Oregon in Wasington state. It is called Maryhill Winery and is next to Maryhill Castle, another spot you should stop and see. The winery is atop a hill which gives you a fantastic view of the Columbia River and into Oregon. I have already sent you about places to see in Oregon, but since Diana McAnally mentioned some great places in Oregon it reminded me of a few other things too.
Dependent upon weather conditions, terrain, etc. the 50 miles on the bike might be a bit much to accomplish in all of them, but everything should be good. Happy travels.
In Michigan there are many wineries in the grand traverse area. Along the north west tip of the mitten.
The Katy Trail in MO has several wineries on or near it.
Be sure to visit the Dallas Arboretum when you come to Texas. It is a beautiful and ever changing garden!
When you have finished your journey, please come back and spend more time in Texas and take in the glorious beauty of this enormous state. A person could easily spend a full year seeking what adventure exists on each road to wherever and absorbing the hospitality of its residents. Most of all, enjoy your journey.
In North Carolina it goes without saying that a visit to the North Carolina Zoo. There’s so much to see, all the animals and plants. It’s the largest zoo of its kind, which the animals are not in cages but in live habitats from their original countries. It’s a day trip for sure but the town of Asheboro has many motels and there’s a couple of camp grounds really close to the Zoo. My son works there and might be able to arrange something special for your trip!
Hi Kathy – the zoo sounds like an amazing place to head! We will definitely try to schedule a day there on our way through NC!
In southern Indiana, just across the Ohio River from Louisville Kentucky(Kentucky Derby) In Louisville, there is the Louisville Slugger Museum. In Clarksville, Indiana, there are the Falls of the Ohio State Park and Interpretive Center. You can “Dry snorkel” (hike) across one of the world’s most accessible Devonian-age fossil beds. It’s pretty unique. There is camping nearby. And Just 40 minutes away or less is Huber Winery. They have Seasonal things like a pumpkin patch and an ice cream shop. And a restaurant and gift shop.
In Indiana they just finished Bike trail called, Ohio River Greenway. It travels from New Albany (my town) to Jeffersonville. And in Jeff there is a Walking/Biking Bridge that crosses the Ohio River and their bike trails are attached on their side of the river (lots of Biking and good river views).
When you return to Missouri next August, we hope you will stop in Hermann again. We have many wonderful wineries and many beautiful gardens (this year was our 25th year of Garden Tours). My garden is right across from the courthouse, and you are quite welcome to walk through anytime, but I would love to show you some of the other gardens in town and in the countryside. When you are in California, stop an the organic winery Benziger in Sonoma and Patisserie Pascal in Glen Ellen. The winery is beautiful and the wine is wonderful.
I just found your blog today thru Pinterest! I already read a few entries but I want to start @ the beginning so here i am…
Visiting all the states is a bucket list of mine but doing it in an RV is even better. What great idea and adventure. !
I look forward to living vicariously thru your experience and taking notes for when my turn comes.
Happy and safe travels,
Thank you Carlos!!! I hope you reading about our journey so far and that you continue to follow us along the way! Jim and Mary