Finding different road trip themes is an exciting way to plan your next adventure! Whether you’re looking for places to tailgate at a sporting event, or another new excursion, there’s something out there for every type of traveler. For those who love to read, I have compiled the 10 most iconic literary destinations in the U.S., and it’s bound to make a great “story” for you to share! My husband and I love to travel, and I originally wrote this article for an RV company called RV Trader...you can look at it here: ( RV TRADER ), but it's so good I had to reshare it with you all! Some of these places I've already visited, and some are still on my bucket list.
Boston, Massachusetts
There are several amazing stops in Boston to knock off your list! First off is the Edgar Allan Poe statue located in “Edgar Allan Poe Square” near the beautiful Boston Public Library. This is where you can order a literary drink in the Tea Room Bar, such as the “Tequila Mockingbird.” The Beacon Hill neighborhood near Boston Commons is also the location of the homes of author Sylvia Plath and poet Robert Frost, found in the Literary District.
De Smet, South Dakota
De Smet, South Dakota is known as the home of Laura Ingalls Wilder, and there is so much to see here, dedicated just to her. I've never been here before, but I'd love to stop here on my way to the Badlands. You can take a deeper look at her first schools, her home and homestead, museums, and comprehensive tours! If you keep on driving west to visit Badlands National Park, it’s bound to be a trip to remember!
Glen Ellen and Oakland, California
For more on the literary life of a renowned California author, head to the home of Jack London! He wrote Call of the Wild, White Fang, and more classics...they were some of my favorites as a kid. Glen Ellen has the Jack London State Historic Park that boasts park trails, picnics, museums, tours, and cabins. Then, head an hour’s drive to Oakland and you can spend a day at Jack London Square where you can browse farmers markets, grab food, and enjoy outdoor activities like canoeing, biking, and hiking! This one is another bucket list destination.
Hannibal, Missouri
Hankering to see some nature on your next literary road trip? Look no further than the Mark Twain Caves! This museum and gift shop has a secret entrance to the cave system that Mark Twain wrote about in his literary classics such as Tom Sawyer. You can even see his carved signature in the rock, and the hideout for the real Jesse James! The real Becky Thatcher House is there, and so his Twain's old home!
Salem, Massachusetts
Further north of Boston, Salem, Massachusetts boasts the beautiful attraction known as the House of Seven Gables. It is also the home of Nathaniel Hawthorne who wrote that novel and many other American classics! Take in the ocean scenery and step back in time in this historic home turned museum. And, of course, Salem is one of the most famous for witches, so I had to take a pic with Samantha!
Kansas City, Missouri
There are plenty of things to do in Kansas City, Missouri, such as visiting great eateries, historic train stations, and speakeasies that are actually well-known today. But the coolest place in town is the Kansas City Public Library, which is designed to look like it’s actually made of GIANT books. Explore the shelves of stories at your disposal before grabbing food at the local barbecue joint.
Key West, Florida
One of Ernest Hemingway’s favorite places in the United States, Key West was once home to the literary icon, and is now popular among RVers and boaters. You may not be a writer, but you can catch a tropical drink at the Green Parrot Bar near Hemingway’s old home. The views would certainly be worth the drive.
Monroeville, Alabama and Montgomery, Alabama
The Old Courthouse Museum in Monroeville has two exhibits: To Kill a Mockingbird (based on the novel by Harper Lee) and the Truman Capote Exhibit (who is the author of many novels, such as In Cold Blood). Stop in Montgomery, Alabama, just an hour and a half away to see the F Scott Fitzgerald Museum, home to the famous writer of The Great Gatsby. You can even stay overnight if you’d like!
Sleepy Hollow, New York
Washington Irving wrote many stories such as Rip Van Winkle, but he is most famous for the thriller known as The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, featuring the Headless Horseman. You can visit his gravesite at the Old Dutch Church and tour his home just a mile or two away in beautiful Sunnyside. You can even pay your respects and thank him for coining the phrase “Gotham” for New York City and inspiring Batman comics for decades to come!
Estes Park, Colorado
The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado is the location of the fictional novel The Shining by Stephen King. Located within the gorgeous park, this hotel offers unbeatable views, exquisite food, and a literary Stephen King Hotel Tour! They also show you plenty of locations and recreations on the tour from the feature film. Plus, you can grab a drink at the Hotel Bar which is also a Dumb and Dumber movie scene location!
I hope this inspires you!
xoxo,
Jennifer
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