Canyons, caves, and abandoned Cadillacs: Southwest road trip

The Blue Hole of Santa Rosa has been a favorite stop for road-trippers since the heyday of Route 66. The swimming hole features clear, deep water that makes for the most refreshing way to cool off. Jump off of the rocks or just float along and enjoy the setting... either way, you can't help but enjoy this lovely New Mexico oasis.

Cadillac Ranch is pretty humble as far as art installations go, but few pieces have made such an impact on American culture. Ten vintage Caddies are buried nose-down in the desert, right off the side of the highway. There's just something so cool about the spot, though. Maybe it's the fact that you're encouraged to bring spray-paint cans and add your mark to the cars!

For some great hiking and stunning scenery, check out Palo Duro Canyon State Park. The colors of the rocks and the canyon are breathtaking, and there are some awesome trails and campsites here. Make sure to check out the views above and inside the canyon!

POPS Soda Ranch is a great example of classic Route 66 kitsch. It serves up delicious diner fare in the restaurant, but the main draw here (if you couldn't guess from the 66-foot-tall neon soda bottle outside) is their massive selection of 600 kinds of soda from across the globe. Mix and match a 6-pack of the most intriguing flavors and take it with you to enjoy on the road!

The Blue Whale Catoosa is definitely the sweetest roadside attraction on Route 66. A man named Hugh Davis built the massive sculpture as an anniversary present for his wife Zelta, who loved whales. It quickly attracted attention from passersby, and Hugh decided to open it to the public. Poke around inside the whale, and see the other little pieces of art around. Davis originally called his little roadside attraction Nature’s Acres, which included Davis' brother-in-law Indian Chief Wolf Robe Hunt, who was a full blooded Acoma Indian, a skilled Native American painter and silversmith. In fact, Chief Wolf-Robe Hunt at one point ran the Arrowood Trading post across the highway from the Blue Whale. Sadly, by 1988, the Davises were unable to continue the management of the Blue Whale, so it was eventually closed it to the public. Then when Mr. Davis died in 1990, the attraction fell into ruin and disrepair. Nearly ten years later, local groups and employees of a nearby hotel fundraised and restored the Route 66 icon.

Dallas-Fort Worth is one of the most bustling metropolis areas in all of Texas, so stop by to find out what all the fuss is about. Check out the the Fort Worth Stockyards, uncover the mysteries of the grassy knoll (made famous by JFK's assassination), eat a steak or some brisket, catch a rodeo, and get ready to see why Texas is such a big deal.

The Texas coast, facing the Gulf of Mexico, has some awesome beaches and resort spots, such as the island of Galveston. In fact, you won't find a more classic vacation spot than the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. You'll find rides, games, fried food, and fun along with ocean breezes and seashore views!

Austin is the capital of Texas, and it's also located right in the heart of Hill Country, the part of central Texas that's home to many swimming holes, rolling landscape, incredible BBQ joints, honky tonks were locals line-dance the night away, and fields of bluebonnets. Austin is also famously quirky (their "Keep Austin Weird" campaign speaks to this), so don't be afraid to do something a little crazy, like see a freak show performance at the Museum of the Weird or try a donut burger from Gordough's.