Welcome to On the Road with Susan
Hi, I’m Susan—and I’m always chasing the next adventure.
This site is all about getting out on the road and discovering the places that make travel so memorable. From scenic back roads and hidden waterfalls to charming small towns, historic hotels, roadside attractions, and local festivals, I share the places that make each journey special.
While Pennsylvania will always feel like home, my travels go beyond the Keystone State as I explore nearby destinations and road trip adventures across the country. Along the way, I’m always looking for those hidden gems—the places you don’t always find in a guidebook but end up being your favorite stops.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a day trip, or a full road trip adventure, I hope my stories, photos, and travel tips inspire you to get out there and explore.
So grab your keys… and let’s hit the road.
— Susan
On the Road with Susan
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USA Travel Guides
Your roadmap to exploring the country—one mile, one memory, and one hidden gem at a time. From scenic road trips and national parks to quirky roadside attractions and small-town charm, these guides will help you plan unforgettable adventures across the USA.
Pennsylvania
From cascading waterfalls and scenic state parks to historic towns and covered bridges, Pennsylvania is full of stories waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re exploring back roads or visiting iconic landmarks, there’s always something new to uncover in the Keystone State.
West Virginia
Wild, wonderful, and full of adventure—West Virginia is where breathtaking mountain views meet peaceful small towns. From hiking trails and scenic overlooks to the famous Almost Heaven swings, every turn offers a moment worth slowing down for.
Ohio
Ohio is full of unexpected treasures just waiting to be explored. Discover charming small towns, beautiful parks, unique roadside attractions, and hidden spots that make every road trip through the Buckeye State a memorable one.
New York
Beyond the bright lights of the city, New York offers stunning waterfalls, scenic lakes, charming villages, and peaceful countryside escapes. Whether you’re chasing fall colors or exploring along the water, there’s so much more to see across the Empire State.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Explore by Experience~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Let the photos guide you—click on any one to explore.
Waterfalls
There’s something magical about chasing waterfalls—the sound, the scenery, and the journey to find them. From hidden forest falls to breathtaking multi-tiered cascades, discover some of the most beautiful and peaceful spots nature has to offer.
Lighthouses
Standing tall against the elements, lighthouses are both beautiful and historic. Explore coastal views, Great Lakes shores, and the stories behind these guiding lights that have helped sailors find their way for generations.
Covered Bridges
Step back in time and explore the charm of historic covered bridges. Scattered across scenic back roads and quiet countryside, these timeless structures tell stories of craftsmanship, community, and a slower way of life.
State Parks
From scenic overlooks and hiking trails to peaceful lakes and hidden natural wonders, state parks are where adventure meets tranquility. Whether you’re exploring for a day or staying longer, these parks offer something for every kind of traveler.
Historic Stays
Spend the night where history lives. From grand historic hotels to charming inns and unique overnight experiences, these stays offer more than just a place to sleep—they’re destinations filled with character, stories, and unforgettable charm.
Women in History
Discover the inspiring stories of women who helped shape our towns, states, and nation. From trailblazers and pioneers to local legends, these stories bring history to life in a meaningful and powerful way.
Roadside Attractions
The best road trips aren’t just about the destination—they’re about the stops along the way. Discover quirky, fun, and sometimes downright unusual roadside attractions that turn an ordinary drive into an unforgettable adventure.
Small Towns in America
Sometimes the best destinations are the ones you’ve never heard of. Explore charming small towns filled with local shops, friendly faces, rich history, and hidden gems that make you want to slow down and stay awhile.
Route 66 Adventures
Experience the nostalgia and adventure of America’s most iconic highway. From classic diners and vintage motels to offbeat attractions and historic landmarks, Route 66 is a journey through time you’ll never forget.
Road Trippin Across the USA
There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road and seeing where it takes you. From scenic highways and cross-country routes to hidden gems and unforgettable roadside stops, road tripping across the USA is all about the journey, the freedom, and the stories you collect along the way.
Camping & Outdoors
Camping
There’s something truly special about slowing down, setting up camp, and waking up surrounded by nature—and that’s exactly what this camping section is all about. Whether you’re pitching a tent in a quiet state park, parking your RV along a scenic river, or discovering hidden free campsites off the beaten path
Camp Cooking
Camp cooking is one of the most rewarding parts of any outdoor adventure—there’s just something about food that tastes better around a campfire. In this section, I’ll share simple, delicious recipes that are perfect for the campsite, along with tips to make cooking outdoors easy and enjoyable.
Camping Gear
Having the right camping gear can make all the difference between a stressful trip and a truly enjoyable adventure. In this section, I’ll share the essentials I rely on, along with honest recommendations for gear that’s practical, durable, and easy to use
Women Camping Groups
Camping doesn’t have to be a solo journey—there’s a whole community of incredible women out there ready to explore, support, and adventure together. In this section, I’ll introduce you to women’s camping groups and communities where you can connect, share experiences, and build confidence in the outdoors.
Latest Adventures & Stores
Every journey tells a story — and here are some of the newest ones! Explore my latest blog posts filled with travel adventures, hidden gems, and a few surprises along the way.
20 Haunted Places in Pennsylvania You Must Visit
Pennsylvania is a state where history and hauntings walk hand in hand. From Gettysburg’s battlefields to Eastern State Penitentiary’s crumbling cells, spirits linger in inns, churches, caves, and asylums. Here are 20 haunted places in Pennsylvania that will give you chills.
The Haunted Covered Bridges of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s covered bridges aren’t just relics of the past—they’re also gateways to ghost stories and lingering legends. From the cries of an infant at Van Sant Bridge to the battlefield echoes at Sachs Bridge, these historic crossings hold more than just history in their timbers. Step inside, and you may hear whispers, footsteps, or even see shadows that refuse to fade with time.
Top Places in Pennsylvania to See The Fall Foliage
Fall in Pennsylvania is magical. From late September through October, the mountains, valleys, and small towns across the Keystone State burst into color. Whether you love hiking, scenic overlooks, or just a peaceful drive, here are my favorite places to experience the beauty of autumn.
The Historic George Washington Hotel in Washington, PA
Opened in 1923, the George Washington Hotel in Washington, Pennsylvania, has welcomed presidents, celebrities, and travelers for more than a century. Its Beaux-Arts architecture, stunning murals, and elegant ballrooms still impress today. And while history is its true calling card, whispers of ghostly encounters add a touch of intrigue to the experience.
Big Tex: The Giant Cowboy of the Texas State Fair
Every October, millions of people flock to Dallas for the Texas State Fair — and towering over it all is Big Tex, the 55-foot cowboy with a booming voice and a welcoming wave. Since 1952, Big Tex has been more than just a mascot; he’s a Texas icon, a symbol of hospitality, and the first “Howdy, folks!” that kicks off the fair each fall. His story is full of transformations, surprises, and resilience — just like Texas itself.
The Muffler Men of New England
Towering roadside giants known as Muffler Men may be most famous along Route 66, but New England has its own collection of these fiberglass legends. From Bangor’s Babe the Blue Ox to Connecticut’s patriotic cowboy Big Bob, and Massachusetts’ quirky Big White Guy with his many disguises, these statues tell stories of creativity, reinvention, and nostalgia. Each one has its own colorful history—some repainted, some relocated, and others still shrouded in mystery—making them must-see stops for anyone who loves roadside Americana.
Arthurdale, WV Eleanor Roosevelt’s New Deal Dream
On a recent trip through West Virginia, I stumbled upon Arthurdale, a small town on Route 92 with a remarkable past. Created in 1933 as the first—and only—New Deal homestead community, it was Eleanor Roosevelt’s passion project during the Great Depression. Families here experienced indoor plumbing for the first time, danced with the First Lady, and even sent a Thanksgiving turkey to the White House. Though plans for nearly a hundred similar towns never came to life, Arthurdale remains a powerful reminder of hope and resilience.
The Legend of Frank-N-Stein in Gary Indiana
On old Dunes Highway in Gary, Indiana, a 20-plus-foot Frank-N-Stein once held a foamy mug and a chili dog over a little hot-dog stand with big dreams. He vanished in the early 1980s and turned into a local legend—until a modern-day sleuth, Dave Distler, set out to solve the mystery and rebuild him.
A Texas-Sized Fairytale: The Falkenstein Castle
Perched high above the Texas Hill Country, Falkenstein Castle is a real-life fairytale brought to life. Inspired by King Ludwig II’s unbuilt Bavarian design, this 14,000-square-foot castle in Burnet, Texas, blends European charm with Lone Star spirit—complete with turrets, sweeping views, and a story as magical as its architecture.
The Unsinkable Molly Brown
A few years ago, I visited the Molly Brown House Museum in Denver, Colorado, and discovered that Molly’s story goes far beyond her famous survival of the Titanic. Known as “The Unsinkable Molly Brown,” she was also a fearless advocate for social justice, labor rights, and women’s suffrage. Today, her home is not only a beautifully restored Victorian landmark but also part of the National Votes for Women Trail, with a marker honoring her groundbreaking role in the fight for equality. Walking through her home and standing before that marker reminded me that Molly wasn’t just a survivor—she was a trailblazer whose legacy continues to inspire.
Castles vs Mansions: What’s the Difference?
“From Germany’s fairytale fortresses to castle-inspired mansions tucked away in the USA, I’ve always been captivated by these grand structures. Join me as I uncover the history, legends, and beauty of castles around the world — and right here at home.”
The Uniroyal Gals – Female Version of the Muffler Man
Most people know about the towering Muffler Men giants that dot America’s highways, but fewer have heard of their female counterparts — the Uniroyal Gals. Created in the 1960s by the same company that built the Muffler Men, these fiberglass women stood nearly 20 feet tall, hand on hip, welcoming drivers into tire shops and dealerships. Today, only a handful of these rare roadside icons remain, making them a must-see for enthusiasts of vintage Americana and quirky roadside attractions.
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