Small town stopovers

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Echobeach

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Hello I am in the early stages of trying to plan a cross USA trip and looking for small town stopovers rather than big city. I love the Outdoors, hiking, walking, photography and does not mind brutal cold. The trip is likely to be late January 2013.

So on the Cz I have been considering stops in either Truckee, Winnemucca or Elko before stopping in Glenwood Springs. Any advice as to which of those three would be of most interest. I am leaning towards Elko for its Basque culture and rough edge !

Then I need advice on any other stops anyone can suggest. Towards the end of the long haul I am considering Harpers Ferry before reaching my final destination.

I will also be staying in Chicago and Denver for a few days.

Thanks

Phil
 
Try the Truckee Hotel in Truckee. It's very close to the depot. You'll probably hear trains throughout the night!
 
I have often wondered what life is like in "small town America", as viewed from the long distance trains. I enjoy coach seats aboard Amtrak as it seems to bring me closer to "ordinary Americans", I will be fascinated to get a little info on smaller places to stop over along the way. Quite a good topic and a chance for locals to share their knowledge!

Ed :cool:
 
There are small towns in the West where Amtrak stops. I'm thinking

of Lamy, Gallup & Fort Morgan. There are several other too. In the East,

there are many small town (suburbs) near larger towns that have interesting

features. I've always wanted to visit Amtrak stops in mid-Illinois & Iowa where

there is a nice mix of farming and business interests.
 
You can really get to know a country by visiting small rural places far away from the normal tourist trail .

Americans who come to England and see London, Bath and Stratford then think they know England . I tell you, London is not England the same way Manhattan is not typical America. I have been visiting the USA since 1981, mainly The South West and California but still has a passion to find some of those places that personify the US . That also means visiting places you may not particularly Like or find attractive and meet other people you find strange ! Travel rather than tourism .

So it would be great to have a chat to anyone with a small town suggestion and say why I should visit. I like odd events ! I have discovered Elko has a national cowboy poets convention. Just please whatever you suggest don't say one of those kiddy beauty contests or that monster child BOO BOO or whatever her name is.
 
I would use trip advisor for hotel suggestions in each town. The hotels will also be plotted on a map. Don't assume that there is a reliable taxi service in every small town. Some are better than others. If you can get a hotel within walking distance that will help you.
 
Truckee is very touristy with the ski crowd from the Bay Area. I'd think Colfax is more small town America-ish for the Sierras. Even Galesburg would be a better bet I think - not much tourism there to sully the small town flavor.[Zephyr stops in both these towns]
 
I would recommend Omaha, Nebraska, though it is much nicer in warmer months. It isn't as big as Denver or Chicago, but it also isn't exactly small, either. However, there is much to do and see right in Omaha and across the river in Council Bluffs, Iowa. There are great museums, including the Union Pacific Museum in CB, and the Durham Museum in Omaha in the former Union Station (across the tracks from the current Amtrak station). There are also the Western Historic Trails Center (Lewis & Clark, Mormon Trail, etc.), Gen. Dodge House (famous railroad builder), and the Squirrel Cage Jail (one of only three left in existence) in Council Bluffs.

In addition, you don't have to drive very far in either state to be in the real Midwest, with many towns with populations of under 100 people, and some very interesting museums and attractions. You'd be surprised how many famous Americans grew up in these small towns, and many of their childhood homes are still maintained as museums.
 
I would advise against visiting Harper's in the middle of winter. Harper's is really a tourist town and very few people actually live there. Winter is the slowest time of the year and most of the businesses could be closed or empty. Plus Harper's can be dangerous if the ground is icy or snow covered. The town has numerous uneven stone steps and uneven surfaces everywhere, which means you spend most of your time trying not to hurt yourself. It is best to wait until March before visiting.
 
I would be happy to visit harper's in the middle of winter as long as there were a few places open to eat, perhaps a beer and chat.

It would not bother me that the historical enactment's were closed for the winter because Britain is loaded with history. The church in my neighbourhood is around a 1000 years old. Its the outdoors bit and access to hiking trails.

Not so many replies. Very likely because open ended discussions rather than answerable questions are harder to maintain.

thanks for the suggestions so far.
 
Elko isn't that small, yes they have cab service. If you go downtown it can be interesting on Railroad Street. (which is a big parking lot now, instead of the stockyards and trains) But it depends on if you like casinos and old buildings and what you are looking for?

You are correct about the Basque population and restaurants. A number of nice chain motels walking distance from the train station. I've never had a car when I was there and I want to get to the hills outside town for a view. And oh yes, Ruby Valley golf course has a nice reasonable fee for cart, including clubs and I played there a few trips. Oldest courthouse in Nevada, it's the county seat as well.

Pawn shops, two cowboy museums, 449er club seems to be a nice rustic working man's bar. The town definitely has charm and character and for my visits people were always friendly.

Stayed at Red Lion or Gold Country and just hopped a cab downtown each afternoon or evening to see the city, Stockmen's and The Commercial. Newest casino is Gold Dust West. And by the way, I hardly gamble, I went for the trip with friends, good rates and rooms.

It's on my list of place to Go Rail next Spring.
 
What's your full itinerary? You mention the CZ and CL.

Yes, Harpers Ferry is a must-see. Both scenic and historical.
 
Bumps the topic......still looking for stopover suggestions.

Full itinary ...nothing decided yet
 
Just to make you aware that the end of January is the middle of winter, and winters in the US are much more harsh than they are in England. Especially on much of these routes (the CZ and CL). Most of the hiking trails may be under feet of snow!
 
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