Dearborn, MI to Corpus Christi, TX...what should I not miss?| Off-Topic Discussion forum |

russde Reader
9/8/22 5:25 p.m.

A few months back I posted about looking for a Miata...had settled on a really nice white NB in AZ which @Scott_H checked out for me, and concluded it was VERY nice.

But fate stepped in. I mentioned my search to my B-I-L in Dearborn, he's an enginerd who works for Ford. He has a former neighbor looking to sell a 2008 PRHT 6 speed with 41k miles. We struck a deal.

The car is getting new tires next week, and we changed some travel plans to end in Dearborn vice flying directly home. So, we will be driving the Miata from Dearborn to Corpus Christi beginning the 22nd. We plan to take four to five days and see some sites along the way...so what sites are along the way?

We've tossed around Graceland, I went about 20 years ago with my oldest daughter and had fun. My wife is a big Elvis fan so it's pretty high on the list.

John Welsh Mod Squad
9/8/22 10:23 p.m.

The Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn, MI

Auburn Cord Duessy Museum, Auburn, IN (blue route below)

Corvette Museum, Bowling Green, KY (eastern route below.) This route also runs you through Nashville (country music) and The Lane Motor Museum before Memphis/Graceland

The gray western route puts you into Chicago. Also takes you to the shore of Lake Michigan. Have you ever seen a Great Lake?

After Memphis, the route home could be detoured through New Orleans if that's your thing.

John Welsh Mod Squad
9/8/22 10:54 p.m.

As a Texan, in a convertible who happens to be in Michigan for late Sept, I'd want to send you north for fall color.

That top region that starts with the date of 9/25 includes the famous route called the Tunnel of Trees

But that Tunnel is in Harbor Springs, MI which is 4 hours north of Dearborn then extending you to a 27 hour drive back to TX. The temps that time of year would be about 72 degrees daytime and 50 degrees night time. Its the perfect time for top down driving with the heater on and pointed to the floor as the heat wafts over you on its route from floor to escaping for where a roof should be. It fun to clear the leaves out of the car that have dropped in during your drive. As the warmth of the sun goes away late in the day, it the perfect time for a PRHT

I mentioned in the other thread to see the Great Lakes. If you go north, you can not only see them but you can cross them on the Mackinac Bridge. A recommended and unique experience. I know you might think, "but I've been across a bridge before." Trust me, its different and impressive.

russde Reader
9/9/22 4:02 p.m.

"Its the perfect time for top down driving with the heater on and pointed to the floor as the heat wafts over you on its route from floor to escaping for where a roof should be"

You should write for a travel agency...

Thanks for the tips John!!

calteg SuperDork
9/9/22 7:04 p.m.

I just wanted to give you props for driving a convertible in 110% humidity

Datsun310Guy MegaDork
9/9/22 7:57 p.m.

John Welsh said:
Have you ever seen a Great Lake?

Out of your way but I just spent all week making calls near Lake Superior.

Hitting Chicago or that Mackinac bridge as previously noted is really awesome.

russde Reader
9/10/22 3:11 p.m.

calteg said:
I just wanted to give you props for driving a convertible in 110% humidity

I joke with people sometimes about the humidity...i.e We've got 200% humidity today, when they ask I explain: 100% humidity is when the atmosphere literally drips water from the air, 200% is when the drips from the air are so thick it bounces back up from the ground and gets your legs wet too.

I grew up driving an MGB (granted, that was southern CA). The top on this will be up a great deal of the time during summer, and part of the fall, and part of the spring...but just wait til the winter!