Interstate 40 begins in North Carolina and ends just northeast of Los Angeles, California. It connects major urban centers such as Nashville and Memphis, Tennessee, with Little Rock, Arkansas, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Albuquerque, New Mexico.

 

   North Carolina

       Biltmore Estate – This magnificent mansion is located in Asheville, NC, in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains and is probably America’s most impressive "castle."

       Great Smoky Mountains National Park – This is the most visitedpark in America’s extensive national park system. There is abundant wildlife, numerous trails and scenic roads.

 

    Tennessee

        Nashville – This is the center for music publishing and performances in the United States. Anyone who has dreams of succeeding in this business must go through Nashville. It is also the home of the Grand Ole Opry, legendary starting point for Country Music performers.

       Memphis – Besides being the birthplace of the "Blues," this city on the Mississippi River is also noted for its barbeque. Be sure to take a stroll down Beale Street and soak up the ambience of the waterfront.

 

     Arkansas

       Hot Springs National Park – This historic area was a Mecca for the rich in the 19th century. Some of its classic architecture and soothing springs have been preserved.

 

     Oklahoma

        National Cowboy Hall of Fame and Museum – This tribute to the Old West is located in Oklahoma City, also the site of the Oklahoma City Bombing where visitors will find a moving memorial.

 

     New Mexico

         Albuquerque – The largest city in New Mexico has many sights and attractions for visitors and also makes a great base of operations for an exploration of the surrounding area. The Old Town is particularly charming, as well as a nostalgic ride along Route 66.

         Sante Fe – The New Mexico capital is not far from I-40 and preserves much of its Spanish architecture and southwestern lifestyle.

 

     Arizona

        Petrified Forest National Park – This park has two main features — the petrifed trees from which its name is derived, vestiges of an earlier time in the history of the continent, and the Painted Desert, colorful layers of sandstone which occupy much of the northern area of the park.

       Meteor Crater – This remnant from an asteroid impact 50,000 years ago is probably the best (and most convenient) example of the effects of solar system influence on our planet.

       Grand Canyon National Park – One of the most beautiful and awesome features of the earth is just over an hour north of I-40, near Flagstaff. It is a must-do for every American and for any true world-traveler.