Philly: My college buddies and I have been talking about doing a road trip. But being in a car for four or more days sounds bad, not fun. If you were going to tell young people how to do a cross country road trip today, what would you suggest? The NY Times sent someboday cross country recently and it was inspiring. I've also read Hunter Thompson. The little bit of Route 66 I've seen seems kinda stripmalled, though, today, or is it? Sorry for rambling question. Any help appreciated. Thanks guys!

Doug Kirby and Ken Smith: Wouldn't start with Rt. 66, which can be sad in a depleted, retro way. College road trips should mix it up a bit, see lots of things -- overpack the daily itinerary with more than is humanly possible. As young people, you can endure more miles per day and will recuperate faster than your elders. You can eat total crap the whole time and not die. Probably. Plot out 2-3 MAJOR stops per day (must-see places), then a couple of little museums, tourist traps, etc, and then as many statues and odd graves and such that are on the path. If you can't find something, move on to the next target. Put the car radio on "scan" and never take it off. Compete with your comrades to count Jugs of Pee discarded along the highway -- whoever spots the most first wins! How can you beat that for fun?

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San Francisco: Everybody here seems to be buying second homes in the Pacific Northwest. I'm planning a road trip up that way. What must-sees are you digging these days?

Doug Kirby and Ken Smith: Well, there's the classic coast Hwy 101 drive that allows you to take in Trees of Mystery, drive-thru trees, the remains of Hobbiton, etc. The inland route via I-5 has charms as well. Worthwhile jogging over to Gold Hill to visit the Oregon Vortex. Hart's Reptile World, Canby, OR is still going strong. Boo Hoos: OR's 24 Hour Church of Elvis is still closed, Bend's Funny Farm closed abruptly this year, though may be open again.

We have a couple of visitor tips on places we want to check out -- Canyon City, OR's , the Saint Benedict Abbey Museums in Mt. Angel, OR -- freak calf and giant hairballs.

And that whole second home craze is a disaster in the making. Not as bad as the first home dementia, though.

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Atlanta: I'm planning a trip to Kentucky for the fall. What are some of the must-see roadside attractions there?

I've already heard of the Abe Lincoln Boyhood home, Mammoth Cave, the Corvette Museum (awesome!), and a BBQ shop in Owensboro.

(Traveling with a ladyfriend)

Doug Kirby and Ken Smith: Mammoth Cave definitely, if you haven't been in a large cavern before. We remember Mammoth as kids, when they still had the Indian skeleton on display. It's run by the Nat Park Svc, so for comparison check out one of the other commercial caves too. Get the feel for the Floyd Collins - KY Cave Wars of the early 20th century. Stop to see Cave City's Wigwam Village Motel - individual teepee rooms.

Kentucky beckons:
roadsideamerica.com/map/ky.html

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NYC: Hey guys,