Get Your Kicks on These Musical Trips

From the east coast to the west coast and everywhere in between, nothing beats traveling and taking in the scenes. Whether by car, boat, or in the air we hope to avoid the throngs. Today we venture to locations mentioned in famous songs. Okay, I'm not songwriter or poet, but I do know great music when I hear it. Music, like travel, has played a tremendous role in my life. Artists have composed numerous songs that include large cities, small townships, and an array of states. These are five of my favorite Grammy-winning artists and their contributions as traveling minstrels ... along with some good eats .

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5. Rock'n Me

Rock'n Me was written and performed by Steve Miller and The Steve Miller Band. This artist's unique "every man" sound was released on their 9th album Fly Like an Eagle and quickly soared to number 1 on Billboard's Hot 100. How can you forget the famous riff of cities mentioned? "Phoenix, Arizona all the way to Tacoma, Philadelphia, Atlanta, L.A." and of course "Northern California where the girls are warmer." The song was written for frequent travelers so that they would keep an upbeat and positive attitude. I always maintain a positive attitude when traveling to Tacoma and the  El Gaucho restaurant, a great steakhouse. In SoCal, my favorite all-time dining destination ... Napa Rose at Downtown Disney.

4. Proud Mary

Proud Mary was written by John Fogerty and was covered by many including Elvis and Tina Turner. Although John was born in Berkley, California the musical quality of Credence Clearwater Revival couldn't be more southern. It's often described as the "Big Bayou Sound." Proud Mary takes us back to Tom Sawyer's association with life along the Mississippi River, traveling by paddle wheel steamship. It's about a rebel who left a good job in the city and finally saw the good side of a city once he hitched a ride on a river boat queen. The expanse covered along the river starts in Memphis and continues downriver to New Orleans. In Memphis head to Beale Street and try some great BBQ at Blues City Cafe. In New Orleans, it's Commander's Palace for creole at its best.

3. Country Roads

Country Roads was written by John Denver and Bill Danoff. Ironically, Danoff had never visited West Virginia prior to the release of the song first performed by John Denver April 1971. Johnny Cash was supposed to be the original singer. It has since become the official state song of West Virginia. Country Roads was written along the winding roads of western Massachusetts which the writers were considering for the title. Good decision guys, "Massachusetts mountain mama" just doesn't do it for me. The beginning of the song takes us to the state's most iconic locations described as being "almost heaven." The Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah River are two incredibly scenic locations. For a heaven-like meal head to Morgantown for great comfort food at Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, a favorite for the locals and University of West Virginia Mountaineer students.

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2. (Get Your Kicks on) Route 66

Get Your Kicks on Route 66 was written by Bobby Troup and originally recorded by Nat King Cole in 1946. The song has become legendary with its tribute to one of the most traveled routes in America. Stretching from Chicago, Illinois to its terminus at the Santa Monica Pier in California. The towns mentioned along the way are as numerous as the artists replicating this masterpiece. Chuck Berry, Bing Crosby, Brian Setzer and my favorite, an extended play version by Depeche Mode. Travel through St. Louis, Joplin, Missouri; Oklahoma City and Gallup, New Mexico. Flagstaff, Arizona and of course Winona. Kingman, Barstow and San Bernardino complete your trek. Seligman, Arizona isn't mentioned in the song, however, we always stop by The Roadkill Cafe for on the way to the Grand Canyon.

1. I've Been Everywhere

I've Been Everywhere was originally written by an Australian country singer named Geoff Mack in 1959. The long list of places were all Australian locations. In 1962 U.S. country singer Hank Snow changed the cities and states to American stops and took it to number 1. When Hank sang "everywhere" he meant it. He names 92 places including cities, states, and even four South and Central American countries. Johnny Cash brought this nomadic venture across the states back in 1996. The stops bounce all over the map with no sense of direct navigation. Example, verse 2: Boston, Charleston, Dayton, Louisiana, Washington, Houston, Monterey and it keeps going through verse four. So many places offer great dining options. The Chart House in Monterey, California has fabulous seafood. If you're into Nashville try the hot chicken and then get fired up at Hattie B's.

These five songs were written from the 1940's through the 70's. Before music sales boomed and the demand for live performances grew most musicians traveled by bus or train. The time to ponder life while traveling on the road or rails was endless. Many of these songs are interpretations of the original writers look at our country through a windshield or a pane of glass on the train. Nostalgia is still alive in towns throughout this wondrous country. I enjoy flying when the trip is short but when time is on your side stay grounded and visit some of these unique musically famous places.