Pick up fresh sandwiches, fruit, snacks, ice and drinks; Fry's is Kroger-owned (Kroger-family store) and usually open from about 6:00am–11:00pm — confirm local hours before departure. This is your daily Kroger stop for day 1 supplies and cooler top-ups.
Begin the main driving block: you'll merge onto I-40 east for the majority of the day toward Amarillo, a fast interstate route with frequent services and truck stops.
Long interstate driving across northern Arizona and New Mexico into the Texas Panhandle — this block is planned as your 10 hours of driving for Day 1 to make solid mileage toward the Midwest.
Quick 30–45 minute lunch stop at a convenient highway diner or travel plaza along I-40 (many open from early morning through evening), refuel, stretch and eat the Kroger sandwiches/snacks you bought if you prefer a quick picnic.
Check into a highway hotel near I-40/I-27 for an easy evening (most hotels offer 24-hour front desk or evening check-in) and use the evening to rest before Day 2.
Iconic roadside steakhouse and fun experience along I-40; open typically around 11:00am–9:00/10:00pm — a good place for a hearty dinner after a long drive. If you prefer something lighter, use your Kroger purchases in your room.
Public art installation right off I-40 — accessible 24 hours and great for a quick photo and leg stretch before bed; bring a flashlight if you're late arriving.
Restock fresh items (yogurt, fruit, bottled water) for the day; Kroger-family stores commonly open by 6:00am–7:00am but hours vary by location so confirm the local store’s hours.
Long interstate day continuing northeast: I-40/I-44 generally via Oklahoma into Missouri and onward toward St. Louis; this is your second day’s 10 hours of driving to close major distance eastward.
Take a 30–45 minute break at a highway exit restaurant or picnic area to eat your Kroger-bought lunch and refill on coffee; most interstate services are open midday (11:00am–8:00pm) so you'll have options.
If you have energy, drive to the Gateway Arch riverfront for a short evening view (area open late; Arch tram hours vary) — otherwise rest for the final driving day.
Final top-up for day 3: bottled drinks, sandwiches, fruit and ice. Kroger-family stores typically open early (around 6:00am) but confirm local store hours before depending on your preferred store.
Final day driving of 8 hours eastward across southwestern Indiana and into southern Ohio; today’s block gets you to Minford by mid/late afternoon — you’ll follow major interstates (I-70/I-74 then local highways toward US-23/Ohio state routes) for a steady run.
Stop for about 45 minutes for lunch and leg-stretch; choose a highway-side restaurant or picnic with Kroger-bought items. Most midwestern restaurants serve lunch from 11:00am–3:00pm.
You arrive in Minford mid/late afternoon — check into your lodging, unpack and relax after the final drive. Local inns and motels typically allow late-afternoon check-in; confirm check-in times ahead.
Try a local pub or family restaurant in Minford/nearby Portsmouth for regional comfort food (most dinner spots open 4:00pm–9:00pm); if you prefer, use any remaining Kroger groceries for a calm meal after unpacking.
If you have energy, Shawnee State Park and the Scioto River areas near Portsmouth are great for an evening walk; parks are generally open from dawn to dusk — check seasonal hours and any entrance fees.