10-Day Small Town Road Trip from St Augustine, FL to Salem, OR via Benson, NC, Berthoud, CO, and Star Valley, WY

Day 1: St Augustine Exploring

St Augustine, FL on June 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Blue Hen Cafe

Enjoy Southern-style breakfast classics in this cozy, locally loved spot, known for fresh, hearty dishes to start your day.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Visit Castillo de San Marcos

Explore Florida's oldest masonry fort preserving history since the 17th century. It offers amazing views and insight into early colonization.
USD15, 1h30m

11:30am

Walk historic downtown St Augustine

Stroll through charming narrow streets featuring shops, galleries and cafes showcasing local heritage and arts.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Floridian

Dine on fresh, modern takes on Southern comfort food focusing on local ingredients with vegetarian-friendly options.
USD20, 1h

2:30pm

Visit St Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum

Climb the lighthouse for panoramic views and explore exhibits illustrating maritime history and the local ecosystem.
USD13, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Columbia Restaurant

Savor Spanish-Cuban cuisine in Florida's oldest restaurant, blending historic ambiance with classic dishes.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 2: St Augustine to Benson

Travel Day to Benson, NC on June 29, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at Maple Street Biscuit Company, St Augustine

Fuel up with hearty Southern biscuit sandwiches perfect for a road trip start.
USD10, 45m

8:00am

Drive from St Augustine, FL to Benson, NC

A full day of driving covering approximately 600 miles, traversing through scenic southern states.
Fuel costs approx USD100, 10h

6:30pm

Check-in and dinner at Benson Family Restaurant

Enjoy home-style Southern comfort food in this small town favorite to relax after the day's drive.
USD20, 1h
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Day 3: Benson Local Life

Benson, NC on June 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Annie’s Breakfast & Lunch

Start your day with classic, hearty Southern breakfast specials in a friendly small town setting.
USD12, 1h

9:30am

Explore downtown Benson

Visit local shops, cafes, and the Benson Historic District featuring charming architecture and community vibe.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Grist House Brewing Co.

Sample local craft beers and enjoy pub fare in an inviting setting popular with locals.
USD18, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Benson Museum

Learn about the town’s history and cultural heritage through engaging local exhibits.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Early dinner at Bell’s Grill & Diner

Classic Southern cuisine preparing farm-to-table meals popular with locals and visitors alike.
USD25, 1h
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Day 4: Benson to Berthoud

Travel Day to Berthoud, CO on July 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Café Bernoulli

Get a quick, tasty breakfast before hitting the road again, with a focus on fresh coffee and pastries.
USD10, 45m

8:00am

Drive from Benson, NC to Berthoud, CO

A longer drive of roughly 1,500 miles through scenic regions including Appalachian Mountains and the Great Plains.
Fuel costs approx USD200, 23h (overnight with planned stops)
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Day 5: Arrival in Berthoud

Berthoud, CO on July 2, 2025

12:00pm

Check-in and light lunch at Berthoud Brewing Company

Relax and sample craft beers along with small plates in this cozy local brewery.
USD20, 1h

2:00pm

Walk Berthoud historic downtown

Enjoy the small town charm featuring historic buildings, boutiques, and cafes.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit High Plains Environmental Center

Explore nature trails and sustainability-focused exhibits in an outdoor education center.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Goose & Coyote Bistro

Treat yourself to locally sourced, contemporary American cuisine with a Western twist.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 6: Berthoud Exploration

Berthoud, CO on July 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bear’s Coffee

Start with artisan coffee and fresh baked goods in this local favorite café.
USD12, 1h

9:30am

Day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park

A scenic 1-hour drive to experience stunning mountain vistas, wildlife, and hiking opportunities (park open 5:00am–10:00pm).
USD30 per vehicle, 6h

4:00pm

Return to Berthoud

Rest and refresh after an active day in nature.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Lost Cajun Berthoud

Enjoy authentic Cajun and Creole dishes bringing flavors of New Orleans to Colorado.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 7: Berthoud to Star Valley, WY

Travel to Star Valley, WY on July 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Trail Head Coffee

Fuel up with specialty coffees and hearty breakfast to start the drive.
USD10, 45m

8:00am

Drive from Berthoud, CO to Star Valley, WY

A scenic 6-7 hour drive northwest through beautiful mountain and valley landscapes.
Fuel costs approx USD60, 6h

3:00pm

Check-in and light snack at local café, Star Valley

Relax with some local pastries and coffee after arrival.
USD10, 30m

4:00pm

Explore Star Valley

Wander the peaceful small town with locally owned shops and access to beautiful outdoor surroundings.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Star Valley Ranch Restaurant

Enjoy homestyle American meals with a touch of Western charm.
USD25, 1h30m
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Day 8: Star Valley Outdoor Day

Star Valley, WY on July 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Star Valley Cafe

Start your day with generous breakfast servings including classic eggs and pancakes.
USD12, 1h

9:00am

Hiking at Bridger-Teton National Forest

Enjoy pristine trails and mountain views just outside town to immerse in nature.
Free, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch picnic from local deli

Pick up fresh sandwiches and local produce for a scenic outdoor lunch.
USD15, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Star Valley Historical Society Museum

Discover the pioneer and Native American heritage of the valley through engaging exhibits.
USD5, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax and explore local shops

Browse handcrafted goods and local art reflecting the valley’s culture.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Cow Barn Bistro

Dine casually with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and rustic flavors.
USD25, 1h30m
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Day 9: Star Valley to Salem

Travel Day to Salem, OR on July 6, 2025

6:30am

Early breakfast at local diner

Grab a satisfying breakfast before the long drive ahead.
USD12, 45m

7:30am

Drive from Star Valley, WY to Salem, OR

Longest stretch of approximately 1,200 miles with scenic views crossing the Rocky Mountains and Pacific Northwest.
Fuel costs approx USD180, 20h (overnight with planned stops)
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Day 10: Salem Arrival & Exploration

Salem, OR on July 7, 2025

12:00pm

Check-in and lunch at Word of Mouth Bistro

Enjoy fresh Northwest cuisine featuring local farm ingredients in a relaxed atmosphere.
USD25, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Oregon State Capitol and grounds

Explore the beautiful capitol building and surrounding gardens showcasing Oregon history and government.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Explore Bush's Pasture Park

Relax in one of Salem’s largest parks with walking trails, rose gardens, and historic landmarks.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Amadeus Restaurant

Cap off the trip with elegant cuisine blending Pacific Northwest flavors with European influences.
USD40, 1h30m
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