10-Day Small Town Road Trip from St Augustine, FL to Salem, OR via Benson, NC, Berthoud, CO, and Star Valley, WY Starting July 24, 2025

Day 1: St Augustine Exploring

St Augustine, FL on July 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Blue Hen Cafe

Begin your trip with a Southern-style breakfast in this cozy cafe, famous for fresh, hearty dishes perfect for a day of sightseeing.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Visit Castillo de San Marcos

Tour Florida’s oldest masonry fort, filled with rich history and offering stunning views of the bay.
USD15, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore historic downtown St Augustine

Wander winding streets featuring local shops, galleries, and charming cafes that reflect the town’s heritage.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Floridian

Savor creative Southern comfort food with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and vegetarian options.
USD20, 1h

2:30pm

Visit St Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum

Climb the 165 steps for breathtaking views and enjoy exhibits about maritime history and wildlife.
USD13, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Columbia Restaurant

Experience the oldest restaurant in Florida serving traditional Spanish-Cuban cuisine in an historic atmosphere.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 2: Drive to Benson, NC

Travel Day to Benson, NC on July 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Maple Street Biscuit Company, St Augustine

Enjoy filling Southern biscuit sandwiches to energize you for the drive ahead.
USD10, 45m

8:00am

Drive from St Augustine, FL to Benson, NC

Drive approximately 600 miles north across scenic southern landscapes with planned rest stops.
Estimated fuel cost USD100, 10h

6:30pm

Dinner at Benson Family Restaurant

Relax with comforting Southern dishes at this popular local restaurant after the day’s journey.
USD20, 1h
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Day 3: Benson Small Town Charm

Benson, NC on July 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Annie’s Breakfast & Lunch

Enjoy classic Southern breakfast favorites in a warm, welcoming environment.
USD12, 1h

9:30am

Stroll downtown Benson

Explore local shops, historic buildings, and friendly cafes emblematic of small-town charm.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Grist House Brewing Co.

Refresh with local craft beers and casual pub fare in a vibrant community hub.
USD18, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Benson Museum

Delve into the town’s heritage through exhibits highlighting its history and culture.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Dinner at Bell’s Grill & Diner

Enjoy traditional Southern dishes crafted from farm-fresh ingredients in a relaxed setting.
USD25, 1h
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Day 4: Benson to Berthoud

Travel to Berthoud, CO on July 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Café Bernoulli

Grab a quick, delicious breakfast and great coffee to start the long drive.
USD10, 45m

8:00am

Drive from Benson, NC to Berthoud, CO

Embark on a multi-day cross-country drive through diverse landscapes, with planned overnight stops along the way.
Estimated fuel cost USD200, 23h (overnight stops planned)
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Day 5: Arrival in Berthoud

Berthoud, CO on July 28, 2025

12:00pm

Check-in and lunch at Berthoud Brewing Company

Relax with local craft beers and tasty small bites in a warm, friendly atmosphere.
USD20, 1h

2:00pm

Explore downtown Berthoud

Stroll through the historic downtown featuring unique shops, cafes, and art galleries.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit High Plains Environmental Center

Walk trails and visit exhibits focused on sustainability and local ecology.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Goose & Coyote Bistro

Indulge in contemporary American cuisine with locally sourced ingredients and Western flair.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 6: Berthoud & Rocky Mountains

Berthoud, CO on July 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bear’s Coffee

Start the day with specialty coffee and fresh pastries at this neighborhood favorite.
USD12, 1h

9:30am

Day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park

Enjoy breathtaking mountain scenery, wildlife viewing, and scenic trails (park open 5:00am–10:00pm).
USD30 per vehicle, 6h

4:00pm

Return to Berthoud

Rest and recharge after your outdoor adventure.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Lost Cajun Berthoud

Savor authentic Cajun and Creole flavors, bringing a taste of New Orleans to Colorado.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 7: Berthoud to Star Valley

Travel to Star Valley, WY on July 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Trail Head Coffee

Enjoy specialty coffee and a hearty breakfast before traveling to Wyoming.
USD10, 45m

8:00am

Drive from Berthoud, CO to Star Valley, WY

A scenic 6- to 7-hour drive northwest traversing beautiful mountain and valley landscapes.
Estimated fuel cost USD60, 6h

3:00pm

Check-in and snack at local café in Star Valley

Unwind with fresh pastries and coffee upon arrival in the peaceful valley town.
USD10, 30m

4:00pm

Explore Star Valley

Discover charming shops and take in the natural beauty surrounding the town.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Star Valley Ranch Restaurant

Enjoy homestyle American dishes served with Western hospitality in a relaxed setting.
USD25, 1h30m
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Day 8: Star Valley Outdoor Adventures

Star Valley, WY on July 31, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Star Valley Cafe

Enjoy traditional breakfast options with generous portions to fuel the day.
USD12, 1h

9:00am

Hike in Bridger-Teton National Forest

Explore scenic, forested trails with mountain vistas just outside of town for 4 hours.
Free, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch picnic with supplies from local deli

Pick up sandwiches and local produce for an alfresco lunch immersed in nature.
USD15, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Star Valley Historical Society Museum

Learn about the valley’s pioneer and Native American history in an intimate museum setting.
USD5, 1h30m

5:00pm

Browse local shops

Explore handcrafted goods and art that showcase the culture and craftsmanship of the area.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Cow Barn Bistro

Enjoy rustic, locally sourced cuisine in a casual environment reflecting Western heritage.
USD25, 1h30m
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Day 9: Star Valley to Salem

Travel to Salem, OR on August 1, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at local diner

Grab a satisfying breakfast before embarking on your longest travel day.
USD12, 45m

7:30am

Drive from Star Valley, WY to Salem, OR

Drive approximately 1,200 miles across the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Northwest with planned overnight stops.
Estimated fuel cost USD180, 20h (overnight stops planned)
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Day 10: Salem Arrival & Sightseeing

Salem, OR on August 2, 2025

12:00pm

Check-in and lunch at Word of Mouth Bistro

Relax with fresh Pacific Northwest cuisine featuring local farm-sourced ingredients.
USD25, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Oregon State Capitol

Tour the beautiful capitol building and stroll its surrounding gardens to immerse in Oregon’s history and government.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Explore Bush's Pasture Park

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

6:00pm

Dinner at Amadeus Restaurant

Conclude your road trip with elegant dishes blending Pacific Northwest flavors with European touches.
USD40, 1h30m
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