Gateway Arch, St. Louis, Missouri

Hey there, fellow wanderers! It’s your favorite Vagabond Couple here, kicking off a brand-new adventure. A few years ago, we embarked on another epic 7,500-mile overlanding roadtrip across the United States and Canada all the way from Germantown, Maryland, USA to Jasper, Alberta, Canada (see Ice, Fire & Mountains Transcontinental North America USA & Canada Overland Trip). This time, we’re trading our usual backpacks for our trusty Toyota Tundra pickup truck, Shehzadi (yes, she’s royalty, and yes, she knows it). Our mission? To drive from Hyattsville, Maryland, to St. Louis, Missouri, with a pitstop in Dublin, Ohio - because even vagabonds need a good night’s sleep. Buckle up, because this road trip is going to be a wild ride!

Hyattsville, MD to Dublin, OH

Shehzadi's Odometer at flag-off from Hyattsville, MD: 6,395 miles

We started our journey bright and early, waving goodbye to Hyattsville (and its surprisingly Washington, DC related big. noisy and chaotic city feel) as we hopped onto the I-495 Capital Beltway. Shehzadi purred like a contented tiger as we merged onto I-270, heading northwest toward the rolling hills of Maryland towards Hagerstown, MD and beyond.

The first part of this journey is similar to our prior Northwest USA and Alberta, Canada overlanding cross-country round-trip from Maryland described in the blog series starting with the first episode at "Ice, Fire & Mountains Transcontinental North America USA & Canada Overland Trip".

Our first scenic treat came when we hit I-68 towards Cumberland, MD, a road so stunning it should come with a warning label: May cause excessive windshield gawking. This stretch took us through the Appalachian Mountains, where the views were so gorgeous, we almost forgot to keep our eyes on the road. Almost. Pro tip: If you’re driving this route, make sure to stop at the Sideling Hill Cut, a jaw-dropping mountain pass just after Hancock, MD that’s basically Mother Nature’s version of a photo op.

From there, we detoured onto the historic Route 40 into Route 43, two roads that feel like they’ve been plucked straight out of a postcard. Quaint little towns dotted the route, each with its own charm and at least one diner that probably serves pie worth writing home about. We rejoined I-70 near Washington, Pennsylvania, and cruised through the rest of the Appalachian foothills.

Red Roof PLUS+, Columbus - Dublin

By late afternoon, we rolled into Dublin, Ohio - an upscale suburb of Columbus, Ohio that’s so picturesque, it feels like it was designed by a Hallmark movie set designer. Dublin is known for its Irish heritage (hence the name), and we half-expected to see leprechauns frolicking in the streets. Instead, we found a charming mix of modern amenities and small-town vibes. After a quick dinner at a local pub (because when in Dublin…), we called it a night, dreaming of the open road ahead.

Dublin, OH to St. Louis, MO

Shehzadi's Odometer at Dublin, Ohio: 6,817 miles

The next morning, we fueled up on coffee and optimism (and maybe a donut or two) before hitting I-70 again. Columbus, Ohio’s capital, was our first major city of the day. Known for its vibrant arts scene and booming tech industry, Columbus is like the cool, artsy cousin of the Midwest. We didn’t stop this time, but we made a mental note to come back and explore its quirky neighborhoods and world-class zoo.

As we crossed into Indiana, the landscape flattened out, and the skies seemed to stretch forever. Indianapolis, the state’s capital, was our next big stop. This city is a fascinating mix of history and modernity, with a downtown that’s equal parts sports stadiums (hello, Indy 500!) and cultural landmarks. We didn’t have time to visit the iconic Speedway, but we did wave at it as we passed by - Shehzadi approved.

The rest of the drive was a straight shot on I-70, with fields of corn and soybeans stretching as far as the eye could see. Indiana and Illinois are the breadbasket of America, and it’s impossible not to feel a sense of awe at the sheer scale of agriculture here. We also passed through Terre Haute, Indiana, and Effingham, Illinois - two towns with names that sound like they belong in a Western movie.

Finally, as the sun dipped below the horizon, we crossed the Mississippi River and arrived in St. Louis, Missouri. The Gateway Arch greeted us like a giant silver rainbow, and we knew our adventure was just getting started.

Gateway Arch, St. Louis, Missouri

Scenic Highlights & Fun Facts

Appalachian Mountains

These ancient mountains are older than the dinosaurs, and driving through them feels like stepping back in time.  

Sideling Hill Cut

A geological wonder that’s basically a mountain sliced in half for your viewing pleasure.  

Columbus, OH

A city that’s equal parts hipster and history buff, with a food scene that’s worth the detour.  

Indianapolis, IN

The racing capital of the world, but also home to some seriously underrated museums and parks.  

Midwestern Farmland

Endless fields of crops that remind you where your cereal comes from.  

So there you have it - Part 1 of our epic road trip! Stay tuned for Part 2 (St. Louis, MO to Topeka, KS), where we explore St. Louis, dive into its rich history, and maybe eat way too much barbecue. Until then, keep wandering, keep wondering, and remember: the journey is just as important as the destination.

Reference route map of The Vagabond Couple's 9,000-mile USA & Mexico overland roundtrip: Map-1 and Map-2.

- The Vagabond Couple (and Shehzadi, the real MVP)