If you have been reading this blog for a few years now, you might remember in 2016 when I drove cross-country for my move from New York City to California with my then boyfriend (now husband). I documented my travels on social media using #crosscountryceliac. It was quite an experience through the Southern United States, beating any major snowfalls the whole way across the country. I fell in love with New Mexico, explored the Hoover Dam, and clocked more than 3,000 miles from start to finish. I also got to appreciate the sheer size of this country over my nine-day road trip with my husband.
Well… I am doing it again! But in reverse. AND… I am moving back to New York City.
If you know me, you know New York is my home and my true love. The city gives me life! As my friend Michelle said, “I am going back to my heartbeat.” Summer in NYC is my favorite season and I will be arriving at my new apartment just in time for the dog days of sweaty New York City.
Living in California for the past two and a half years has been quite the adventure. I’ve enjoyed the outdoors and being near the ocean immensely, but my husband and I agree that NYC is where we want to be. Also, we want to live somewhere we feel safe and despite what many think of NYC, I’ve always felt MUCH safer in New York than I do here in Santa Cruz. Sadly, we’ve experienced some of the worst of the worst out here and I am glad to leave that behind. But, I do have many pleasant memories too and that is what I am taking with me.
I am doing most of this road trip with my mom which should be quite the adventure. I am leaving California and driving east mostly on Highway 80 through Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming. I then plan on heading north to Highway 90 and east through South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. From there, I will head east through Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and then finally home to New York. (Route subject to change at any time!) I am seeing some friends and family along the way and I am always open to gluten-free recommendations or fun road-side attractions. Please leave your comments and suggestions in the comments below. I would also love some recommendations on podcasts, audiobooks, and more to keep us entertained on the road.
I hope you follow along with my #crosscountryceliac adventures on all of my social media channels. It’s going to be a great summer road trip.
So glad you are coming back! NYC needs you!
Thanks Laura!
Delighted you are coming back! May you have safe and enjoyable travels.
Thank you Marianne.
Twigs in Rochester,MN is one of our favorites!! The owner has celiac and her restaurant has a 2nd kitchen to prepare GF food that just so happens to be amazing!
Hi Elaine. Thanks for the tip. You are the second person to recommend Twigs. I will have to check it out if it is along my route!
I’m so excited for you guys! If you change your route and go through Colorado, I have loads of recs for that! 🙂 Do you go through Chicago on your Illinois route? I’ll send you a note with loads of podcast recommendations. Can’t wait for your adventures across the country and once you are back in your true home. xoxo!
Thanks girl! Just responded to your email. Not sure if we will go through Chicago on this trip since we are spending a few days in Madison, WI with family. We might just skirt around Chicago.
Safe travels!!!! Bummed you are leaving me all alone on the west coast, but I know our paths will cross some day!! 🙂 If you have time, and are traveling through Philly, definitely check out “The Happy Mixer”–my favorite 100% gluten free bakery!! Absolutely my favorite.
Omg that place is freakin AMAZING. if I could I’d start one her in AZ. My mom lives in Bucka County and we found the one in Newtown/Longhorns and the bakery was beyond anything I have ever eaten at. It was like an old bakery but GLUTEN FRE.
If you take I76 through Pennsylvania, stop in Pittsburgh to check out the Gluten Free Goat bakery and cafe and pickup some GF beer from Auroch’s, the local dedicated GF brewery. Enjoy your trip!
Thank you for the tip!