7 Epic Road Trips to Channel Your Inner Grateful Dead Fan
Are you a huge Grateful Dead fan looking for an exciting way to connect with the band’s legacy? Consider taking one of these seven epic road trips. Not only will you be able to marvel at some of the most picturesque landscapes in the United States, but you’ll also be able to visit some of the most significant places that helped shape the band’s identity. Here are some of the best road trips to channel your inner Grateful Dead fan.
The Pacific Northwest Adventure
Start your journey in Seattle, home to some of the best seafood in the country and a thriving music scene. Drive down to Portland and check out McMenamins Crystal Ballroom, where the band famously played in 1972. If you’re feeling adventurous, head down to California and visit San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, which hosted the band’s famous 1975 concert. You can also head south to Santa Clara and check out the last shows the Grateful Dead ever played in 2015.
The East Coast Pilgrimage
Start your journey in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and visit Club 47, where Jerry Garcia and David Grisman played some of their first gigs together. Then head south to New York City and visit Electric Lady Studios, where Garcia recorded with his side project Legion of Mary. If you’re looking to catch a live show, check out the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York, where the Dead played over 20 shows in the ’70s.
The Midwest Meander
Begin your journey in Wisconsin, where the band played memorable shows in Madison and Milwaukee. Then head down to Chicago and visit the famous metro club, where the Dead played some of their first gigs outside California. Finally, make your way over to Indianapolis and check out the Market Square Arena, where the Dead played their final Hoosier state show in 1995.
The Southwest Swing
Kick-off your journey in Tucson, Arizona, where the band often played gigs in the early 70s. Then head over to the fabled red rocks of Sedona for some breathtaking scenery. From there, head down to Albuquerque and check out the Tingley Coliseum, where the band played some memorable shows throughout the 70s and early 80s.
The Colorado Quest
Another classic road trip is through Colorado, where the band played some of their most epic shows. Start in Denver and check out the Colorado Convention Center, where the Dead famously played New Year’s Eve in 1981. Afterwards, check out legendary ski towns like Vail and Breckenridge, where the band often played to a crowd of die-hard fans.
The West Coast Wander
Of course, we can’t forget the West Coast, where it all started. Begin your journey in the Bay Area and check out the Fillmore, where the Dead were regulars. Head over to Haight-Ashbury and visit the Grateful Dead house. Then, make your way down the coast to Los Angeles, where the band played their last shows. Check out the Forum in Inglewood, where the band played some of their most memorable shows in the 80s and 90s.
Conclusion
No matter which road trip you take, you’re sure to discover a new appreciation for the Grateful Dead’s music and enduring legacy. From epic concerts to breathtaking scenery, these seven road trips are guaranteed to be an adventure of a lifetime. So pack your bags, hit the road, and let the good times roll.
(Note: Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)