The Ultimate Black Road Trip 2021

Planning a road trip through the United States comes with an incredible number of options to choose from: sun-bleached coastlines and beach towns, mountainous national parks, vineyards, and historical squares and corners that tell stories of the birth of the country and communities. Driving through the U.S., it would be impossible to leave out a narrative of Black history, of hands that built and sustained the country’s economy, of minds that have inspired the world through music, dance, literature, and culinary traditions. A culturally themed road trip offers a history of America that is often left out of history books. It’s an opportunity to hit the open road and support a number of diverse businesses owners and locations, many of which can be found in the CrushGlobal Road Trips and beyond. Here are some businesses throughout the country to explore during your time behind the wheel.

Noah Purifoy Outdoor Museum Just off route 62, step inside artist Noah Purifoy’s ten acres of large-scale sculptures which decorate the Mojave Desert. Constructed entirely from discarded materials, this unconventional exhibit is one of California’s greatest outdoor wonders.

WEST COAST

California

JOSHUA TREE

Eso Won Bookstore A literary landmark since 1990, this bookstore celebrates Black authors and has had visits from notables like President Barack Obama and Toni Morrison. Stuff I Eat Vegan Restaurant Chef Babette Davis serves Southern-inspired vegan food like black-eyed pea soup, BBQ tofu, and vegan macaroni-and-cheese at this Inglewood favorite. Space Blooms Florist Sade Monroe creates some of the most beautiful and intricate floral arrangements in Los Angeles, with music often serving as the inspiration behind her bespoke blooms. Monroe also curates her arrangements for events like weddings, and offers delivery in the city.

Los Angeles

Trattoria Mollie Trattoria Mollie is a local institution (and a favorite of Oprah). Helmed by Chef Mollie Ahlstrand, who apprenticed with chefs in Rome, Umbria, and Bologna, the restaurant offers traditional Italian dishes like a hearty lasagne bolognese and other handmade pastas.

Santa Barbara

Eddison & Melrose Oats & Scones England native Karen-Anne Murray creates some of the most perfect scones on this side of the pond at her quaint Northern California bakery. Don’t miss the housemade granolas and loose leaf teas, too.

Monterey

Corner 103 Winery Banker-turned-winemaker Lloyd Davis’ Corner 103 was named USA Today’s best tasting room last year. In a city well-known for its vineyards, Corner 103 remains a cut above the rest because of its down-to-earth environment, Davis’ anecdotal stories, and incredible wine varieties, including a sparkling rosé and a velvety Marsanne-Roussanne.

Sonoma

Camp Yoshi Founded by nature enthusiast and chef Rashad Frazier, Camp Yoshi offers multi-day adventures that pair wildness activities with gourmet cooking. The aim of this venture is to inspire Black people and allies to unplug from technology and recenter in nature.

Portland

Oregon

Simply Pure Dispensary Wanda James is the founder and CEO of this recreational marijuana store in Denver. Her advocacy in the cannabis industry led her to be named one of the 100 Most Influential People in Cannabis by High Times magazine.

Denver

COLORADO

Lotus Sound Bath Douglas Cardwell is a sound bath practitioner who leads his deep relaxation sessions with gongs and crystal bowls. Cardwell also offers house visits and virtual meditation sessions.

Albuquerque

NEW MEXICO

WISCONSIN

midwest

Garfield’s 502 This local eatery and bar offers Southern bites and a lot of history: it was once considered by some to be the oldest licensed Black-owned establishment in the city.

Milwaukee

The Silver Room Art, community, and culture intersect at this boutique and community space where visitors can peruse showrooms displaying jewelry, art collection and other goods. Owner Eric Williams is a cultural force well known for his summer block parties. Kizin Creole Get a taste of Haitiain food favorites like Diri ak Pwa (rice and beans) and Bannann peze (fried plantains) served by wife-and-husband chefs Patricia and Dan Desir—who are both award recipients from The National Black Chefs Association.

Chicago

ILLINOIS

Love Travel Imports Step inside this boutique and you’ll instantly be transported to locations around the world. Owner Yvette Jenkins has collected a number of artisan goods through fair trade during her travels which are available here for purchase.

Detroit

MICHIGAN

MIDA Restaurant Pasta lovers will be fully satiated at Chef Aaron Douglass’ MIDA restaurant. His impressive takes on dishes like gnocchi cacio e pepe and bucatini amatriciana landed him on Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs of 2020 list.

Boston

MASSACHUSETTS

NORTHEAST

READY? LET'S GO!

Brothers Vellies Handcrafted shoes from South Africa, Kenya, and Morocco take center stage at this New York boutique, founded by Aurora James. Take your pick of lace-up leather sandals and cheetah-print, knee-length boots in this airy, art-filled oasis. Cafe on Ralph Donna Drakes and Jamal Joseph have created a welcoming space to catch up with emails, friends, or simply have a great meal. The hearty green bowl is a great energy booster and includes fruit, acai, spinach, kale and flaxseed. If you’re feeling like you want to indulge, don’t miss the duck and waffles.

NEW YORK

New York

Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books Grab a classic novel and a corner on a couch at this Germantown coffee shop and bookstore. Uncle Bobbie’s was created to provide books and fuel community pride.

Philadelphia

PENNSYLVANIA

Davidson Winery About a half hour outside of Charlotte, Davidson Winery is a tasting room serving more than 35 varieties, including Barolos, Petit Verdot, and ports.

Davidson

NORTH CAROLINA

SOUTH

Back in the Day Bakery Come hungry and take your time at this beloved bakery, run by James Beard-nominated bakers Cheryl and Griff Day. Everything is made from scratch, including sweet potato biscuits, banana pudding, and a selection of very addictive cupcakes.

Savannah

GEORGIA

For Keeps Books Everything at this bookstore is intentional, from the historically Black neighborhood it’s located in, to the rare selection of books by Black authors that you wouldn’t find at Barnes and Noble. That’s because owner Rosa Duffy, is committed to facilitating and celebrating conversations around Black art.

Atlanta

Neutral Ground Restaurant Here, New Orleans classics get a new spin, like yakamein (beef noodle soup) with smoked brisket and po’ boys with mushrooms, courtesy of Chef Kenyatta Ashford.

Chattanooga

TENNESSEE

Phillip Ashley Chocolates Chef Phillip Ashley specializes in crafting custom-made chocolates. Indulge in confectionery creations like blonde chocolate with caramel apple finished with sea salt, and milk chocolate with orange and vanilla bean, which he recommends being paired with Woodford Reserve Double Oaked.

Memphis

Nopsi Hotel Set in a building built in the 1920s, this downtown hotel combines vintage design with a modern approach to amenities. There’s a rooftop bar, and the French Quarter is just steps away.

New Orleans

LOUISIANA

Black Austin Tours Master storyteller Javier Wallace created Black Austin Tours to give visitors the opportunity to learn more about Black Americans’ contributions to Texas history. His walking tours include visits to historical landmarks and Black-owned businesses.

Austin

TEXAS

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FINISH

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Stuff I Eat Vegan Restaurant

Space Blooms Florist

Eddison & Melrose Oats & Scones

Corner 103 Winery

The Silver Room

Kizin Creole

MIDA Restaurant

Brothers Vellies

Davidson Winery

Camp Yoshi

Lotus Sound Bath

Uncle Bobbie's Coffee & Books

Neutral Ground Restaurant

Phillip Ashley Chocolates

Black Austin Tours

Black-owned bookstores tell us their favorite books by Black authors

HIT THE ROAD!

PHOTOGRAPH: Jakob N. Layman

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A love letter to Philly, one of four cities that saved America

A love letter to Atlanta, one of four cities that saved America

See the author’s curated road trip guides through the South

LOS ANGELES

Santa Barbara

Monterey

SONOMA

PORTLAND

DENVER