"There's a thin line between genius and insanity"

Now Updated!!!

On this occasion I will relate to you just precisely which are in my own esteemed opinion, The Best bus terminals to visit. Yes...I have been to LOTS of them folks. When I traveled this great nation of ours, I did it in the modern day equivalent of the wagon trains. Via Greyhound Buses! You know..."Go Greyhound and leave the driving to someone else?"

Well anyway, I thought about what to write about on this page and figured that this would be a good topic. Now, I have scores of new termianls to critique. fresh from my latest trip from California.

Without further ado.....here are my critiques on the various bus depots in the U.S.A. from coast to coast:

30th Street Station Terminal/Philadelphia, PA

The worst . Absolutely, I should know having lived in Philly for a good 15 years and passing through it enough times to know. Now, don't get me wrong. The architecture of this place is superb. Very Renaissance. And convienent one stop shopping too! But, the adjacent bus depot(it's right across the street from the terminal)is "da' pitz". Almost everytime I was in the place I was hasssled for money or "being watched". Not to mention that tightening sense of anxiety one feels in one's gut upon approaching this place.You can have it. Philly is indeed a tough place. Bring your Uzis when going through this depot!

Rating: "1" for "character building experiences"

Atlantic City Terminal

This is a tricky review because A. C. has been in a process of transformation. Recently, the city was voted as a cultural wasteland devoid of any substance and steeped in an excess of glitz. Something to that effect. But, I will give the place credit. It's cleaner, brighter, and ummm...safer than ever before. Now, the previous terminal was demolished last year replaced with a new facility. But most of my "visits" have been in the former one. So, I am going to include both in my review. In any case, the A. C. terminal is close to casinos. Just think...during a layover, one can actually shoot up to the boardwalk and lose their life earnings within no time flat. And perhaps have just enough cash to bus it home. What more can you ask for? Hookers abound on every corner as well as any number of assorted "characters". You may even be able to pick up a semi-used gold chain for a steal!!!(get it, steal?)Okay...I have never been mugged in A.C. nor have I lost anything in money to write home about. But... Never browse the magazines in the terminal store. The woman there is very cantankerous and will surely ask you "Are you going to buy that?" You have been duly warned.

Rating: Former A.C. Terminal "3" for "olde charm"/New Terminal "5"

The Queen Mother of them all...The NYC Port Authority

I dreaded going through here. I heard horror stories..."Oh, don't even keep your wallet on your person", "Don't drink the water from the fountain(true)", "Never turn your back for a moment if you leave a "secure" area", etc. Well, in 1994 I made my first appearance here and I was pleasantly surprised. There were easy access escalators, very well stocked newstand stores and "reasonable" eating outlets all within this terminal. Not all is sunshine and smiles here of course but hey, it is New Yawk after all. Not to mention Broadway is a stone's throw away as well as whatever you can imagine.

Rating:"7" there's plenty to do here!

Pittsburgh Terminal

I like Pittsburgh. Honestly, I do. A very modern city for the eastern corridor long having shed its smoggy industrial image. I was "politely" mugged here once in 1992. I will tell that tale sometime...but not now. Ahhhhh, sweet Pittsburgh.

Rating:"8" Nice city. Nice skyline. Nice Muggers. Nice.

Cleveland Terminal

Cleveland for some reason used to be the butt of all jokes...along with Pittsburgh. Why?

Rating:"5" Not the prettiest place but, not the pitts(sorry "Pitts"burgh!)

Chicago Terminal

"Chicago...is MY kinda town" so the tune went. Is this myth or fact? Well, for me it turned out to be...FACT. Chicago is "all that". I have visited this place several times and usually with a lot of luggage. I like to roam around in between buses and I used to(I know, this was stupid of me)leave my stuff out in the open in the terminal while galavanting around hoping that it would all be intact(it always was). Chicago, you're all right with me. I even like your lil' fast food/tourist stop place in your depot too.

Rating:"9" There is nothing but adventure in Chicago!

Minneapolis/St.Paul Bus Center

I dig this place. No tension, lots of interesting places to visit here. One might assume a degree of schizophrenia on behalf of these towns because they have a joint association. Like Dallas-Ft. Worth for example. Ain't true at all. And say hello to "The Electric Fetus" record store for me okay?

Rating:"9" No complaints here.

The Fargo Depot

Fargo, North Dakota seems to be a very quiet and forlorn place. Traces of the pioneer era remains here but you got to look for it. Not much to do but, the soda machine here had a very reasonable "pioneer era" price. Let's not tell 'em it's 1998 okay?

Rating:"6" A little lackluster but, relaxed.

Any Bus Terminal in Montana

I absolutely adore Montana. All of it. So rustic and vast, verdant and big, blue open skies. You can get lost very easily here but only if you want to. 'nuff said.

Rating:"10" Montana has so much to see and do. Special tip:Bozeman Bus stop has a great selection of fast food franchises. Butte has some Old West architecture as well as Missoula and Livingston, a town I stayed in for a few days. Livingston is an excellent place to stay in.

Seattle Stop Terminal

Seattle is a great place to see. I enjoyed the whole 15 minutes I was there.

Rating:"9" Seattle has some splendid sights! Mt. Ranier is one!!! As well as the "Space Needle Restaurant"!!!

Portland Depot Center

Porland, Oregon, is a phenomenal place. In the shadow of Seattle somewhat but just as refined and elegant. Very Modern and nice scenery here. Can't miss.

Rating:"9" Walk around this picturesque place and check out the open plaza.

Los Angeles Bus Terminal

Philly, you have some competition here. set amidst what appeared to be in the middle of where some of the 1992 or Watts riots took place, I did not even think of exploring this area. I did not have to. I met an array of interesting characters while waiting here. I even had an LA DJ give me a shout out over the radio station here. An amazing, weird, twisted, decadent, charming place.

Rating:"2" L. A. = Leave Alone.

Phoenix Terminal Station

If you like deathly hot weather most of the year, Phoenix is your town. I found the terminal to be very modern and efficient. And convienient to downtown "attractions". For a major city, the terminal was reasonably safe. That's about all folks.

Denver Bus Depot

The mile high city can boast of its unique status with much aplomb. I found the terminal to be well equipped and centrally located. Colorado is a spectacular state. Denver is a city that serves as a gateway to Colorado's esteemed treasures. Enchanted wilderness, majestic mountains, skiing, etc. It's all awaitng you.

Rating:"7" Denver is ok...but the rest of Colorado(as well as Boulder)is better.

Salt Lake City Bus Terminal

Within walking distance of this stately depot, one can gaze upon snow crested mountain peaks as well as many of the Mormon Buildings including the Tabernacle. I enjoyed the scenery here and strongly advise one to bring a camera for some picture taking.

Rating:"8" Very good locale, interesting attractions, seemingly safe environs (during daylight).

Omaha, Nebraska Bus Depot

Oh Omaha, I heardly knew ye. I can't really elaborate on Omaha. I was just passsing through it. The terminal there was nothing exceptional. There was a refreshment area staffed by a woman with a penchant for blaring rap music and singing along with the chorus while filling your order. Noteworhty but, not much else to mention here.

Rating:"3" looks like a pretty good number to pick

Albuquerque, New Mexico Terminal

I have visited Albuquerque many times. Okay...3 times. I used to hike the Sandia Mountains just outside the city there and bike around the city streets seeking sanctuary. Oh yes, the bus station. Very vanilla, nice for a depot, even somewhat comfortable. That's all.

Rating:"8" Albuquerque has a special place in my heart. I guess so does its bus station.

Amarillo, Texas Terminal

Another frequented stop. This stop has a nice eating facility but, there is very little else to recommend it. Not a bad "city" but, not the best. The most recent notoriety Amarillo gained was when Oprah Winfrey had her cattle rancher infringement court hearing here. Just thought you'd like to know.

Rating:"4" A bit too blase for my tastes. Take a nap.

Dallas-Ft. Worth Station

This place had some weird characters. All terminals have their fair share but MAN! this place was loaded with 'em.

Rating:"2" Very tense environment. Very disorganized station. Hectic. Bring your soldier uniform.

Little Rock, Arkansas Depot

I stopped here en route home to NJ. I do not have much to say about it.

Rating:"5"

Indianapolis, Indiana Terminal

No complaints here. I dig this city. I found it quite modern and clean.

Rating:"7" Check out the local attractions here.

Memphis/Nashville/Knoxville Bus Depots

Now I can truly sing along to the chorus of the song "Walkng in Memphis". I did so and enjoyed it. the town has a lot of flair. Nashville was very nice, a charasmatic place full of sights. Both depots in these towns reflected this. Knoxville was not nearly as animated. Just a whistle stop I suppose. The terminal here did have clean bathrooms though and a nice eatery.

Rating:Memphis "8" Nashville "8" Knoxville "5"

Oklahoma City/Tulsa Terminals

Tulsa is a nice place. A friend and I had a nice lunch there en route to New Mexico. Oklahoma City is a bit less "sophisticated" than Tulsa. Both bathrooms have a lot of zealous religious graffitti on their stalls. Also, Oral Robertson's Crystal Cathedral is located in one of these cities a sight you will surely see if you do Greyhound.

Rating:"7" for Tulsa, "5" for Oklahoma City

St. Louis Terminal

Sorry St. Louis, your terminal sucks. It's in an abysmal part of town away from the main attractions. There is a supermarket near enough to go to and purchase a few snack items or sundries. But that's all folks.

Rating:"2" Could be a lot better.

New Orleans Terminal

I dig New Orleans. I marched in the 1996 Mardi Gras Parade as a psuedo banjo player(my brother's band needed a quick replacement), visited the Superdome, fell in love(for a week), and flew ValuJet there weeks before the infamous Everglades crash. I was also stranded there because Valujet would not confirm I had a paid reservation for a flight home. So, I took the bus home and visited the terminal as a result. Nice but not in a nice part of town.

Rating:"5" The terminal is not the thing to visit when in New Orleans.

Meridian, Mississippi Bus Depot

Quaint, rustic southern town on the edge of the Alabama border. I strolled around this town at high noon. I sensed an aura of blues and gospel literally hearing strains of both waft through the pre-springtime air. As cathedral bells were tolling in the distance. For this reason, Meridian will always have a special place in my heart. As well as its charming little depot.

Rating:"7" Primarily for aesthetics.

Birmingham, Alabama Station

I was able to walk freely here and snag a decent meal close by. Not a bad place by any means.

Rating:"7" If you like Subway Hoagies, there is a store nearby(at least back in Feb. 1996).

Atlanta Station

When I was here I met some interesting people. I would say that the terminal is not too bad. But, not as close to the attractions I would like to see.

Rating:"6" Room for improvement.

Raleigh/Greensboro North Carolina Station

I met an unsavory "character" in one of these terminals but, I won't let that tarnish the image of my review...would I?

Rating:Raleigh "6" Greensboro "3" Guess which place I met the unsavory "character" in.

Richmond/Roanoke Terminals

Roanoke seemed to be a nice place to visit. it was dark when I passed through it but, a comely woman tried to take me home with her. I almost went with her... but I found out she had a boyfriend with her. No thanks. Richmond was not the nicest place I'd been to. Or at least its terminal wasn't.

Rating:Roanoke "6", Richmond "2"

Columbus, Ohio Terminal

A popular college place, I found the terminal here average at best. Not bad. But...not the best terminal I've been to.

Rating:"5" Stuck in the middle with you.

Washington, D.C. Station

This is the pits. Far from the historical attractions(walking)I did not like the D.C. terminal. There is nothing within walking distance except traffic and headaches.

Rating:"1" Philly take heart.

Baltimore Depot

Baltimore is a cool city. In the shadow of D. C. somewhat but not a bad place. However, the depot here is not the best...nor the worst. Take it from there.

Rating:"3" There are things to do but, not necessarily the best things to do.

Sacramento, California Terminal

Very modern facility. Good location, I managed to visit some local attractions while here all within walking distance from the terminal.

Rating:"8" Clean and safe. So far.

Twin Falls, Idaho Depot

I stayed in Twin Falls for a few days. The terminal is okay. In a safe and reasonable locale.There are lots of stores to visit nearby if one is seeking such.

Rating:"7" Fine with me.

Davenport, Iowa Depot

Not much to say about this place.

Rating:"3"

Madison/Eau Claire Wisconsin Depots

The Madison depot is not too bad. It has a small newstand and Madison, WI is a cool college town. Eau Claire(pronounced Oh! Clair!)is a bit quaint. Very reasonable storage locker prices(at least a few years back)and close to everything you want to see and do. Say hello to Janice for me.

Rating:Madison "7" , Eau Claire "7"

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

For some reason I neglected to include this small, hospitable city previously. I stopped here briefly in January 1992 for about 30 minutes or so. I had the pleasure to visit a donut shop run by some college students before re-emebarking onward. The donuts were satisfactory and Milwaukee is quite alright as well. I did see some breweries here coming in and out of town - but no Laverne & Shirley.

Rating:Milwaukee "6" Grab a few brewskis if you are so inclined.

Sioux City Depot, Iowa

Okay, just got a glimpse of this seemingly prisitne town and have concluded that it's just swell...

Rating:"5" Why not?

Kansas City Terminal, Missouri

I really "dug" the skyline of this city...something very mesmerizing about it...almost akin to Albuquerque's...but not quite. The depot is adequate but not in the best locale relative to the rest of the city.

Rating:"7" purely for the skyline aesthetic.

Lawrence, Kansas Depot

Kansas is a relatively unassuming state...and when I hit Missouri, I was able to claim "gee, we're not in..." you figure the rest out. This depot was modest and diminutive.

Rating: "5" It's okay...just uneventful.

Dayton, Ohio Terminal

This terminal is smack dab in the middle of Dayton, OH...and it has a Burger King inside it to boot! That DOES garner it some 'brownie' or should I say 'burger' points...

Rating: "7" Dayton is nothing too special but having a BK inside of the terminal when you are pressed for time is very advantageous if you like fast food to go.

Salina, Kansas Depot

Wow, here we are back to Kansas again!!! Talk about non-sequitar. Okay, I appreciated this depot only because it has 3 eateries nearby to it. Including a Chinese buffet. Very convenient for the weary traveller.

Rating:"8" It's convenient for eating!!!

Terre Haute, Indiana Terminal

This is an "eh" terminal...just okay and in a conducive locale in the midst of Terre Haute. I stepped out to stretch my legs here.

Rating: "5" Mediocrity has it's merits...and demerits.

Cheyenne, Wyoming Depot

It was a might bit chilly when I stopped through here...a very western motif surrounds this depot but not so much inside.

Rating: "6" Take a big whiff of that western, Wyoming air out there.

Des Moines, Iowa

Des Moines is pretty sedate. It seems like a good place to lounge in and talk about nothing for hours on end. Great distraction from the everyday life one lives in a hustle and bustle environment.

Rating: "5" Does the trick nicely.

Laramie, WY Depot

Just passed through here half-awake...or perhaps asleep? Oh well, from what I discerned from here...Laramie has a millitary base nearby to it and the depot seems to be quaint yet functional.

Rating: "7" Take it E-Z.

El Paso, Texas

a rather uneventful depot though it does have the distinction of being in close proximity to the Mexico border, hence its translation in english as "the pass". Marty Robbins wrote a song about finding some mexican woman he fell in love with there. Unfortunately, I wasn't so lucky:(

Rating: "6" Interesting but not enough to warrant a second look.

Bakersfield, California

I stayed here for a few weeks in early 2000 but initially stopped here en route to L.A. in 1995. My verdict? An adequate terminal in a not so adequate part of town which leaves me little to recommend it.

Rating: "5" Bakersfield is an o-kay place...but the terminal is not in the most viable locale.

Roseburg, Oregon

Another place I was visiting for a brief spell in 1995. The terminal is quaint(at least it was 5 years ago)and modest and suitably located for a stroll to some stores, eateries, etc.

Rating: "6" Smells like a....umm, rose.

Tuscon, Arizona

Tuscon is a pretty respectable town about 90 miles or so from its copiously sized neighbor, the desert king, Phoenix. It was dark and a brief stop when I was there so I cannot make any accurate assesments about Tuscon excepting its bus depot which was sufficient.

Rating: "5" seems 'bout right.

Barstow, California

Ahh...sweet, barren, desolate Barstow...centered in the midst of Death Valley. For a bonifide feel of the 'olde west', you can't really quibble with Barstow. It's a sleepy pocket near the border of Nevada of which one might entirely overlook if not for some neccesity to stop in it.

Rating: "5" In the middle of somewhere.

Las Vegas, Nevada

At long last, I got to see Las Vegas! Land of dreams and despair...glitzy casinos everywhere! With entertainment and regalia beyond compare...and I got the shirt that says "I was there!"

Rating: "9" Ideal location, an easy walk to Freemont Strip and a endless host of gaming, eating, and other venues.

Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Beautiful, majestic and sweeping, not too mention a very prominent ski resort paradise, Steamboat inspires awe in me. It's one of my favorite stops just past the continental divide. Ahhh..I can see the snow falling now.

Rating: "10" No complaints. Almost heaven.

Las Cruces, New New Mexico

Miniscule yet disticntive Las Cruces rocks...literally...it has a very interesting jagged mountain range there that really garners my full attention, especially when the sun is rising through them(as I witnessed). Out in the desert of the land of enchantment not to mention a college town, Las Cruces is worth a stopover. Oh yes, the depot is just the right size. Clean too.

Rating: "7" Let's go to Las Cruces!!!

Echo, Utah

Very small and remote bus stop between Salt Lake and the Wyoming border. What can I say? Nice view of the mountain range there and the depot has a collection of various magazines dating back to the mid 1970's for you to peruse(I swear!). THAT should inform you of how remote this place is. Also a small eatery inside, have a cup of jove with some of the locals and tell them what year it is.

Rating: "6" Definitely something noteworthy of a Twilight Zone plot or storyline.

Well, I hope I did not leave out too much. I can only write about where I have been so, sorry New England. I have been to New England but not via the bus...at least not yet I am working on that part still. If you have any stories to share about places you've been to, let me hear them. Ciao.