How Do You Go On The Road Like Jack Kerouac?
Anyone who has delighted in Jack Kerouac’s classic novel “On the Road,” has likely daydreamed of crossing the country in a similarly free-spirited style. Here’s how to follow in Jack’s footsteps-and tire treads-as you take to the open road. Start in New York City and see some Jazz at Birdland, now on West 44th, but located on Broadway when featured in the novel. Head west towards Chicago with $50 in your wallet, just like protagonist Sal Paradise. You could also take a bus, like Sal did for this stretch, and you’ll want to leave in the spring if you really want to emulate the book. Listen to some blues in Chicago like Kerouac did, who visited the Windy City “somewhere between its Charlie Parker Ornithology period and another period that began with Miles Davis.” Unfortunately, the YMCA doesn’t take short-term lodging anymore as it did in the late ’40s, so you’ll have to find other lodging. Head to New Orleans and make sure to hit some bars. Since Sal hung out for a spell with the charac
