🚗 Across America with Ilf and Petrov: A Road Trip Through Time

This summer, we embarked on a cross-country adventure to visit our son and his family in Southampton, New York. From the Pacific Northwest to the Atlantic coast and back again, we covered nearly 7,000 miles—an unforgettable journey through the heart of America.

To keep us company on the road, we listened to One-Storied America, a 1937 travelogue by Soviet authors Ilya Ilf and Yevgeny Petrov. Their observations of American life during the Great Depression were sharp, humorous, and surprisingly timeless. Despite the decades that have passed, many of their insights still resonate today—from the charm of small-town diners to the quirks of roadside motels and the vastness of the American landscape.

Along the way, we visited iconic landmarks like Niagara Falls and Arches National Park in Utah. But some of the most memorable moments came from the quiet beauty of small American towns—each with its own character, history, and welcoming spirit.

This trip reminded us that while much has changed since Ilf and Petrov’s journey, the essence of American life—its diversity, optimism, and eccentricity—remains wonderfully intact.

West to East:

East to West: