new mexico is amazing but because your from new york, do not go without a bottle of coolant because for some reason even new cars over heat in the dessert and people get kinda freaky that way so be careful. the painted cliffs in new mexico are beautiful, its right off interstae 40. dont forget the grand canyon. if you go through minnesota they have a strange town called devils kettle and it has a whirlpool waterfall but noone knows where it leads to. good luck, i would tell you more but not sure what route your taking