Congrats on your retirement. I've been trying for some time to retire also.
Different folks do different things and some of it depends on the individual situation. Getting ideas is good and you can adjust what you need to do depending on the circumstances.
You mentioned overnighting at rest areas. I'm not sure which states allow overnight camping and which don't but it shouldn't be hard to find. I did it once back in 1989 and won't ever do it again unless it is an emergency. There was absolutely too much noise for me with big rigs coming and going all night but I live in the country and am used to the quiet.
Have fun and enjoy because that's what it's all about.