On a trip I was planning, I did a search on "(State Name) Tourism" and found that each state I was passing through had a pretty good list of things to see and places to go. Since then, I've done the same thing for all the other states. Most of them want you to visit (and drop a little money), so now, I just refer to that list each time I'm planning a trip.
When I cross a state border, I stop at the first state rest area, check the rack of "places to see" brochures and talk to the folks behind the counter if they're not too busy, to see if they have a favorite and know of any road problems ahead. Its also a chance to stretch my legs and use their restroom instead of mine.
BTW, almost every state has brochures for "Ripley's Believe It Or Not". :)
