Must See Road Trips
As July comes to a close tomorrow, you’re probably thinking of how you can soak up the last of your summer. Before schedules are overtaken once again by school and work, take time to get away one more time by hitting the road. Road trips are perfectly suited for quick, end-of-the-summer jaunts. With minimal planning, you can be on your way to exploring local destinations from the comfort of your vehicle. Here’s a few of our favorite spots.
Mid-Atlantic Magic
If a beautiful mountain drive sounds like your style of road trip you are in luck, Maryland is home to a portion of the Appalachian Mountains and has many wonderful sites to offer. Begin your journey in Baltimore headed west towards Frederick. Stop in for lunch at the Zagat rated restaurant The Tasting Room. Situated in Frederick’s historic district, the Tasting Room is a sophisticated Frederick favorite that has been described as the place to see and be seen. The restaurant offers modern American cuisine.
From Frederick, continue to Cumberland, Maryland, where you can learn the history of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal at the C&O Canal National Historical Park and Visitors Museum. Visitors to the museum can explore interactive exhibits and view a life-sized section of a canal boat.
Cruise down Route 70 to the town of McHenry to enjoy the great outdoors by scenic Deep Creek Lake. The town offers a host of seasonal attractions to satisfy any adventurer. Wisp resort’s mountain coaster is not to be missed. Riders enjoy a trip through the woods as the coaster zips down the mountain side. Visitors seeking a slower tour of the countryside will enjoy a scenic chairlift ride up the mountain. Enjoy a picnic on the mountain top and then either hike or ride the lift back down the mountain.
Wilderness explorers will enjoy a visit to Cranesville Swamp, which is a 20 minute drive to the west of McHenry. The swamp results from a rare combination of altitude, temperature and precipitation which allows for a habitat that is usually found much farther north to develop. The landscape is reminiscent of a Canadian wilderness scene but can be viewed right in your backyard.
New England Adventure
New England is renowned for its stunning fall scenery, but in late summer, when everywhere else in the country is sweltering, this region’s more temperate climate is the place to be. Set out from historic Boston, Massachusetts on the 83 mile journey to Cape Cod, a road trip sure to delight summer travelers. Along the way sail, swim and snorkel along the over 600 miles of cape coastline. Be sure not to miss Chatham Lighthouse, a fixture on the cape since 1808.
Grab a bite to eat at the Chatham Fish and Lobster Company, a local Chatham restaurant that offers a selection of fresh seafood. Be sure to try the restaurant’s lobster roll, heralded as the best on Cape Cod by the Cape Cod Times. After savoring one of the Cape’s famous “lobstah” rolls, be sure to carve out time off the road to go whale watching. Excursions offered by locals depart from various points along the cape.
Mid-West Exploration
America’s heartland offers road trippers plenty of room to roam and lots to see and do. Begin your journey in Cincinnati, Ohio and head towards Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky, traveling the scenic byways across the picturesque Mid-West. If you take Route 71 out of Cincinnati, you can swing into Louisville, Kentucky, home of the Kentucky Derby.
While in Louisville take time to visit the Kentucky Derby Museum. Learn the history of the Derby and follow the path a horse takes all the way from being a foal to standing in the winner’s circle. Swing by the museum gift shop to pick out an official Kentucky Derby Hat for next year’s Triple Crown races.
Hop back in the car and onto Route 65 from Louisville on your way to Mammoth Cave National Park, home to over 30 miles of the Green and Nolin Rivers. Visitors are welcomed to explore the river by either canoe or kayak. The rivers also offer muskellunge, bluegill, catfish, bass, perch and crappie fishing. Explore the cave’s more than 4400 miles of routes, both above and underground before setting up camp along the Green River for the night.
Visit the home of the historic Kentucky Derby.
California Cruising
Take advantage of the beautiful west coast on this drive from Santa Barbara to Monterey, California. Enjoy wonderful coastal scenery on this 4 hour, 15 minute drive. The hiking trails of Big Sur offer travelers a wonderful opportunity to explore the local terrain and stretch their legs. After working up an appetite, pick up some of the freshest local produce every Sunday at Monterey’s local farmers’ market. Monterey eatery LouLou’s Griddle in the Middle offers waterfront dinning, delicious food and a casual atmosphere that is sure to make visitors feel welcomed. Try their clam chowder, awarded first runner up in the West Coast Chowder Competition.
The local town of Salinas offers something for every art lover. The first Friday of every month the town hosts their “First Fridays Art Walk.” Artists, vendors and performers take to the streets the first Friday of every month to display their works.
No matter where you find yourself in the United States, there is surely a wonderful road trip destination to be seen. See all the sights across the country from the comfort of your own car. Road trips offer you the flexibility to cater the trip to fit your needs, making them perfect for short, spontaneous getaways. Live up the remainder of the summer by sneaking away on a road trip and take in these sights and scenery, guaranteed not to disappoint.
