What is it about getting in a car and driving, driving, driving? It’s therapy for today’s intrepid travelers who would rather line up at the gas pump than at the TSA checkpoint. And for all our autumnal dreamers there’s a foliage filled land out there just waiting for you now. But don’t stop at colorful vistas; dream big and put petal to the metal in out of the way states like Montana, Wyoming and Utah. Both your mind and your bank account will thank you for road tripping in any of these places. Hey, not a bad thing.
Hudson River Valley – New York
Home to not only the greatest city in the world (stated with a hint of bias), New York is also home to one of the greatest fall foliage depositories. Drive along the Hudson River then hike up to West Point’s Trophy Point for a stunning overlook of the surrounding foliage at its peak. The Hudson River Valley’s beauty has helped it to coin the nickname “America’s Rhineland”, a nod to Germany’s own Rhine River Valley and there’s probably no better time than now to go.
The 17-mile drive – California
The 17-mile drive along the Monterey Peninsula takes you along some of California’s most scenic coastline. Stop and stand before the Lone Cypress in Pebble Beach and be at one with nature then make stops at the Del Monte Forest or the Spanish Bay – camping in the same spot as explorer Don Gaspar de Portola once did in 1769.
Beartooth All-American Road – Montana, Wyoming
As wild as its name suggests, the Beartooth All-American Road is a vast frontier of undeveloped land … over one million acres. Also known as the Beartooth Highway, it’s best known for its grand entrance into Yellowstone National Park, complete with legendary switchbacks and rugged alpines over 12,000 feet tall. The largely uncharted territory truly embodies the American frontier.
Lake Powell – Arizona, Utah
A four-hour drive north of Phoenix lands you amidst the beautiful scenery of Lake Powell, situated on the central border of Arizona and Utah. With a plethora of recreational activities including waterskiing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and camping, it’s an excellent vacation spot for families with a passion for adventure and the outdoors.
Olympic Peninsula – Washington
Begin your road trip on a boat, not a car! With a top-notch ferry system connecting Washington State’s many islands, you can head out from downtown Seattle across Puget Sound to Bainbridge Island. Drive your way up north more than 300 miles for the best views of Vancouver Island and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Alternatively, you can also make the lengthy trip further north to Cape Flattery – the most northwestern point in the contiguous United States.
Extraterrestrial Highway – Nevada
If you’re afraid of alien abductions or want to “phone home” at the first supernatural sighting, then it might be a good idea to steer clear of the Extraterrestrial Highway. About a two-hour drive north of Las Vegas, it’s home to the most UFO sightings anywhere in the U.S. However, if you or your kids are intrigued as much as me, then be sure to visit the many family-friendly alien themed shops and stores.
Great River Road – Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota (and many more)
What’s the difference between a Great River Road and a regular River Road? The answer is 10 states worth of exploring between Dubuque, Iowa and Minneapolis, Minnesota. Situated along the Mississippi River, the Great River Road is ideal for road trip maniacs with numerous quirky spots to visit. Be sure to check out the Dickeyville Grotto in Wisconsin, a store made entirely out of seashells and costume jewelry. Or, if you need something to quench your thirst after driving all day, perhaps you’d enjoy having a beer in La Crosse, Wisconsin, home to the world’s largest six-pack. Yes, that’s actually a thing.
www.experiencemississippiriver.com
Gulf Coast – Alabama
Alabama’s Gulf Coast is a perfect road trip for foodies – especially those who crave seafood. The beautiful beaches along the Gulf of Mexico are a perfect backdrop for some of the hot spots in Orange Beach like Fisher’s Dockside where the Gulf’s Murder Point oysters are the specialty, or Ginny Lane’s where the blackened shrimp and grits served with fried green tomatoes will have you asking for seconds. This trip really accentuates laid back, southern living at its finest.
Heritage Highway 89 – Utah
There’s history aplenty along Heritage Highway 89. Visit Little Denmark, where woodworking and glassmaking studios recreate the culture of the early Mormon pioneers from Scandinavia. Head further down south and you’ll see breathtaking views of the red rock rims of the Colorado Plateau.
Skyline Drive – Virginia
Like most other road trip routes, Skyline Drive has a respectable amount of breathtaking views. However, the main attraction is the people, namely the Appalachian Trail hikers. Don’t be shy; strike up a conversation with any one of them. You’ll hear amazing tales of endurance, stamina, and sheer willpower that will motivate you to do something epic in your life. With a road named Skyline Drive, you can only imagine that driving even a few miles on it will have you feeling that you are close enough to touch the sky.