On the Road Again

Hopefully, sometime soon, we’ll be free to roam again. When that time comes, an excellent way to ease back into travel may be a scenic road trip in the U.S. Many drivable destinations can be explored by car and you can practice social distancing surrounded by the beauty of nature. Plan a great playlist on Spotify, fill your gas tank, and go! Here are a few of our favorite road trip suggestions:

California’s Highway 1

The road may be windy in parts, but a drive up California’s Central Coast is about as scenic as it gets. From Santa Barbara and Cambria to Big Sur, Monterey and Carmel, there’s much to see and do. It just depends on how long you plan to be away.

The Pacific Northwest

Washington’s Pacific Peninsula is filled with beautiful coastlands, charming Victorian towns, Olympic National Park, and lots of opportunities to eat salmon. Or start your adventure in Portland and explore the Columbia River Gorge, from Multnomah Falls to Hood River to the Bonneville Dam.

The Great Smoky Mountains

Rising along the Tennessee-North Carolina border, this subrange of the Appalachian Mountains is filled with beautiful forests, scenic hiking trails, old barns, grist mills and plenty of wildlife. Start your road trip in Asheville, North Carolina, an arty enclave full of charm.

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Midwesterners know that Michigan summers can’t be beat. Michigan’s upper peninsula features lush landscapes, scenic cabin-dotted lakes, charming small towns, and lots of outdoor activities. Don’t miss taking the ferry to Mackinac Island, where you can ride bikes around the historic isle and get a glimpse of the famed Grand Hotel.

Exploring Maine

Charming fishing villages, beautiful forests, and rocky coastlines make a drive around the United States northernmost state of Maine a great escape. Think lobster rolls, suntan lotion, and boats bobbing in the harbor during summer months, while fall is the perfect time to enjoy the autumn leaves.

Ranch Vacations

If you’d rather road trip to one destination, consider cozying up in a private cabin surrounded by hiking trails, horseback riding, and fishing lakes at a luxe dude ranch. You and your travel companions can spend your days in the great outdoors, away from the crowds, in such beautiful locations as Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, rural Montana, or picture-perfect Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Evenings might include outdoor barbecues, campfires, or quiet time admiring the beautiful sunsets and evening stars.

While it’s too soon to start traveling, it’s not too early to plan. With so many quaint inns, historic towns and beautiful landscapes to see, this could make a great comeback.