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The Country's Best Road Trips
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Throughout the country there are countless possible stops: fairs, eateries, history, museums, nature, and new adventures await those who take to the road. The only question that remains is where to go.

If you're on the west coast, then it might be fun to check out Route 1, which runs along the coast of California -- it's a favorite choice amongst driving enthusiasts, and rightfully so. On the other hand, there's nothing quite like the trail from Morro Bay to Monterey. This amazing drive will take you through one hundred and twenty-five miles of some of the most beautiful scenery you'll ever see. If you're lucky enough to go on this scenic drive, be sure to look out for Big Sur, where the Santa Lucia mountain range slides down into the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean.

Even if you're not looking for a long road trip, there are still a number of quality short drives to be had. San Francisco's Scenic Drive provides almost fifty miles of gorgeous scenery, occasionally punctuated by cafes. When traffic gets congested (as it sometimes does), once can simply make a quick a top at one of these roadside eateries, and enjoy a good (fast food-free) snack.

If you're not on the west coast, rest assured -- plenty of excellent road trips can be had throughout the United States. For those looking for a longer trip, there's the 230 mile drive from El Paso to Marathon. This Texas trip will take you along Interstate 10 and south onto Route 90 at Van Horn, and this picturesque route is bound to please everyone from families to truck drivers. Along the way, you'll get a chance to enjoy the Chinati Foundation's art collection, secreted away in the town of Marfa; you'll also get to savor Big Bend National Park's imposing desert landscape (which, conveniently enough, is only an hour's drive from Marathon.)

For history buffs, the drive between Montana's Great Falls and Missoula offers all kinds of historical attractions. Those planning their trips around this drive can choose between a route focused on the Civil War or a route featuring African-American history -- both of which have numerous stops along the way, as the region is quite rich in both histories. If you'd like guidance when planning your route, you can stop by the Great Falls Interpretive Center to fine-tune your trip.

On the east coast, the Skyline Drive provides an exceptionally photogenic path through the midst of Virginia. The main route to Shenandoah National Park, this scenic route is set on the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains -- a location that provides miles upon miles of hiking trails to travelers wanting an outdoors excursion. Those wanting a more relaxed time may enjoy staying at the Rapidan Camp, or photographing the beautiful natural scenery.

While Florida is not often thought of as a top destination for those wishing to take a road trip, the road from Key Largo to Key West actually makes for an incredible trip. Since the route takes you across over a hundred miles of island chains, you can expect to be surrounded by sparkling water, golden sand, and palm trees for much of your drive. Once you get to Key West, you can finish off the day watching the spectacular sunset from a beach, dock, or boat.

When preparing to enjoy a road trip, don't forget to plan your route ahead of time, and always take a map. Road trips provide a quick, easy, and most of all rewarding vacation experience -- they're cheap, simple to plan, and provide a welcome refuge from the daily grind. Have a great trip (wherever it may be), and remember to drive safe!
By: Mr. U
Published: 05/30/08


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1 Posted Comments:

@ 9:19 am 11/14/08 by Topper
With the gas prices back down - finally - road trips are more budget friendly. To add a few locations to the above mentioned, I would like to say there is nothing more beautiful than the ride from Gatlinburg, TN up over the mountain to Cherokee, NC. At the top you can stop at the overlook which is on the TN/NC border at over 5500 feet above sea level. You can enjoy the shops and restaurants in Gatlinburg and head over to Cherokee. If you are tired of shopping and enjoying the scenery head inside to the casino. Any trip to the beautiful Smoky Mountains is worth the trip!
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