Saturday, August 14, 2010

Scenic Summer Drives

Info from Yahoo! Travel

Acadia Byway

Maine
Distance: 40 miles in Acadia National Park
Points of Note: Visit Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island. You'll see rocky shores, smooth lakes and forested hills. Sailing is also a popular diversion in the area.

Great Rivers Scenic Route

Illinois
Distance: 57 miles through the Midwest
Points of Note: This is America's heartland. You'll pass small towns, farmland, fruit orchards and forests. You'll also see where the Missouri, Mississippi and Illinois rivers meet. Pere Marquette State Park has a 1930s-era lodge with dining room. Hiking trails abound.

Route 706

Washington
Distance: 93 miles from Seattle (allow 2.5 hours)
Points of Note: The road winds through Mount Rainier National Park and allows multiple views of the 14,411-foot peak. The Nisqually Entrance is located on the west side, closest to I-5. The first stop is Longmire, which has a settler and Native American museum. Other good stops along the way include mineral hot springs, the 168-foot Narada Falls, the Paradise Inn and camping areas. Call ahead to ask about road closures.

Skyline Drive

Virginia
Distance: 105 miles through the Blue Ridge Mountains
Points of Note: The drive starts in Shenandoah National Park and passes 70 scenic outlooks, hiking trails, and forested valleys. It should take about three hours to complete.

Overseas Highway

Florida
Distance: 127 miles from Key Largo to Key West.
Points of Note: The highway is accessible from the mainland and goes through island communities including Islamorado, Big Pine Key, and Cudjoe Key. Several long sections open up to wide ocean on either side of the road.

Love always,
Mo
XOXO