I keep thinking that one of these days I will travel more in the United States instead of going to other countries. This article from the Cheapism Staff (didn't say if it was from a magazine or newspaper) was seen on the Internet on 12/15/16, and reminded me that there are so many wonderful places to visit right here in the U.S. If you have been to any of these places, please share your experiences.
FOLLOW THE ROAD TO ADVENTURE
Americans love to travel and no more so than by car. Through September, motorists had logged more than 2.4 trillion miles on U.S. roads and highways, the most ever during the first nine months of the year, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. For travelers with an itch to hit the road, this list contains interesting trips of all stripes, from national parks to historic places to culinary destinations.
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK, MONTANA
The National Park Service turned 100 this year, an occasion worthy of a road trip to one of the sites it oversees. Glacier National Park covers more than 1 million acres and is renowned for its breathtaking beauty. (The 1998 movie "What Dreams May Come" used the park as a stand-in for heaven.) Travel along Going-to-the-Sun Road, , a 50-mile route with unparalleled scenic vistas. Overnight guests have their pick of more than a dozen drive-in campgrounds, backcountry chalets, cabins, and historic hotels.
TEXAS BBQ TRAIL, AUSTIN, TEXAS
There are few places better to visit than Texas for authentic barbecue. For meat lovers, a tour of some of the state's best barbecue is a tasty way to see some of the state. The Texas BBQ Trail runs near the state capital, Austin, and includes five stops at family-owned barbecue joints. Keep the trip cheap by sharing meals at each stop -- after all, Texas is known for large portions.
BOSTON TO DYERSVILLE, IOWA
Retrace the path of Kevin Costner and James Earl Jones to the Field of Dreams (yes, that one) from Boston via Minnesota. Or make a pilgrimage straight to this free attraction in Dyersville, Iowa. School groups sometimes claim the field for games, but when it's open, everyone can take a turn running the bases or playing catch. Watch for ghost players to join the fun.
BADLANDS LOOP, SOUTH DAKOTA
Also known as Highway 240, the Badlands Loop showcases the array of rock formations at Badlands National Park (accessible for a fee of $15 a vehicle for seven days' access). The 30-mile byway off Interstate 90 can be completed in about an hour, but that's without stopping to enjoy the scenery along the way. There's also hiking in the park and interactive exhibits at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center.
MYSTIC, CONNECTICUT
The 1987 film "Mystic Pizza," which helped make a superstar of young Julia Roberts, will be celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2017. The name comes from an actual pizza shop in Mystic. Capitalizing on the movie's following, the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism created a self-guided Mystic Pizza movie Trail map, which includes stops such as the lobster processing plant and Mystic Seaport planetarium, where characters work in the film.
HANA HIGHWAY, HAWAII
Hana Highway, on the eastern coast of Maui, is 52 miles long but not for drivers who are in a hurry. The gorgeous roadway boasts 600 curves and a whopping 59 bridges (many of which are single lane). It clings to cliff sides in what travelers contend is a worthwhile but sometimes hair-raising trip. Along the way, stop at Pua'a Ka'a State Park to enjoy its waterfalls and swimming holes.
CHOCOLATE TRAIL, ILLINOIS
Chocolate lovers in the Midwest can head for the Blackhawk Chocolate Trail in northwest Illinois. A self-guided tour takes chocoholics through stops at cafes, candy stores, bakeries, and more. There are itineraries of different lengths, some requiring stopovers at local hotels. While it's free to stop into any location on the trail and browse, offerings of free samples vary, so expect to pay for a few treats along the way.
OREGON COAST
Among the sights on this scenic drive is Thor's Well at Cape Perpetua. It appears to be a bottomless sinkhole in the ocean, although speculation says it's only about 20 feet deep in reality. It can be dangerous to get close and mesmerizing to gaze inside. Heceta Head Lighthouse, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is still sending its beam 21 miles out over the ocean. Only the ground floor of the tower is open to visitors, but the assistant lightkeeper's house operates as a bed and breakfast. Pay the parking fee to explore the tide pools and frolic on the small beach after a free tour.
TURQUOISE TRAIL, NEW MEXICO
Highway 14 links Santa Fe to Albuquerque, connecting travelers to old mines and ghost towns via the roughly 50-mile Turquoise Trail, named for early efforts of the native population to mine and use the stone. Anticipate an impressive view atop Sandia Crest. For a unique and inexpensive break along the way, check out the Tinkertown Museum, a quirky collection of carved figurines.
CHEESE TOUR, WISCONSIN
Wisconsin is home to at least 60 artisan cheese makers, who create everything from organic cheese to one-of-a-kind handmade batches. The Wisconsin Department of Tourism has put together several cheese tour itineraries, including cheese makers, restaurants, and wineries. One featured destination, Emmi Roth USA, won the top honor of World's Best Cheese in the 2016 World Championship Cheese Contest.
JACKSON, WYOMING, TO YELLOWSTONE
Nature lovers who prefer to see wildlife from the safety of a car can take a road trip on U.S. 191 linking Jackson, Wyoming, with Yellowstone National Park. Once inside the park ($30 a vehicle for a seven-day pass), everything from moose to bears to wolves may make an appearance. Animals are abundant on the way there, as well, and free to see if you catch them. Jackson Lake and Grand Teton also offer the potential for amazing wildlife viewing.
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