Spring has sprung and that means it’s time to blast off to destinations north, south, east and west, drinking in the warm days and cool nights before summer blasts us. Here are five American rides I’ve personally experienced, and why they rock.
Rocks and surf are visible along 17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, California, September 4, 2021. Photo … [+] courtesy Sftm. (Photo by Gado/Getty Images)
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17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, California
It’s a world of white beaches, tall forests, stunning coastal cliffs, and it’s only 17 miles long. It’s so exclusive that motorcycles are prohibited and there’s a $10.25 cash fee per vehicle, although that can be reimbursed if you spend $36 or more at Pebble Beach Resort restaurants. (It’s waived completely if you’re staying at Casa Palmero, The Inn At Spanish Bay or The Lodge At Pebble Beach.) You’ll behold the majesty of the Restless Sea at Point Joe, dwell amongst the gigantic trees at Cocker Grove, stroll the boardwalk above the beach at Spanish Bay, and so much more. A red line’s painted on the road – follow it and you won’t veer off the course.
ASPEN, CO – JULY 1: Breelie Louis, 13, and her cousin Konnor Olson, 15, jump into pools of water … [+] below what is known as Devil”s Punch bowl in the Roaring Fork River up Independence Pass on July 1, 2021 in Aspen, Colorado. The duo was with their extended family, from Michigan, were on vacation in the mountains. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
Denver Post via Getty Images
Independence Pass, Colorado
Independence Fast is 32 miles long, is the highest paved pass in North America, and might as well be the main calling card for the splendor of the state of Colorado. At the Continental Divide between Aspen and Leadville, you’re 12,095 feet above sea level and boy, don’t you know it. It’s also not open until May, but that’s still spring, so be patient, it’s worth it.
You can drive Independence Pass in about 45 minutes if need be, but you’ll want to take your time and pull over for photos of the Roaring Fork River, groves of trees and majestic, jaw-dropping gorges. There aren’t any guardrails and your path is narrow and twisty at times, so follow the speed limit. At the Aspen end, consider lodging at the Limelight, with its huge lobby complete with fireplace for guests and their friends to loiter at their leisure, the magnificent mountains in sight. Their complimentary breakfast is sumptuous and plentiful, and there’s an Audi Q7 available for guests’ use upon check-in.
Scenic view of Mohonk Mountain House and Mohonk Lake, located in New Paltz, upstate New York.
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Palisades Parkway, NJ/NY
Beginning at its southern point at the George Washington Bridge, the Palisades parkway is a 38.25 mile 2-lane limited access highway (meaning you won’t see commercial trucks) eventually connecting New Jersey to upstate New York. Not only are its north and south roads home to acres of trees with gorgeous colorful leaves in the fall, there are three scenic lookout points along the way, and soon you’ll find yourself cruising alongside historic Hudson River.
Make your way up to the college town of New Paltz and eat, shop, stroll and experience some of the most vivid, colorful foliage the East coast has to offer.
Spend a night at Mohonk Mountain House, whose acres of forest will provide a feast for the eyes and the nose; enjoy their world-class buffet breakfast the next morning and the 149-year-old resort’s many amenities.
A1A highway in Florida
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Highway A1A, Florida
Whether experienced by car or motorcycle, this beach-adjacent legendary highway should be on your “must do” list when you just want to feel the wind in your hair, the sun on your face and utter freedom. An officially designated “American Byway,” this 72-mile, mostly two-lane highway connects state parks, national Monuments, sublime beaches, nature trails, boating, fishing, preserves, and estuaries.
You’ll travel through the northern boundary of St. John’s County bisecting the seaside luxury and golf mecca called Ponte Vedra Beach, and eventually find yourself in America’s oldest city, St. Augustine. Consider, too, lodging at Palm Beach’s Breakers, created in Italian Renaissance style inspired by Italian villas of the 1400s. They have 500 guest rooms, including 68 suites – two “Imperial” suites and two “Royal Poinciana”, and so much more.
A less-traveled road winds through the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in western Virginia.
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Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia
Unlike some scenic roads which were once trod by horses and buggies, the Blue Ridge Parkway was specifically designed for motorists. It’s a 219-mile-long journey if you want to do it all at once, but you can also break it down into separate trips that’ll give you plenty of time to absorb the sheer majesty of the Appalachian mountains, more than 100 bird species, 54 different mammals, wildflowers, shrubs and, of course, the mountains. Skyline Drive will connect you to the northernmost section of the Parkway, winding along the crest of the mountains from Waynesboro northward 105 miles to Front Royal.
There are lots of stop sites along the way as well, where you can park, stretch, visit the restroom and assorted exhibits, or even hike. You’ll also find campgrounds where you can fish and enjoy the wildlife and the peace and quiet.
Ride safe! JM
