“Retirement is not the end of the road. It is the beginning of the open highway.” – Unknown
Some retirees may have seen their travel plans stalled out in the past couple of years due to COVID and COVID-related restrictions, but many are beginning to feel better about traveling this year and want to get out on the open road.[1] Road trips are a classic vacation style and a great alternative to large crowds and international travel. With so many amazing sites to see in the United States, there is sure to be something for everyone. Here are a few that may entice you to hit the road this summer.
Scenic Byway 12 – Utah – 123 miles
Scenic Byway 12 connects Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef national parks and features the vibrant sandstone of the desert as well as the meadows and pine groves of Boulder Mountain. This route can be completed in as little as 3 hours if you’re just driving through but offers plenty of sights for those who want to spend more time admiring the views. Visitors will be treated to red stone arches, unique domes, rocky bridges, slot canyons, petrified forests, ancient bristlecone pines, and much more.
Blue Ridge Parkway – Virginia-NC – 469 miles
The Blue Ridge Parkway has been nicknamed “America’s Favorite Drive” and stretches between Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. With an average speed of 45 mph, this road weaves its way along the Appalachian Mountain range past numerous hiking trails, waterfalls, wildflowers, and wildlife. The parkway itself does not run through many towns, so you’ll want to make plans to jump off the parkway and enjoy the small mountain towns for their music, dining, and shopping – and to fill up your tank. The parkway is open year-round but be aware that road closures can affect your drive and that there will be some areas without cell service. Make sure to bring a map!
Miami to Key West – Florida – 164 miles
If sun and sand are more your style, this is the road trip for you. You’ll start this adventure in the lively city of Miami, where there are plenty of restaurants, bars, and other nightlife. From there, this 4-hour trip crosses 42 bridges and the ocean via the Overseas Highway. Points of interest include the Everglades National Park, the white sand beaches and turquoise waters of Islamorada, snorkeling in Key Largo, and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park – the first underwater park in the United States.
From the desert to the mountains to the sea, there is a road trip out there for any interest. And remember, your retirement isn’t a destination; it’s a journey! Get out there and enjoy it. Click HERE to sign up for a time to meet us at Zinnia Wealth Management.
