Scenic Drives
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
September 22, 2004
My favorite part of saying goodbye to summer is greeting fall--my arms outstretched and welcoming. I think of crisp, sunny days, and chilly nights with dark blue skies and bright white stars illuminating them. I think of golden colors and rich red hues like so many tart, crisp apples. I think of acorns, pinecones, gourds, and pumpkins. Most of all, I think of hitting the road and driving on a curvy byway, heading towards the mountains or on a narrow stretch with boughs of colorful arches above. Off in the distance a would-be Monet painting leaves a unique impression in my mind. There is nothing like a scenic drive in the fall.
That’s not to say there aren't many other great times for a drive in the country, but there is something about the clarity of color so perfect out the front window, the blurry mess out the side, and the already-fading memory out the rear that makes fall special. Fall is made for poetry, apple picking, picnics, and history lessons. It's great for bike rides, long walks, leaf piles, and hot cider laced with cinnamon. It's a time for families, friends, and romance all the same. Every year, as autumn approaches, I can't wait to get back to the country.
Of course, getting there is half the fun--sometimes even most of the fun. For all you leaf-peepers out there, prepare to be dazzled. But it's about more than foliage. Enjoy the stops along the way, visit with the locals, and pickup some homey crafts and homemade victuals. Here are a few of North America's most spectacular routes for fall.
- The Southern Vermont Loop is a 104-mile drive that starts in Manchester Center. Experience the heart and soul of New England on this ride. Be sure to check out the historical Equinox resort and indulge in activities like falconry archery. Delight in the New England villages. Keep an eye out for antiques, galleries (including the Norman Rockwell Gallery in Arlington), estates with manicured lawns, historical churches, old taverns, and a covered bridge along the way.
- The Blue Ridge Parkway is over 450 miles of picturesque American countryside. Enjoy rolling hills, scenic overlooks, and the trademark red clay throughout much of the area. Starting near Charlottesville, VA and driving through to Asheville, NC, take in an astonishingly beautiful roadway that's free from roadside clutter and service stations. View waterfalls, flowers, and foliage along with sprawling vistas and country scenery. This drive traverses the Blue Ridge, Black, Craggy, Great, and Plott Balsam Mountains.
- The Alpine Loop in Utah, along state route 92 is a great stretch for nature lovers and is easily accessible from Salt Lake City. Near the loop are incredible opportunities for hiking, biking, and various animal sightings. Drive among the canyons, through part of the Uinta National Forest, Cascade Springs State Park, and the Sundance Resort area. The area offers majestic mountains, glorious fall colors, and peaceful surroundings.
- The Rideau Region of Ottawa in Canada. Venture along the eastern part of Ottawa, through the back roads of the Rideau region and waterway, and see the gorgeous Canadian countryside with full foliage blooming. Look out for festivals, old mills, museums, art studios, and magnificent old trees.
In fall, some of the most beautiful sites are right outside your doorstep, so take a look or go explore. Just be sure to make the most of the scenic country.
A few tips to remember:
- Occupancy levels are high this year and many people book in advance for leaf peeping. Make sure you know where you're staying; confirm your hotel room or campsite.
- Make sure you book with a low-price guarantee hotel.
- If you're renting a car, non-airport locations are cheaper.
- See if you can pick up your car in a different location from your return.
- Be sure to get those additional taxes and fees at the time of booking, so you'll know your total price.
For the most recent travel news check out Amy Ziff's Travel Tips from AtoZ at www.travelocity.com/atoz. If you have a question or topic you would like me to cover in a future column, please e-mail Amy Ziff at ask.amy@travelocity.com ask.amy@travelocity.com. Come back monthly to see if your question has been answered.
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