The goal of a road trip is to enjoy the journey. A road trip allows you to be in control of your destination and change plans whenever you like. Road trips are a great way to clear your mind or to get some deep thinking in. Whatever your reasons, choose a highway and hit the open road. You’ll likely return a little bit different than when you started.

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The Blue Ridge Parkway

If you don’t mind windy roads and love to commune with nature, set your sights on the 450 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway found in Virginia and North Carolina. The scenic drive, from the Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is part of the National Park System. There are over 50 scenic overlooks, walking paths, museums, cabins and picnic areas along the Parkway, making it a great place to take a long drive slowly.

Texas Hill Country

Take a day or a week in the spring to travel from Brenham, TX (home of Blue Bell Ice Cream) to Lampasas (home of mineral springs used by Apaches and Comanches) and you will be astounded at the success of First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson’s Highway Beautification Act of 1965. The Texas Hill Country is awash each spring with bluebonnets (the Texas state flower), Indian blankets and evening primroses to name a few. Stop at a couple of Hill Country wineries or just pull over to the side of the road and drink in the color.

Highway 101

Sometimes the road less traveled makes all the difference – traffic wise. Highway 101, otherwise known as the Oregon Coast Highway, often plays the role of the red-headed stepchild to the more widely known Pacific Coast Highway in California but no more. The 7-hour drive from Astoria, Oregon (two hours north of Portland) down to the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. There is no shortage of pull-off parks to explore including the enchantingly named Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area where you just might see a whale, and you’ll definitely get to explore some icy cold tidepools.

I-95

If picturesque villages are to your liking, consider driving from Portsmouth, NH to Camden, ME (or vice-versa). You’ll pass through Kennebunkport, home of the Bush Family compound and yachting destination, Boothbay Harbor. Along this 2.5-hour drive, you’ll get some excellent views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Route 66

No road tripper’s bucket list would be complete without traveling at least some stretch of the immortal Route 66. Even if you can’t complete all 2000+ miles, riding from St. Louis to Amarillo (or the reverse) will put you right in the heart of Americana quaintness. Pass landmark cafes, motels, gas stations and drive-in theatres as you travel. Some buildings are mere shells of their former selves, reminding us that time marches on, while other buildings have been lovingly restored to their mid-century splendor.

There are many amazing drives across the United States featuring enchanting man or nature made wonders. Take a break from your crazy stress-filled life by choosing a route near you and taking a road trip to refresh your mind and renew your spirit.