Have you ever wanted to pack up the car, hit the open road with your best friends or loved ones, and go on an epic adventure? Well, now’s your chance. A road trip through the heartland of America is the perfect way to reconnect with what really matters – freedom, nature, and togetherness. Forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life for a while. Load up some snacks, queue up a killer road trip playlist, and point the car west. Wide open spaces, quirky roadside attractions, and stunning natural scenery await you in America’s heartland. From the Great Plains to the Rocky Mountains, a road trip adventure through Middle America will refresh your soul and remind you of the simple pleasures in life. So what are you waiting for, get started with expired passport renewal? An open road full of promise lies ahead. Start your engine – adventure calls.
Planning Your All-American Road Trip Route
Planning your perfect all-American road trip adventure starts with choosing an epic route. The U.S. has so many iconic drives that showcase all the diversity this country has to offer. Here are some of the best to consider:
Route 66
No road trip list is complete without the historic Route 66. Wind through small towns and big cities, from Chicago to LA. Stop at roadside attractions like the Blue Whale of Catoosa or Seligman’s Angel and Burro statue. Embrace nostalgia at neon-lit diners and retro motels. Route 66 captures the glory days of American road trips.
Pacific Coast Highway
For breathtaking sea cliffs, beaches, and redwood forests, cruise California’s Pacific Coast Highway. Start in San Francisco, meandering down to Los Angeles. Whale watch, kayak, or just pull over for scenic vista points. Big Sur’s dramatic coastline is a highlight.
Blue Ridge Parkway
In the fall, the Blue Ridge Parkway erupts in a sea of red, orange and yellow. Spanning North Carolina and Virginia, with hiking trails, historic sites and the highest peak on the Appalachian Trail. For rustic cabins, camping under starry skies or cozy mountain towns, the Blue Ridge Parkway is ideal.
With so many amazing American road trips to experience, you really can’t go wrong. Just pick a starting point, cue up your road trip playlist, and embark on an adventure you’ll never forget. The open road is calling – will you answer?
Finding the Best Roadside Diners and Local Eats
There’s nothing quite like finding an authentic local diner along the open road. As you cruise through Middle America, keep an eye out for these hidden gems.
Check out the parking lot for clues. If you see a mix of trucks, families, and locals, that’s usually a good sign. Once inside, look around. Are the tables filled with regulars and chatter? Is the décor straight out of the 1950s? If so, you’ve found a winner, scrutinize the menu for classic diner fare like biscuits and gravy, fried chicken, pot pies or daily blue plate specials. Comfort food reigns supreme here. Don’t be afraid to ask your server what the house specialty is – they’ll point you to a delicious dish you won’t find anywhere else.
Cash only
Some of the best diners are cash only, so be sure to have some bills on hand before you go in. It’s worth the hassle for melt-in-your-mouth pie, fresh baked bread, and sizzling griddle treats.
Diners are also the perfect place for people watching. Strike up a conversation with the folks at the counter or in the booth next to you. Locals are often happy to share insider tips on the best routes to take or points of interest along your journey.
You never know what unexpected delights you might find off the beaten path. Take a chance on that little place you pass on the outskirts of town – your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll have memories of a perfect roadside diner to savor for miles to come.
