road trips 77

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Discover fall in almost heaven.

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From ATV excursions in small towns to scenic drives across the state, West Virginia is made for everyone. Rest and relax at a world-class resort or head out for a waterfall hike. It’s all waiting for you this summer in Almost Heaven.

Chase stunning fall foliage this season aboard a scenic train ride or ATV excursion. Reconnect with friends and family in a cozy cabin. From charming small towns to flavorful farm-to-table dishes, an autumn adventure awaits in Almost Heaven.

Featured Road Trip

Get a true taste of west virginia along this memorable route.

Less than three hours outside Roanoke, this stretch of West Virginia is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Shaped by the famous New River Gorge, you’ll find plenty of riverside activities, outdoor adventures and some of the most extraordinary views. Pair that with the region’s compelling historical past and vibrant small towns, and you’ve got one very memorable trip....

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Check Out These Charming Small Towns in Almost Heaven

Get a true taste of west virginia along this memorable route, a memorable trip through the potomac highlands.

Defined by its rivers and lush forests, this region in southern West Virginia has some of the most spectacular outdoor recreation.

Explore Some of West Virginia's Most Stunning Sights

Just a short drive outside of the Washington and Baltimore metro areas, this loop through West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle is both a relaxing and enlightening weekend getaway.

You Can Take a Drive and a Dip Along This Historic Loop

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Explore lodging.

Whether you prefer a luxury retreat at a world-class resort or a rustic campsite stay under starry night skies, West Virginia has accommodations for every type of traveler. As you plan your mountain road trip, explore one-of-a-kind stays and traditional comforts along the way. The peace and solitude of Almost Heaven is just an overnight stay away.

Current Season

Blooming rhododendrons. Wildflower hikes. Rushing waterfalls. Welcome to spring in West Virginia. It's the season where Almost Heaven comes alive.

Escape the churn and burn of the daily routine and hit the road this summer. Explore wide open spaces with plenty of room to roam.

Nature works her magic every autumn in West Virginia. As the third most forested state, our country roads are vibrant with color and a sight to behold in the fall.

The wonder of winter in West Virginia is filled with untouched fallen snow, scrapes of skates along fresh ice and snow-capped mountain views you have to see to believe.

Road Trips on I-77: Mountain Lakes

The Mountain Lakes Region of West Virginia, while being the portion of the state with the smallest population, is in no shortage of beautiful scenery, a peaceful atmosphere, old-fashioned shopping venues and world-class recreational activities. Rich in Civil War history, this region combines a modern lifestyle with a timeless atmosphere; the perfect destination for anyone looking for a place where old and new collide to make for an exciting travel experience unlike any other.

Day 1 – Lewis County

Start your journey in Weston – founded as Preston in 1818 until it was changed to its current name in 1819 – a city located in Lewis County that is full of history and delicious Appalachian cuisine.

The city, once home to over 30 glass plants, held a reputation as a center for hand-blown glass. While that reputation quickly declined between 1980 and 1990 with the closure of WV Glass and Louis Glass companies, Weston is still widely known for being home to the famous Museum of American Glass . With over 20,000 unique pieces on display, this museum includes stunning feature collections from 1860 all the way to the present. Thousands of these one-of-a-kind pieces are available for purchase in the gift shop that sells everything from jams, jellies and specialty foods to pottery and other hand-crafted items. 

Feeling hungry? Stop by Thyme Bistro for a delectable lunch, highlighted by local flavors in a cozy, yet romantic environment. Opt for a flavor-packed salad or order a sandwich – this spot has something for everyone.

If you can only see one thing in Weston, you have to check out the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum located in Historic Weston. Also known as the Weston State Hospital, this place served as a home for the mentally ill in the mid-1800s. Originally designed to house a maximum of 250, the facility reached its peak in the 1950s with an astounding 2,400 patients. Changes in the treatment of mental illness and the physical deterioration of the building led to its closure in 1994, but the building remains open seasonally for historical and paranormal tours. The season typically ranges from April to November.

Make yourself at home at Stonewall Resort State Park – a popular lodge situated within 1,900 acres of park grounds – and bask in the serene atmosphere and immaculate views of the rolling West Virginia hills highlighted by the tranquil lake water that stretches through the landscape. This lodge includes three high-end restaurants, an indoor/outdoor pool, spa, an Arnold Palmer golf course, campgrounds, hiking trails and a marina with boat, kayak, and canoe rentals.

Enjoy some of the fine dining options that include fresh, creative, and Appalachian-inspired dishes to give you the complete West Virginia dining experience. Stillwaters , TJ Muskies and Lightburn’s are fan-favorite spots – each offering a different dining approach and a unique menu. Enjoy breathtaking park views at the elegant Lightburns, savor fresh flavors at Stillwaters or enjoy a casual touch at TJ Muskies.

Day 2 – Sutton

Continue your roadtrip in the quaint town of Sutton in Braxton County . You will be surprised by the array of activities waiting for you to discover.

Sutton is well known for Sutton Lake , which covers 1,440 acres and continues for 14 miles on the Elk River. The lake is sought after for its clear freshwater and diversity of fish – making this an ideal spot to cast a line. The wide open space is also great for water sports like flat water paddling, kayaking, boating, jet skiing, water skiing, wake boarding tubing and swimming. With boat rentals and lake tours from Sutton Lake Marina , you will find out why Sutton Lake is one of the most incredible U.S. destinations to rent a houseboat .

You may have heard of Mothman, but did you know that Sutton has its own monster? Learn more about the ‘Flatwoods Monster’ at The Flatwoods Monster Museum . Enjoy free admission and look at the artifacts collection, memorabilia, books and historical items on display. You can also purchase souvenirs and merchandise to make the memories last longer. To catch a weekend film or special event, Elk Theatre will deliver with a historic charm as the building dates back to the 1930s.

When you’re hungry, head to Maria’s Mexican for some authentic Mexican food. Too cool off, head to The Custard Stand – Flatwoods for a frozen treat. If you’re still hungry from dinner, you can always order a West Virginia hot dog or a bowl of their signature chili.

Day 3 – Summersville

Visit Summersville , a city located in the heart of West Virginia – known for being the site of the famous Carnifex Ferry Battle of the American Civil War. Enjoy the beauty of the pristine waters and world-class recreational activities.

Stop by Summersville Lake State Park , the state’s newest state park, and see for yourself why this destination is known as the ‘Little Bahamas of the East.’ With 2,800 acres of water and roughly 60 miles of shoreline, this lake offers activities like boating, water-skiing, swimming, fishing, scuba diving, picnicking, hunting and biking. Rock climbing and whitewater rafting are also available year-round. Document your new state park visit by taking an #AlmostHeaven swing selfie at the Almost Heaven swing!

Check out Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park , one of the oldest state parks in the United States and learn about the infamous battle that took place on September 10, 1861. Located on the rim of the Gauley River Canyon, this park stretches over 156 acres and is part of the Civil War Discovery Trail, a trail linking more than 300 historical sites across 16 different states. The park also includes picnic areas with tables and grills, a playground area, and public restrooms.

Grab a bite to eat at The Vault on Main , located right in the heart of Summersville. This restaurant and wine bar serves up a fine-dining experience in a historic former bank. Paying homage to her Northern French heritage, Chef Ambassador Libby has curated a unique menu packed with farm-to-table elements.

End your day with a cozy cabin stay at Carnifex Ferry Cabins . Take your pick from a variety of log cabins, some with enough room to comfortably accommodate up to 13 guests.

Immerse yourself in Almost Heaven history or spend your days out on the lake— all this and more awaits you in the Mountain Lakes Region of West Virginia.

This post was last updated on October 11, 2023

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Road Trips Vol. 1 No. 2--October '77 Set

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Spring ’77 shows get the ink, but the Dead’s Fall ’77 tour through some of the lesser-traveled byways of America goes toe to toe with that deservedly legendary series of performances. And by cherry-picking from three October ’77 gigs (10/11/77 in Norman, Oklahoma; 10/14/77 in Houston; 10/16 in Baton Rouge), this Road Trip offers the greatest show that never was. A great, 10-minute rendition of “Let It Grow” from Norman kicks the whole thing off, followed by a 17-minute “Sugaree” from Baton Rouge…and how about that epic, 13-minute version of “Black Peter,” also hailing from the Baton Rouge show (which contributes the lion’s share of the songs here). And for you obsessive Dead Head collectors, the Houston excerpt also captures the last time the “Help on the Way”/”Slipknot!”/”Franklin’s Tower” medley was played for six years. A 16-page booklet featuring notes by Steve Silberman accompanies this “Betty Board” recording, mastered by Jeffrey Norman and presented in HDCD sound. Great performances lifted from superior shows from one of the Dead’s best tours…hard to beat that combo! Disc One 1. Let It Grow 2. Sugaree 3. The Music Never Stopped 4. Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo 5. El Paso 6. Help on the Way 7. Slipknot! 8. Franklin’s Tower Disc Two 1. Playing in the Band 2. Drums 3. The Other One 4. Good Lovin’ 5. Terrapin Station 6. Black Peter 7. Around and Around 8. Brokedown Palace 9. Playing in the Band

Product details

• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.59 x 0.39 x 4.92 inches; 3.88 ounces
• Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Real Gone Music
• Original Release Date ‏ : ‎ 2022
• Date First Available ‏ : ‎ July 4, 2022
• Label ‏ : ‎ Real Gone Music
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0B5QQ62C8
• Country of Origin ‏ : ‎ USA
• Number of discs ‏ : ‎ 1
• #1,248 in Classic Psychedelic Rock
• #6,422 in Soundtracks (CDs & Vinyl)

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Interstate 77 (I-77) Sensations

Interstate 77 (I-77) is one of the country’s north-south arteries that in “old normal times” provides an unbroken stretch of macadam for snowbirds heading south from Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Western New York. But for those whose idea of a good trip includes the journey, it’s a gateway to its own sensational attractions. From historic Marietta, Ohio, to island travel from Parkersburg to discover one of America’s weirdest chapters and compelling views of West Virginia’s lush mountains, there are so many places to explore, travelers may want to shorten their stay at the beach in favor of taking a longer road trip through Southern Ohio and West Virginia. 

After a few hours’ drive south on I-77,  Marietta, Ohio , is an ideal stop on the banks of the Ohio River. Anyone who’s read historian David McCullough’s The Pioneers, knows Marietta was the first settlement in what was once called the Northwest Territory. Settled by Revolutionary War veterans, this charming town has outsized attractions such as Campus Martius, an interesting museum in the town’s original stockade, and the Castle, a well-preserved Gothic Revival mansion that was home to Marietta’s most prominent citizens . Locals know: Have breakfast or brunch at the Busy Bee for made-from-scratch locally sourced fare.  

One of the first exits in northern W. VA. near Parkersburg beckons visitors to  Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park .  This is a must-stop for history buffs, architecture aficionados or families who want to ride a sternwheeler or picnic on a lovely island. Named for Harman Blennerhassett, an Anglo-Irish aristocrat who settled there in the late 1790s, the Island boasts a Palladian-style mansion. After Aaron Burr killed Alexander Hamilton, he befriended the Blennerhassetts. In 1806 Harman became ensnared in a military adventure on the Island where, historians believe, Burr was raising an army to invade northern Mexico (present-day Texas.) Jefferson accused them of treason and ordered them arrested. Harman was captured and thrown into prison. Burr was tried and acquitted. Harman was eventually released, but both men were ruined. Today’s visitors may tour the mansion; plus, there’s a refreshment stand, horse-drawn wagon rides, a gift shop, picnic shelters and bicycle rentals.  Locals know: Stay or dine at Parkersburg’s elegant Blennerhassett Hotel.    

Pack a jacket for exploring the  Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine . It offers a glimpse into a culture where coal mining was a way of life for generations. The complex includes the Rahall Company Store, visitor center, coal museum, a fudge-making operation and gift shop. Visitors may descend 1,500 feet into the mine’s former working areas and learn about mining from the days of hand-loading to modern extraction methods. They might imagine what Homer Hickam’s childhood (the NASA engineer who was the subject of the movie “October Sky”) was like as they stroll through the coal company superintendent’s house, the church and school. These authentically restored structures provide an accurate depiction of coal camp life.  Locals know: Nearby New River Park campground has a pool, hiking trails and other recreational amenities.  

If you appreciate arts & crafts, peel off at exit 45 for  TAMARACK: The Best of West Virginia .  This cultural center is a circular structure near Beckley offering retail space, an art gallery, dining, a performance venue, and conference facilities. It showcases W. VA.’s finest arts & crafts, culinary and cultural heritage under one roof. Visitors may browse through juried works of art; shop for handmade pottery, quilts, and dulcimers; attend musical performances or dine on regional cuisine. Check out Tamarack’s bookstore featuring W. VA. authors, including Homer Hickam and Pearl S. Buck, author of the classic, The Good Earth.  Locals know: For a leisurely meal, dine at the Taste of W. Va. Food Court. Its chefs are trained at the famed Greenbrier Resort.  

Step back into W. VA.’s gilded age near Bluefield and drive to  Bramwell .   Once known as one of America’s wealthiest small towns, it claimed more than a dozen millionaires. Its beautiful mansions remain well-preserved. Owners of the Pocahontas Coalfield built these architectural gems in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Settled in 1885, Bramwell flourished with coal production; had a bustling train station and enjoyed a glittering social scene until the Bank of Bramwell closed in the Great Depression.  

Locals know: Visit during  Bramwell’s  semi-annual tour of Millionaire Row to see the interiors of these  grand abode s.  

These highlights will only take road trippers as far as the Virginia border, but it’s a start to discovering Interstate 77’s sensational northern section. 

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Grateful Dead Road Trips, Vol. 1, No. 2: October '77

(Grateful Dead/Rhino)

Douglas Heselgrave's #20 album for 2008

First Appeared in The Music Box , April 2008 , Volume 15, #4

Written by John Metzger

Thu April 24, 2008, 07:00 AM CDT

It’s hard to go wrong with anything that the Grateful Dead did in 1977. Even a compilation of material like Road Trips, Vol. 1, No. 2 comes out smelling like roses. Although nearly all of the shows from the era are worthy of release, the realization of this vision is impractical and commercially unviable, especially if a consistent level of sonic clarity is to be achieved. Of course, the utmost care must be taken when pulling the band’s songs out of context. In this particular instance, however, the collection’s jigsaw puzzle construction — which delicately reassembles the bits and pieces of a trio of concerts that were held within the span of five days in mid-October — arguably fares better than the full-length performances from whence they came.

In fact, one of the most intriguing aspects of the Road Trips series is its presentation. Much like its predecessor, which emphasized material from the Grateful Dead’s sojourn in the fall of 1979 , the sequencing of Road Trips, Vol. 1, No. 2 will keep the ensemble’s longtime followers feeling somewhat off-kilter and disoriented. The familiar patterns into which the group increasingly fell over the course of its career are only marginally present within the composition of the three-disc effort. Yet, this time, the overall flavor of the affair — despite its surprising twists and turns — is utterly believable. In effect, the mood that has been created evokes the same level of excitement and anticipation as the Grateful Dead’s performances once did, and the end result inevitably forces fans to view its music from a fresh perspective.

The mock first set, for example, begins with a powerfully intense rendition of Let It Grow , which undeniably serves as an attention-grabbing, opening number. The Grateful Dead aggressively attacked the tune, and the relentless blast of energy that the band used to propel the melody along its path also fueled Jerry Garcia’s exhilarating flights on guitar. Yet, for as hard as the Grateful Dead drove Let It Grow , it also pulled back at the last possible moment in order to allow the song to conclude with a gentle, mournful sigh. The fighting fury the group had demonstrated during the previous nine-plus minutes of the composition suddenly dissipated, thus echoing the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.

Sugaree , the subsequent track on Road Trips, Vol. 1, No. 2 , exhibited a yearning thirst for connection. As it progressed, its weary plea mutated into bittersweet reflection, and with every circular spiral that was sketched in notes by Garcia, the air of confident determination that lurked deep within the song grew stronger. Although Let It Grow and Sugaree were culled from two different shows, they surprisingly fit together quite nicely, and in due course, they effectively establish a tone that lingers for the duration of the endeavor.

As was the case with many of the Grateful Dead’s concerts, Road Trips, Vol. 1, No. 2 contains stories within stories and songs within songs. Moods shift and change, and passages that initially appear to be standing at odds suddenly mutate to reveal different views of a larger picture. When the wide open, majestic expanses of Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo narrow their focus to depict the tale told in El Paso , the move appears to be deliberate. Yet, there also are moments when the band seems to be driven by some greater force to find the brilliantly colored connections that lie among the rapidly firing synapses of its collective, subconscious mind.

Black Peter and Around and Around might stand, both lyrically and musically, in sharp contrast to one another. However, when the gut-wrenching anguish of Black Peter dissolves in the joyous release of Around and Around , the latter tune gains meaning from its predecessor. The end result is that the pairing, once again, draws attention to the hidden spiritual context that consistently drifted through the ensemble’s work. The descending stairway that led from Help on the Way into the darkened shadows of Slipknot! and the ascendent climb toward the ebullience of Franklin’s Tower offer microcosmic glimpses at the images of creation and destruction and Heaven and Hell that the Grateful Dead frequently painted with sound.

One certainly could argue that David Lemieux and Blair Jackson, who were responsible for deciding what songs to showcase on Road Trips, Vol. 1, No. 2 , played God by slicing, dicing, and re-sequencing the material. With careful consideration, however, they merely highlighted aspects that always have existed within the Grateful Dead’s performances. It helps, of course, that Lemieux and Jackson left a lengthy string of tunes intact from the ensemble’s October 16, 1977 concert in Baton Rouge. Yet, the progression — which shifts from the tumultuous rush of The Other One to the sprightly bounce of Good Lovin’ to the epic narrative of Terrapin Station to the gospel-hued blues of Black Peter to the explosiveness of Around and Around — is so delightfully weird that it suitably ties everything together by keeping fans on their toes.

Of Further Interest...

Grateful Dead - Dick's Picks, Volume 10: December 29-30, 1977

Grateful Dead - Dick's Picks, Volume 34: November 2 & 5, 1977

Grateful Dead - Road Trips, Vol. 1, No. 3: Summer '71

Grateful Dead - Road Trips, Vol. 1, No. 4: From Egypt with Love

Donna Jean Finds Her Groove: An Interview with Donna Jean Godchaux-MacKay

Road Trips, Vol. 1, No. 2: October '77 is NOT available from Barnes & Noble. To order, please visit the Grateful Dead Site !

1 Star: Pitiful 2 Stars: Listenable 3 Stars: Respectable 4 Stars: Excellent 5 Stars: Can't Live Without It!!

Interstate Exit Guide – I-77 Through South Carolina

Written by Jason Barnette

• June 21, 2021

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my Affiliate Disclosure here .

Long stretches of nothingness connected by moments of excitement. That is what I thought after driving Interstate 77 south from Charlotte. It’s an easy drive – mostly because few people drive it – but the monotony was almost sleep inducing. However, if you happen to be road tripping this particular interstate, there are a few worthy detours that will perk you up.

Interstate 77 only travels 91 miles through South Carolina. Connecting Charlotte and Columbia, the interstate highway is a great way to enjoy a day trip either direction.

Interstate 26

Interstate 77 unceremoniously comes to an end at Interstate 26 south of Columbia. The choice is simple: head east or west on the connecting interstate highway.

Interstate 26 North leads around the western edge of Columbia toward Spartanburg and eventually Asheville. It’s one of my favorite interstate highways to drive because of the passage through the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina.

Interstate 26 South ends in Charleston which is enough reason to get me excited every time I reach this intersection. Along the way, the interstate passes a couple of neat detours, but if any route could be even more devoid of excitement than I-77 through South Carolina, it is this section.

Interstate Exit Guide: Interstate 26 Across Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina

Congaree National Park

Exiting onto SC Highway 48 – locally called Bluff Road – you wouldn’t know South Carolina’s only national park was just half an hour away. It’s a pleasant drive along a two-lane road leading away from Columbia. Soon enough, you’ll see the entrance sign to the unique park.

Congaree National Park is the only national park in the country built entirely around a swamp. It’s not a bad place to explore – especially if you’re just looking for a minor detour from driving – and there are several trails to help you with that.

The 2.4-mile Boardwalk Loop Trail is the most popular hiking trail in the national park. Starting at the visitor center, the trail continues along an elevated boardwalk, then a lower boardwalk, eventually giving way to a gravel path. It’s a peaceful escape that takes about an hour to leisurely walk.

Hiking Trails in Congaree National Park

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Columbia, South Carolina

The state capital of South Carolina is a fantastic place to spend a weekend – one of my favorite getaways in the state. At the heart of the downtown area, the South Carolina State House is a gorgeous place to take a guided tour or walk the hiking trails around the building.

You’ll find plenty of great restaurants along Gervais and Main Streets. Motor Supply Company features a fantastic brunch menu along with a dinner menu that changes depending on the local market. Grill Marks cooks up one of the best burgers in the city – but you have to try one of their signature Freakshakes for dessert. Next door, Twisted Spur Brewing Company offers a great menu of craft beer to go along with some food.

5 Sensational Local Places for Brunch in Columbia, SC

On Main Street, Bourbon is a restaurant in an old building filled with solid wood panels and comfortable booths – but you’ll have to fight a crowd to get a seat at this popular restaurant. Cantina 76 offers more seating just down the street if you enjoy delicious tacos. On Saturday mornings, Main Street is closed to vehicles are vendors set up tables and tents for the Soda City Market – a great place to find local arts and crafts, clothing, and baked goods.

While in Columbia, be sure to visit the South Carolina State Museum . Three floors of exhibits detail the history of the state from the Charles Town colony through modern times – including a recreation of the Best Friend of Charleston locomotive and a giant shark. EdVenture Children’s Museum next door is a great hands-on museum for children that would make for an entertaining afternoon stop. Along the banks of the Saluda River, Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is a fantastic escape into the wild with a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden in a comfortable setting.

Experience Columbia 1010 Lincoln Street, Columbia, SC | 803-545-0000 | www.experiencecolumbiasc.com

Where to Stay in Columbia

With the State Capitol, Fort Jackson, and University of South Carolina crammed into the expanses of the city, it goes without saying there are a lot of hotels. But I said it anyway. Here are some favorites during a trip through the area.

Holiday Inn & Suites The Holiday Inn chain has always been top notch and this is no different. All the rooms have been renovated with modern furniture and décor to provide a comfortable visit to the city. Connecting rooms allow families a little more privacy (and separation from the ones who snore).

Hampton Inn This hotel is in a great location beside the interstate to quickly access all the Christmas events in the city. They feature several rooms with a sleeper sofa so you can bring the entire family. The breakfast spread in the morning is pretty impressive and will get your day started off right.

Hyatt Place This is where I stayed during my week of discovering Christmas in Columbia. It was a super comfortable and convenient location for exploring downtown, The Vista, and Five Points during all the Christmas events. A full-service bar and restaurant in the lobby offered a chance to get a meal without having to dress up and go out.

Interstate 20

Hopping on Interstate 20 at this intersection can lead to some great adventures across South Carolina and the southern in general.

Take an eastward turn to visit Camden – the oldest inland city in the state – and discover the history of the Revolutionary War. Continue eastbound to Interstate 20’s terminus in Florence and begin the adventure along U.S. Highway 501 into Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand.

Heading west, Interstate 20 passes through Augusta, Georgia, just across the state line – and the Savannah River. The interstate continues across much of the south, eventually coming to an end near Odessa, Texas. 

Sesquicentennial State Park

Sesquicentennial State Park was built in celebration of South Carolina’s 150 th birthday in 1940. The gorgeous state park is an oasis of outdoor recreation just half an hour from downtown Columbia.

Centered around a large man-made lake, the park features picnic shelters, bicycling and hiking trails, a splash pad, and plenty of chances to just sit by the lake and watch kayakers and ducks jockey for position on the water. The enormous campground has all the amenities you could want and the camp store is fairly well stocked with last-minute items and souvenirs.

Ridgeway, South Carolina

It would be entirely too easy to zip along the interstate highway and miss an opportunity to explore this charming small town. ­Ridgeway – with a population of just 319 – is a pleasant detour for food and shopping, and not much else.

The Palmer Street Market is the place to find new items like home décor and clothing. The Cotton Yard Market is the place for antiquing with a constantly shifting selection of eclectic items. Over the Top Boutique , the only clothing store in town, has a selection of fine clothing and jewelry.

Olde Town Hall Restaurant & Pub is a good place to get something to eat. The casual restaurant serves gourmet pizzas, burgers, and signature steaks in the historic building that once served as the town hall. My recommendation for lunch in Ridgeway is the charming and peaceful Laura’s Tea Room . The main attraction is Afternoon Tea or High Tea, but I visited for lunch where I enjoyed a bowl of creamy potato soup and grilled pimento cheese sandwich.

9 Small Towns (and 1 Small City) You Need to Visit in South Carolina’s Olde English District

Carolina Adventure World

Tucked away in a wooded area just five minutes from the interstate, Carolina Adventure World is one of the most exciting outdoor recreation experiences in South Carolina. The park is a 2,600-acre haven for ATV, UTV, and dirt bike riding. One hundred miles of custom trails offer everything from an evening in the woods to heart pounding excitement.

The park features a campground with full hookups and rental log cabins for the perfect overnight adventure. With rental equipment and a retail store, they have everything you need for an amazing experience.

1515 Arrowhead Road, Winnsboro, SC | 803-482-3534 | www.carolinaadventureworld.net

Olde English District

The Olde English District spans seven counties in the northern portion of South Carolina. The district includes Camden – the oldest inland city in the state – which lends the name “olde” to the tourism region.

Despite the age of Camden and many of the local communities, the district is vibrant with day trip activities. Interstate 77 dissects the district, offering many opportunities to hop off and back on again with short adventures.

Road Trip Through the Olde English District of South Carolina

The Olde English District Visitor Center is located just off the interstate in Richburg. The visitor center has lots of information about attractions, dining, and lodging in the area and usually has staff to answer questions.

Olde English District Visitor Center 3200 Commerce Drive Suite A, Richburg, SC | 1-803-385-6800 | www.oldeenglishdistrict.com

Landsford Canal State Park

The rocky shoals spider lilies are one of the most stunning natural displays in the country, and one of the few places they can be found is Landsford Canal State Park . Each year around mid-May through mid-June thousands of spider lilies bloom in the shoals of the Catawba River. A 2.5-mile roundtrip hike leads to the Lily Viewing Area. The rest of the year visitors can enjoy easy hiking trails and kayaking on the Catawba River.

Discovering the Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies at Landsford Canal State Park in South Carolina

Andrew Jackson State Park

Nobody really knows exactly where President Andrew Jackson was born, but the closest anyone has gotten is the land where Andrew Jackson State Park now covers. The very nice museum takes visitors on a journey through Jackson’s childhood growing up in the Waxhaws area of the Carolinas and throughout his presidency.

The most interesting part of the museum is the explanation of a scar on his face I had never really noticed from any of his official portraits. Without spoiling anything for your road trip adventure all I will say is it involved a pivotal encounter with a British officer during the Revolutionary War and would have a lifelong impact on Jackson.

Rock Hill, South Carolina

On the surface, Rock Hill has become a booming town for athletic competitions and in 2019 became the new home for the Carolina Panthers pro football team. But after visiting a few times and digging just below the surface I found a peaceful, charming small town at the heart of the biggest city in the Olde English District.

The Old Town Rock Hill district covers much of downtown and there is plenty to see and do. Newsstand Record & Books is one of the few vinyl record shops I have come across in my travels. Just down the street is Friends Books on Main , a used bookstore selling books from the local library. The Main Street Bottle Company was a wonderful place to get a drink and then shop for local craft beer in six packs.

10 Awesome Things to Do in Rock Hill, South Carolina

When you get hungry, I have the perfect plan for you. It starts with dinner. Choose between wood fired pizza at Millstone Pizza and Taproom or gourmet burgers from Flipside Restaurant ; they are next door to each other if that makes the decision easier. Then walk down the street to get a sweet treat at Amelie’s French Bakery & Cafe . It’s the perfect way to end any day in Rock Hill.

If you visit Rock Hill on a third Friday from May through October, you’ll likely find the streets surrounding Fountain Park closed off, filled with food trucks and tasting tents, and packed with locals having a good time. Food Truck Friday is one of my favorite events held in the city and almost makes it worth a weekend visit just for the local food and craft beer.

Visit York County 130 East Main Street, Rock Hill, SC | 803-329-5200 | https://www.visityorkcounty.com/

Where to Stay in Rock Hill

Rock Hill is a growing city – and that includes the options for hotels. There is no hotel downtown, yet, so you’ll have to find one along the interstate highway.

La Quinta is another hotel I always recommend in this area. Their comfortable rooms include a suite with either two queen beds or a king bed along with a sleeper sofa for traveling families. A pretty good breakfast is included, and they have an outdoor swimming pool.

My top recommendation for hotel in Rock Hill is Hampton Inn . Comfortable rooms, great service, and they have one of the best free hot breakfast spreads of any hotel I’ve ever visited.

Another great hotel is Holiday Inn . Along with comfortable rooms this hotel has an indoor swimming pool, but you’ll have to fork over $20 for breakfast in the morning.

Fort Mill, South Carolina

Don’t feel overwhelmed when you exit the interstate – it’s a corporate menagerie here! Once you get through the traffic congestion – everyone trying to get to one of the chain restaurants – you’ll find the quaint downtown of Fort Mill.

Just 15 miles south of Charlotte, the quaint town of Fort Mill is a welcome break from the concrete jungle of the big city with a return to rolling hills, vibrant trees, and a slow southern pace. 

Start with a visit to the Fort Mill History Museum to learn about the Catawba Indians who once called the area home, the founding of the town in the late 1800s, and the booming textile industry that is still a major employer. Take a walk down Main Street for window shopping or hop inside to do some actual shopping. Pay a visit to Amor Artis Brewing to sample their craft beer, then head next door to The Improper Pig for a wonderful meal.

The PuckerButt Pepper Company is the hottest place in town to visit (almost literally). In 2013, owner Ed Currie was awarded the Guinness World Records title for World’s Hottest Chili. The Carolina Reaper , a perfect name if ever one existed, is grown is the Fort Mill area of the Carolinas and measured a whopping 1.64 million Scoville Heat Units. Hop inside this small store on Main Street to sample that chili and many others and decide which to take home.

Where to Stay in Fort Mill

About halfway between Charlotte and Rock Hill, Fort Mill has been growing as an unofficial suburb of the Queen City. There aren’t many options for hotels, but they’re still fantastic for spending a night or two.

Courtyard by Marriott is an excellent choice for traveling families because most of their rooms include a sleeper sofa. In fact, they even have a suite with two queen beds and a sleeper sofa that can sleep six. Along with an outdoor swimming pool, free parking, and on-site bar, this would be a great overnight stay.

Tru by Hilton is a better place for traveling couples or solo travelers to spend the night. The rooms vary between one or two king or queen beds. There is no swimming pool, restaurant, or bar on site. But it’s a tad bit more affordable and still easily accessible from the interstate highway.

Carowinds is the only amusement theme park in the Carolinas – and the locals are very fond of it. The park has been offering thrill rides, waterpark adventures, and fantastic day trip getaways for decades. Heart pounding rollercoasters are certainly the main attraction, but you’ll also find bumper cars, gentle rides, and opportunities just to sit back and relax.

Arrive early to make the most of the day. The summer months are the most popular and cause horrific traffic congestion along the interstate highway at the exit. Check the Carowinds Daily Ticket website for daily prices and discounts. Buy a day pass in advance to take advantage of deals and get you through the entrance a little faster when you arrive.

Where to Stay at Carowinds

The Best Western is a more budget-friendly option. The hotel includes rooms with a single king bed or two queen beds. The hotel has a swimming pool and offers free continental breakfast.

The Comfort Inn has the best outdoor swimming pool for any nearby hotels and includes a pretty good breakfast with the rooms. Rooms features either a single king bed or two queen beds.

SpringHill Suites is a brand-new hotel for 2020. The luxury hotel has rooms with two queen beds or a suite with one king bed and a sleeper sofa for traveling families. The hotel includes a swimming pool, free parking, and breakfast.

Carowinds Camp Wilderness is an awesome opportunity to spend the night camping in your RV or sleeping in a cozy two-bedroom cabin. The park features 15 cabins, two of them accessible, and almost two hundred campsites with full hookups.

2 Responses

Enjoying your commentary on 77. Can you help us identify the lovey pink flowered trees along the highway?

Carissa, this is a difficult question because there are LOTS of pink flowers along highways! However, if you’re in the south this time of year it’s likely to be azaleas. Large, leafy bushes with vibrant blooms throughout spring.

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• South Carolina : 91 miles
• North Carolina : 106 miles
• Virginia : 70 miles
• West Virginia : 188 miles
• Ohio : 160 miles

Major interchanges on I-77

• I-26 in Columbia , SC
• I-20 in Columbia, SC
• I-85 in Charlotte , NC
• I-40 in Statesville , NC
• I-81 in Wytheville , VA
• I-64 in Beckley , WV
• I-79 in Charleston , WV
• I-70 in Cambridge, OH
• I-76 in Akron , OH
• I-80 in Brecksville, OH
• I-90 in Cleveland , OH

• King Tut Drive-In (Beckley, WV): Who doesn’t love an old-fashioned drive-in? Since the 1940s, this quirky drive-in has served comfort favorites like burgers, wraps, pizza, soups, and so much more. They are open daily from 10:30 am to 11 pm. 
• Campestre Mexican Bar & Grill (Beckley, WV): If you’re looking for a little spice, check out this vegetarian-friendly restaurant. Choose from enchiladas, quesadillas, and fajitas, among other south-of-the-border meals. 
• Georges’ Taps & Italian Grill (Beaver, WV): Enjoy pizza for lunch or dinner at this tasty little Italian restaurant. Georges also has an assortment of appetizers, fresh salads, and burgers as well. They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm, but close at 8 pm on Sundays.  
• 131 MAIN Restaurant (Cornelius, NC): Serving New American dishes,131 MAIN has everything from simple salads and sandwiches to hearty entrees like Maryland-style crab cakes and Danish baby back ribs. They are open daily at 11 am and close at 9:30 pm. 
• Skyland Family Restaurant (Charlotte, NC): This family-friendly restaurant is open 24 hours, so you’ll have a main, breakfast, and late-night menu to contend with! Choose from an extensive list of appetizers, salads, specialty sandwiches, and all-day breakfast.

Pro Tip Before driving down I-77, check the hours of restaurants you want to visit before you hit the road. There’s nothing worse than craving a certain scrumptious meal only to show up at an empty restaurant. 

• Cleveland Museum of Art in Cleveland, OH
• Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park in Parkersburg, WV
• Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine in Beckley, WV
• Tamarack in Beckley, WV
• Carowinds Amusement Park in Charlotte, NC 
• Riverbanks Zoo & Garden in Columbia, SC
• Landsford Canal State Park in Catawba, SC

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Hi all! I'm taking my family on a road trip down to Hilton Head island in a couple weeks. It looks like i-77 will be our route for most of the drive until we hit Columbia. From there, it looks like i-26 and i-95. We will be leaving very early in the morning as we have two very young kids and hope that they will continue sleeping for the first, dark leg of the trip. They will probably be awake 3.5-4.5 hours into the trip, so our first stop will probably be the Beckley or Rocky Gap rest stop.

I'm specifically looking for recommendations on parks and rest stops along the way. We will be trying to avoid indoor spaces, so large rest stops with lots of outdoor picnic tables or grass space (we will have our own picnic blanket, chairs, and food for the journey) or park areas adjacent to an exit are ideal. We aren't interested in going far off the highway unless there is something particularly noteworthy (and even then, probably 10 miles max). We have an active 3 year old and a 9 month old baby, so we will be making fairly frequent stops after the first leg of the journey and want to give them an opportunity to move around as much as possible. Thank you in advance for your help!

Just stick to rest areas. You can google I-77 rest areas for specifics. Don’t overthink it.

Been up and down I77/I26/I95 way too many times. Can probably drive it with my eyes closed. Beckley is a good stop as there are plenty of hotels and restaurants just off I95 at exit 44. Wytheville could be an acceptable second choice. Rocky Gap, not so much in the way of travel amenities (hotels, restaurants) As mentioned, state rest stops are your best bet, and N. Carolina has the best, in my opinion. Not sure what is happening with covid restrictions. Please drive safe and stay safe. Enjoy your travels.

Correction....Beckley exit 44 is off I77 not I95 (must have had a senior moment)

Just north of Charlotte, near Cornelius there are a couple of nice parks, not far from I-77. I imagine you will take the west bypass around Charlotte and the east bypass around Columbia. Both cities have heavy traffic through the center of town so its a good idea to take the bypass. Once on I-26 there is not a lot between Columbia and I-95. As stated there are some decent rest areas. Orangeburg will be about the only city in between with a number of restaurants, etc. Other towns are tiny along there and not many of them.

Once on I-95 you can check around Walterboro or Yemassee for a place to stretch. There is a state park by Canady's just north of Walterboro but I imagine by then you will just be wanting to get to your destination.

Thanks for the suggestions! The state park near Canady looks great, but you're right, we are hoping we won't be making any (long) stops at that point! We definitely will be stopping north of Charlotte as it looks like a couple exits have parks along the lake and a nearby Starbucks. Thank you very much!

Done this trip numerous times over the years from Pgh. to Wilmington NC. One stop we always make is the New River visitor center just north of Beckley. Lots of open areas, picnic tables, clean restrooms and if not too crowded, there is a short walk (although steps are involved) to a great overlook of the New River and bridge.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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21 Incredible Road Trips in the U.S.

Whether you’re looking for sweeping views of the pacific ocean or a multiday adventure through national parks, these road trips provide plenty of opportunities to explore the united states..

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Glacier National Park is one of many scenic places you can visit on an American road trip.

Photo by Zack Frank / Shutterstock

In a country as large as the United States, there’s no shortage of destinations and detours to explore by car. Whether your idea of the perfect American road trip entails an epic, cross-country journey or a shorter jaunt through a few of its most iconic national parks , your options are as large and varied as the country itself.

From scenic drives along wildflower-dotted coasts to routes that help you learn more about America’s history, the following U.S. road trips allow you to enjoy the detours as much as the final destination. No matter your mode of transportation—be it van, RV, motorcycle, or four-door sedan—these are 21 of the best road trips in the nation to consider.

Cross-country road trips in the U.S.

Plan your next Route 66 trip around thirst-quenching stops.

Photo by Peek Creative Collective/Shutterstock

There are many ways to do a cross-country road trip in the USA, but these two itineraries will take you through some truly iconic American places.

1. Bangor, Maine, to Seattle, Washington: The Great Northern on U.S. Route 2

Covering both the U.S. and Canada, a cross-country trip along U.S. 2 is ideal for anyone who wants to experience the vast diversity and expansiveness of North America. This drive runs the entire top border of the U.S. and showcases otherworldly natural wonders like Acadia National Park in Maine, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin, and Mackinac Island in Michigan. The route also passes through Canada, taking road-trippers through Ontario into Quebec—this route may focus on nature, but you won’t want to miss a stop in Montreal or Ottawa.

You’ll also get to explore Montana and Glacier National Park ( reservations required ) before passing the Columbia Plateau and ending in the Pacific Northwest’s largest city, Seattle. Don’t miss spending time in the Olympic Peninsula (home to Olympic National Park) for a peek at one of the most scenic places on the West Coast.

2. Chicago to Los Angeles: A Whiskey Road Trip on Route 66

It doesn’t get more American than a 2,000-mile drive along the entirety of Route 66. And to take your cross-country road trip to the next level, we recommend exploring another American pastime—whiskey.

Starting in Chicago and ending in L.A., you’ll stop by some of the leading craft distilleries in the United States, like Few Spirits in Chicago, Still 630 in St. Louis, and Red Fork Distillery in Tulsa. In between tastings, make time for detours to natural attractions, like the Grand Canyon, and quirky roadside attractions, like Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas. Just remember to drink responsibly—this is a road trip after all.

Plan your trip

The full itinerary: Put a New Twist on Route 66—Make It an American Whiskey Road Trip

Shorter road trips throughout the U.S.

Not all of us have the time to drive cross-country. Fortunately there are plenty of amazing, shorter road trip routes (ranging from three days to a week or longer): classic California itineraries , New England routes that shine especially well in the fall, scenic East Coast adventures, and a variety of Midwest journeys for folks farther from the coasts.

3. Dana Point to San Francisco: Driving California’s Pacific Coast Highway

The seemingly endless views of the Pacific Ocean along Highway 1 (also known as the Pacific Coast Highway) are what road trip dreams are made of, and exactly what makes this California road trip so popular. However, with so many stops along the 655-mile stretch, we pulled together a list of the ones well worth pulling over to view. Don’t miss the perfect surfing waves in Santa Cruz, seasonal cuisine in Malibu, an afternoon a the boardwalk in Santa Monica, or a night in Big Sur as you drive between Dana Point (just south of Los Angeles) and San Francisco.

• The full itinerary: The Best Stops for a Road Trip on the Pacific Coast Highway
• The AFAR Guide to San Francisco

4. Big Sur to Mono County: A Literary Road Trip Through Northern California

Yes, this itinerary requires you actually put down your book to drive, but seeing some of the pivotal places that shaped American authors will be so worth it. Follow in the footsteps of writers like Jack Kerouac, Maya Angelou, and Amy Tan on this road trip that takes you through literary landmarks in Northern California, such as Caffe Trieste, a meeting place for Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, Alan Watts, and other bohemian writers and thinkers. This 12-stop itinerary is perfect if you live in the San Francisco Bay Area because you’ll be able to stay relatively close to home.

The full itinerary: The California Road Trip All Book Lovers Should Take

5. Phoenix to the Grand Canyon: An Iconic Arizona Road Trip

This 240-mile Arizona road trip takes travelers along some of the state’s most iconic highlights, including its most famous one, the Grand Canyon. A great itinerary for first-time visitors and returning travelers alike, it offers plenty of opportunities for scenic drives, hiking, and biking—as well as tasty food along the way. Hike the 2,704-foot-tall Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale or take in the beautiful red rocks of Sedona on a hike to Cathedral Rock while exploring the Grand Canyon State.

• The full itinerary: The Classic 5-Day Arizona Road Trip
• Grand Canyon guide: The First-Timer’s Guide to the Grand Canyon
• Where to eat in Phoenix: A Chef’s Guide to the Best Restaurants
• Where to stay: The Best Hotels in Arizona ; The Best Airbnbs in Sedona

The Delicate Arch living up to its name in Utah’s Arches National Park.

Photo by tusharkoley / Shutterstock

6. Zion to Grand Canyon: A National Parks Road Trip in the Southwest

If you’re looking to visit as many national parks as possible in one road trip, this southwestern itinerary is for you. This journey through Utah and Arizona lets you hike Angel’s Landing in Zion, feel tiny under Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, explore Fairyland Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon, and, of course, raft down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. Most visitors to the Grand Canyon remain on the rim, but we recommend staying at least four days to venture within the canyon and take advantage of the trails and river rafting.

• The full itinerary: The Ideal Road Trip Through U.S. National Parks
• Utah’s 8 Best National Parks and Monuments
• 10 Best National Parks and Monuments in Arizona
• The First-Timer’s Guide to the Grand Canyon

7. San Juan Scenic Skyway Road Trip: An Adventure Through Southwestern Colorado

This Colorado trip takes you along the 232-mile loop of the San Juan Scenic Skyway, where you will see plenty of alpine forests, mining towns, and craggy peaks. And for anyone looking to enjoy refreshments after a long day of driving, this route features many opportunities to stop at some of the best breweries in Colorado , such as Ska Brewing Co. in Durango.

• The full itinerary: The Ultimate Southwestern Colorado Road Trip

In small-town Buena Vista, the riverfront Surf Hotel offers front-row seats to Colorado-style adventure seekers.

Courtesy of the Surf Hotel

8. Denver to Montrose: A 420-Mile Road Trip Through Colorado

Want to explore even more of the Centennial State? Head out on this weeklong road trip where you can fish for salmon in Colorado’s largest reservoir, visit numerous small towns, like Paonia and Crawford, with thriving art scenes along the Colorado Creative Corridor , and explore Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, one of the least visited national parks in the nation.

• The full itinerary: Art Stars, High-Altitude Wines, and a Remote National Park: The Ultimate Colorado Road Trip
• Where to stay: The Best Hotels in Colorado
• The AFAR Guide to Denver

9. Portland to Astoria: An Oregon Coast Road Trip for Outdoor Lovers

If you love the outdoors, then this six-day road trip along the coast of Oregon is for you. After driving to Coos Bay from Portland, travelers will meander along Oregon’s dramatic, rocky coastline, discovering some quintessentially Pacific Northwest vistas along the way: evergreen forests, seaside dunes, and marine ecosystems. Between stops, there are ample opportunities to stretch your legs hiking, kayaking, or strolling around the region’s small towns—like the historic old town in Florence.

Of course, it wouldn’t be an Oregon road trip without a stop (or three) at a craft brewery, such as Fort George Brewery in Astoria, or cozy coffee shop, like Bread & Roses in Yachats.

• The full itinerary: An Outdoor Lover’s Road Trip on the Oregon Coast
• The AFAR Guide to Portland

The State Capitol Building in Nashville marks the end of this road (trip).

Photo by photo.ua / Shutterstock

10. Seneca Falls, New York, to Nashville, Tennessee: Follow the Path of the Women’s Suffrage Movement

Starting in New York’s Finger Lakes region and ending at the State Capitol Building in Nashville, this road trip traces the route of the national women’s suffrage movement. Highlights include stops at the Susan B. Anthony Museum & House ; Union Square in New York City, which was the site of the first suffrage march; and the Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument in Washington, D.C.

• The full itinerary: Celebrate Women’s Suffrage on an Epic, Self-Guided Road Trip
• Where to stay: The Best Hotels in Nashville
• The AFAR Guide to Nashville
• The AFAR Guide to Washington, D.C.

11. Charlottesville to Asheville: A Scenic Road Trip Through Virginia and North Carolina

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the country. Beginning in the soft hilly meadows of the Appalachian Mountains from Shenandoah National Park down into the Blue Ridge Mountains, then into the Great Smoky Mountains, this five-day road trip is best done at a slower pace, which is perfect for admiring the dramatic outlooks and green plateaus. This eclectic itinerary features stops at an art museum, a dairy farm, and plenty of hiking trails.

• The full itinerary: The Ultimate Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip
• Where to stay: 12 Dreamy Blue Ridge Mountain Cabins You Can Rent on Airbnb and Vrbo

Dowa:kwe dance group from Zuni Pueblo in 2019

Courtesy of Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

12. Albuquerque to Las Cruces: Discover New Mexico on This Three-Day Road Trip

This route steers you away from New Mexican tourist hot spots like Taos and Santa Fe and instead takes you on a three-day adventure with places that teach you about Pueblo history. You’ll stop at Indian Pueblo Kitchen (formerly known as Pueblo Harvest), a restaurant inside the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center that features Indigenous cuisine ; pick up peppers at Three Brothers in Hatch; and slide down the dunes in White Sands National Park.

The full itinerary: This New Mexico Road Trip Is the Perfect Introduction to the Land of Enchantment

13. A Five-Day Scenic Road Trip Through Texas Hill Country

This Texas road trip starts and ends in San Antonio with stops in small towns like Bandera, Boerne, and Sabinal. Over five days, you’ll find opportunities to stroll in a Japanese tea garden in San Antonio, relax along the Sabinal and Frio Rivers by inner tube, and eat as many tacos as you want. Seriously: You could eat tacos for every meal on this road trip and not get tired of them.

The full itinerary: Tree Houses, Tubing, and Tacos: The Ultimate Texas Hill Country Road Trip

Mount McKinley looms large on a drive through Denali National Park.

Photo by warnsweet / Shutterstock

14. A Weeklong Road Trip Through Alaska’s Most Majestic Sights

This weeklong drive in Alaska starts and ends in Anchorage. You travel along four scenic byways; explore Wrangell–St. Elias wilderness, the largest U.S. national park; catch sight of Denali, the tallest peak in North America; and enjoy the surprisingly stellar food scene of McCarthy, a one-road town with only a couple dozen residents.

• The full itinerary: Glaciers, Mountain Peaks, and Organic Farms: The Ultimate Alaska Road Trip
• Which Alaska National Parks Should You Visit?

15. Boise to Sun Valley: Explore Idaho’s Scenic Byways

Even a short road trip can be packed with adventure, good food, and scenery, which is exactly what this trip from Boise to Sun Valley along Idaho’s Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway offers. Although the drive only takes six hours, we recommend taking a few days to explore all the stops and detours along the way. One can’t-miss spot is the Kirkham Hot Springs , where you can stand under a waterfall that will splash you with 135-degree mineral water year-round.

• The full itinerary: The Little-Known Idaho Road Trip You Need to Drive
• Things to do: The Best Outdoorsy Things to Do in Idaho

16. Duluth to Grand Portage State Park: A Scenic Minnesota Sampler

Although there are many appealing road trips throughout the Midwest, this 143-mile, three-hour circuit, which starts and ends in Duluth, Minnesota, is worth keeping in mind. Meandering north on MN-61 with this itinerary, you will enjoy prime views of Lake Superior and towns like Grand Marais, as well as Grand Portage State Park, home to waterfalls, hiking trails, and opportunities to learn about the Ojibwe community who occupy the land today. Once back in Duluth, enjoy a beer at Canal Park Brewing Company before checking into the waterfront Canal Park Lodge nearby.

The AFAR Guide to Minnesota

Wind your way through colorful foliage in New Hampshire

Photo by Shutterstock

17. Kancamagus Highway: A Quintessential New England Drive

Yes, you can take a road trip in New England at any time of the year , but this region shows off its best colors in the fall, when locals and tourists alike head out into the country to view the changing colors of the trees. Join other admirers of fall foliage on this popular, 56-mile road trip along New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway, colloquially known as the “Kanc,” for picturesque ponds, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks.

Plan Your Fall Getaway With This Peak Foliage Prediction Map

18. Maine’s “Lobster Trail”: Travel Route 1 Along the Coast

Traveling Route 1, affectionately known as “the lobster trail,” along Maine’s storied, jagged coastline is an exercise in indulgence. Sample lobster dishes in all forms—buttered, steamed, on a roll, or even in a decadent mac-and-cheese.

The trip starts in the quaint small town of Ogunquit, with its rare (for the area) 3.5 miles of white-sand beach. Make your first lobster of the journey count, steamed with a side of drawn butter at Barnacle Billy’s in picturesque Perkins Cove harbor. Stop at Big Daddy’s for a cone on your way to the shipbuilding center—and summer home of George H. W. Bush—Kennebunkport. Stay at the recently redesigned 150-year-old classic White Barn Inn , and consider a sailing trip for an afternoon. With lobsters cooked in ocean water, the legendary lobster roll at the Clam Shack is a must.

8 Scenic East Coast Road Trips to Take This Year

Throughout North Carolina’s Piedmont region, innovative restaurants, shops, and restaurants like Leah & Louise in Charlotte, above, are creating a buzz.

Photo by Peter Taylor Photography

19. Raleigh to Charlotte: A 4-Day Trip Through North Carolina’s Reinvented Core

North Carolina’s Piedmont region extends from the coastal plain to the Blue Ridge Mountains , and includes farmland and rolling wooded hills, especially on the 1-40 stretch near Hillsborough. Starting in Raleigh, drive the short distances to Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Charlotte to see how these cities are innovating through art, food, and a celebration of the past. Take your time—four days should do—to experience downtown arts districts, James Beard Award–winning restaurants, and civil rights museums that speak truths. Plan your trip A Road Trip Through North Carolina’s Reinvented Core

20. Scenic Highway 30A: A Sunday Drive Through South Walton, Florida

Florida is full of places to cruise with the top down, but it’s hard to beat a Sunday (or any day) drive along Scenic Highway 30A through northwest Florida, home to a postcard-perfect stretch of seaside towns known as South Walton.

The roughly 28-mile route through South Walton County kisses the coast for nearly all its length, taking you through gorgeous residential Gulf-front communities like Rosemary Beach, Grayton Beach, and Blue Mountain Beach. Roll down the windows and let the emerald-hued views in.

Pull over to explore, too—maybe to admire the New Urbanism architecture in Alys Beach or to swim in the clear waters at Grayton Beach State Park . (The beach here has been lauded among the best in the world.)

The full itinerary: The Florida Road Trip You’ve Been Missing

Stand-up paddle boarding is just one way to enjoy a Florida Keys sunset.

Shutterstock

21. The Florida Keys: An Island-Hopping Getaway

For a sunny road trip itinerary in Florida, skip Miami and head farther south. Beginning in Key Largo and ending in Key West, the Florida Keys Scenic Highway is often overlooked for more well-known routes up north, but it is well worth going out of your way to experience.

As the name suggests, this route is very scenic, so plan to spend at least a few days exploring it and numerous stops along the way. Some highlights include driving across the impressive Overseas Highway, stopping to admire art in the town of Islamorada, and enjoying the historic sites, food, and (of course) beaches in the city of Key West.

The full itinerary: How to Road Trip in the Lesser-Known Florida Keys

Additional road trip planning resources

Picking the route for your road trip is only one part of your planning. From what snacks to pack to which podcasts to listen to, these additional resources will help you prepare for your next adventure:

• Best road trip snacks
• Road trip planning apps
• Podcasts and audiobooks to download
• What to pack for a road trip

This article originally appeared online in August 2020. It was most recently updated on April 19, 2023, to include current information. Additional reporting by Jessie Beck, Erika Owen, Ray Rogers, Terry Ward, and Sheryl Nance-Nash.

Love Exploring

30 Classic American Road Trips The Whole Family Will Love

Posted: February 21, 2024 | Last updated: February 21, 2024

Hitting the road together

There’s a lot to consider when planning a road trip with all the family, especially if young kids are involved. There's all the extra gear you need to somehow fit into the car or RV, and making sure there will be enough activities to keep everyone happy. Most importantly, though, you need a journey that brings smiles to faces with incredible views and fun stuff to do along the route. Here are some of the best road trips across America to suit families, from nature lovers to alien hunters.

Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway, New York

Of the 11 spindly stretches of water that make up New York’s Finger Lakes, Cayuga is perhaps the easiest to explore via car. It’s skimmed by an 87-mile (140km) scenic byway that’s designed to be taken at a leisurely pace. Running from Seneca Falls in the north to Ithaca in the south and looping around the opposite shore, Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway is ideal for families seeking a mix of outdoor adventures, pretty scenery and cute villages to explore.

You could do it in a day or even a couple of hours, but that would mean missing out on fun such as exploring the water via boat or kayak, pottering around art studios and quirky shops in Ithaca and lunching at one of the wineries just off the byway.  Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge , home to bald eagles and waterfowl, is a particular highlight, as is the 215-foot (66m) cascade in Taughannock Falls State Park.

George Parks Highway, Alaska

You could drive long stretches of George Parks Highway and barely see another soul or vehicle, which makes it better suited to families with older children. It’s the perfect adventure for outdoorsy types, thanks to its 323 miles (520km) of awe-inspiring wilderness. It will take a full afternoon at least (including stop-offs) but it's well worth it. Running between the cities of Anchorage and Fairbanks, it skirts the eastern edge of Denali National Park, before cutting across a corner of the six million-acre wilderness.

As the only road that ventures into Denali, the highway provides an accessible way to see its alpine forest and mountain slopes, home to curly-horned Dall sheep, wolves, grizzlies and black bears. Look out for Denali itself – North America’s tallest peak – and hike by rivers and lakes. Allow time to explore Fairbanks and Anchorage, each with an appealing mix of galleries, museums and family-friendly dining. Visit in summer for the midnight sun, or from August to April for a chance to see the sky swirl with the Northern Lights.

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Extraterrestrial Highway, Nevada

Kids (and grown-ups) who love sci-fi will adore traveling along Nevada State Route 375. Running for 98 miles (158km) between Crystal Springs and Tonopah, it can be covered in a couple of hours and is an easy drive from Las Vegas. The fun is in the quirky attractions along the route, officially named Extraterrestrial Highway following numerous reports of alien sightings, and since Area 51 is located just off the road. The still-operational (and top secret) Air Force facility is strictly off-limits, though.

Instead, stop at E.T. Fresh Jerky to stock up on snacks for the road while checking out the alien murals plastered on the building, and be sure to spend some time at the Alien Research Center. You can’t miss it, thanks to the lofty alien statue outside, and it’s a fun spot for souvenir shopping and learning about the otherworldly associations of the route. For an Alien Burger or even an overnight stay, Little A’Le'Inn is a delight.

Pacific Coast Highway, California

This classic cruise along California’s impossibly beautiful coastline is perfect for pretty much anyone, and that includes families – especially those with slightly older kids who might appreciate the scenery. Even toddlers will have fun playing in the sand, splashing in the waves and staring, saucer-eyed, up at some of the world’s tallest trees in forested parks studded with coastal redwoods. The Pacific Coast Highway, or Highway 1, officially starts in Dana Point in the south and stretches for around 660 miles (1,062km) up to Leggett in Mendocino County, north of San Francisco.

Following the entire route is highly recommended (even if it does take a whole day), because every inch is gorgeous, though of course you can pick a portion if you’re short on time (or the kids are short on patience). Highlights include pretty Santa Barbara, Morro Bay (look out for otters floating on their backs), the Madonna Inn – a pink palace of a hotel just outside San Luis Obispo – and Big Sur, home to arguably the route’s most jaw-dropping scenery. Its soaring cliffs and honey-hued beaches should keep everyone quiet, at least for a minute or two.

Olympic Peninsula Loop, Washington

Olympic National Park is a dream destination for nature-loving families and the only thing better than visiting the wilderness is a road trip exploring its diverse landscapes. The Peninsula Loop edges the park for around 300 miles (483km), and you’ll want plenty of time to hike, camp or just gawp at the scenery, from glacier-capped mountains to sandy, often secluded coves.

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Part of Highway 101, it could be done in a day, but allow at least a week to take advantage of detours, from hiking trails to rainforest walks (the whole loop around the park is pictured). One of the prettiest pockets is Hoh Rain Forest, whose old-growth trees are cloaked with emerald moss. Adventurous families should set up camp there – it’s like being in a fairy tale.

Scenic Byway 12, Utah

With otherworldly landscapes that evoke any number of sci-fi films or perhaps the planet Mars, Scenic Byway 12 crams in much of what Utah is famous for: rust-red rocks, arches, hoodoos and slot canyons. There’s a lot to explore, whether kids are interested in learning about the fascinating geology or just want to skip through wavy rock structures and enjoy incredible places like the fossil-filled Escalante Petrified Forest.

The route unfurls for just under 123 miles (198km) and the surroundings are eye-popping at every turn – this is why it'll take you longer than the standard two hours, 45 minutes. Must-stops include the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, where sandstone cliffs soar like rainbows above narrow slot canyons and abandoned movie sets. The finish point is the town of Torrey, near Capitol Reef National Park. Allow extra time to explore the latter, whose red rocks tower above patches of alpine forest.

Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia

Another classic road trip route, Blue Ridge Parkway is embarrassingly rich in natural beauty and wonders. Spanning two states and around 470 miles (756km), it’s easily doable over a week even with all the stops you’re bound to make, because the road, which sprawls from Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offers plenty to see and do. It’s also easy to follow, which means fewer opportunities to get lost and, in turn, fewer arguments.

If disagreements should occur, gazing across the fog-cloaked Appalachian Highlands and following trails through the forests should quickly stop them. The route is also home to family-friendly wineries (keeping the adults happy) and the brilliantly quirky Craggy Gardens, known for its rhododendrons and twisting trees. Other wild and wonderful stops include Linville Falls, a three-tiered cascade in North Carolina and an easy hike from the Parkway.

Lake Michigan Circle Tour, various states

Sloshing its way into Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana, Lake Michigan serves up some glorious scenery – and it’s all accessible on a road trip following its shore. Each of the Great Lakes has a designated circle tour, with this one clocking up around 1,100 miles (1,770km). Non-stop, it would take you around 15 hours. But where's the fun in that? Spend a few days on this route and take older kids on an epic adventure or choose to travel a portion of the route, which has an ideal mix of outdoorsy fun and city attractions.

The southern part of the route is particularly packed with must-sees. Start in Manitowoc, Wisconsin and explore some of the state’s most exciting cities, including Milwaukee, before driving south to Chicago, whose art-filled parks and Navy Pier attractions are wonderfully family-friendly. The route (all of which is pictured) then takes you around the lakeshore and into Michigan, with dune-backed beaches, lighthouses and wilderness trails. Holland, home to windmills and, in May, the eye-popping Tulip Festival, is especially charming.

Highway 98, Florida

If happiness to your family means sand between toes and sunshine on faces, then this might just be your perfect road trip. Highway 98 also runs through Mississippi and Alabama, but for pure seaside joy, it doesn’t come better than the stretch that spans the width of Florida. It runs for around 670 miles (1,078km) from the Alabama state line at Perdido Bay all the way to Palm Beach (pictured), with portions that slice through forest and others that cruise close to the ocean.

The prettiest part hugs the slate-hued Gulf of Mexico on Florida’s southern coast between Pensacola and fishing town Apalachicola, and this was the original part of the road in 1933 before it was extended in both directions. It skims by Destin – whose boardwalk and seafood restaurants make it a perfect pitstop – and Seaside, where the 1998 Jim Carrey movie The Truman Show was filmed. Along the way are bays, overwater bridges and swathes of state forest. It'll take a few days to really enjoy this road trip, but you won't regret it.

Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway, South Dakota

For families with younger kids and less time to spare, this Black Hills byway covers just 70 miles (113km) but is the perfect introduction to South Dakota’s breathtaking landscapes. It’s ideal if you’re looking to combine adventure with a little history, because the route – combining several interlacing highways for a twisty-turny journey – packs in plenty of both, with everything set against dramatic landscapes of craggy mountains and thick forest.

The drive will take you past two of the state’s – and the country’s – most significant monuments, Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial. One of the most dramatically beautiful parts of the drive is Needles Highway, which takes you through narrow tunnels and below towering granite pinnacles. The byway also cuts through Custer State Park, where buffalo graze the fields, so there are plenty of opportunities for a longer trip (without stops, it'll take around four hours, otherwise take a day to enjoy the full experience).

Historic Route 6A, Massachusetts

There’s no ugly way to pass through Cape Cod, the peninsula that flexes into the ocean from the Massachusetts coastline. If you really want to get close to the water, though, you can’t beat Historic Route 6A, also known as Old King's Highway. The route runs for 62 miles (100km) by Cape Cod Bay, passing pale sandy beaches, lighthouses, salt marshes, cranberry bogs, historic towns and state parks.

The blend of coastal views, opportunities to get out on the water and wonderful scenery and architecture makes it a dream of a family trip. The highway officially disappears – merging into Route 6 – for a short section before reappearing for the final stretch to Provincetown, which will take under two hours. Once there, take another scenic drive with an off-road tour through the sand dunes, which are dotted with 1920s artists’ shacks.

Natchez Trace Parkway, various states

With no billboards and very little traffic, the Natchez Trace Parkway embodies the ideal of a classic American road trip: all open road and inspiring scenery, with a healthy dose of quirkiness thrown in. Put aside a few days to really enjoy this trip, as the route unfurls for 444 miles (715km) from Natchez, Mississippi, to just outside Nashville, Tennessee, taking in parts of Alabama on the way.

It’s especially suited to families who love music, with an abundance of places to see artists perform throughout the Southern states. Other musical highlights include visiting Elvis’ birthplace in Tupelo and dancing in the honky-tonks of Nashville , which is an easy add-on at the end of your road trip. On the way, stop to stretch your legs with woodland wildlife walks and hikes to waterfalls.

High Road to Taos Scenic Byway, New Mexico

Both a High Road and a Low Road connect Taos and Santa Fe, with the former undoubtedly the most scenic option. This designated Scenic Byway is perfect for families seeking an outdoorsy adventure with a difference. There’s some incredible scenery and adobe architecture en route as the road weaves for around 75 miles (121km) through historic villages, opening up to epic views of the Jemez Mountains.

Spend at least an afternoon soaking up highlights which include Chimayó, a historic and picturesque village known for its weaving tradition and a 19th-century church, El Santuario de Chimayó. In Taos, explore cultural shrines like the Harwood Museum of Art and Taos Pueblo, an adobe settlement designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Though not as stunning as the High Road, the Low Road – tracing the edge of the Rio Grande into a slender canyon – is nevertheless rich in natural beauty and is worth driving if you’re returning to the start point.

Coastal Connection, Alabama

This designated scenic byway is an eye-opening introduction to the blazing beauty of Alabama’s coastline. The white sands of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are the perfect backdrop to a road trip designed for slowing down to enjoy the simple pleasures in life – and, hopefully, each other’s company. The route winds for around 130 miles (209km) to link up marshy wildlife preserves, dune-backed beaches, historic naval sites and seafood restaurants, so this trip will easily take two or three days.

Traveling from Grand Bay to Spanish Fort, the trip takes the long way round to cross Dauphin Island and pass through the imposing Fort Morgan, with opportunities to stop at parks and reserves with shrubby dunes and marshes. If you have a little more time, charming port city Mobile makes a convenient start and/or end to your trip. Be wowed by the Mardi Gras costumes on display at the Mobile Carnival Museum, or just stroll cobbled streets lined with antebellum architecture.

Overseas Highway, Florida

Epic ocean views are the highlight of this 113-mile (182km) route, which begins close to Miami and stretches out through the Florida Keys, from Key Largo down to the quirky island city of Key West. Memorable experiences abound, especially for families who love spending time in, on and around water. The road really does soar over the waves, and the views alone make the two-day (at least) trip worthwhile.

Be sure to stop at Islamorada – home to colorful galleries, boutiques and a brewery – and don’t miss Bahia Honda State Park, whose clear, gentle waters are perfect for snorkeling and kayaking. Adults and kids alike will love unique experiences like visiting Marathon’s adorable and thought-provoking Turtle Hospital, while Key West – though known as a party town – is wonderfully family-friendly with shops, over-the-top desserts and a nightly Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square.

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Now meet the ecotourism champions of the Florida Keys

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Worth the Drive: 8 museums across Kentucky to visit this spring

It's no secret that there are many things to do and places to explore in Kentucky, including parks and monuments, but the commonwealth is also home to some memorable museums, including right here in Louisville. 

From cars to sports, Kentucky's museums have plenty to offer, covering not only the history of the commonwealth, but exhibiting the impact the Bluegrass State has on the entire country.

While some great places like the Kentucky Derby Museum and the Louisville Slugger Museum are right here in town, if you're making plans to try a road trip this spring, here are some special sites to add to your list:

1. National Corvette Museum

350 Corvette Drive, Bowling Green ; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Central daily

If you are a fan of cars, the National Corvette Museum is for you.

Along with seeing Corvettes from across the decades on display, people can take pictures inside the classic cars and there's even an activity area for children, according to the Kentucky Tourism page . 

For an additional price, people can take a ride in a historic Corvette or drive a C6 Corvette in a racing simulator.

People visiting can enjoy go kart racing at the NCM Kartplex, located near the museum in the Motorsports Park.

More: From Corvettes to caves: Bowling Green is the perfect Kentucky getaway

2. Kentucky Railway Museum

136 S. Main St., New Haven; 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, 12-4:30 p.m. Sunday during the spring season.

The Kentucky Railway Museum offers a unique experiences by taking visitors on a 22-mile ride through Rolling Fork River Valley, according to the Kentucky Tourism webpage.  

There are several trains for children and adults, including the Dinner Train, Mystery Train and Day Out With Thomas, according to the museum's website. 

More: Kentucky Derby Museum named among top sports attractions in US in reader's choice awards

3. Mammoth Cave Wildlife Museum

409 Happy Valley Road, Cave City; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Central daily

This one is for animal lovers.

The Mammoth Cave Wildlife Museum features 1,600 species of rare and exotic animals including tigers, bears and marine life, according to its website . 

Dozens of species of rare insects are also on display at the museum's butterfly house, which is part of its 14,000 square foot facility.

More: Explore Mammoth Cave: Your guide to a unique Kentucky attraction, world's longest cave

4. The Lincoln Museum

66 Lincoln Square, Hodgenville; 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 12:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday

The best way to learn about the 16 th President of the United States is in his home state of Kentucky. 

The Lincoln Museum “brings to life the major events in Abraham Lincoln's life” through dioramas, artifacts and wax figures, according to the Kentucky Tourism website .  

5. Great American Dollhouse Museum

344 Swope Drive, Danville; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday

Travel to Danville where you will see with more than 200 dollhouses and buildings that show the country’s social history in miniature form.  

“Unlike the traditional museum configuration, the (Great American Dollhouse Museum) unfurls its exhibits in a vast, continuous landscape representing an American yesteryear,” the Kentucky Tourism website states. “Hundreds of antique and artisan-sculpted, historically-dressed citizens interact with family, friends and business associates in neighborhoods, rural lands and forests.” 

6. Kentucky Military History Museum

128 E. Main St., Frankfort; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday

“The State Arsenal for more than 100 years and a Civil War-era munitions factory, this Gothic Revival style building houses the exhibits Kentucky Military Treasures and George M. Chinn: Sights Set on Innovation and 19th-century war records (available for use by appointment),” the museum’s website states . 

People can enjoy a guided tour of the State Arsenal at 1 p.m. on the days the museum is open.

7. Kentucky Museum

1444 Kentucky St., Bowling Green; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday

There's much more to Kentucky than bourbon and horses and the Kentucky Museum at Western Kentucky University is a great road trip destination to do learn about it.  

The museum features rotating exhibits so there's always something new to discover, but it also has permanent exhibits including the Jonesville Buon Fresco Mural, Lego Big Red (yes, THE Big Red) and Basketmaking: Our Handmade Heritage.  

Some exhibits are closed or seasonal, therefore it is recommended to look online before making a trip. 

8. International Museum of the Horse

4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington; Seasonal hours vary.

Both a museum and a research center, the International Museum of the Horse is a great destination for horse fanatics.  

“The largest and most comprehensive museum in the world dedicated to exploring the important history of all horses and their impact on human civilization,” its website states.  

Some of its current exhibits are the Legacy of the Horse, Black Horsemen of the Kentucky Turf and Draft Horse in America. The nearby Kentucky Horse Park also allows visitors to see and even pet live horses. 

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Luka Doncic's Dallas Mavs End 5-Game Road Trip with Loss Against Golden State Warriors

The Mavs finished a five-game road trip with a 4-1 record after being defeated by the Warriors.

• Author: Grant Afseth
• Publish date: Apr 03, 2024

In this story:

SAN FRANCISCO — Ending a five-game Western Conference road trip with a 4-1 record, the Dallas Mavericks (45-30) fell short in a late-game rallying effort against the Golden State Warriors (40-35), resulting in a 104-100 loss. Dallas had won seven straight games and 11 of its previous 12 games before being defeated at Chase Center.

"I think it was a great road trip," Mavs superstar Luka Doncic said. "Especially since we had to fly to Texas and back to California so it's a long road trip, longest I've ever been a part of. But I think it was a great road trip. 4-1 on the road is great."

Doncic finished with 30 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists, tying James Harden for the eighth most career regular-season triple-doubles in NBA history. He was coming off being named the Western Conference Player of the Month earlier in the day, marking his second consecutive month receiving the honor. Despite the loss, Doncic praised the Mavs' current outlook after the team's lengthy road trip.

Apr 2, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) dribbles the

Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

“We’re a good team. In all the ways. I’m serious," Doncic said. "Our defense has stepped up big, our offense is good so I think we have a great team.”

Kyrie Irving had a standout performance, scoring 27 points while adding three steals and two assists. P.J. Washington was the Mavs' third player to reach the 20-point threshold, scoring 20 points and chipping in five boards, three steals, and one block. Daniel Gafford added 10 points, eight rebounds, and three assists on the night.

Stephen Curry was held to 13 points on 5-18 shooting from the floor but added seven rebounds and seven assists. Dallas was focused on blitzing Curry aggressively. It was a tough shooting night for the "Splash Brothers" overall, considering Klay Thompson scored 14 points and shot 5-14 from the floor and 2-8 from beyond the arc. Golden State still found a way to win.

"Steph and Klay didn’t play particularly well tonight on the offensive end but a lot of their other guys got going," Irving said. "I think that was the tale of the game tonight. Their other guys got going and they made timely shots, and got timely stops.”

Draymond Green often served as a relief option for Curry and stuffed the stat sheet with 11 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and four steals. However, Andrew Wiggins led Golden State in scoring with 23 points. Chris Paul helped lead a few runs for the Warriors, totaling 14 points and five assists off the bench. Moses Moody added another 14 points. While his box score stats didn't jump off the page, Trayce Jackson-Davis did haul in 10 boards and scored four points, but what stood out most was his ability to play the five, while Green could maximize his defensive versatility.

"That's something that he has perfected, being able to play make out of the short roll," Kidd said of Green. "He found a way to score and find and find guys and so whenever you put two on the ball with Steph, you can't when Draymond's involved in that pick-and-roll. We just have to be a little bit better.

"We play those guys here shortly at the end of this week, and we can see what we can do better to make it tougher on him," Kidd continued. "He's seen every defense, and Steph has seen every defense, so we just have to try and keep those guys off balance."

Using hot perimeter shooting, the Mavs jumped out to a 9-0 lead to start the game, but the Warriors quickly rallied back and held a 28-27 advantage at the end of the period. With the Warriors playing smaller personnel, the Mavs frequently played through Doncic as one of the bigs in Horns sets or simply allowed him to operate in the middle of the floor with the ball. He took advantage of having space to attack.

Later in the opening period, the Mavs had Doncic frequently initiate to draw double teams, creating chances for the offense to play advantage basketball. With Doncic going through a shooting cold spell, Dallas could not capitalize, but Irving did get to the rim for a smooth finger roll to put Dallas up 27-23 with Curry on the bench.

Despite Doncic returning to the game shortly after, the Mavs had an extended stretch of poor execution on both ends. The Warriors were ahead 37-34 when Doncic checked back in and continued to build on it. Golden State dialed up the defensive pressure against the Slovenian superstar, frequently blitzing him when he played pick-and-roll. One sequence involved a turnover on the sideline that led to a breakaway dunk for Gary Payton II, putting the Warriors up by five. Curry hit a pair of 3-pointers to push Golden State up by an 11-point margin.

Doncic frequently drew two defenders on his drives, with the Warriors sending an early low man, often living with leaving a weaker perimeter shooter open. Coupled with Doncic not converting from beyond the arc in the first half, it was a formidable combination for Dallas to overcome. The Mavs began utilizing more two-man game actions with Doncic and Irving to close out the first half and settle into playing out of short rolls.

After the Warriors went up 47-34, it appeared as though all of the momentum was in their favor. Dallas used an impressive 13-0 run to close out the first half, with improved perimeter shooting results and capitalizing on Warriors turnovers. The game was tied 49-49 at halftime.

After halftime, Doncic was featured more playing out of the post, immediately creating a catch-and-shoot 3-pointer for Irving. Doncic followed that makeup with a step-back from beyond the arc playing out of a re-screen. Dallas led 55-49, scoring 19 unanswered points until the Warriors managed to end their dry spell.

"In the past that could have easily been a bigger lead at halftime, or it could have been 20 but it's tied," Kidd said. "We just thought we didn't play well. We had some great looks on the offensive end, but I think it's just the character of the group. When you look at this road trip, we've been down, we haven't played well. We've stayed together and we understand there's two halves to the game."

Doncic returned to attacking out of high pick-and-roll, but the Warriors remained intent on preventing driving lanes from being clear for finishes. He used his short-range game to get into a step-back for a jumper. Irving attacked the gap out of a wide pindown for a pull-up from short-range, too.

Dallas often did not impact the Warriors' jump shots throughout much of the third quarter, whether catch-and-shoot looks out of spot-up or jumpers created out of off-ball actions. The Mavs' game plan was to leave weaker shooters open if needed to pack the paint and were made to pay for stretches. A spot-up look from Andrew Wiggins tied it up at 61-61.

Doncic heated up from beyond the arc midway through the third period, including a step-back jumper against contact followed by a catch-and-shoot look. However, these plays didn't lead to a run for Dallas, but the team led 74-71 after Hardaway made a 3-pointer. Golden State took over from there. Led by Paul, the Warriors scored nine unanswered points to close out the frame, resulting in being up 80-74 to start the fourth quarter.

“We never give up. I think we had three great looks, P.J. had a catch-and-shoot, Kai had a catch-and-shoot, I had a catch-and-shoot, open catch-and-shoot three times," Doncic said. "So I think we had a great look that we could go up, but we just didn’t make them.”

Facing an 11-point deficit early in the final frame after Wiggins made a floater, the Mavs faced difficult circumstances to overcome. A quick 5-0 run sparked by an Irving and-one pull-up jumper and Washington scoring on a short roll attack coming out of a timeout pulled Dallas within six points with over half the fourth quarter remaining.

“I don’t ever feel like we’re out of any game. Especially with how powerful we are offensively," Irving said. "We got a lot of great looks in that fourth quarter, just didn’t hit them tonight. So we look forward to playing them again in the next two games and seeing where we match up then.”

With Gafford hitting Irving with a pass out after he countered the defender top-locking before a handoff, the Mavs used the layup to come within four points. Gafford made a series of dirty work plays to make it a two-point game, including a putback after Irving's missed layup followed by completing a catch and finish following a throw-ahead pass from Doncic. A transition layup from Hardaway made it 92-92.

“Our two leaders got great looks. If not, they were making plays for other guys. PJ made a big three there at the top of the floor," Kidd said. "Just the trust that they have in one another, on both ends, offensively and defensively. There’s a lot of positive things. There’s a lot of trust and chemistry is at a high right now. I truly believe in this group. We’re gonna learn from this and get better.”

A baseline jumper from Thompson pushed the Warriors back ahead by two early in clutch time. Gafford then goaltended when trying to clean up a breakdown on a blitz from the Mavs' pick-and-roll defense, giving up a finish to the short roll after Curry's behind-the-back pass. Golden State led by four points with over two minutes remaining in regulation.

Dallas failed to capitalize on an open corner 3-pointer for Washington and then committed another goaltending violation against Green's finish attempt, resulting in the Warriors extending their lead to 98-92 with under two minutes left on the game clock.

"Going into the fourth quarter, but we were down maybe eight to 12 points and we had to make a comeback," Irving said. "We need games like that to get in better conditioning, No. 1, and then also be mentally, physically, and spiritually prepared, emotionally prepared as well."

The Mavs tried steadying the game by playing out of the two-man game with Doncic and Irving, but the result was Green blocking a finish attempt by Gafford. Green scored again on the other end, playing out of an inverted pick-and-roll for a drive and finish. Irving made a pull-up 3-pointer down by eight points to bring Dallas within five, but the defense failed to contain Wiggins on a baseline drive on a made floater. The game was nearly clinched for Golden State with 32.2 seconds left as they led 102-95.

Washington made a deep 3-pointer followed by a defensive stop with Maxi Kleber blocking Thompson's finish on the trail. Irving then made two free throws after getting fouled on a transition push. Dallas was down 102-100 with 15.0 seconds to play. Thompson iced the game after being fouled and having a perfect trip to the free throw line.

Irving felt the Warriors made some important adjustments since the last time the two teams played in March, describing the game as having a playoff atmosphere. With the strategic back-and-forth involving both teams, there is plenty of film for Dallas to review before the two teams face off again on Friday at American Airlines Center.

"They made some adjustments from the last time we played them. Steph was out there playing, Klay (Thompson) was starting," Irving said. "They made a few changes and it felt like kind of a playoff atmosphere tonight as well, the way we were going back and forth. Just some of the chess moves that they were making."

As a leader of the team, Irving emphasized how the team is focused on achieving incremental progress — a sentiment he's shared throughout the season as a leader — as opposed to being fixated on coming short of perfection.

"It was a great road trip. I'm trying my best to let my ego perfectionist side seep in right here and say, well, 'I wish you we should have gone 5-0, but I'm we're not seeking perfection. We're seeking incremental progress and being able to be tested in situations like this so we could be prepared for the playoffs. That's how I see it.

"So this road trip was definitely great," Irving continued. "We learned a lot about each other and I think we made up for some of the other games that we had on the previous road trip where we let our guard down or we were in the game."

Looking ahead, the Mavs will take on the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday, beginning a three-game stretch at American Airlines Center.

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‘Tony Atlas is cold’ — an excerpt from a new wrestling road trip book searching for The Iron Sheik

The following is excerpted from “ THE SIX PACK: On The Open Road in Search of Wrestlemania ” — a road trip story from Brad Balukjian as he seeks out the Iron Sheik (with whom he had a falling out in 2005), Hulk Hogan and more wrestling heroes from the 80’s. 

Tony Atlas is cold.

Teeth-chattering, soul-rattling, breath-catching cold, the kind of cold that makes your skin feel like it’s on fire.

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He’s been wearing the same sweatsuit since fall and hasn’t bathed in months. His black hair, short but thick, obscures the myriad sores covering his scalp.

For dinner, he dives into a dumpster behind a fast-food restaurant to scavenge pieces of hamburger and fries. The only way he can get warm is when he gets ahold of a glass pipe and takes a long drag, the freebase cocaine rushing into his system, an instant wave of warmth and energy that curbs the hunger pangs.

He’s just been kicked out of the latest flophouse, owned by a woman named Shirley, who let junkies stay there and cook their product in exchange for a hit. Tony, sick and tired of the grip of addiction, had flushed three and a half grams of the house supply down Shirley’s toilet, sparking a riot. Five of his fellow squatters attacked, livid that $120 of street value had just entered the Lewiston, Maine, sewage system.

But if there’s one thing Tony knows, has always known, will always know, it’s how to fight. Even in an altered state, his arms, twenty-three inches around at their peak, flexed with rage and his fists rained down like ham hocks as he fought off the squatters.

It took a visit from the police to keep Tony from annihilating his five assailants. Once things settled, Shirley said he had to leave.

With nowhere to go and desperate for warmth, Tony hugs himself under a bench in Kennedy Park, a nine-acre rectangle dusted with snow and named for JFK after he stopped there on the campaign trail in 1960. The twin cities of Lewiston and Auburn lie on either side of the Androscoggin River. Hydro powered textile mills sprang up during the mid-1800s, and by 1865 Auburn was producing six hundred thousand pairs of shoes, earning it the title of “Shoe Capital of the World.”

Later this week Tony will defend his International Championship Wrestling (ICW) heavyweight championship in front of several hundred fans, who would be flabbergasted to know that this six-foot three, 260-pound colossus is homeless. The ICW, struggling to stay afloat, is a far cry from the marquee at Madison Square Garden where less than a decade earlier he had pinned Hulk Hogan, the Hulk Hogan, the last time the Hulkster had been pinned cleanly.

Tony squeezes his massive forearms, part of the physique that once earned him the title of Mr. USA 1979, and closes his eyes. Maine may seem to be an unlikely place for a self-described Black hillbilly from 1950s western Virginia, but when the ICW called, he was pleasantly surprised by the progressiveness of the local community. Shortly after arriving, he saw a white woman and a Black man walking down the street and thought, “Oh, they’re gonna hang him.” But the locals just said, “We aren’t about that up here.”

As welcoming as Maine can be, there’s no getting around the gelid winters. He reaches up with an exposed hand and rubs the dent in the middle of his forehead, a permanent reminder of the day Anthony White died and Tony Atlas was born.

Anthony White was born one of nine children on April 23, 1954, in Clifton Forge, Virginia, and soon moved four miles down the road to Low Moor. He was primarily raised by his mom, Beatrice James, and his grandmother. His father, Norris, absconded to Richmond with his triplet sisters and twin brother and sister when Beatrice James tired of his nonstop drinking and carousing (Norris claimed to have fathered thirty-six kids before meeting her; she shooed him out of town with her .38 revolver). She was a tough, hardworking woman who weighed more than three hundred pounds and who did everything she could to provide for her family. Every morning she was at work at the Hotel Roanoke by seven o’clock to work as a cook, and then after a brief break, she went to her second job as a maid until eleven at night.

The family was short on money but long on faith; with no indoor plumbing, Anthony and his brothers had to defecate in a bucket they kept under their bed, and without heat, they built fires in the kitchen stove just to stay warm.

As a toddler, Anthony would sit at the feet of his grandmother and her friends and fall asleep under their shoes, where he felt safe and secure. To this day, he craves the feeling of a woman’s shoes on his face, smothering him, dominating him, even kicking him to inflict some pain. One of the strongest men in professional wrestling, a decorated bodybuilding champion with a physique carved from stone, he needs to have all that strength and power and white-hot rage subdued and contained. When the beast inside threatens to bolt out of its cage, he seeks out a woman to step on his face. Large tennis shoes are his favorite.

At age six, Anthony was walking behind a girl in Low Moor, admiring her shoes. As they crossed a bridge, he looked down and noticed that the creek bed, full of water only a few weeks before, had dried up. A boy named Spike, who was keen on the girl, walked up to Anthony.

“I want to push you,” Spike said, without explanation.

“Well, you better not,” Anthony replied, never one to shy away from a confrontation.

In the next instant, Anthony felt himself flailing as he fell ten feet from Spike’s shove, landing with a thud on his head on the bone-dry ground. His face was immediately covered in blood as he somehow staggered home to his grandma, who clutched him and rocked him and prayed so hard her hands hurt. When Beatrice James came home late that night Anthony had gone into a coma, and when she rushed him to the hospital, the doctors said they weren’t sure if he was going to make it.

“If he’s gonna die, let him die in my arms,” she told the doctors.

When he woke up, he was Tony Atlas. Beatrice James was worried his mind was never the same, but Tony was as determined as ever to get stronger, to get bigger, to become so powerful that the Spikes of the world could never hurt him again. He saw Steve Reeves in the movie Hercules and said, “I want to be like that.”

The dream came true. He started boxing at age eight and by the sixth grade was wrestling in the 155-pound weight class. While other kids carried basketballs around town, Tony piled giant weights on his shoulders. He got in his first fight at age eleven, against a nineteen-year-old, and when one of the few white families in town stiffed him for some fieldwork he had done, Tony took on both of their sons, who were four years older, and won. When their father, a farmer named Redeye Hinton, saw Tony getting the best of his sons, he jumped off his tractor and stabbed Tony in the back with a pitchfork.

But Tony kept on coming. When his dad (who briefly returned when Tony was twelve) took him down to Scrappers Corner in Low Moor, an intersection where locals would fight (with money at stake), Tony took on all comers, boy or man.

“If you lose, I’m gonna give you a worse whippin’ when you get home,” his dad warned.

By the time Tony graduated from Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke in 1974, he stood six foot two and could bench press five hundred pounds.

The beast wasn’t just out of the cage. He was bending its bars.

With Tears for Fears’ “Head over Heels” blasting, I push the Ford Fusion almost eight hundred miles in a single day, by far the longest driving day of the trip. I travel many of the same roads that Tony Atlas traveled forty years ago, the roads he called home.

At age sixty-eight, Tony is still taking bumps. He’s coming back from a match in Minneapolis for an independent promotion much like Gino Caruso’s ECPW (he still wrestles regularly for Gino) and has set aside the next two days for me.

Not for free, however. When I got his phone number and called to set up an interview, I caught him on the road fighting with his GPS and we got disconnected. When he called back to hear me out, he said, “No freebies. I’m too old to do anything for free anymore.”

I explained that what I was doing was journalism, not public relations, and that he was just one of several wrestlers I was interviewing. Paying your subjects can color the interaction, I explained.

“The WWE gave me the same song and dance,” he replied, referring to a recent interview with them in which he demanded a fee.

I didn’t like it, but I understood. Tony still has to make a living, and the only thing he has ever known is wrestling. He was, and still is, a corporation of one.

“You have to understand, all these guys you’re meeting with, I’m different. I have to work for a living. My day starts at seven and ends at six,” he said.

I agreed to pay him $1,000 for two days of his time, with the caveat that I would disclose the arrangement to you, the reader.

From there I couldn’t get Tony off the phone. He took me on a wild ride through his life and career, a stream of self-help and regret and aphorisms that had my head spinning.

“Pro wrestling died in 1990,” he said, “when Vince McMahon said it was entertainment. Back in the eighties, especially the seventies, about 50 percent of what we did was real.”

The memory of Tony’s words ring around my head as the blackness of the Road engulfs me and the heavens begin spitting rain somewhere around Massachusetts. I flit around my Spotify playlist to stay awake, blaring Styx’s “Renegade” and AC/DC’s “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap.” When I finally pull into the greater Lewiston area around midnight, a roadside motel rejects me with a “No Vacancy” sign, forcing me into neighboring Auburn and the glitz of a Hilton Garden Inn. I gingerly walk into the lobby, my quads and hamstrings stiff, past a pool crammed with college kids showing off their cannonballs. My budget is now out the window as I crave any horizontal surface. I approach a beanpole with floppy hair at the front desk whose name tag reads “Niall.” He’s wearing a mint-green sweater and doing his calculus homework. The lobby smells like chlorine and cucumbers.

“The only rooms we have are junior suites for $316,” he says apologetically.

“We have five weddings staying here,” he explains.

Right, a Saturday at the start of summer in a town that depends on summer.

Back out into the night, into the Fusion. I briefly consider looking for the park bench in Kennedy Park that Tony once called home. It’s warm enough, in the mid-fifties, and I brought a sleeping bag anticipating just such a dilemma.

My last shot is an eyesore called the Center Street Inn, whose front door is wide open but whose lobby looks like it was abandoned mid-renovation. I’m surprised to find a handwritten sign scrawled “No Vacancy” taped to the door.

I tap out, unfurl my sleeping bag, and zip up my black jacket in the driver’s seat of the Fusion. I try to recline the seat but am immediately betrayed by my own research archive, boxes of paper pushing back. I lean back, the smell of my own body odor wafting to my nostrils, and shut my eyes, grateful that it’s summer, thinking of Tony under that park bench down the street, at the height of winter.

Brad Balukjian, PhD [Bu-lewk-gee-in] has chosen two careers, journalist and scientist, which converge on pursuit of the truth. He has been published in Rolling Stone, Smithsonian, National Geographic, and many others. His first book, The Wax Pack: On the Open Road in Search of Baseball’s Afterlife, hit #7 on the LA Times bestseller list and was named one of NPR’s Best Books of 2020. He is a Research Associate at the California Academy of Sciences, and he discovered 17 species of insects (green flash bugs) in Tahiti, one of which he named after Harrison Ford. He lives on the Road, where he’s in an open relationship with his VCR. Check out more of his work at  thebradpack.com .

(Top photo: Wally McNamee/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images; Hachette Books)

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Devin Booker's 52 points powers Phoenix Suns past New Orleans Pelicans to close road trip

Devin Booker scored 52 points, set his new regular-season record eight made 3s, and added nine assists to lead the Phoenix Suns (44-31) to a 124-111 win at the New Orleans Pelicans (45-30) on Monday.

Phoenix closed its five-game road trip 3-2, and leads New Orleans 2-0 in their three-game season series. Monday's victory redeemed Phoenix's 25-point loss at Oklahoma City on Friday.

The two others in Phoenix's Big 3 had solid contributions as well. Kevin Durant had 20 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Bradley Beal had 13 points, nine rebounds, six assists, two steals, one block, and hit 3-of-4 from the 3-point line.

New Orleans' Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III led their team with 30 and 21 points, respectively.

During the fourth quarter, the Suns missed 11 consecutive field goals as the Pelicans made an 8-0 run and cut the lead to seven with 2:46 left to play. But the Suns pulled away, including the dagger from deep by Beal with 35 seconds to play.

Phoenix's next game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at 7 p.m. on Wednesday will begin a four-game homestand, the Suns' final four home games of the regular season.

Booker's 48 keeps Suns ahead, Pelicans make 3rd quarter run

Devin Booker (48 points) set a new individual regular season record on eight made 3s, eclipsing his previous mark of six, as Suns ended the third quarter with a 103-90 lead.

The Pelicans aren't going away easily at home in the Big Easy, though.

After the Suns were up by 25 approaching the five-minute mark, the Pelicans went on an 11-1 run during the next two-plus minutes.

That New Orleans run was driven by Trey Murphy III, who scored nine of his team-high 21 points, and Zion Williamson put up nine of his 19 in the third. In addition, the Pelicans scored 10 off the Suns' six turnovers in the period, and 15 total off the Suns' 12 giveaways.

Suns in control behind Booker, Durant at halftime

Devin Booker remained on fire with 37 points and Kevin Durant scored 11 of his 16 points in the second quarter to drive Phoenix's 74-54 lead at the intermission.

Booker has shot a spectacular 14-of-19, made six 3s, and his 18th field goal extended Phoenix's largest lead to 26 with 2:19 left in the half. His performance has broken a 9-of-26 shooting slump over the past two games, and he's on track to match his 52-point outing in the Suns' previous win in New Orleans on Jan. 19.

The Suns are outpacing the Pelicans, 10-2, in fast break points, hit an impressive 58.7% shooting overall, and rained 13-of-25 from the 3. However, Phoenix's ongoing turnover issues seemingly crept into the second period, as they committed six after having none in the first.

The Pelicans have shot 41.7%, and 7-of-13 from deep.

Booker fuels Suns to huge opening quarter

Much of the first quarter was a back and forth scoring affair early, but Phoenix pulled away behind Devin Booker’s sizzling hand, building a 46-28 lead after the first. ­­

Booker scored 24 points in the quarter, going 5 of 7 from 3.

Kevin Durant added 11 points, as Phoenix as a team shot 16 of 24 from the field (66 percent), including 9 of 14 from behind the arc (64 percent).

New Orleans was led by Trey Murphy III with 9 points. Zion Williamson was held to just 2 points in the quarter.

The Pelicans were 11 of 25 from the field (44 percent), including 6 of 11 from 3 (54 percent).

Starting lineups

The Suns are starting guards Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, Grayson Allen and Kevin Durant at the three and four spots, and Jusuf Nurkic in the middle.

The Pelicans will open with CJ McCollum and Herb Jones in the backcourt, forwards Trey Murphy III and Zion Williamson, and center Jonas Valanciunas.

Injury reports: Suns nearly full strength, Pelicans' Ingram out

The only player listed on Phoenix's injury report is Damion Lee (right meniscus surgery), who's been out all season.

The Pelicans will be without Jose Alvarado (oblique) and Brandon Ingram (knee), their second-best scorer behind Zion Williamson, who's been out for the past six games.