Expedia Viewfinder and The Henry Ford teamed up to discuss some of the best places to visit.
Henry Ford’s invention of the Model T put Americans in the driver’s seat. His affordable automobile made everything from running errands and commuting to work to taking Sunday drives and embarking on road trips possible for ordinary people. The Model T transformed the way Americans traveled and paved the road for the future of vehicles.
Expedia Viewfinder discovered that Henry Ford Museum refreshed its Driving America exhibit not too long ago, and we got to thinking about how these antique vehicles have contributed to our own opportunities for modern-day travel. With a set of wheels, we can tour unique corners of the country and witness unrivaled beauty at our leisure. Since it was Henry Ford who made road tripping possible in the first place, it only seemed fitting to partner up with The Henry Ford, home of the country’s premier automotive museum, to discuss some of our favorite routes and roadside attractions.
Some of the nation’s most scenic areas are best viewed from behind the steering wheel with the windows rolled down. So on your next open-road adventure, buckle up, rev your engine, and cruise over to these must-see attractions:
Golden Gate Bridge
Stretching three miles and providing some of the most magnificent views of the cityscape, the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most photographed bridges in the world. Cruise across this famous orange-vermillion bridge in San Francisco and just hope that the fog subsides enough for you to see the city skyline.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Snake your way through the winding mountain terrain on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville, North Carolina. While the overlooks and panoramic views are majestic year round, weave along the twisting paths during the autumn months to witness the fall foliage spectacle. During this special time of year, you can marvel at nature’s own fireworks as the road bursts to life with red, orange, and yellow leaves that uniquely envelope the passageway.
Park Loop Road
Feast your eyes on views of the rocky cliffs and coastal ridgelines along this route through Maine’s Acadia National Park. Parts of this 27-mile loop hug the coastline, offering spectacular views of the waves crashing on the rugged shores, while other sections meander through the forest and mountains. Make a pit stop at the seaside cavern, Thunder Hole, or pull over at Otter Cliff to fully embrace the splendor of the North Atlantic Seaboard.
Cadillac Ranch
This art installation would probably make Henry Ford cringe if he were still around, but it’s a must-see attraction nevertheless. Ten classic cars tagged in graffiti are lined up and buried halfway into the ground of a cow pasture near Amarillo, Texas. Bring some spray paint and leave your own mark on this colorful, eclectic roadside attraction.
The Great River Road National Scenic Byway
This route runs parallel to the Mississippi River for the length of 10 states, from Minnesota down to Louisiana. Coast the 3,000-mile stretch and experience the country through the unique tastes, music, cuisine, and culture of each individual state. During your trip along the strip, go behind the scenes of antebellum estates such as the Houmas House Plantation and Gardens, wonder at the long-living 300 year-old trees that line the Oak Alley Plantation, and sip Sazeracs in the French Quarter.
From sea to shining sea, there are plenty of attractions that make the journey to your destination half the fun. For your next adventure, embark on an epic road trip to see the country on your own terms. When it’s just you and the open road, you can take your time on the famous highways and get to know the city scenes, countryside, and mountain terrain along the way.
Chloe Mulliner is part of the Expedia Viewfinder Staff and a guest writer for The Henry Ford.
Texas, travel, roads and road trips, North Carolina, California, by Chloe Mulliner, 21st century, 2010s
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