VacationistUSA

I’m normally all about the destination. But, in the case of beautiful stretches of open road in the US, I make an exception. Read on for four of my favorite road trips.

My love affair with Bardstown started with its physical beauty. Situated in central Kentucky, it's legendary for its picturesque rolling bluegrass hills that have inspired songwriters and painters for generations.

Skip over the obvious cities like Palm Springs and Scottsdale for the true mid-century getaway… Tucson, Arizona.

About 22 miles north of Atlanta, many think of Alpharetta simply as a suburb, but the city has long held its own charming identity and continues to enhance its reputation as a top culinary destination.

There’s more to the South than biscuits and gravy, drawling accents, and country and blues music.

While I love old stuff, I am still a product of the new century. So it was a delightful surprise to find that Wyoming offered me that perfect mix of old and new, of vintage country pleasures and modern twists.

As long as you’re ready to fill your life with as many enriching experiences as possible, at Rocky Mountain National Park, you’re in the right place.

Here are seven landmarks crossing the compass that are less than a two-hour drive from the heart of Portland. Let’s go!

Prepare to congratulate me. I just became Heroic Hubby, Dynamite Dad, Fantastic Father-in-Law, and the Coolest Grandpa on Earth.

Wanting to give Emmett an authentic taste of the town, the creamery was just our first stop of a trip filled with delicious and eventful treats.

The sky’s the limit in and around Greater Phoenix. Aerial adventures across Arizona include ballooning experiences with Hot Air Expeditions, zip lining at Out of Africa Wildlife Park, and the exhilarating Skywalk at Grand Canyon West.

Martin County, an enticing collection of small towns located on Florida’s Treasure Coast, offers visitors sidewalk art shows, colorful murals, artist cottages, and classes.

A timely ladies getaway featuring spa pampering and the King of Rock & Rock—Elvis Presley—in Tupelo, Mississippi.

When he offered to show me endless eastern forests, some of the country's best ATV courses, skydiving, soaring, and more, I had to reconcile the South Carolina in my mind with the one Austin was trying to place in my heart.

Spring is the perfect time to visit thanks to gorgeous weather for outdoor adventure and great local events

The only thing I wanted for my birthday this year was to go to Bardstown, Kentucky, with my wife, Jenny.

A couple's getaway in the natural beauty of Boulder, Colorado

When I mention I’ve got business in Charlotte, Robby’s quick to suggest a cycling detour to York County, about 20 minutes south.

This year I thought it would be fun to extend our trip by a day or two and venture beyond the park gates to check out some of the more educational sites nearby.

We packed our flip-flops and made the four-hour drive from Charlotte to the stretch of sand, sun, and natural beauty known as the Hammock Coast

Knoxville is one of only four cities across the country that's debuting this game-changing, dockless bike-sharing program.

I was feeling the need for some fresh air and rejuvenation, and I knew Dan was, too. So, I surprised him with an Adventure Pass, to one of our favorite spots—Dogwood Canyon, a 10,000-acre wild paradise near Table Rock Lake, Missouri.

From music to art to history, local collections throughout Greater Phoenix will feed your soul.

Chris and I love everything about Ludington State Park. It’s considered one of Michigan’s best state parks for good reason. Spanning 5,300 acres, it offers incredible natural beauty along with a boatload of outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, fishing, camping, bicycling, and tranquil inner-tube floats down the Big Sable River. It’s seriously a vacation all by itself!

Those comfort-food kids’ menu dishes have grown up, and are now served by finer chefs in distinguished restaurants.

I remembered the great times we had sitting by the campfire, discovering new hiking trails and fishing in the nearby creek, and decided a four-day cabin trip to Gatlinburg would be perfect for our family adventure.

Taking the kids to Carowinds in North Carolina is a long-standing family tradition that one dad couldn't wait to continue.

Delve into the details of Greater Phoenix by joining local outfitters that offer unique tours, such as Adventures Out West’s Segway off-roading experiences.

For birthdays or just any days, you'll find attractions the whole family will enjoy in Alpharetta, Georgia.