by A. Weary Traveler
You worked hard this week (at least that is what you told the boss). You deserve to get away, a retreat from all of the hustle and bustle right?
If you really think about it, there is always something to do, if you are willing to get into the car and drive a little. Car Tripin for the weekend away.
Take a Car Trip South for the food
There is always a quaint little town, with interesting shops or a nice little restaurant with a lunch counter and a semi-friendly or actually friendly waiter or waitress.
Hopefully, you live somewhere that offers local seafood or homemade pie. When I lived in Shreveport, LA, there was a little local restaurant, Strawn’s Eat Shop that served the best homemade Strawberry Icebox pie. Their pie recipe is also available online from the food network https://www.food.com/recipe/strawns-fresh-strawberry-pie-282191 or their website: https://www.strawnspie.com/. This brings back a few memories of my old Air Force days, stationed in Shreveport.
Visit the Eastern Shore- car trip style
Maybe the town you visit has a bed and breakfast or nice Inn. If you are near the Virginia Eastern Shore, there is always a chance to see the wild ponies of Chincoteague.
See: https://www.chincoteague.com/ponies.html
According to the website: Wild ponies have inhabited Assateague Island for hundreds of years. Some have suggested that the wild ponies of Assateague trace their origin to horses released to forage on the Island by early settlers.
However, the evidence strongly suggests that they are the descendants of the survivors of a Spanish galleon which wrecked off the coast of Assateague. This story, which has been passed from generation to generation on Chincoteague Island, is stronger than fiction.
You could spend a day at the beach at Assateague National Seashore, or bike ride around the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Later, reward yourself with a huge dish of homemade ice cream from Island Creamery. Surely, a fun weekend away. Car Tripin at its finest
The Antiquing and yard sales car trip
Maybe your thing is to visit some yard sales or antiquing, okay maybe it isn’t your typical thing, but it could be a fun way to share a day trip with another person. Any excuse really to change your surroundings a bit and hit the open road. You never know what you might find.
You might find that thing that you never knew you always wanted, like a cat figurine. Who knew?
Someone you know has to be looking for a bike or an antique lamp. Go ahead and buy it already, you will feel good giving it away. J https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/16-reasons-to-always-stop-at-garage-sales-52196 Bob Villa gives you 16 reasons to always stop at garage sales… Could be a good weekend away.
For the History of it- Going back in time car trip
Maybe history is your thing, again if you live in an around an area like Washington DC, Baltimore or, Philadelphia, pivotal to the birth and beginnings of the United States as a country. There is an interesting site that depicts a trip along this route: https://parksandtrips.com/trip/east-coast-history-philadelphia-baltimore-washington-dc/
Visit Philly where the US constitution was drafted, where you can visit Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. On to Baltimore, MD to the place the country moved its capital to when the British were coming to Philly and visit Fort McHenry.
Then head to Washington, DC, the Nation’s Capital and home of all of the free monuments and museums. A personal favorite place to see is the Library of Congress for its architecture and splendor.
This would probably be a lot for one weekend but if possible, this trip offers a true historical trail of events and sites. The Kimpton George Hotel: https://www.hotelgeorge.com/ has an excellent location within walking distance of the Capitol Building and other fantastic DC destinations. DC is an excellent option for solo weekend getaways as well because there is so much to do and see. It is a great mix of urban fun and natural beauty. Now this is true Car Tripin, for your weekend away.
Rekindle the Romance car trip
Maybe you’re looking to rekindle that romance. There are some great hotels, cabin getaway, vineyard visits, and fruit picking, get in some hand holding and if adventurous play some golf.
I’m always up for biking, hiking, canoeing, and an outdoor pool but this is a romantic weekend. Spend your time in cozy sitting rooms with fireplaces, outdoor patios, and hammocks, connecting or reconnecting with your loved one.
My personal favorite is visit the mountains and stay in a cabin around Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg, TN. https://www.mypigeonforge.com/lodging/cabins It is such a relaxing and refreshing trip with great local people.
Additional Car Tripin ideas for the weekend away
I like to also seek out trips that also include local distilleries and something with interesting food outside of my normal burgers and Keto diet. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Dolly Wood, but I don’t have any person experience with this venue. See it for yourself, at your own risk.
Well maybe it’s the beach for you. I don’t have a lot to offer for this, it’s the beach. What can one say that you can’t experience for yourself. Sand in toes, your crack, everywhere really.
So get out there and get away Car Tripin. You deserve it, a great weekend away.
