As we begin to see a light at the end of the coronavirus tunnel, we realize that we might actually be able to take a vacation in 2020. I know I am ready to take one, as I am sure many of you are. Have you thought of touring somewhere in North America? Maybe something special beyond the normal road trip? Perhaps a short hour or so flight, embarking on a discovery of our breathtaking national parks or tiny historic towns. Sit back and relax while your taken down less traveled highways and scenic country roads. Could be just perfect for this year!
If you’re near the East Coast, consider touring through New England and the Hudson Valley. It kicks off in Boston and nearby Lexington, the “Birthplace of American Liberty”, where the opening shots of the Battles of Lexington and Concord were fired in 1775. Charming seaport villages, bucolic covered bridges, and rolling maple syrup farms sweeten the story lines across America’s historic East Coast. 2 nights in Boston, 1 night in Portland, Maine, 1 night in Jackson, New Hampshire, 1 night in Ludlow, New Hampshire, 2 nights in Lake Placid, New York and ending with 1 night in Tarrytown, New York. 10 days of historic fun!
How about a bourbon, bridles & bluegrass tour? Begin in Louisville, Kentucky and continue through horse country near Lexington. From here you’ll experience the Great Smoky Mountains before entering North Carolina. In the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, George Vanderbilt’s grand Biltmore Estate welcome you for a guided tour of the 250 room home – the largest privately owned home in the U.S. 1 night in Louisville, Kentucky, 2 nights in Lexington, Kentucky, 2 nights in Asheville, North Carolina, 1 night in Chattanooga, Tennessee and end your tour with 1 night in Nashville, Tennessee.
Southern California Charms is where you discover these popular Golden State getaways and more when you get closer to the sunny stretches of the coastline, the golden age of Hollywood, and the smaller towns that truly shine. Go margarita tasting in Old Town San Diego, wine tasting in the vineyard-rich region of Temecula, Jeep tour through Joshua Tree National Park and explore the retro sun and surf town of Pismo Beach and more! This roundtrip from Los Angeles begins with 2 nights in Los Angeles, a visit to San Juan Capistrano on your way to San Diego for another 2 nights, your wine tasting experience in Temecula on your trek to Joshua Tree National Park. 2 nights in Palm Desert with a visit to Palm Springs before heading to Paso Robles where you will spend the night. Hopefully you get to squeeze in more wine tasting here! You’ll head towards Santa Barbara with a stop at Pismo Beach. 2 nights in Santa Barbara and then you head back to Los Angeles. Great way to see Southern California with someone else to do the driving!
Lost Canyons of the Southwest – PERFECT for those of us living in the Phoenix area! Beauty, awe, and wonder echo from Phoenix to Las Vegas as you explore ancient cliff dwellings, towering spires, the deepest of canyons, and the deepest of mysteries. Explore the enigmas and more as you visit the lost canyons and cultures of the American Southwest. A fun stop in canyon country that will make a lasting impact is Meteor Crater Natural Landmark, the world’s best preserved meteorite impact site on earth. Your fun begins with 2 nights in Phoenix/Scottsdale before heading to Sedona for 2 nights. Day one will find you in Jerome, a historic ghost town and a ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad. The next day a visit to Montezuma Castle National Monument and Meteor Crater before you stop for 1 night in Chinle, Arizona. In the morning you will visit beautiful Canyon de Chelly before striking out for Williams. With 2 nights in Williams you have a full day of riding the Grand Canyon Railroad to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The next morning you head for Las Vegas, Nevada. You will experience the Hoover Dam and Boulder City before your last overnight in Las Vegas.
Clearly I may have saved the best for last! This tour encompasses one of my favorite places I was lucky enough to visit several times. Crater Lake! Explore the Pacific Northwest starts in Seattle, Washington. The locals boast about Seattle’s freshly brewed coffee, perfectly crafted beer, and robust local wines. You’ll be taken on a tasty tour through the natural wonders, lush wilderness, and picturesque wineries of scenic Washington and Oregon. You’ll have 1 night in Seattle before exploring Leavenworth on the way to Yakima, where GREAT apples come from. After 1 night in Yakima, you’ll make a stop at the Hood River before arriving in Bend, Oregon for 2 nights. When leaving Bend, you make a stop at Crater Lake National Park. I love Crater Lake, so beautiful! You stop for the night in Medford and then head for the Oregon Coast. 1 night in Newport, Oregon before stopping in Cape Meares and Tillamook on your way to Astoria, Oregon. This is the opening of the Columbia River to the Pacific Ocean and it is magnificent! After 1 night in Astoria you will go back inland and has your last overnight in Portland, Oregon.
These are some great opportunities to see the sights and let someone else worry about all the details. Many thanks to our friends at Globus Family Brands for creating these Post Covid Tours. I have driven to and seen many of the historical sites all over the U.S. as well as many of the National Parks. We live in a great country! A beautiful country! I can see why Katharine Lee Bates was inspired to write “America The Beautiful” way back in 1893. It was originally based on a poem she wrote while on a trip to Colorado Springs, Colorado. She went to the top of Pike’s Peak and she had an overwhelming urge to write “All the wonder of America seemed displayed there, with the sea-like expanse.” Her poem appeared in the Congregationalist, a weekly journal on July 4, 1895. Within a few months, it was set to music by Silas G Pratt. After revising the song in 1904 and once again in 1913, it was made into the version we know today. The song is considered by some to be the country’s unofficial national anthem.
O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountains majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!
