Small, densely populated Connecticut has some great state parks, a quirky castle and a collection of dispensers that spit out PEZ candies.
See Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth, Hemingway’s home, coral reefs, wild horses, caves and a very old hippo; feast on state’s best clams.
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway goes from hot to cool in 10 minutes, Joshua Tree enchants, and a drive up the Pacific Highway covers it all.
The Prairie State isn’t as flat as you may think, as you’ll find on the road to Galena or Starved Rock State Park, which has 14 waterfalls.
“Fall” for Niagara, obviously, but also the Finger Lakes. Get “salty” in Syracuse. Drive the length of Long Island. Peace out in Woodstock.
In southern Minnesota, huge Jolly Green Giant, Paul Bunyan and other sculptures tower. For sheer beauty, take the North Shore Scenic Drive.
You can’t go wrong with a road trip that takes you to the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, but add some fun by gawking at a huge fiberglass cow.
Sleeping Bear Dunes, Pictured Rocks and Mackinac Island are well-known destinations in the Mitten, but venture off the beaten path, too.
Watching the Assateague Island horses swim can be a spiritual experience. For a spiritual encounter of a different time, head to Berlin.
