In our opinion, the best way to truly see the United States is by car. There are so many wide open spaces here that you end up missing so much when you fly from one big city to another. Some of the most amazing arts, culture, food, and history can be discovered somewhere in the middle. So load up the car, download some audiobooks, and hit the road to uncover the real America.
Peyton Place for your small-town Northeastern getaway
The Audiobook
While meandering through small towns across the northeast, listen to Peyton Place by Grace Metalious on audiobook. The novel, which caused a sensation when it first launched in 1956, reveals the dark underbelly of small-town New England life through the lives of three women. This juicy story will make it hard to press pause when reaching your destination.
The Trip
- Start with a few hours at Dia:Beacon, the contemporary art museum two hours north of Manhattan, in Beacon, New York.
- Then drive into Hudson where you can do some antiquing and enjoy some fine dining in the historic whaling town.
- On the next day, head to Washington, Connecticut, the quintessential New England town that inspired Stars Hollow from The Gilmore Girls. Discover the town’s architecture, grab a bite at a local cafe, and then visit historic Essex, Connecticut to browse the shops on Main Street and visit the Griswold Inn with its 18th-century taproom.
- On day three, drive to Edgartown, Massachusetts, where you can marvel at the grand historic homes on the island and visit the Edgartown Lighthouse. Be sure to schedule some sand and surf time at Katama Beach.
- Next, drive to Woodstock, Vermont, to wander through the cute town center, go for a hike in nearby Quechee Gorge, and try authentic Vermont maple treats.
While this trip can be done in four days, giving yourself a couple of extra days to enjoy Edgartown’s beach is worthwhile.
Southern Lady Code for a Southeastern jaunt
The Audiobook
Listening to Southern Lady Code by Helen Ellis during your Southeastern journey will have you laughing till you cry. Ellis’s comedic timing makes this audiobook especially enjoyable, as she shares stories from her childhood in the South and amusing anecdotes about her southern etiquette experiences in adult life in New York.
The Trip
- Begin your adventure in Louisville, KY and swing by the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory to learn about the history of the famous baseball bat.
- Next, drive two and a half hours south to Nashville, Tennessee, where you can try some hot chicken at Hattie B’s and enjoy live music at renowned venues.
- Spend the next day in Chattanooga to visit Lookout Mountain, the home of Rock City and Ruby Falls.
- Afterward, it’s a quick two-hour drive to Atlanta, GA, where you can visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site and walk or bike along the BeltLine.
- Finally, drive four and a half hours to Charleston, South Carolina. Explore the historic district, enjoy the local cuisine, and consider taking a ghost tour to immerse yourself in the city’s rich history.
You’ll want at least five days for this trip.
Lafayette in the Somewhat United States for your Revolutionary War journey
The Audiobook
Enhance your Revolutionary War journey with Sarah Vowell’s Lafayette in the Somewhat United States. Vowell, a frequent contributor to This American Life, masterfully mixes American history with personal anecdotes, making it an engaging listen.
The Trip
- In Philadelphia, walk down the United States’ oldest residential street, Elfreth’s Alley and tour historical sites such as Betsy Ross House and The Liberty Bell Center.
- After that, head to Baltimore to explore the Inner Harbour and sample local beers in diverse pubs.
- Dedicate a day or two in Washington, DC, to visit the Smithsonian museums and the Lincoln Memorial.
- Pay homage to George Washington at Mount Vernon, where you can enjoy a guided tour and explore the grounds.
- Lastly, a visit to Colonial Williamsburg is essential, allowing you to interact with reenactors and immerse yourself in living history.
This trip can be accomplished in six days.
Tempest for your romantic western trail
The Audiobook
Cruise across the wild west while listening to Beverly Jenkins’ Tempest. This captivating audiobook features a headstrong woman from Arizona who travels to the Wyoming Territory to help a doctor raise his young daughter. After a mistaken encounter with her intended, the sizzling romance unfolds.
The Trip
- Start in Tucson, Arizona, where you can explore downtown on the Turquoise Trail and visit Mission San Xavier del Bac.
- Set aside a day for the magnificent Grand Canyon, where you can enjoy breathtaking views, particularly from the less touristy north rim during sunset.
- Drive north into Utah to visit Bryce Canyon, where hiking on the Navajo Loop Queen’s Garden Combination Trail offers stunning scenery.
- Continue your journey to Cody, WY, a charming town at the East gate of Yellowstone with a classic wild west atmosphere. Enjoy attractions like the Irma Hotel and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.
- Lastly, venture into Yellowstone National Park to experience hiking, wildlife watching, and marveling at its famous geysers.
This epic western journey should be planned for at least six days.
