One of the most incredible things about the good old US of A has got to be the stunning scenery that this country is blessed with.
No matter what state you live in, there’s something wonderful to see – and now that summer’s fast approaching, it’s road trip season!
You can take a road trip that’s as long or short as you want (even just around your city), and you only have to do a quick Google search to find some of the best drives to take:
Highway 143, Tennessee – home to the Appalachian mountains, Tennessee boasts the longest unbroken stretch of grassy heaths (low-altitude shrubland habitat on mostly infertile acid soil) in the world! If you head there around this time of year, the slopes are a dream of purple rhododendron blossoms. If you want a romantic time with your partner, this is the drive to take. Also: check out Carver’s Gap to see the highlands of the Appalachian Trail.
Park Loop Road, Maine – when it’s not congested with other tourists who have the same bright idea as you, the drive around Acadia National Park is a short one, but you won’t forget it. And you’ll want to give yourself time to take in the beauty of this area – its sheer cliffs, wild coastlines, and the oceanside cavern called Thunder Hole. You can even spend time lobster fishing and take your catch home.
West coasters, I didn’t forget you!
Pacific Coast Highway, California – you’ll want to rent a convertible for this one and embrace the ocean breeze and the sun in your hair on this 123-mile coastal drive. Give yourself 4-5 days to take advantage of every stop along the way, like Hearst Castle, Bixby Bridge, and Julia Pfeiffer Burns state park. If you want to splurge, Post Ranch is a clifftop hotel with rooms that have floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ocean.
No matter where you go or what your plans are – road trips require careful planning and money to pull them off.
Funnily enough, I specialize in both planning and money – for retirement, of course. But, if your dreams involve exploring this great country of ours once you break free from work, we should talk about making that a reality.
Call 513-563-PLAN (7526) or click here and book a quick chat with us to create and implement a plan to rev the engine on your retirement.
Regards,
Nikki Earley, CFP®
