I am 61 years old, and love to travel... roadtrips have always been a part of my life....
Traverse City is an awesome little town on the western side of Michigan. Within driving distance of one of the most beautiful places I have ever been, Sleeping Bear Dunes... also within easy driving distance of a lot of other amazing places to visit.
Mackinac Island, Michigan, United States
From the time I was 25 years old, and saw SOMEWHERE IN TIME in the theater I had wanted to visit Mackinac Island and see the Grand Hotel for myself... and it was worth the wait! The views from the porch of the hotel are breathtaking, and the island is so quaint!
Manchester, Connecticut, United States
I have friends who live in this small Connecticut town... and they introduced me to the other reason I love to visit here... Shady Glen. This family owned dairy/restaurant, is like stepping back in time. Their burgers and ice cream are wonderful. They put 4 slices of cheese across the burger, and let the edges crisp on the grill... Oh, my!! And their ice cream is all made by them! This place would be worth the drive from Virginia alone... It's also not far from another wonderful little village... Mystic, Connecticut (and yes the Mystic Pizza is as good as the movie says!)
Ogunquit, Maine, United States
Ogunquit, Wells and Kennebunkport are pretty close together in Maine. And we have been to all three the past couple of summers. The standout in Qgunquit is the Marginal Way, which is made up of paved footpaths that go along the beautiful Maine coastline! The views are indescribable! And the walk all the way around is a good way to exercise....
Not only is the beautiful little town near the home of President Bush (George H. W.) part of the year, (Kennebunk and Kennebunkport, are really close together) but it has a harbor and boatway in the middle of town... There are tons of good restaurants and coffee shops... Our favorite is Mornings in Paris Cafe.... the coffee and pastries are wonderful and it's has an authentic European cafe vibe to it... The people are friendly and there are tons of tourists each year!
While these may seem to be great distances, if I had the time and the money, I would to do this loop of places... I have been lucky enough to have been to each of them at least one time, but I never tire of going to them (always frind something new every time) but telling other people about them that don't know they exist! (And you can stop in Cleveland on the way to Michigan and visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! Such a cool place!