Notes From the Road

For many of us after months of winter, the signs of Spring are reinvigorating. From the buds on trees to the wild flowers, from the warm ocean breeze to the expansive greenery, Spring is a great time to reconnect with all the nature the U.S. has to offer. Here are a few places to consider this Spring:

1. San Diego & Carlsbad, California

The San Diego area is filled with beauty, and in the spring you can enjoy weather in the high 60s, flowers and palm trees, and of course ocean views. Balboa Park (above) is not only the home of the San Diego Zoo, one of the best zoos in the country in my opinion, but is also filled with gardens, museums like the San Diego Museum of Art and Museum of Us, and flat trails that I recommend riding a bicycle around if you have the chance.

Ocean Beach, a neighborhood on coastal land in San Diego, has some of the most incredible views especially along the Sunset Cliffs Trail. If you’re feeling adventurous you can take a Surf Lesson from one of the many shops along Newport Ave or visit a rooftop restaurant like The Holding Company or Sunshine Company to enjoy the views with a drink. Up the coast a bit more is Carlsbad, CA, which in addition to more ocean views is also known for The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, which has 55-acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers and regular events like wine tasting, music, and more!

2. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee & NC

Spring is a great time to visit the Great Smoky Mountains (above), which cuts right through the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. The mountain range includes 187,000 acres of peaks and valleys and spectacular scenic views. Clingman’s Dome is the highest peak in the park to visit either hiking by foot or through a $5 scenic drive and parking at the top. Another trail to explore is the Rainbow Falls trail where after a 2.7 mile hike you will reach an 80-foot fall that sometimes casts rainbows through the sunlight.

In nearby Pigeon Forge there are endless activities and attractions like trying out one of the many ziplining destinations, visiting the southern classic of Dollywood, or checking out The Island in Pigeon Forge (above). There are also a multitude of wineries in the area if you want to enjoy a glass after.

3. Blue Ridge Parkway & Asheville, North Carolina

Neighboring the Great Smoky Mountains is the South End entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway, which runs 469 miles across 3 states and is known as “America’s Favorite Drive” because of its unbelievable scenery. The headquarters and visitors center of the Blue Ridge Parkway is located in Asheville, NC and this scenic section of the parkway is known at the Pisgah Region. If you have the chance I recommend driving even a short section of the parkway to see the views, drive through tunnels, and take in the nature.

If you have the chance, visit or stay in Asheville, NC while in the area. This city tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains is known for a vibrant art scene, breweries, quirky museums, and a strong literary history. If you enjoy the history of famous writers, you can visit the old haunts of Carl Sandburg, Thomas Wolfe and F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. There are also many museums to visit while in the area, like the Asheville Art Museum or the Asheville Pinball Museum, which has over 75 pinball machines and other classic video games available for play! In downtown Asheville you can visit the Southside Brewing District, take in the murals, and have a pint. Some breweries to check out include Burial Beer Company, The Funkatorium, and Hi-Wire Brewing (above) and enjoy one of the many patios in the city!

4. Cherry Blossom Season in Washington, DC

Although Washington D.C. is a fun trip almost any time of the year, there is no better time to visit than when the Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom throughout the city. The District of Columbia is known for its museums, art, monuments, nature, and culinary excellence from all around the world. If you’re planning a trip and looking for activities and attractions I highly recommend checking out our 12 Free Things to Do in D.C. article to start.

5. Ithaca & Finger Lakes Region, New York

If you are into waterfalls and hiking and hippie towns I highly recommend checking out Ithaca, NY and the surrounding Finger Lakes Region. Ithaca’s city slogan is “Ithaca is Gorges” for a reason, as there are a multitude of gorges and waterfalls in and around the city. Taughannock Falls State Park offers a beautiful view of the 215-foot freefalling Taughannock Falls (above) and family activities in the park itself. Nearby, Lucifer Falls features a hike built into the gorges that looks straight out of a fantasy movie and opens up to waterfall views. One of the most well-known hikes in the area is Watkins Glen Park which features more rocky cliffs, waterfalls, and stone bridges.

The beauty and adventure does not stop there, as Ithaca proper has more waterfalls and water features, restaurants and bars like Argos, the Ithaca Farmer’s Market, vineyards and wineries, and colleges campuses to wander. If you want to see more waterfalls while in Ithaca check out Triphammer Falls and Ithaca Falls, and stop for coffee and greenery at Botanist Coffeehouse.

6. Brooklyn, New York City, NY

New York City may seem like an obvious choice for a visit, but Brooklyn in the Spring comes alive and is filled with outdoor activities. Although crowded in the summer, Coney Island (above) has less of a crowd and is a fun place to walk around. Moving further up into Brooklyn is Prospect Park and the nearby Brooklyn Botanic Garden (below). The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is has a Cherry Blossom Festival this time of year, a gorgeous Japanese garden, and more than 52-acres filled with nature.

If you have a love of bookstores I recommend checking out one of the 2 locations of the independent bookstore Books Are Magic. Nearby, you can wander around Yesterday’s News, a store filled with antique collectibles and quirky artifacts, and then visit Black Forest Brooklyn, a classic German beer garden. Lastly, to get some great views of the city and the iconic Manhattan Bridge View, stop by the neighborhood of Dumbo. If you have the chance visit Harriet’s Rooftop to enjoy a cocktail while enjoying gorgeous city views.