The Great Smoky Mountains
One of the best things to do with the family during the summer months is to go on the all-American road trip. It’s less expensive than flying, and so much more of America can be experienced. Updating your navigation system before leaving on any road trip is key to having a smooth ride devoid of wrong turns and wasted time. It’s convenient to have the most updated information regarding rest stops, parks, hotels, and restaurants along the way.
Highway 1
No matter where you live in the U.S. there are several excellent road trip ideas from which to choose. The famed coastal Highway 1 is a perfect example. A good road trip here would be to start at Big Sur, make a spectacular stop at Point Reyes, then end at Eureka to visit some giant Sequoia trees.
The Great Smoky Mountains
On the other side of the United States is the Great Smoky Mountains. Start by taking the family whitewater rafting at Nantahala Outdoor Park just south of Bryson City, North Carolina. Then hop in the car to drive northwest through Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Cades Cove to visit the remains of a 19-th century settlement and view some wildlife. Up the road past Gatlinburg is Dollywood, the amusement park dreamed up by legendary country singer, Dolly Parton.
Big Sky Country
Start this road trip at Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone, then drive north to Whitefish, Montana. The family can easily spend two weeks exploring just the national parks alone, with hiking, camping, river rafting and world-class wildlife viewing.
Midwest Adventure
Start in Chicago, Illinois and spend a couple of days shopping, visiting the Museum of Science and Industry and hanging out at Millennium Park. Then drive north along the banks of Lake Michigan to Holland, Michigan where the kids can blow off some steam at the Splash Zone Waterpark. End the trip in Traverse City.
East Coast
For a Mid-Atlantic adventure, start in Washington, D.C. then stop in colonial Williamsburg and Assateague Island, Maryland.
Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest cannot be missed. Start this epic road trip in Portland, Oregon. Drive an hour east to visit Mount Hood for skiing most of the year. Then head back west to the coast, where Cannon Beach and Seaside will greet you. Drive north on Highway 101 through the rainforest at Olympia National Park, before ending your journey will a couple of days in Seattle.
No matter where you decide to travel being together and experiencing it with your family will create memories that will last a lifetime.
Before you go, check out Navigation Updates for the latest editions of GPS maps for your navigation system.
