USA

Driving South: Enjoy the Ride!

by Daniel Smajovits

For many families across the Northeast, the annual winter escape to Florida is a tradition. Trading the snow for fun in the sun is reason enough to make the journey and if you’re one of the many tourists opting to drive instead of fly, the two to three day drive itself and should become a memorable part of the experience.

Most drives will have at least one day in frigid temperatures and the winter brings out some unique sights. On our journey south, our first stop was exactly one of those: Hershey, Pennsylvania. Anchored by the Hershey Company and home to Hersheypark and Hershey’s Chocolate World, the city lights up with the holiday spirit. Hershey is an easy and rewarding detour from any point in the Northeast. Kids can dive into chocolate-themed attractions, while parents appreciate the walkable, festive setting. The holiday lights, music and cozy setting make it feel like a destination rather than just a stopover.

With snow falling from above, guests still pack Hersheypark, especially at night to take in the holiday atmosphere, enjoy the rides, spend time with Santa and sip on hot chocolate under the Christmas lights. Only a few miles away is another unique attraction: Hershey’s Sweet Lights: a drive through holiday-light show that honors the season in the most unique way.

Further along your drive south, consider carving out time for Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. A trip along Skyline Drive offers breathtaking mountain views that shift dramatically in winter. It’s a refreshing change of pace from the highway and a perfect opportunity to stretch your legs, take photos, and reset before continuing.

Our route then took us through Fayetteville, North Carolina where the Fascinate-U Children’s Museum was an exciting stop for the whole family. With interactive exhibits that allow children to pretend to be a myriad of jobs, from postal workers to soldiers to doctors, your children will be exhausted and ready to relax in the backseat following a morning or afternoon visit.

Only a few hours further south is Savannah, Georgia. Known for its beautiful parks, classic southern architecture and bustling food scene, this southern belle should not be missed. With your ultimate destination yet to be reached, we recommend a quick pit stop for ice cream at Leopold’s, a local institution since 1919, followed by a walk along the river. This will give you the much-needed energy before you cross into the Sunshine State, a mere 90 minutes away.

Once in Florida, beautiful beaches line the East Coast from Jacksonville to Miami. However, we highly suggest that you take a few hours to walk around picturesque and historic St. Augustine, the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the continental United States. If you or your kids are looking for something more exhilarating, a few miles down the road is Kennedy Space Center, home to NASA. Regardless, every exit along the East Coast provides endless attractions, restaurants and activities for the whole family.

While a road trip might not be for every person or family, for those with a sense of adventure, the experience becomes far more than just a way to get from point A to point B. Driving can become an opportunity to create lasting memories, discover unexpected places, and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.