Peter Greenberg: East Coast Road Trip
By: Peter Greenberg | Source: AARP.org | 2008-09-23
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If you were to travel by car from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to Boston in 5-6 days, where would you make stops? Savannah, Ga., and Charleston, S.C., are two places we would like to see. Are there any others you would recommend?
-George, Boston, Mass.
There are plenty of options along this route. Here is a sample:
Winston-Salem, N.C.:
Head north on I-77, and then go east towards (but not into) Winston-Salem, N.C. You can sample award-winning wines at Round Peak Vineyard, while local musicians perform "old-time" mountain string-band music. There are also craftsmen in the area selling anything from handmade quilts to intricate pottery.
Along the way, you'll encounter the town of Mount Airy, the real "Mayberry," which inspired the famous "Andy Griffith Show." There, you can experience a second round of wine tasting at Old North State Winery. You can also get a bird's eye view of North Carolina's wine country from a hot-air balloon in Boonville, approximately 25 miles west of Winston-Salem.
Richmond, Va.:
Go through a vivid history lesson by visiting Richmond, Va., where you can view exhibits at the Virginia Historical Society. Self-proclaimed as the "perfect blend of old and new," Richmond also boasts Agecroft Hall, a restored 15th-century English manor that offers views of the James River. The manor's gardens encompass 23 acres. The Old Stone House (Edgar Allan Poe Museum) exhibits many of the writer's memorabilia and artifacts of his life's work. Visitors can even view films on the writer's life.
Baltimore:
Enjoy visiting Baltimore without having to spend your gas money. Here, you can stroll through the famous Lexington Market on Lexington and Eutaw Streets while watching fishmongers and local cooks at work. Get an inexpensive meal by buying some of the tasty treats the market has to offer. Consider checking out the Washington Monument at Mount Vernon Park, which is surrounded by 19th-century buildings. At the Antique Row on North Howard Street, you can view rare collections of Chinese snuff bottles, lamps, and jewelry.
Pottsville, Pa.:
Go to the oldest brewery in America, Yuengling's in Pottsville, Pa. The city is also home to one of America's great short-story writers, John O'Hara, on South Centre Street and West Howard Avenue.
The heart of the Anthracite coal region, Pottsville has historic coal mines that you can tour. Off the beaten path, there's Tuscarora State Park, which features seven hiking trails through deciduous forests and several pristine fishing spots. Another hidden treasure is Renninger's Market, an indoor flea market, offering produce, baked goods, and meats.
Norwalk, Conn.:
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, Conn., has various exhibits, lectures, and attractions for all ages. It even has an IMAX movie theatre with shows on marine life. You can also do some water activities, such as kayaking tours. Every summer, on Water Street, the city holds Oyster Festivals. They feature live music, vendors, and activities, with proceeds from the festivals going to help nonprofit organizations.
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