APRIL IS THE TIME FOR ROAD TRIPS
Whether you’re going solo to satisfy your bucket list or thinking you’ll pile the kids in the car for an epic family adventure, now’s the time to start planning your road to adventure. Heather Greenwood Davis offers four options that won’t let you down.
THE HISTORIC BARBECUE TRAIL, NORTH CAROLINA
If you’re the kind of road tripper that is guided by his or her stomach, the North Carolina Barbecue Society’s trail map will give you plenty of reason to keep going. Describing itself as “the Cradle of Cue,” the society set out to showcase why it believes the state is the barbecue capital of the world. Barbecue (the noun), the society maintains, started here despite what Texas or Tennessee may have to say about it. Skip the controversy and concentrate on the 24 barbecue pits along the trail that runs from Ayden in the east to Murphy in the west. Short on time? Between Granite Quarry and Greensboro you can conquer 10 of the 24. Bring your own antacid. Details: ncbbqsociety.com
ROAD TO HANA, HAWAII
If getting to your destination in a hurry is the goal, the road to Hana isn’t for you. The twisting, well-paved roads are often narrow and built along steep cliffs. If you’re willing to take your time, you’ll be rewarded. From waterfalls to black sand beaches, barbecue to banana bread, you’ll find plenty of reasons to pull over en route to Hana. Once there, check into the Travaasa Hana resort. A soak in its spa’s volcanic rock hot tub or gazing at the horses that lead its trail rides is bound to settle your nerves before starting the drive back. Details: travaasa.com/hana
GRAND CIRCLE, U.S. NATIONAL PARKS
With the 100-year celebration of the U.S. National Park Service well underway, it’s a great time to include the parks in your travel plans. Along with the incredible scenery that is always on hand, you’ll find park rangers ready and willing to share insights on how to make the most of your visit. The big parks are popular for a reason. US-parks.com (not affiliated with the official nps.gov) suggests different self-drive road-trip itineraries. The granddaddy of them all: The Grand Circle, which includes the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Arches and Canyonlands national parks. Whatever route you choose, you’ll want to secure your accommodations as early as possible: Some parks and their neighbouring towns can be sold out months in advance. Details: nps.gov/2016
THE CAUSEWAY COASTAL ROUTE, NORTHERN IRELAND
With the reopening of the Gobbins — an only-if-you’re-brave-enough 3.2-kilometre walking route that takes you up staircases, through tunnels and across suspension bridges along cliffs — the Causeway Coastal Route may have just cemented its spot as a top must-see destination. The scenic views that greet you as you wind your way along the cliffs from Belfast — pop out for a walk through Glenariff Forest Park or marvel at the lighthouses on Rathlin Island — are all the proof you need that you made a good choice. Make sure to save time for the Giant’s Causeway and to book one of the fantastic lodging options that range from holiday parks to cottages before you set out. Details: causewaycoastalroute.com