Top 10 roam-worthy roads, according to the Roaming Gnome

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You may think of me as quite the jet-setter, but I do delight in a good, old-fashioned road trip. And since I’m no stranger to the open road, I thought I’d pass along my ten favorite drivable destinations. So roll down the windows and hold on to your pointy red hats, because we’ve got some roaming to do!

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Red Rock Scenic Byway: Arizona

Just outside of Sedona is one of my favorite strips of open road where you can feast your eyes on majestic rock formations and Native American cliff dwellings. Pro tip: pass through at sunset.

Million Dollar Highway: Colorado

I always say, why climb a mountain when you can cruise up one? This scenic drive will have you passing through the San Juan Mountains between Ouray and Silverton. You know, having your head in the clouds doesn’t have to be a bad thing.

Highway 12: Southern Utah

The buttes on this highway are definitely beauts. There is something wonderfully grand about feeling small as you wind through the towering mesas. (Trust me, I know a thing or two about feeling small.) Keep an eye out for Bryce Canyon National Park and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Blue Ridge Parkway: Virginia

There’s no such thing as a bad view as you motor along the spine of the Appalachian Mountains. Look to the east or west for equally stunning scenery, so there’s no need to fight over which side of the car you’re on!

Kennett Pike: Delaware

Delaware may be a wee little state, but there are some grand views from this strip of highway. Take in the rolling hills, historic bridges and fancy estates. Good things come in small, gnome-size packages, don’t you think?

Historic Columbia River Highway: Oregon

Oh my, I love a good waterfall, and this highway has them in spades. Latourell Falls and Multnomah Falls are two of my favorites. What’s more, you’ll pass through foliage tunnels dripping with mossy greenery—a gnome’s dream!

Seven Mile Bridge: Florida

Imagine driving across one of the longest bridges in the world with nothing but blue sea surrounding you. Sounds like a dream, eh? Nah, it’s a road trip!

State Route 197: Georgia

If top-notch scenery is your cup of tea, this highway through the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest is the one for you. In the days of prohibition, the road was actually a moonshine route for bootleggers. I hope they appreciated the view!

Talimena National Scenic Byway: Arkansas

I consider this bit of the Talimena Byway to be quite royal indeed. It does pass through Queen Wilhelmina State Park, after all. And I’m the Roaming Gnome—not the Royal Gnome—but I do like to stick my hand out the window and give a stately wave to the colorful scenery.

Pacific Coast Highway: California

This one may be a no-brainer, but I couldn’t leave it off the list. Its twists, turns and miles of ocean are proof that the journey is sometimes even better than the destination.

 

 

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