When the staffers at CityScene hit the road, it might be a trip of a few miles, or it might be a trip across a few states.
Take a look at a few of our favorite road trips here at CityScene and see if anything inspires you.
Chicago, Ill.
President and CEO Kathy Gill’s favorite road trip is a favorite road trip for a lot of central Ohioans. Among her long list of recommendations are Architectural Tours, Lincoln Park Zoo, Green Market, Millennium Park and the Buckingham Fountain, not to mention Whirlyball Chicago in Bucktown. And she reserves high praise for the Windy City’s legendary pizza joints, such as Eataly. “Try the pizza pot pie at Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder on Clark Street,” she says, “but bring cash – cards are not welcome.”
Outer Banks, N.C.
Vice President of Sales Gianna Barrett goes to the Outer Banks with a group of nine families and rent a big house a block from the beach. “There are no schedules,” she says. “Everyone can go at their own pace and meet back at the house every night for dinner, where we team up each night for a variety of dinner themes: taco night, hamburgers on the grill or, my favorite, my own lasagna, which I bring every year.” When she gets back, she’ll also talk to anyone who will listen about Duck Donuts, a legendary local homemade doughnut joint.
Asheville, N.C.
For Managing Editor Garth Bishop, the measure of a good destination is great places to eat and drink, and Asheville meets that criterion handily. “On my first visit, I hung out in a Belgian beer cellar, a champagne bar/used book store, a rooftop cocktail bar and even a joint serving kava, a root beverage originating from Pacific Ocean island nations,” he says. There’s plenty more than just restaurants and bars, though: The Tobacco Barn antique store, the River Arts District and, about an hour’s drive outside of town, Chimney Rock State Park provide a plethora of entertainment as well.
New York City
Editor Hannah Bealer refers to herself as “obsessed with Broadway,” so it’s no surprise the Big Apple is her No. 1 driving destination. “While the long drive through Pennsylvania isn’t exactly riveting, nothing compares to seeing the Manhattan skyline in the distance when you finally do arrive,” she says. She heads there at least twice a year to catch shows old and new, often hitting up the TKTS booth in Times Square for day-of ticket discounts. The cheesecake at Junior’s, the cookies at Schmackary’s and the pizza at Roberta’s Pizza come highly recommended.
Old Man’s Cave, Hocking Hills, Ohio
Editor Sarah Sole doesn’t have to travel far to feel like she’s on an adventure: Her go-to road trip is Old Man’s Cave, which is packed with opportunities for expedition. Peaceful trails, impressive vistas and all manner of colorful trees and plants make for an enjoyable and relaxing experience. “Whether I’m playing at being an amateur photographer for the day or just taking in the sights as I walk, Old Man’s Cave and the gorge are a great backdrop,” she says.
Oglebay Parks and Resorts, Wheeling W.Va.
Account Executive Julie Camp and her husband have two young children, so Oglebay’s resort in Wheeling offers a prime opportunity to bring the kids and dog for some time in a rustic cabin. “We pull a wagon up and down the hills to explore playgrounds, mini golf, paddle boats, the Good Zoo and usually end our day with a dip in the pool,” she says. The fireworks are a must-see as well, and Coleman’s Fish Market in downtown Wheeling serves up the best fish sandwich in the Ohio Valley, she adds.
Norris Lake, Tenn.
Located in eastern Tennessee, not far from Knoxville, Norris Lake is an enjoy on-the-water experience for Account Executive Lauren Prehm. It’s about a five-and-a-half hour trip with a drive almost as visually impressive as the gorgeous lake itself. “The clean and beautiful lake is a great place for boating, swimming, fishing, waterskiing or wakeboarding, and just having a good time with family and friends,” she says.
(Outside) Detroit, Mich.
Account Executive Amber Young can point to any number of spots just outside of Detroit that offer great experiences on the water. The trip is just north of three hours, and once you get there, there’s a lake every six miles – a perfect situation for someone who grew up waterskiing and is always at home on the lake. She also gets to spend time with family that lives in the area. “The bonus: All I need to pack is a swimsuit and a raft,” she says.
Gatlinburg, Tenn.
Accounting Manager Jamie Armistead has fond memories of Gatlinburg, where she and her husband went for their honeymoon – a perfect option for those who are, as she says, “not beach people.” The quaint cabins around the city and the interesting restaurants inside it – she makes special mention of the Pancake Pantry, at which the many different pancake flavors available make the long waits worth it – are a couple of her key recommendations. “Our favorite activity was riding ATVs and ziplining at Jayell Ranch, which has the longest ziplines in the Smokies,” she says.
