Flying is definitely convenient, but there’s no better way to see America than by hitting the road yourself and taking in the sights. Now that it’s officially spring, lots of places across the country are looking particularly beautiful. Travel & Leisure has put out a gorgeous slide show list of some of the best spring drives across the country. Here are a few of the spring drives you should try to work into your travels:
See the Texas Bluebonnet Spring Bloom
Are your travels taking you in or around Austin this spring? If so, you’re in luck, because not far from the quirky Texas capital are some stretches of highway surrounded by gorgeous bluebonnets, the official state flower. Just head west from Austin on Route 290 to Johnson City, and then north to Burnet, which has the distinction of being the Bluebonnet Capital of Texas.
These flowers are so popular and beautiful that the state has set up a hotline for info on the bloom status. You can give it a ring at (800) 452-9292 when you’re making your plans.
Speaking of flowers, while you’re in Austin, you may want to pay a visit to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Blaze Through the Everglades
What begins as Calle Ocho in Miami’s historic Little Havana neighborhood continues westbound through the rest of the city and runs all the way across the state to the Gulf of Mexico. Most of what’s known as the Tamiami Trail runs through the Everglades — vast, protected tropical wilderness unlike any other ecosystem in the U.S. It’s an undeveloped area home to swamps, unique plant life, killer sunsets…and lots of alligators. You might also catch of glimpse of some endangered species, like the peregrine falcon and the manatee.
See the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve
Southern California is scenic year-round, but if you head north of Los Angeles between March and June, you’ll catch lots of color in the Mojave Desert. The roughly hour-long stretch between LA and Lancaster includes the massive Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, a dense gathering of California’s state flower. Within the reserve is the Antelope Loop Trail, a short ride designed for flower-peeping and the must-visit spot on the route.
Don’t just sit in your car, though — get out and smell the flowers! There are plenty of trails within the reserve, ranging from scenic walks to more extensive hikes, if you’re looking for a workout.
Traverse the Bayou
There’s a shorter highway route you can take between Louisiana’s two largest cities, but if you’ve got the time, take the scenic route between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. There are roads on both sides of the great Mississippi that wind the entire distance between the two cities.
The terrain and culture of Southern Louisiana are like nowhere else in the U.S., and it’s all on display through the bayou. You’ll cruise past historic plantation homes — many are now museums you can visit — twisted cypress trees and all the other bayou imagery you’ve probably seen in movies. Make sure you catch them in real life, too!
Scenic drives are great, but wherever it is you’re headed, you’re going to need a home. PC Housing offers short- and long-term housing for business travelers in cities large and small across the U.S. and Canada. Get in touch with us as you plan your next trip and let us find a home for you.