Contest: What YOU Need on the Road

I’ve got a Honda Accord, and on one tank of gas I can get to Morro Bay. A beautiful rock, a lovely little town, and sea otters!

I’ve also got a Honda Accord which I LOVE. 14 years old and the baby still runs like its new. I’m able to drive down to Atlanta from where I live. It’s a great trip that only requires one tank of gas and I can spend the whole day hanging out in a wonderful city full of good music and soul food. 

I love to drive from my home in Macon, Georgia over to Lake Oconee.  We either stay at the Ritz Carlton or rent a private home.  It’s a delightful place–all the activities on the lake, plus golf, shopping, eating, and more.  We also love to drive over to Madison, Georgia which is just a few minutes away for more shopping.  A lot of great shops and restaurants there as well!  All in all a fun weekend, and easily done with one tank of gas.  

We travel from Porterville. CA to Moro Bay or Pismo Beach or both on the same day and return home on one tank of gas.  We drive a 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis.  In Moro Bay, we love to stay at a 50s refurbished motel called Beach Bungalo. The rooms are all individually decorated, most with a fireplace, and beautifully decorated.  Also, we get a wonderful free hot breakfast at a nearby restaurant.

I live in Panama City, Republic of Panama and can drive from here which is on the Pacific Ocean to Colon on the Atlantic and back on the super highway in my Honda Legend on one tank of gas. I can  swim in the Pacific Ocean at breakfast time and in the Atlantic Ocean at lunchtime.

I live in the Denver area I can go to Colorado Springs visit Pikes Peak, The Garden of the Gods and the Air Force Academy then take a scenic drive through the back road out to Hwy 285 then stop in Morrison to see Red Rocks Amphitheater then stop in Morrison for dinner and drinks and still not use up a tank of gas   If I had more time I would go up to Mount Evans west of Denver to the highest road in the 48 states (over 14,000 feet and not open in winter).

I drive from Tucson where I work, which is boring, to Scottsdale every weekend in my A 5 .I love the nightlife.I ride the Scottsdale trolley once I get there to save gas money.I go to Sanctuary spa to relax and get ready for the nightlife at Scottsdale Quarter. I bring snacks and plenty of water as well as sunscreen.JoAnn

I live in the Los Angeles area. Park any distractions with a neighbor, kennel, or ex, This includes kids, dogs, in-laws. Make a 2 day reservation at a quality Hotel starting Friday night with your significant other. Dinner and the theater or concert sounds good for Friday. Drive to an amusement park for Saturday. Brunch and a special place after you check out of the hotel on Sunday. Try to remember where you put the distractions. Grumpy in Los Angeles

I live very near Fall River,Massachusetts and I believe that a good idea for many would be NOT to travel as far as a full gas tank would get you to but to discover or in many cases rediscover the so many fun things a family or a couple or even a single person can do locally.From Fall River, Boston is 49 miles north.Newport,Rhode Island is 25 miles south.Providence,Rhode Island is 15 miles west and New Bedford,Massacusetts is 12 miles east.I dare say that exploring the five cities mentioned above will keep you very,very busy for many,many years to come ! Peace and Regards !

 We live north of Chicago.  The best trip on a tank of gas goes to visit the Quad cities where you have your choice of winning money at the many casinos there.  Then go a little north to visit the town of LeClaire, Iowa.  It is the home of of TV’s American Pickers and also the birthplace and museum of Buffalo Bill Cody.  Great lunch and you can visit a distillery and winery with samples!!  Shoot back home across the top of Illinois where the highest natural point in the state is.  Stay overnight in one of White Pines rustic log cabins while enjoying hiking and enjoying nature.  Then home to reality and planning more trips!!

We live on the south shore of Long Island.  With a full-tank highway range of just over 400 miles, we can pack some overnight stuff into our Mini and head up to the Albany, NY area, not far from Vermont.  Around there you can find affordable hotels, and it is a quick drive over to Vermont to take in the scenery…a great photo-op trip.  Round trip on just about one tank of gas!

I live in Saskatoon, Canada and there’s a very special place within a tank of gas away that would blow your mind.  It’s called the ‘Crooked Trees’ and it’s actually a collection of aspens that feature branches which loop and twist and just reach out in ways that are unusual yet spectacular to see by the human eye.  It’s almost a haunted experience when you really take it all in and feel the atomosphere- very cool and by far my number one driving trip location.

From Oro Valley, AZ you can tour some of the original mission churches founded by Fr. Eusebio Kino, including some from the 17th century.  Also within a tank of gas range is the Saguaro National Park outside of Tucson, Organ Pipe National Monument and the Casa Grande Ruins (Hohokam pueblo).  Enjoy great Mexican food along the way and love the dry heat!

I live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
From my place there is a National Park that I can take with one tank of gas.
It’s called Point Pelee National Park and birds migrate here during the spring since the climate is so different to the rest of Ontario. This park has all different kinds of wildlife and that is why it would be my one-tank trip

From suburban Philadelphia I can make it to central Connecticut on half a tank of gas, to see my alma mater and my aunt and uncle and visit Mystic Seaport, even stopping and visiting a nearly 96-year old cousin in New Jersey on the way.  So that’s a round-trip on one tank. Or, if I can use the full tank one way, I can make it to Cape Cod, around Eastham by the Cape Cod National Seashore, where it’s less crowded and beautiful scenery.

I can go from Portland to Seattle on a tank of gas – and I have plans to do so in just 2 weeks! I have a friend with a new baby up there that I would love to meet and I also enjoy visiting Pike Place Market, wandering around the Space Needle, and the Experience Music Project nearby!

I can drive from Goldsboro NC to Oak Island NC on a tank of gas.  My wife and I usually try to drive down a couple of times a year and stay for the weekend.  We always make sure to celebrate 4th of July on the island, sit beneath the light house and watch the firework display.

From SLC UT, we can get to any of 5 national parks within Utah, and you can add in 2 more (Tetons and Yellowstone) too. Dinosaur Nat’l Monument is within reach, or you can drive out to Wendover to see the historic airfield. 

We will drive our family from Cleveland to Detroit this summer, stopping at the Port Clinton Safari, in route to the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village.  Maybe we will even throw in a stop at the Detroit Zoo for good measure.

I’ll do the typical touristy things on this trip. I can travel from one end of my island to the other a few times on a tank of gas. On this particular driving trip I’m going to drive from home to the Turtle Farm and visit the worlds first/only operating sea turtle farm. From there just around the corner, I’ll visit Hell and send a postcard postmarked “Hell” to my in-laws in Illinois. After that I’ll drive to the other side of the island to Rum Point, eat lunch, and then hop on a boat to Stingray City and swim with the Stingrays. Once back from there enjoy a sunshiney cocktail sitting on Seven Mile Beach watching the sun set and looking for the elusive green flash as the sun sets seemingly beneath the ocean. Then I guess I’ll have to drive back home… All on one tank of gas.

We go to Niagara Falls, Canada which is the nicer part of the Falls. Then we continue down to Niagara on the Lake for a late lunch/dinner, a great small town experience. Stopping on the way back for ice cream at one of the places that make it in-house.

From Portland, I can drive to Hood River, OR.  fro there, I go the back way past some beautiful orchards towards Mt. hood. then turn off a small road to Wahtum Lake. I park my car, and hike above the lake about 4 miles. There is a Gorgeous view of the Valley that few people know about. during certain times of the year, you can pick berries along the way as well.

We have been wanting to take a trip to Virginia from NY. It has been our “local” dream vacation for quite awhile. One thing or another has gotten in a way so far, though we are hoping to make the trip this summer. Would like to check out the beaches, the scenery, some entertainment, and the historic sites as well. It would also be great to get out and get some fresh air in contrast to the NYC. and actually see the stars at night

From my home in Brisbane Australia, i drive south to the Appropriately named Scenin Rim Region and drive through beautiful farmland to the legendary Duck Creek Road. The road is a four wheel drive track up the mountains ending at O’Reilly’s which has beuatiful bushwalks for all ages and capabilities. Its a great day with a picnic lunch overlooking amazing views. All on one tank!

For me, this weekend, I am driving to Gettysburg, PA on one tank of gas. I moved to Baltimore a few years back after my dad passed away and Gettysburg was one of his favorite places. He would travel there from Maine with his civil war gear and take all kinds of pictures and explore the area. My plans are to take duplicate pictures and match them with his… So that is what I am doing on one tank of gas.

My favorite drive is to leave FT. Lauderdale and head west through Everglades National Park.There are so many places to pull off Alligator Alley and walk and rest and then view nature as it has been for thousands of years. Alligators, deer, wading birds, plus many small creatures that scurry around makes me aware of  how  we must care for this environment or our children and grandchildren will not be able to see what I view each time I cross the Everglades

Leaving Little Rock, our drive goes up U.S. 65 and 62 through the scenic Ozark and Boston Mountains for a relaxing day and evening at Eureka Springs at the New Orleans Hotel and Spa.  The next day takes us to Bentonville for a day at the new Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.  I visited on January 2 and can’t wait to get back on a day when the patrons aren’t packed in like sardines.  Four hundred and thirty miles, with a gallon or two to spare. 

I am in umatilla Florida assisting my Dad as he recovers from bladder cancer. Once he is well and in tip top shape we will drive to Orlando and spend the day at Disney world enjoying everything they have to offer. On the way home we will swing past Daytona Beach and listen to the relaxing sounds of the ocean and recall childhood vacations.

I’m in Eureka, CA and can drive to San Francisco on one tank of gas.  Actually planning on doing just that in about a month and a half!

I can travel to Asheville, NC from Atlanta, GA

Wilmington, De to Lewes/Rehoboth/Dewey Beaches. (170 -200 miles RT)… on less than a tankfull of Gas!

Or

If you perfer the Pocono Mountains:
Mt. Pocono.Pocono Summit,Pocono Pines, Pocono Lake, Blakeslee, Lake Harmony, White Haven (220- 260 miles RT)

Great time to Go…Weather is warm….Crowds are not around yet….Restraunts have there off-season specials still in effect!

Gas still below $4/gal….but not for much longer!

Gettysburg is Great and NOT Expensive…Good time of year to go!

Would like to drive to Australia…but I think that Bridge from the USA is not yet completed!

From our Central California home, I’d pack up my 5 most valuable assets (4 boys & hubby) & head due West 1 hour to Walnut Creek Calif. where my parents ashes are buried high up on Mt. Diablo. 3,000 feet up, we’d soak up the 360 degree view while sharing funny and poignant stories about them.

Back in our ‘party van’ and drive 1 more hour west to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Unhitching our bikes, we’d saddle up on em, and ride to Sausalito with the salty air whipping through our hair, and the astounding skyline view all around us. Lunch eaten while sitting on the edge of a pier watching the sea-lions would be our ‘free entertainment.’

After a quick ferry ride back, we’d load up, and they sleep all the way home.  Holding my husbands hand, we’d savor the darkness enveloping our van full of tucked out boys in the seats behind us, and enjoy chatting while driving towards the city lights of our hometown Lodi.

The best Journey always takes you home….

A full tank of gas takes me from my home in Southeast Wisconsin to Apostle Islands National Seashore. I park in Bayfield, where I can take in some theater, then kayak to Sand Island, among sea caves. Set uip camp in the soft white sand. Don’t want the bears in our food, but would like to see them! Hike across the island to the lighthouse in the morning, then kayak back to Bayfield.  Next, ferry across to Madeline Island where we rent bikes and travel along the edge of the island in beautiful Lake Superior. Catch an ice cream and a fish fry, then drive home, stopping for a hike at Copper Falls, one of the many State Parks, all available for my $25 annual pass, best bargain every year.

Or keep the tanl full and train to Chicago, where a free trolley gets me around town feeling green!

Hello!
I’m from Bucharest,Romania and I read  this site very often.From Bucharest,with a tank of gas you can reach Bran Castle(Dracula’s castle).The distance is 100 miles one way,so …with a tank full of gas you can also return.
Cheers!

I just traveled from Concord, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA on one tank of gas. Enjoyed walking through the town, having wonderful meals and watching the seals and otters play.

ONE TANK OF GAS WILL GET ME FROM NEW ORLEANS TO LAKE CHARLES LA.THE ONE THING I CAN’T AFFORD TO LEAVE BEHIND,WOULD BE MY CHARGER FOR MY I PAD OR MY CELL CHARGER.

I live in the Atlanta area, so my destination of choice with one tank of gas would be the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. I drive a Mazda5, so I might not have enough gas to get back.

On just one tank of gas, I could drive up to the Sivananda Ashram in New York State! Beautiful mountains, hikes, gardens and people. 

I’ve always been jealous of people in other states, because I feel like in Chicago there is not a diverse selection of other places to visit in a car trip.  But when I need to get away, Galena, IL always feels a world away and is a great place to unplug.

Travel who has the money to fly and having TSA hand up your ass why do it

From Seattle to Paradise and back in one day on one tank of gas!  Paradise is at 5400 feet on Mt. Rainier, lovely in late spring (road was cleared of snow yesterday, April 17, 2012) with snow covered peaks, lovely when the wildflowers bloom later in spring.

We live in Upper Michigan in Marquette which is located on the shores of Lake Superior.   Our trip would be from Marquette to Copper Harbor which is at the far northern point in Keweenaw Peninsula on Lake Superior.  The ride is scenic with nature at it’s finest and we would visit the quaint shops along the way.  On the way home we would stop by the “Jam Pot” which is run by monks, they sell the best homemade jam and bakery items! Nature and food, sounds good to me  

 Do you have a favourite place to stay? We are from Toronto too and would like to get away for a few days.
Thanks, Dawn

Saugatuck, MI, 3.5 hours from my driveway in Fishers (Indianapolis, IN). Stay at the Lake Shore Resort on Lake Michigan. An “arts” town along with Douglas. Together considered the “art coast” of Michigan. Condé Nast Traveler ranked Saugatuk’s Oval Beach as one of the 25 best shorelines in the world. Getaways. MTV has it ranked as one of the country’s top five beaches. National Geographic Traveler takes it a step further, rating it as one of the top two freshwater beaches in the country.
Midwest Living magazine ranked the Saugatuck-Douglas area #5 on its 2007 list of Best Small-Town.

And make sure you take the Dune Buggy ride…the “dune schooner.” UN BE LEE VA BUL!!!!

90 minutes south of Seoul there is the town of ASAN. Go for another 20 min. and you reach Onyang-Oncheon. There you can find many spa/saunas with sulfuric water. I love going down there because the water is good for my skin, bones and muscles. Some of the hotels are lovely! Highly recommend it!!

From Bend, Oregon there are so many places to visit on a tank of gas. A few of our favorites are Portland, Ashland, Oregon Coast, Seattle, Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, and Boise. A scenic road trip at any time of year, and in any direction, is one of the best ways to see America in all her glory. We can’t wait to hit the road again and experience more of the local vibe in those nearby locations.