After you’ve exhausted the honky-tonks and legendary hot chicken scene, a day trip from Nashville is definitely in order. Luckily, the surrounding cities and towns are up to the task, full of natural and historical wonders, and surrounded by glorious hills that are all the more photogenic with a light dusting of snow.

Whether you find yourself sampling some Tennessee whiskey from a powerhouse distillery or exploring the mysterious depths of an underground sea, here are eight of our favorite day trip destinations, perfect for your next winter getaway.

All of these locations can be reached in three hours or less from Nashville via car.

History and wine in Franklin, Tennessee

Franklin has come a long way since its days as a Confederate stronghold and site of one of the Civil War’s bloodiest battles (The Battle of Franklin). Today, the small town manages to preserve its historic past while stepping into its new role as a welcoming, suburban city brimming with quaint, locally-owned shops and lively eateries.

Start off by exploring three of Franklin’s most important Civil War sites – the Carnton Plantation , the Lotz House and the Carter House – through a local tour operator or venture out on your own on a self-guided tour. Later, head to downtown Franklin’s charming Main Street for boutique shopping and delectable Southern eats at Gray’s on Main before capping off the day with a bottle of honeysuckle wine at the nearby Arrington Vineyards .

How to get to Franklin: Take I-65 south out of Nashville for about 18 miles, then exit onto Murfreesboro Rd, which runs straight into central Franklin. Drive time is about 22 minutes.

Falls, mountains and rails in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Six miles from downtown Chattanooga lies a nature-based triple threat: Ruby Falls, Rock City and the Incline Railway. It’s an all-day, all-ages adventure based in Lookout Mountain , a mountain ridge running through Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia. Start with a guided cave tour or a 700ft zipline adventure through Ruby Falls, home of the world’s largest underground waterfall, before strolling through the diverse flora and fauna of the Rock City Gardens.

Wrap up your day with a mile-high ride on the Incline Railway, one of the world’s steepest passenger railways. At the top: a bird’s eye from the Lookout Mountain observation deck.

How to get to Chattanooga: Take I-24 east out of Nashville. After about 126 miles, take exit 178 for US 27, which enters central Chattanooga. In total, Chattanooga is about 134 miles southeast of Nashville, or a two-hour and 10-minute drive.

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Explore Rock Island State Park, Tennessee

Within Rock Island State Park’s 883 acres, you’ll find a day full of nature excursions that cater to both laid-back explorers and adrenaline junkies alike. The park is both majestically craggy and verdant, boasting a 30ft horseshoe waterfall that once powered the 19th-century cotton textile mill located above it. You can opt to hike past this powerful water feature on one of nine trails located below the dam, or, if you’re experienced with a kayak, you can take to the rushing stream and paddle your way downstream.

Fishing, swimming and birding are also popular options here, with osprey, belted kingfishers and great blue herons in the area.

How to get to Rock Island State Park : From Nashville take I-40 and US-70 east to Smithville, then follow State Route 56 south to where it intersects with State Route 287. Turn left on SR 287 and follow it to the park entrance. The park is two hours and 40 minutes from Nashville.

Feeling "whiskey" in Lynchburg, Tennessee

Jack Daniels is practically synonymous with Tennessee whiskey, making Lynchburg – the home of Jack Daniels Distillery – a veritable mecca for fans of this storied brown spirit. Interestingly, the distillery is located in a dry county, but you can still sample whiskey drawn from individual barrels during one of their informative distillery tours.

The town of Lynchburg itself is also worth exploring. If wine is more your speed, pop into the Lynchburg Winery bef ore indulging in a slice of rich Southern gastronomic history at Miss Mary Bobo's Boarding House Restaurant . If souvenir shopping is on the list, the surrounding shops are stocked with a delightful assortment of handmade crafts.

How to get to Lynchburg: From Nashville, take I-24 east for 28.7 miles, then take exit 81A to US-231 toward Shelbyville. Head south on State Route 82 out of Shelbyville until arriving at State Route 55. Turn right and follow another 2.5 miles until arriving in Lynchburg. Total drive time is around one and a half hours.

Go spelunking in Cave City, Kentucky

Families love the underground rivers, glittering crystals, jagged stalagmites and rare wildlife of Mammoth Cave National Park , which provides shelter for some of the most unusual ecosystems in the world. But the 400-mile surveyed passageways also have their fair share of fascinating tales to tell – including the cave’s turn as a tuberculosis hospital and the prehistoric mummies that inhabited its depths. You can spend a day learning about this US national park through cave tours and experiences that range from one and a half to six hours.

After you’ve peeked at the blind beetles and eyeless fish inside the cave complex, go topside for an afternoon of hiking, fishing and ziplining through 53,000 acres of lush forest.

How to get to Cave City: Head north on I-65 out of Nashville. After about 90 miles, take exit 53 toward Cave City. The total drive is about one hour and 25 minutes.

Space out in Huntsville, Alabama

Home to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville is quite literally a town full of rocket scientists. As such, space-themed adventures are the order of the day, and there’s no better spot to explore the skies than at the US Space & Rocket Center . The Smithsonian-affiliated museum contains the world’s largest collection of space artifacts, including rocket and shuttle components. Both kids and adults alike will get a kick out of a walk-through replica of the International Space Station and the resident G-Force simulator.

Huntsville has also come into its own as an arts and culture hub. Case in point: Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment , the nation’s largest privately-owned arts facility. Inside this former cotton mill, you can watch artists at work from over 150 studios, dip into one of the six galleries or watch a performance in the facility’s theater.

After an afternoon of the arts, wind down with a beer inside one of Huntsville’s many up-and-coming breweries, like the Salty Nut Brewery , Yellowhammer Brewing and Straight to Ale . Certain areas around town are designated open-container, making it easy to continue exploring Huntsville with a to-go cup in hand.

How to get to Huntsville: Take I-65 south out of Nashville and continue for about one hour and 10 minutes. At Ardmore, take the exit toward State Route 53. Head south for about 28 miles until you reach Huntsville. The total drive time is one hour and 53 minutes.

Music and civil rights history in Memphis, Tennessee

Clocking in at just over 200 miles, the drive from Nashville to Memphis stretches the definition of a day trip, but if you’re a devotee of "The King," you know that it’s all about taking care of business… in a flash. And there’s no other place that brings the legacy of Elvis to life quite like the kitschy and wonderfully bizarre Graceland . The full Elvis Experience tour takes about three hours, which still leaves you time to fill up on some that transcendent low-and-slow Memphis pulled pork at Central BBQ before heading back to Music City.

Another significant Memphis site is the National Civil Rights Museum . Housed partly in the motel where Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated in 1968, the museum details the long and ongoing struggle for African American equality in the US. Inside the former motel, two rooms have been preserved as they were on the day King was shot. Elsewhere artifacts and multimedia installations detail key moments in the civil rights movement, such as a replica of a bus from Montgomery, Alabama, that tells the story of the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955.

You'll probably only have time for one or the other, so choose wisely.

How to get to Memphis: Memphis is about 212 miles west of Nashville on I-40. Total drive time is about three hours.

Visit an underground sea in Sweetwater, Tennessee

Tennessee may be land-locked, but that doesn’t stop the state from boasting its very own sea. Designated a registered natural landmark by the US Department of Interior and listed as "America’s largest underground lake" by Guinness World Book of Records , the Lost Sea is a massive body of water located in a historic cave system known as the Craighead Caverns. The true size of this body of water is unknown, but you can glide across its four-acre surface and catch a glimpse of the crystal formations and colossal rainbow trout that inhabit the caverns on one of the daily boat tours offered.

Nearby, Sweetwater’s revitalized Main Street offers a bakeshop full of indulgent Southern sweets, galleries and plenty of antique shopping.

How to get to Sweetwater: From Nashville, head east on I-40 for about 139 miles. At Kingston, Tennessee, take exit 352 to head southbound on State Route 58.  Get off at State Route 72, heading east until SR 322. Continue east on SR 322 until you arrive at Lee Hwy – take a right there to head into Sweetwater. In total, it's a two-hour and 53-minute drive.

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Start planning a winter getaway with these day trips from Nashville

Wind your way beside the crashing Southern Ocean, twist around hairpin bends hugging limestone cliffs, take pit stops under koala-filled tree canopies, and bask in the sun on secluded beaches on one of Australia’s most spectacular drives: the Great Ocean Road.

While the drive is best known for the iconic Twelve Apostles and famous beaches at Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, Lorne and Apollo Bay, many of the region’s treasures are not on the Great Ocean Road itself. It might be hard to tear yourself away from that view, but we recommend you make a detour every now and then and stretch your legs to see historic country towns and lush rainforest where you’ll find native wildlife, Aboriginal cultural experiences and gastronomic delights.

This stunning coastal road (officially the B100) starts on the stretch between the surf town of Torquay and Anglesea, just over an hour from Melbourne, and ribbons its way along the ocean to finish up between Port Campbell and Warrnambool where it meets the Princess Highway (or the A1).

Surfs up on Bells Beach

Although you’ve only just started the road trip, you’ll want to veer off the Great Ocean Road early on to get a look at surfers riding the waves at Bells Beach between Torquay and Anglesea. It’s famous as the home of the annual Rip Curl Pro Surfing competition over Easter (as well as the setting for the beach wrestle between Patrick Swayze and Keanu Reeves in Point Break, although the scene wasn’t actually filmed on location here).

Sacred knowledge of the Wathaurung people

Situated close to Bells Beach, Point Addis is a stunning clothing-optional secluded stretch of beach backed by terracotta-colored cliffs and part of the Point Addis Marine National Park. The excellent Koorie Cultural Walk here will teach you a little about the Wathaurung people, who lived in the region for millennia before Europeans arrived by ship to colonize this country.

The bushwalk takes you on a 2km trail with informative plaques along the route. Keep an eye out for spiky echidnas waddling through the brush and wallabies hopping by, as well as taking in dramatic coastal views from the lookout points.

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Surprising golf buddies at Anglesea

The popular seaside town of Anglesea is a magnet for holidaymakers in the summer months for its family-friendly beach and pedal-boat rides on the Anglesea River. But we have a reason to head away from the water and into the residential backstreets: to glimpse the kangaroos who have made the Anglesea Golf Club their home. Play a round of golf and share the course with the resident population of Eastern Grey kangaroos, or simply join a 30-minute 'roo tour run by the club.

Misty waters at Erskine Falls near Lorne

Next the road twists and turns to the hugely popular seaside town of Lorne, nestled between tall gum trees on one side and the Loutit Bay on the other. To escape the crowds, take a 9km detour to the lovely Erskine Falls, which tumbles into the Erskine River 30 meters below. There are a couple of lookout options: it’s an easy five-minute walk to the viewing platform from the parking lot, otherwise, tackle the slightly more precarious 250 steps to the base of the falls in a lush fern gully to feel the mist on your face.

Historic Birregurra

A 30-minute drive inland from Lorne will bring you to the historic town of Birregurra, well worth a detour to wander its charming 19th-century streetscape and to dine at the much-lauded Brae –consistently voted one of the best restaurants in Australia. The restaurant is located just outside the main town in a lovely cottage among 30 acres of gardens with onsite accommodation suites that come with their own cocktail bar, record player and bathtub with nature views. Chef Dan Hunter creates a degustation menu of creative genius using mostly what is grown onsite or sourced locally. Note: you’ll need to reserve a table well in advance.

Walk in the treetops at Otway National Park

Detour into the ferny gullies and wander among ancient plant life in the beautiful Otway Ranges. This lush national park is home to the popular tourist attraction, Otway Fly Treetop Adventures, where you can brave the heights among the treetops on an elevated walkway 50 meters above the rainforest floor. There is plenty here to keep kids entertained from the zipline tour to the prehistoric path dotted with dinosaurs.

Mountain hiking and platypus spotting at Forrest

While the beachside town of Apollo Bay gets a lot of attention around this part of the Great Ocean Road, it’s definitely worth ducking into the Otways hinterland to the town of Forrest and nearby scenic Lake Elizabeth. Adventure lovers can hike the excellent trails around Forrest, beer lovers can sample cold ales at the Forrest Brewing Company, and nature lovers should not miss out on a guided canoe trip on Lake Elizabeth to spot elusive platypuses in the wild.

Ancient volcanic caldera at Tower Hill

Though technically the Great Ocean Road becomes the Princes Hwy around here, you won’t want to miss out on a detour some 15km from the town of Warrnambool to the vast caldera of Tower Hill that was born in a volcanic eruption 30,000 years ago. It was declared Victoria’s first national park in 1892 and not only does it offer some incredible wildlife watching opportunities – emus, echidnas, koalas, kangaroos and unique Australian birdlife – but it's an essential stop for anyone with an interest in Australia’s Indigenous history. The Worn Gundidj Aboriginal Cooperative operates the Tower Hill Natural History Centre where you can check out rare Aboriginal artifacts (don’t miss the possum-skin cloak) and join bushwalks led by Indigenous guides.

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Give your tastebuds a tour of Timboon

Port Campbell National Park on the Great Ocean Road is the gateway to the iconic Twelve Apostles, which should not be missed. After admiring these magnificent rock formations jutting skyward from the ocean, make the 15-minute drive inland from Port Campbell to the gourmet town of Timboon. Here you can indulge in everything from free cheese tastings at Timboon Cheesery, single-malt whisky at the Timboon Railway Shed Distillery and artisan ice cream at Timboon Fine Ice Cream, to name a few.

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Queensland ’s sunny capital finds itself in a rather lucky position. Not only is Brisbane one of Australia ’s fastest-evolving cities in the trend stakes but it’s also within day-tripping distance of some of the state’s best beaches, national parks, and unique townships.

And with the Australia slowly re-opening to visitors from interstate, as well as overseas, Brisbane and the Queensland coast tourism sector has never been more excited to see you. So get ready for a multitude of sunshine-soaked adventures – you may want to consider extending your holiday plans this year – with our pick of the best places to visit near Brisbane.

Theme parks, surfing and hiking the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast might be one of Australia’s most misunderstood cities. Often pigeonholed as a party town, the Goldie hosts more than 50km of pristine sand so, as logic would suggest, there’s far more to this beach city than just the nightclubs of Surfers Paradise. In the north, thrill seekers can hit the theme parks and families can picnic and play at the waterfront Broadwater Parklands. Further south, surfers can ride competition waves at Snapper Rocks (or anywhere along the coastline really) and nature-lovers can stomp the tracks in Springbrook National Park.

Don’t be fooled into thinking Gold Coasters are as casual about their food as they are about their lifestyle – gastronomy is serious game and there are plenty of A-grade restaurants to choose from (plus quality beans for coffee aficionados). Hip cafes and watering holes abound, including in bright and buzzy Burleigh Heads, which lays claim to a hatted restaurant (Australian code for best in show) – Rick Shores – and Burleigh’s lesser-known but no-less-cool neighbour, Palm Beach, which is fast becoming a haven for swanky bars (try Suga or The Scottish Prince). Busy Broadbeach and chilled-out ‘burbs like Mermaid Beach and Coolangatta are also worth checking out. And do pop into Surfers Paradise – it is a lot of fun.

How to get to the Gold Coast: The Gold Coast is just under an hour's drive south of Brisbane. Regular trains depart from Brisbane Central and the journey takes around an hour and 40 minutes.

Unwind from Caloundra to Noosa on the Sunshine Coast

Like the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast is hard to define, but is a little less zing and a little more calm than its southern counterpart. Noosa is a highlight because of its boutique shopping, trendy cafes and one of the most beautiful national parks you’ll lay eyes on (that turquoise water…), while Mooloolaba and Caloundra offer quieter alternatives (and the latter has an award-winning brewery by the beach).

The Sunshine Coast hinterland trades ocean spray for clean mountain air, and Montville and Maleny are two standout locales. Montville is an adorable one-horse town that peters on a mountain ridge. The main street is lined with cafes, galleries and shops, and the nearby Kondalilla National Park is laced with walking trails and waterfalls.

Maleny, 9.3 miles (15km) south, is an equally endearing town that supports a thriving dairy industry. Visit Maleny Dairies and Maleny Cheese to sample the region’s award-winning produce, then stop in at the Maleny Botanic Gardens for views over the Glass House Mountains and to see more than 700 native and exotic birds at Bird World. Duck off the highway to visit Australia Zoo – founded by the late Steve Irwin – or to pick up local handicrafts and snacks at the Eumundi Markets.

How to get to the Sunshine Coast: Regular trains depart from Brisbane Central to Nambour, the region's main train station. The journey takes an hour and 50 minutes.

Explore lush Lamington National Park

Lamington National Park hit the news in 2019 when bushfires swept through the area, but all is not lost. For starters, Lamington is big (more than 20,000 hectares big), and is split into two sections – Green Mountains (also called O’Reilly) and Binna Burra. Sections of the Binna Burra forest were damaged, but much of the park and the businesses within it remain open.

Join a monthly cooking class using regional produce at the Wild Lime Cooking School (which can be topped or tailed with a swim in the Christmas Creek or Lost World rock pools), or enjoy a massage and sweeping valley views at O’Reilly’s Lost World Spa. Nearby hiking options range from easy 30-minute circuits to multi-hour treks through soul-cleansing rainforest. Visit the Queensland Parks and Forest website for up-to-date trail information.

How to get to Lamington National Park: The park is 68 miles (110km) south of Brisbane, which equates to about a two-hour drive.

Iconic Byron Bay mixes beaches with boutique shopping

Byron Bay is a two-hour drive from Brisbane, crossing the state border into New South Wales. Arguably one of Australia’s most popular and well-known beach towns, Byron is old-school hippie and modern-age hipster rolled into one. Here, shoes are optional and bathers are commonplace within the compact town centre, but there’s an air of sophistication about the place. Boutique shops stock stylish local handicrafts and fashion labels, the dining is on-trend, and if you fancy staying overnight, Byron Bay accommodation spans a spectrum from backpacker to chic.

The town itself hums with energy for much of the day and night (Byron manages to wake up early after partying into the wee hours), but it’s easy to escape into nature. Follow the Cape Byron Walking Track to the lighthouse – the most easterly point of mainland Australia – or take a dip in the crystalline waters of Wategos beach, where dolphins frolic and waves gently spill over a wide sand bar.

How to get to Byron Bay: The trip takes two hours by car (102 miles). Coaches are available from Brisbane Roma St Bus Stop to Byron Bay daily and the journey takes a little over two and a half hours.

The easiest day trip from Brisbane: North Stradbroke Island

Stradbroke Island (or ‘Straddie’ to the locals) is split into north and south. North Stradbroke is the most easily accessible of our favorite day trips from Brisbane via a 30-minute boat ride from Cleveland. Hire a 4WD for ultimate freedom (including beach cruising potential) or buy a daily bus pass to get between the hubs of Point Lookout, Dunwich and Amity.

Main Beach has a powerful swell and is popular with surfers and body boarders, while Cylinder Beach is a calmer, patrolled cove better suited to families and lazy afternoons. The more secluded Deadman’s and Frenchman’s beaches are dotted with rock pools, and inland there’s a freshwater lake system. This includes Blue Lake, referred to as the ‘deep silent pool’ in the local indigenous language, and Brown Lake, tinged by the colour of native tea trees. Whale watching is a popular pastime on Straddie, with migrating humpback whales a common sight between June and November.

How to get to North Stradbroke Island: Ferries depart daily from the Brisbane suburb of Cleveland and take around 30 minutes. You can travel as a foot passenger or bring your own vehicle.

Rainforest and glow worm caves await on Tamborine Mountain

Tamborine Mountain sits between Brisbane and the Gold Coast. It’s another of Queensland’s magnificent hinterlands strewn with rainforest, criss-crossed by walking trails and peppered with cute shops and eateries. The Gallery Walk on Long Road has more than 50 cafes, restaurants and stores selling handicrafts and knick-knacks, then there are a number of wineries and breweries nearby, plus the Tamborine Mountain Distillery, which has a trophy cabinet laden with more than 300 awards.

Tamborine is also known for its glow worms glittering in a purpose-built cave. Guided tours run throughout the day.

How to get to Tamborine Mountain: It's just an hour's drive south of Brisbane (45 miles).

Produced by Lonely Planet for American Airlines. All editorial views are those of Lonely Planet alone and reflect our policy of editorial independence and impartiality.`

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One of the greatest thrills of travel is to be on the move, observing and absorbing a country as you go. By train, bus or motorbike, Thailand’s scenic journeys are to be savored.

Each adventure is packed with opportunities to sample the wares of hawkers, taste the local flavors from roadside food trucks and trade tips with fellow passengers. And don’t forget to smile through any unexpected hold-ups and occasional discomforts because they are part of what makes the journey so much more than the destination. Here are three highly recommended, highly memorable trips.

Mahachai Shortline train

Separate from the main train network, the Mahachai line from Wong Wian Yai station in Thonburi in the western part of Bangkok was originally constructed to transport produce from the ports of Samut Songkhram and Samut Sakhon to the markets in the city. It’s a working train, still used for transporting produce and people in and out of Bangkok.

Sitting among locals on hardback seats, with the breeze from open windows and overhead fans, while passing through the canals of the Bangkok suburbs and salt marshes along the Gulf of Thailand is an atmospheric trip that affords a glimpse of both the bustle and humdrum of everyday life.

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The first leg of the journey is the one-hour trip from Wong Wian Yai to the fishing port of Samut Sakhon. There the train terminates in the middle of a busy fresh produce market.

Just outside the market, catch a ten-minute ferry ride across Tha Chin river takes you to Ban Laem from where the train leaves for the second leg of the journey, the 90-minute ride to Samut Songkhram, another fishing port at the mouth of the Mae Khlong River. Again the train goes right into the market at Samut Songkhram, and here vendors make use of the space between the train tracks to lay out their wares, hastily moving it away as the train approaches. At weekends, the Amphawa Floating Market (open Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings) is worth a visit.

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Make it happen

Trains run every hour from Wong Wian Yai to Samut Sakhon with a few daily connecting trains at Samut Songkhram. There is also a bus service between Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram and from Samut Songkhram to Bangkok’s south terminal.

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Mae Sa–Samoeng loop

The 100km Mae Sa-Samoeng loop climbs, dips and twists its way like a roller coaster through rugged mountains and forested peaks and can be done as a day trip by car, motorbike or scooter from Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. The expansive mountain landscape makes the journey itself the highlight of the trip, although there are plenty of worthy detours along the way.

From Chiang Mai, travel north along Rte 107 towards Mae Rim and then west on Rte 1096. Here the road becomes more rural, following the course of the Mae Sa River. Six kilometers past the turn-off for Mae Rim are the Nam Tok Mae Sa waterfalls in the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, a picturesque spot that is popular with locals and a good place for a cooling dip.

After enjoying the falls, keep going until you reach the Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens, 12 km from the Mae Rim turn-off. Thailand’s first botanical gardens opened in 1993 – the glasshouse complex is not to be missed. From here, the road climbs up through the terraced fields of the Mae Sa valley; Mon Cham is a good place to stop for lunch and panoramic views.

The furthest point along the loop is the pretty village of Samoeng. From this point, follow Rte 1269, a winding road that descends from the hills, and then continue along Th Khlong Chonprathan (Canal Road) back to Chiang Mai.

A longer, more adventurous scenic motorbike trip is the Mae Hong Son loop, a 600km journey that takes a minimum of four days to complete.

Make it happen

To travel the Ma Sa-Samoeng loop you will need to hire a car, motorbike or motor scooter since the route is not entirely covered by public transport. There are multiple vehicle hire outlets in Chiang Mai. Be careful to check the small print on your rental contract, including insurance cover, as well as your own travel insurance.

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Bus ride from Kanchanaburi to Sangkhlaburi

Made famous as the setting for Pierre Boulle’s novel and David Lean’s 1957 film adaptation The Bridge over River Kwai, Kanchanaburi's WWII memorials and museums honor the conscripted laborers and POWs forced to build a railroad to Myanmar during Japanese wartime occupation.

Situated 130 km northwest of Bangkok, the town serves as a gateway to Thailand’s wild west and the 200km bus trip up to the sleepy town of Sangkhlaburi near the border with Myanmar rewards the adventurous with spectacular views. During the five-to-six-hour journey, the local tin-can bus slides its way between toothy green limestone mountains and passes through a teak reforestation project.

From Thong Pha Phum to Sangkhlaburi the road becomes quite rough, but it is also one of the most beautiful stretches of road in Thailand. Once you have bumped and wound your way there, this remote town overlooking the Khao Laem reservoir is an interesting destination with its mixed ethnic population of Burmese, Karen, Mon, Thai and Lao people, and a corresponding blend of cultures and languages. Extend the scenic journey a little further across the long rickety Mon bridge (now fully repaired after storm damage in 2013) to the village of Wang Kha.

Make it happen

The bus station in Kanchanaburi is at the southern end of the town on Th Saengchuto. From here, there are hourly ordinary and air-conditioned buses to Sangkhlaburi. The air-conditioned bus takes about four hours and the ordinary bus between five and six hours. There are also frequent buses from the Kanchanburi bus station to Bangkok (three hours).

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Sicily’s mountainous interior and craggy coast are dotted with beautiful villages, ancient sites and natural wonders like active volcanoes.

Distances aren’t lengthy, which leaves more time to savor your discoveries. On these road trips (four by land, one by sea) you’ll fully explore the very best of Sicily. One constant on each of these adventures is fabulous food and drink.

West Sicily

Best for families

Palermo–Marsala; 116 miles [186km]; allow 2–3 days

This drive, which has something for all ages, begins in Palermo. Follow the coast road in the west until you veer inland for Segesta. The famous archeological site here features a hauntingly beautiful Doric temple and a hilltop amphitheater with sweeping views of the Mediterranean.

Back on the sea, the delightful end-of-the-road village Scopello is the gateway to the Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro. It’s a wonderland of hikes to hidden beaches, coves and steep headlands. Next, cut due west to Erice, perched high above a fairytale coastal landscape. Pause to try the locally famous lemon and almond pastries.

Down on the coast, don’t miss the legendary fish couscous in Trapani, where the historic harbor is part of the sickle-shaped spit of land occupied by the old town.

The Saline di Trapani has been a center for salt production since ancient times. Give your car a rest and take a short boat ride to the island of Mozia, home to one of Europe’s finest Phoenician archaeological sites.

Finish the road trip in Marsala, renowned for its fortified wines both sweet and dry.

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Around Mt Etna

Best for hillside culture

Enna–Catania; 98 miles [158km]; allow 2–3 days

Begin your road trip in the imposing hill town of Enna, smack in Sicily’s geographic center. A climb to the Castello di Lombardia at the top of town affords fine views over the rolling landscape to the north, which you’ll soon be traveling through.

Nearby, Calascibetta’s most impressive sight is its landmark cathedral, the 14th-century Chiesa Madre. Just northwest is the Necropoli di Realmese, boasting some 300 rock tombs dating from 850 BCE.

An attractive baroque town further north, Leonforte’s drawcard is the lavish 1651 Granfonte fountain. Amidst four hills, the town of Nicosia revolves around central Piazza Garibaldi. Check out the churches and palazzi (mansions). Southeast, lovely Agira is a sloping hillside village capped by a medieval Norman castle.

Centuripe is a small town whose grandstand views of Mt Etna have earned it the nickname ‘il Balcone di Sicilia’ (the Balcony of Sicily). Stop in for tastings of local honey, pistachios and wine across the flanks of Mt Etna. Finish in cosmopolitan Catania, where edgy bars enliven Unesco-recognized baroque piazzas.

Mediterranean coast wonders

Best for ancient spectacles

Syracuse–Marsala; 234 miles [376km]; allow 3–5 days

Start this trip in Syracuse and drive west, never straying far from the Mediterranean as you drive between beautiful cities and beguiling ruins.

First up, Noto’s golden-hued sandstone buildings make it the finest baroque town in Sicily. Due west, medieval Modica climbs steeply up both sides of a deep gorge. Take time to discover its Unesco-listed treasures. Set amid rocky peaks, Ragusa’s sloping tangle of a historic center is etched into the hillside.

Right below Agrigento, the splendid Valley of the Temples boasts the best-preserved Doric temples outside of Greece and is one of Sicily’s unmissable highlights. Seaside Sciacca dates to the 5th century BCE – today it’s a laid-back town with an attractive medieval core and excellent seafood restaurants. Just south and built on a promontory overlooking the sea, the mysterious Greek ruins of Selinunte are among the island’s most impressive, dating to around the 7th century BCE.

Finish the trip at Marsala, an elegant town of stately baroque buildings within a perfect square of Phoenician-era city walls. Its eponymous sweet dessert wines are the ideal end to the journey.

Mountainous Sicily

Best for traditional towns

Round trip from Cefalù; 188 miles [303km]; allow 2–3 days

Discover Sicily’s more traditional side along the beautiful back roads of the Madonie and Nebrodi Mountains. From Cefalù head east along the coast, then climb towards the mountain town of Mistretta. Here, grand views of the little-visited Nebrodi Mountains and a distant Mt Etna unfold. After exploring the medieval village of Nicosia, continue south to Enna, a handsome hill town that marks Sicily’s geographic center.

Snake back north via Gangi into the heart of the Parco Naturale Regionale delle Madonie, a magnificent natural landscape dotted with hazelnut orchards, ash forests and photogenic hilltop towns. Centered around pretty Piazza del Popolo, Petralia Soprana (1147m) is the Madonie’s highest village. Explore the old stone streets and churches here and in nearby Petralia Sottana. A bit west, Polizzi Generosa is now best known as a trekking base for the Madonie.

Medieval Collesano features the Targa Florio museum, which celebrates the history of the Madonie’s storied mountain road race. Due east, Castelbuono is presided over by its magnificent 14th-century castle. Return north to the coast and Cefalù.

Aeolian Islands

Great for island-hopping

Milazzo–Alicudi; 116 miles [187km]; allow 2–6 days

One of Sicily’s best road trips barely includes any roads. Leave the car behind and hop a boat for this island-hopping adventure through the Aeolian Islands – seven volcanic beauties with seven distinct personalities, all connected by ferry and hydrofoil to Sicily’s north coast.

Begin by cruising across the Tyrrhenian from Milazzo to Lipari, home to the islands’ only sizable town. Split your time between urban pleasures and excursions to the beaches and walking trails outside town.

From Lipari, fast and slow boats fan out to the other six islands. Vulcano is just south and features black-sand beaches, mud baths and the signature smoking crater. Next up is lush green Salina, home to vineyards and famous capers. Further along, remote Filicudi features a hilltop ruin of a Bronze Age village, Alicudi is wonderfully off-the-beaten-track, and Panarea has whitewashed villages. Save the most dramatic island for last: ever-erupting Stromboli, which offers superb hiking.

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Exploring Cyprus with your own wheels will give you time to savor attractions, both large and small, that you’d struggle to link together on buses. It's the best way to get under the skin of this sun-blessed Mediterranean island.

Whether you visit the southern Republic of Cyprus or the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, distances are relatively short and road conditions are generally good. Road trips on the island are about frequent stops and taking your time to enjoy the sights and pause for a strong cup of Cyprus coffee.

Lemesos (Limassol) loop

Best introduction to Cyprus

Lemesos round trip; 74km [46 miles]; allow 10 hours (or 2 days)

This easy round-trip escape from touristy, busy Lemesos (Limassol) is a splendid introduction to Cyprus’s abundant attributes, with a mix of sea, sand, ruins, rural villages and wine. With plenty of stops on this relatively short drive, you can cover the route in a day, but consider prolonging its rewards by breaking the journey overnight in a mountain village.

Start by heading north from Lemesos to the hills. Pause first in Doros to drop in on its 14th-century church, and take a break for lunch in the lovely village of Laneia, with its golden-hued buildings spread around cobblestone streets. Get lost wandering here and in nearby Lofou and Silikou, then stop frequently on winding roads amidst terraced farms to admire the distant views of the sea. Look for wineries such as Ayla Mavri and make another interesting village stop at pretty Vouni.

Head south to the coast and Ancient Kourion, one of the island’s most beautiful and important archeological sites. From here, it’s a short drive around the Akrotiri Peninsula; swing by the Holy Monastery of St Nicholas of the Cats and take the plunge at 7km (4.3 mile) long Lady’s Mile Beach, before closing the loop back in Lemesos.

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Cyprus' Remote Northeast

Best for quiet beaches

Kyrenia (Girne)–Golden Beach; 153km [95 miles]; allow one day

The forgotten-feeling beaches of the island’s northeast coast are a world apart from the heaving, tourist-strewn strands of the south. This day-long drive from Kyrenia (Girne) in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus explores untrodden sands and tiny villages, where Orthodox basilicas crumble into the rocky landscape.

Start in Kyrenia, with its evocative medieval harbor and castle. Head east on the coast road, passing scattered villages and beaches; Little Ozanköy is noted for its olive oil and medieval church. Nearby Çatalköy (Agios Epiktitos) features caves that provided sanctuary to the hermit Epiktitos in the 13th century. Pause at Alagadı Beach, home to a government sea turtle conservation project.

Detour inland away from the coast via the village of Bahçeli (Kalograia) and continue to the Byzantine Antifonitis Church with its beautiful dome and frescos. Back on the coast road, continue east and look for the track to Kantara Castle, where you can climb the ramparts for epic views. At the 5th-century Basilica of Agia Triada at Sipahi, seek out the mosaics amidst the ruins. Reaching the eastern tip of the Karpas Peninsula, stop at tiny Dipkarpaz (Rizokarpaso) and enjoy the long swath of sand at Golden Beach (Nangomi Bay), known for wild donkeys munching seagrass amidst the otherwise untrodden dunes.

Best of the South Coast

Best for Cyprus’ highlights

Lemesos (Limassol)–Lara Beach; 113km [70 miles]; allow two days

Drive west from Lemesos to see some of the best sights in Cyprus. The first stop is the spectacularly perched hillside ruin of Ancient Kourion. From the Roman amphitheater, let the view of the sea lure you down to quiet Kourion Beach. The beachside cafes of Avdimou Beach are just a short hop west — stop here for a delicious seafood lunch.

Suitably fortified, feel the passion from the goddess of love at Aphrodite’s Rock (aka Petra tou Romiou). Pause on the pebbles and let the beach and views beguile you – it's easy to imagine the goddess rising from the foam. The city of Pafos makes another ideal break; its namesake archaeological site was the heart of ancient Cyprus in the 4th century BCE. Admire the Roman mosaics then wander the medieval back alleys of Pafos, before settling into a seafront cafe on the palm-lined promenade.

Continuing west, Coral Bay and Agios Georgios will delight families with antsy kiddos, with watersports operators and ice cream vendors. Mix it up with a short detour inland to walk the water-carved Avgas (Avakas) Gorge, which cleaves the Akamas Heights escarpment. It's a popular hike of roughly 3.5km (2.2 miles) each one way, passing through lush vegetation into a rocky cleft in the landscape. Finish your trip at beautiful and isolated Lara Beach, a nesting ground for one of the Med’s last sea turtle populations.

Traditional villages and Cyprus crafts

Best for Cypriot art and culture

Larnaka round trip; 106km [66 miles]; allow one day

This looping drive leaves the bustle of Larnaka behind for an outing in the hills, visiting centuries-old villages where locals create traditional Cypriot crafts. Start by driving northwest out of the city to Pyrga, home of the 14th-century Lusignan Chapelle Royale (signposted as “Medieval Chapel”), dedicated to St Catherine and housing some fine frescos.

It’s a short hop west to the pottery village of Kornos, where beautiful ceramics are sold by local artisans. A hilly drive brings you to the precipitous old town of Lefkara, which combines the lace- and silverwork-producing villages of Kato Lefkara and Pano Lefkara; learn more at the Lefkara Folk Art Museum. Follow the winding road southwest to the pretty stone villages of Kato Drys and Vavla, which have some wonderfully restored stone homes.

Descending towards the coast, pause at the impressive prehistoric settlement of Choirokoitia, then take the short road to Zygi, a tiny fishing village known for some of the island’s best fish tavernas. Just inland is Maroni village, where you can buy local cucumbers in season. Continuing northeast along the coast, Kiti features the historic church of Panagia Angeloktisti. It’s a short drive past the airport back to Larnaka, where you can reflect on the trip over a drink at a seaside cafe.

Across the North

Best for historic sights

Kyrenia (Girne)–Famagusta (Gazimağusa); 194km [120 miles]; allow two days

This trip takes in all the essential stops for an immersive visit to North Cyprus. Starting from Kyrenia, head inland to Bellapais Abbey, made famous by writer Lawrence Durrell, where you’ll capture a sense of simple village life while exploring the hillside alleys around the ruins.

Next, drive west to the fairytale ramparts of crumbling St Hilarion Castle; an athletic climb to the top of St John’s Tower serves up vistas that stretch all the way to Turkey’s Taurus Mountains on a clear day. Suitably inspired, head coastwards to the old town in Lapta (Lapithos), uphill from the seafront, where you’ll discover some of Cyprus' traditional charms.

Drive on through the northwest, breathing deeply to catch the heady scent of citrus on the breeze from local orange groves. Pause to admire the remarkable blue-toned frescos of Agios Mamas Church in Morfou (Güzelyurt). More highlights are found at the lonely coastal ruins of Ancient Soloi and the scattered clifftop remnants of Ancient Vouni.

Now drive due east to North Nicosia (Lefkoşa), the northern half of the island's divided capital. Take your time winding through the old town's alleys, checking out the layers of history preserved in the architecture of the Büyük Han and Selimiye Mosque (built as the church of Cathedral of Saint Sophia in 1326). Continue east, via the ruined towers of Buffavento Castle sitting high on a mountaintop, to end up in seaside Famagusta (Gazimağusa), with its architectural treasures hidden behind Venetian walls.

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For decades, authors, artists and presidents have all been drawn to the Hudson Valley in New York. Located over two hours north of downtown Manhattan, the Hudson Valley’s dramatic four seasons, historic sites and small towns continue to charm visitors to this day.

Here’s our list of the top things to do in the Hudson Valley.

Tour the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum

America’s first presidential library and museum set the standard for documenting a legacy. The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library spans the 12 years of FDR’s administration, from the grips of the Great Depression in 1933 until his death in 1945.

Poignant artifacts include hand-written speeches outlining why America should enter World War II, as well as fragments from the USS Arizona battleship sunk during the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941.

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Visit the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site

Eleanor Roosevelt was more than a first lady; she was an activist and advocate during FDR’s presidency, and served on the United Nations General Assembly after his death.

The Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site is a 181-acre estate in Hyde Park where the first lady stayed whenever President Roosevelt was not at the Springwood estate. It was her permanent home until 1962.

Val-Kill is the only National Historic Site dedicated to a first lady, and visitors can see where Eleanor Roosevelt entertained dignitaries such as Winston Churchill and John F. Kennedy.

Feast at the Culinary Institute of America

The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park is a foodie’s paradise where you can dine at four world-class restaurants run by students at the premier culinary institute in the world. Savor their interpretations of the world’s great cuisines.

French, Italian and American dishes are all created with Hudson Valley farm products. Save room for dessert and delight your taste buds with the sugary crunch of a tart, streusel-topped Dutch apple pie.

Explore the New York State Museum

Marvel at the gleaming tusks on the skeleton of a 13,000-year-old Ice Age Mastodon discovered just upriver from the oldest and largest state museum in the country. Afterward, hop into the saddle of one of 40 hand-carved carousel horses, donkeys or deer on the 100-year-old merry-go-round built by western New York’s Herschell-Spillman Company.

Take the kids to Legoland New York

The Northeast’s first new theme park in 40 years is a kaleidoscope of primary colors in the town of Goshen. Larger-than-life models of dinosaurs, animals and whimsical characters along with miniature reproductions of familiar landscapes and icons are created with thousands upon thousands of tiny plastic Lego bricks.

Kids ages 2 to 12 will delight in Legoland New York’s attractions, including the first-ever ride that incorporates your own physical characteristics into a Lego Minifigure.

Fall in line at the West Point Museum

Wonder what life is like for a cadet at the U.S. Military Academy? Head to the West Point Museum where interactive exhibits reveal a day in the life of a cadet, including uniforms, a full-size barracks room, and information about classes and work.

The museum also houses one of the leading collections of historical military artifacts such as a pair of General George Washington’s pistols, Napoleon Bonaparte’s short sword, General George S. Patton’s Thompson machine gun and the first tank ever used by the U.S. military. In addition to the military displays, this free museum has breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley.

Hike at Bear Mountain State Park

The over 5000-acre Bear Mountain State Park is seven miles from the U.S. Military Academy in the rugged highlands. Stretch your legs on several hiking trails, including six miles of the venerable Appalachian Trail.

There’s also an accessible paved trail around Hessian Lake and a challenging 1000ft climb to the summit of Bald Mountain. Rewards of hiking in this area include expansive views of the Hudson River and beyond.

Barnstorm at Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome

Ever dream of barnstorming like Flying Ace Eddie Rickenbacker and tracking down the Red Baron? Head to the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome to feel the wind in your hair during an open-air biplane flight.

Head inside for one of the largest collections of early aircraft in the country. Notable planes include a 1902 Wright Glider, the Sopwith Camel (1917) and a 1909 Bleriot – America’s oldest plane still flying. There are also multiple German World War I Fokker Triplanes (1917) – like the one flown by the infamous Manfred von Richthofen, better known as The Red Baron.

Every weekend, the Aerodrome stages WWI “dog fights” in the sky.

Feel tiny at Storm King Art Center

Imagine a baby giant’s building blocks strewn throughout the countryside, and you get a sense of the Storm King Art Center. This 500-acre outdoor museum exhibits large-scale sculptures that complement the natural surroundings. For example, Alexander Calder’s sculpture Five Swords (1976) is a bright, bold, reddish-orange, nearly 20ft-tall steel monument that could be from the giant’s forgotten game of jacks.

Each of the 100 massive sculptures requires its own “gallery landscape,” and they are spread throughout the grounds, walkways, paths and wooded trails.

Embrace nature at Thomas Cole National Historic Site

The Thomas Cole National Historic Site preserves the six-acre homestead and studio where Cole founded the Hudson River School of landscape painting. Gazing off into the distance from the porch of the main house, the misty mountains are framed like one of Cole’s canvases.

Marvel at the Olana State Historic Site

Frederic Church was one of the most prominent artists to emerge from the Hudson River School. Church’s Niagara Falls depiction inspired a movement that led to preserving the Niagara Reservation as our country’s first state park.

Olana State Historic Site is Church’s home, and the mid-19th century estate includes the mansion, art studio and 250 acres of designed landscaping. The house on a hill offers sweeping views of the Hudson River Valley and Catskill mountains that inspired the artist throughout his life.

Enjoy the art at Dia:Beacon

A former Nabisco box factory is the perfect setting for Andy Warhol’s Shadows (1978-1979) at the Dia:Beacon. The massive space evokes Warhol’s iconic NYC studio, The Factory, and allows visitors to ponder the repetitive images displayed on the 72 brightly colored canvases.

After losing yourself in the Pop Art master’s works, consider those of other contemporary artists, including Dan Flavin’s fluorescent light work, Michael Heizer’s “negative” sculptures, and Richard Serra’s steel monuments.

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As the birthplace of American democracy — where the Founding Fathers debated and signed the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution — Philadelphia is best known for its rich American history. Well that, and cheesesteaks and that movie about that boxer.

You can and should spend weeks soaking up the City of Brotherly Love and its countless treasures, including museums, murals, restaurants and gardens. But you should also make time to get out of town. Philly is a prime jumping-off point to explore beaches, bucolic farms, wineries and one delicious ice cream trail.

New Hope, Pennsylvania

Why go: To enjoy small-town life

About 40 miles north of Philadelphia, situated on the Delaware River, the charming town of New Hope is home to a notable antique shopping scene, a robust LGBTQ+ community, riverfront dining (including Stella and Odette’s at the River House) and the legendary Bucks County Playhouse. (Robert Redford and Grace Kelly performed here, among other Hollywood royalty).

A few miles down river, history buffs shouldn’t miss Washington Crossing Historic Park, where America’s first president sailed with his Continental Army in 1776. And in sunny weather, spend time outdoors at the 134-acre Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve and botanical garden or hiking around Ringing Rocks Park. Don’t forget to bring a hammer, when you strike the boulders, they ring like a bell.

How to get to New Hope

From Center City, Philadelphia, take I-95 north to I-295 east. The drive usually takes about 50 minutes.

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Cape May, New Jersey

Why go?: Enjoy a day on or by the water

Known as America’s original seaside resort, you could spend the day in Cape May soaking up the sun from your patch of sand or exploring more of the quaint beach town. (Or, stay a little longer and do both).

Tour the 20,000 sq-ft facility at Cape May Brewing Co. and sample a flight of freshly-brewed beers on their newly-expanded outdoor beer garden. Climb the 199 steps to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse, built in 1859 and perched on the southern tip of New Jersey, for sweeping views of the area.

After working up an appetite, head to the charming Beach Plum Farm. Home to a handful of luxe private cottages for overnight guests, even those not staying on the property can tour the 62-acre working farm, feed the chickens and dine at Beach Plum Farm Kitchen.

At the casual outpost tucked inside an Amish barn, the menu changes to highlight what’s fresh that day on the farm. Don’t leave the shore without strolling through town, stopping at the Original Fudge Kitchen for made-from-scratch confections and boxes of saltwater taffy.

How to get to Cape May

The 95-mile drive from Philadelphia takes about an hour and 35 minutes without traffic but can take much longer on summer weekends.

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Wilmington, Delaware

Why go?: Learn about American history

Just a short drive south of Center City, Delaware’s biggest city and its surrounding areas are filled with history, culture and an up-and-coming dining scene. Explore the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway at your own pace—the self-guided tour highlights central sites on the historic network.

Wilmington is also home to exquisite mansions and historic sites built by the Du Pont family, who founded their eponymous gunpowder manufacturing company on the nearby banks of the Brandywine River at the turn of the 19th century.

Tour Hagley, the site of the company’s original mills and stroll the wooded walking trails. In the summer, check the events schedule for pop-up beer gardens, concerts and other family-friendly programming. Just a few miles down the road, find Winterthur (pronounced winter-tour), the once-Du Pont family home now open to the public.

Examine some of the 90,000-piece collection of American decorative arts inside the sprawling 175-room mansion. But make time to walk the gardens. Kids especially love the Enchanted Woods, with a stone fairy cottage and tulip treehouse.

This Du Pont home is set on a 3,000-acre estate, and gardens and fountains inspired by Versailles. Book a dinner reservation at Le Cavalier, the brasserie in the historic Hotel Du Pont in downtown Wilmington.

How to get to Wilmington

The 32-mile drive usually takes about 35 minutes from Philadelphia on I-95 south.

Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania

Why go?: Revolutionary War history

Just 45 minutes from bustling Philadelphia, find the rolling green hills of the Brandywine Valley, home to Revolutionary War history, small wineries and one world-class museum.

Join the locals at Hank’s Plac e for breakfast before spending the morning at the Brandywine Valley River Museum, a gem of a collection featuring hundreds of works by local artists Andrew and NC Wyeth.

Oenophiles could plan a whole day on the Brandywine Valley wine trail, with stops at the award-winning (and beautiful) Penns Woods, or Chaddsford Winery.

Treasure hunters should stop into the Brandywine River Antiques Market to peruse prints, coins and objects of art from dozens of dealers. On a warm evening, book a table on the verdant patio at Gables at Chadds Ford, where the menu’s ingredients are sourced from nearby farms.

How to get to Chadds Ford

The 30-mile from downtown Philadelphia drive usually takes less than 45 minutes. Take I-95S to US-322 W.

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Princeton, New Jersey

Why go? For the ice cream

Best known as the home of the Ivy League university, the lovely town of Princeton is well worth the hour-long drive from Philly.

Visit the Princeton University Art Museum to see its collection of works that includes centuries-old African art and works by Picasso. While you’re on campus, check out the Gothic-style buildings and don’t miss the Bent Spoon for scoops of small-batch ice cream in seasonal flavors.

Right outside of town is Terhune Orchards, a 200-acre farm where you can walk the gardens, pick-your-own in-season fruit, and meet the resident animals, including sheep, horses, and chickens. Stop into the farm store to pick up provisions like fresh fruit, jams and apple cider donuts for the drive home.

Also on the way back to Philly, Hamilton, New Jersey is home to Grounds for Sculpture is a sprawling collection of outdoor art. Purchase timed tickets to stroll through the gardens, surrounded by some 400 works of larger-than-life contemporary art.

How to get to Princeton

The 48-mile drive usually takes about an hour from Philadelphia via I-95 N and I-295 E. Allow for an extra 20 minutes if you stop at Grounds for Sculpture, too.

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Why go?: For Pennsylvania Dutch goodies

If you loved sampling Pennsylvania Dutch delights like whoopie pies and scrapple inside Philly’s historic Reading Terminal Market, great news: you can also go straight to the source.

On the hour-long drive to Lancaster, past rolling farmland and Amish-driven horse and buggies. Stroll around Lancaster Central Market — dating back to 1730, it’s the oldest, continuously-operating public farmer’s market in the country — and stop at the stalls selling soft pretzels, scratch-made baked goods, farm-fresh meat and produce.

For a true Pennsylvania Dutch experience, dine at Shady Maple Smorgasbord, offering 200 ft of local specialties like country ham and fruit pies. Stop by one of the working farms, preferably one that also makes ice cream.

At Lapp Valley Farm and Creamery, you can see the Jersey cows being milked before ordering scoops on handmade waffle cones. (Side note: Lapp Valley is also part of Pennsylvania’s ice cream trail).

How to get to Lancaster

Located west of Philadelphia, the drive (via I-76 W) takes about an hour and 30 minutes.

Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

Why go?: For mushrooms (not that kind!)

Known as the mushroom capital of the world for its vast farms that produce hundreds of millions of pounds of the fungi each year, Kennett Square also boasts one of the most famous gardens in the country and restaurants that are alone worth the drive.

Come for the Mushroom Festival, the weekend after Labor Day each year, featuring a carnival, cooking competitions, and lots of creminis, buttons, and shiitakes.

Anytime of year, Longwood Gardens, with 1,077-acres of greenhouses and impeccably-manicured gardens dazzles, though the yearly holiday light show may be its most popular attraction. (Make sure to buy tickets in advance, it sells out quickly).

Also make a reservation for Talula’s Table — Aimee Olexy’s 8-seat restaurant featuring true farm-to-table cooking—books up to a year in advance. For a more casual meal, stop into Victory Brewing Company’s tap room, and try a flight of brewed-on-site stouts, sours, and session IPAs.

How to get to Kennett Square

The 35-mile drive usually takes about 45 minutes from Philadelphia on I-95 S.

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Philadelphia's best day trips offer history, beachside fun and ice cream 

Just a short hop away from Miami are some of Florida 's most alluring, charismatic and well-known attractions. And as the summer heat cools to winter's milder climate, it's the perfect time to explore the wilder side of South and Central Florida. In fact winter is considered the best time of the year to visit by Florida lovers.

When you're tired of clubbing and celebrity-spotting in Miami, head to these incredible Florida sights, just a short drive from the city. Here are the top day trips from Miami.

Theme Parks in Orlando

In 1971 Walt Disney World opened the gates of Magic Kingdom in Orlando; today, it includes more than 25 hotels, four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom), more than 200 restaurants, and two water parks.

Winter is the quiet season for Florida's theme parks, with most kids back in school; for offseason travelers, that means shorter lines and cooler temperatures.

Universal Orlando is a pedestrian-friendly and intimate complex with two excellent theme parks (Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure), eight first-rate resorts, and a carnival-like restaurant and nightlife district (CityWalk) connected by lovely gardened paths or a quiet wooden-boat shuttle.

Also try checking out Old Florida’s Cypress Gardens, just south of town, kitschy Gatorland and lesser attractions sprinkled throughout the city.

How to get to Orlando's theme parks: From Miami (via a car) take the Florida Turnpike. Via train, there is a daily Amtrak route. For flights, Orlando Melbourne International Airport is the closest airport to most destinations on the Space Coast.

Everglades National Park

An easy day trip from Miami, the Everglades provides the perfect excuse to escape from the rat race and reconnect with nature. Here, you'll be able to witness alligators’ backs breaking the water, anhingas flexing their wings before breaking into a corkscrew dive or the slow, dinosaur flap of a great blue heron gliding over its domain.

Beginning in November and stretching through April, the dry season clears up the skies over Everglades National Park, making this the perfect time to explore without the threat of wet weather delays.

The Glades should be approached with the same silence and gentle persuasion it shows its inhabitants. Come by car and canoe, bike, kayak or walk around the park. To understand the way a nutrient-rich patch of water produces a mosquito that feeds a frog, who becomes lunch for a ‘gator, who snaps up a fish that gets speared by an anhinga under these long, low marsh winds, you need to be still.

In the quiet spaces, you realize that the Everglades, so often dismissed as a swamp, are more beautiful than all the flash Miami can produce. South Beach changes by the day. The Glades have beautifully endured forever, and if we’re very lucky, they’ll last that much longer.

How to get to Everglades National Park: From Miami, take MacArthur Causeway to FL-907 N. The trek takes about 42 minutes by car.

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Biscayne National Park

Just to the east of the Everglades is Biscayne National Park, where a portion of the world's third-largest reef sits (along with mangrove forests and the northernmost Florida Keys).  Fortunately, this unique 300-square-mile park is easy to explore independently with a canoe or via a glass-bottom boat tour.

Biscayne is unique as far as national parks go, requiring a little extra effort to see the reef, and a lot more reward for this work. This is some of the best reef-viewing and snorkeling you'll find in the US, outside Hawaii and nearby Key Largo.

How to get to Biscayne National Park: From Miami, take the Ronald Reagan Turnpike to FL-989 S/SW. It takes a little over an hour to get to the Dante Fascell Visitor Center.

Florida Keys

Take one part, Florida residents. Add snowbirds. Sprinkle with a large number of Cuban immigrants and Eastern European guest workers. Include gay community (may consist of “sedate partners who just bought art gallery” and “screaming drag queens of the night”). Garnish with Bahamians.

Set attitudes at “tolerant” and “eccentric.” Turn up the eccentric. Finish with rum. Lots of rum. Bake in searing Florida sun and serve on 45 islands scattershot over a 113-mile-long chain, connected by one long-ass road. Throw in the government of the only republic to successfully secede from the US. Yes, those Conch Republic flags say “We Seceded Where Others Failed,” and that’s the Florida Keys in a conch shell: equal parts tacky, quirky and, damn it, alluring.

Hang out here for a while and you start turning into a “Freshwater Conch” – a permanent transplant – real quick. The Keys are out there; it’s three or four hours at a good clip from Key West, at the end of the chain, back to Miami. Come out this far, and you either contract cabin fever or fall in love.

How to get to the Florida Keys: From Miami, take US-1 south. The trek takes over an hour and a half.

Space Coast

The space shuttle is to the Space Coast what pastel hotels are to South Beach, and you’ll be amazed by the celestial themes swirling in every gas station, cafe and hotel lobby within a meteorite’s throw. Even the area code is 321! In contrast to the high-tech buildings and bad space puns, however, the area also boasts some of Florida’s most deliciously undeveloped areas.

The Space Center only uses about 10,000 of it's 140,000 acres for its purposes. The rest of the area is set aside as a federally-protected wildlife refuge, so don’t be surprised to see sunning alligators, soaring birds (including bald eagles), and rooting wild pigs, giving new meaning to the term “government pork.”

Along the coast, you can find some of Florida’s finest sea turtle observation programs and among the most pristine beaches in the state. For adventure-holics, the waves from Sebastian Inlet to Cocoa Beach offer the state’s gnarliest surfing, and just west of the barrier island the lagoon is dotted with quiet, undeveloped islands, perfect for wiling away warm summer days.

How to get to Space Coast: From Miami, take the Florida Turnpike and I-95 north. The drive takes nearly four hours.

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