road trips Archives

Posted by: egle on April 26, 2024

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Top 10 Things to Do and Visit in North Florida

Florida, the Sunshine State, packs many touristic attractions and activities. The North is just as beautiful, with many natural wonders and historical sights, as well as smaller crowds. Travel at a slower pace and relax in serenity. Read on to learn about the best things to do and visit in North Florida.

Ghosts in St. Augustine, North Florida

St. Augustine is the nation‘s oldest city, founded in 1565 by Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles of Spain. And it‘s also considered one of the most haunted places in the states. So whether you are a history fan or a fan of the paranormal, you will definitely want to visit it!

For example, there is the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum. It’s famous for great sights from the top of the 219 step climb. And also for reported ghost sightings. In 1873, an unfortunate accident took place: daughters of Hezekiah Pittee, head of construction of the St. Augustine lighthouse, had fun riding construction carts until the cart flew into the water and drowned the girls. Their spirits are said to haunt the place.

Another scarily thrilling place to visit is the Old Jail Museum. Prisoners were held here from 1891 to 1953 in deplorable conditions, there were hangings and more than one unnatural and mysterious death. You could also stay in Casa de Suenos: a bed and breakfast that used to be a funeral home. Whatever tickles your fancy (or paranormal senses).

Castillo de San Marcos

In St. Augustine, we also recommend visiting Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the US, built over 23 years from 1672 to 1695. You can visit soldier rooms, see cannon firing demonstrations and even drink from the Fountain of Youth!

The entrance fee is only $15.00 per adult. It’s open seven days per week from 9 AM to 5 PM. Just be aware that there is a maximum capacity of visitors so you might have to wait if you go on a popular day. The site is crowded the most during holidays and weekends.

Florida Theatre in Jacksonville, one of the only two high-style movie palaces in North Florida

Jacksonville, the largest Florida city, has much to offer, and theatre is among these things. The Florida Theatre was opened in 1927. It is one of the four remaining high‑style movie palaces in the state and one of the two in North Florida (the other is in Pensacola). Elvis played on this stage, as well as Hozier and Paramore.

You can see ballet and opera performances, music performances, or movies with live music played.

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Another great attraction in Jacksonville is the zoo. There are over 2,000 animals in a considerably large area. It is also one of the only seven zoos in the US with an animal wellness team, so the animals are well taken care of. The Gardens are also a great place to take a walk with unique plants and flowers. Learn more at their official website.

Cummer Museum of Arts and Gardens

It’s also in Jacksonville! You could spend at least a week here and not get bored. Cummer Museum is the largest fine arts museum in Florida so if you are interested in art, definitely visit it. The gardens are also one of the most interesting in North Florida. Cummer Museum offers a broad range of activities, such as lectures, classes, workshops, camps, concerts, parties, many free events.

Talbot Island State Parks to enjoy untouched nature

If you are in Jacksonville, we also recommend visiting Talbot Island State Parks. First, there is the Little Talbot Island State Park. You will see white beaches and green woodlands, with ferns and moss-covered oaks. You might also be lucky enough to glimpse some wildlife, such as deer, raccoons, rabbits, armadillos, and bobcats.

Later on, there is the Big Talbot Island State Park with the famous Boneyard Beach Trail. On this trail, you can see skeletons of live oaks and cedars and can even climb them. It makes for a great photography session and a retrieve from the city life.

Amelia Island and Fernandina beach

Amelia Island in Northeast Florida, close to Georgia, is somewhat of a hidden gem. It‘s beautiful but very quaint, so it‘s a great place if you want to relax.

Fernandina Beach is the main town on this island. Once, it used to be a haven for smugglers. Now it is a cute and peaceful town. You can find many beaches, a lighthouse, maritime and history museums, parks, shops and everything you might need. Visit Palace Saloon, which is the longest-operating saloon in Florida. Also, consider traveling by Amelia Island Trolley: it is a great way to see all the historical places on the island.

Ginnie Springs for water acitivities

Do you like water and water activities? Then you should definitely visit Ginnie Springs, one of the best springs in Florida!

You will see clear blue waters and lush green nature. The water temperature is 72-degrees all year round, perfect for all water activities. Ginnie Springs even has underwater cave systems to explore. So go swim, dive, tube, snorkel, kayak, canoe, paddleboard, and enjoy yourself!

Ginnie Springs is in Northwest Florida, about 2.5 hours from Jacksonville. The pass is $30 a night during the high season. Bring a dry bag to protect all your valuables if you go there!

Swim at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park

In this park, you will find one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the whole world. There is hardly a better place to cool off during hot Florida summers.

It is also very beautiful. Did you know that scenes from Tarzan and Creature of the Black Lagoon were filmed here? Nature fans will love it here. There are great hiking trails, where you might spot such wildlife as manatees, alligators, deer, turtles, and many birds. You can also take glass-bottom boat tours. It is also not far from the ocean: just a 30 minutes drive to sandy beaches at Alligator Point.

National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola

Opposite Jacksonville, there is Pensacola, the westernmost Florida city. One of the main attractions here is the National Naval Aviation Museum. If you like aircraft, the National Naval Aviation Museum is a must to visit. It features 150 restored aircraft and more than 4,000 artifacts, related to the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Aviation.

Consider also visiting Fort Pickens. It was one of four Southern forts which the Confederate forces did not occupy during the Civil War. And explore Pensacola, with its Seville quarter, Palafox street, and more!

These are just ten of all the great places to visit in Florida. For example, there is the Devil‘s Millhopper, a 10,000-year-old and 120-foot deep limestone sinkhole. Kanapaha Botanical Gardens have the largest display of bamboos in Florida. You can see live butterflies from all over the world at the Florida Museum of Natural History. And much, much more!

We hope that you found some interesting objects to visit in North Florida. Perhaps you are a boater? Check out the best boating destinations in South Florida!

Posted by: egle on April 16, 2024

Post Views: 770

6 Great Road Trips in Texas: Explore the Best of the Lone Star State

Texas, the Lone Star State, the second largest in the US, is rarely considered the best tourist destination. But it certainly has many things to offer! From beautiful landscapes and nature trails to historic districts and museums, the state has it all. Read on to learn about the best road trips in Texas.

A classic road trip: Texas Route 66

The Mother Road runs through Texas, too! And it’s one of the best road trips you can take in Texas. The Texas part is not as long as in other states, such as Missouri. But it definitely has many attractions. The current Interstate I-40 runs very similarly to how Route 66 used to run.

Start at Shamrock, then head to McLean. Here you can see one of the first gas stations, Texas Route 66 Museum, and the Devil’s Rope Museum. Afterward, visit Amarillo, the largest city on the 178 mile Route 66 portion. It has a Route 66 Sixth Street Historic District, a nightlife and shopping hub, with restaurants, antique and specialty shops. Also, check out Big Texan Steak Ranch, where you can try their 72 oz steak challenge! There is also a famous Cadillac Ranch nearby. After Amarillo, head to Vega, a small town, and Adrian, Route 66 halfway point. There, you can stop at MidPoint Cafe to eat classic American dishes, just like in the 50s.

For nature lovers: Texas state parks

Big Bend National Park is one of the best state parks in Texas. There are 238 miles of trails, which you can hike, bike, or ride on horseback. There are even trails you can drive on with 4×4 vehicles! Big Bend Park is large, remote, and is not visited so often, so it has a low level of light pollution and is a perfect location for stargazing. However, remember that it is a desert park and the temperatures can rise very much in summer. Try not to hike in the afternoon and drink lots of water.

Also, consider visiting Big Bend State Ranch Park too, which is very near. And if you go to the east, you will find Seminole Canyon State Park and Kickapoo Cavern State Park, which are also great.

Dallas Loop

Belt Line Road is a 92-mile looping road near Dallas, with 15 cities on the road. You can see both urban and historic sights, as well as beautiful nature spots.

First, visit Fort Worth because it’s worth it! Pun intended. There are Cultural District and Botanic Garden museums and a zoo. There are more than 200 patios and restaurants, so you will find something you like for sure. Also, consider visiting Dinosaur Valley State Park nearby, where you can see dinosaur footprints!

Later, head to Waco. Explore the Magnolia market, the Woolly Mammoth, and Dr Pepper museums. Other attractive towns nearby include Carrollton, Garland, and Grand Prairie, with historical architecture, peaceful shopping streets, and lovely markets.

Texas Beach Road Trip

Although beaches might not be what first comes to mind when someone thinks of Texas, they are beautiful and well worth exploring. You can start at Galveston near Houston, an island city. It has more than beaches: check out The Strand Historic District and glass pyramids in Moody Gardens, such as the Aquarium pyramid. There is also Galveston Island State Park, great for bird watching, kayaking and fishing.

After exploring Galveston, you can go to Surfside Beach, a lovely and peaceful beach town. The ride will take just an hour. Then you can move to Matagorda, which is much quainter and less-visited than Galveston, but its nature might be even more beautiful.

Finally, go towards Rockport, which has many attractions nearby. Rockport beach is the first Texas Blue Wave beach, safe and beautiful. There is also Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. It has more than 400 bird species, including the only flock of wild whooping cranes, one of the rarest American birds. If you want some more peace and natural sights, consider San Jose and Mustang Islands.

El Paso road trip to feel like a cowboy

Do you want to feel like a cowboy? Travel around El Paso! This city is surrounded by deserts and mountains, great for exploring. First, of course, visit El Paso itself. There are two peaks of interest very nearby: Mount Cristo Rey and the Franklin Mountains. The Franklin Mountains are in the middle of the city so you can hardly miss it. Mount Cristo Rey is very close too and offers a great view from the top.

Afterward, you can visit Hueco Tanks State Park, which has unique granite formations. Rock climbers love it especially! Just keep in mind that you either have to book a tour or reserve a permit for a self-guided tour in advance. Then, visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park, which has the highest peaks in Texas. The park is superb for hiking and backpacking.

If you want to make a loop from El Paso, go south to visit Fort Davis and Marfa. The Davis Mountains near Fort Davis are great for bird-watchers, as well as nature enthusiasts. There is also a Buffalo Trail Scout Ranch and Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center. Then, visit Marfa, which is an art and soaring center. Here you can see the famous sculptural installation Prada Marfa.

The most popular cities: Austin to San Antonio

This list of Texas road trips could not complete if we did not include the most popular Texas cities and the route between them. There are only about 80 miles between them but a bunch of attractions. You can either go by the I-35 or backroads: you could explore more lovely small towns this way. Also, keep in mind that there can be traffic jams on I-35.

What to visit? First, San Marco. The city is known for its outlet shopping, a clear river you can even snorkel in, and having Texas State University stands here. A bit off to the side but pretty close is Lockhart, Texas Barbecue Capital, where you can have amazing lunch! Afterward, there is the New Braunfels town. It has both Guadalupe and Comal Rivers, Schlitterbahn Water Park, and the historic Gruene district. If you are a fan of natural wonder, consider visiting Natural Bridge Caverns between New Braunfels and San Antonio.

Did you enjoy these Texas road trips ideas? Would you like to try one? Of course, you need a vehicle. You can easily rent a car, even if you don’t have one! XRental also offers many cars: check it out!

Posted by: egle on April 14, 2024

Post Views: 815

Missouri Travel: 7 Great Road Trips to Explore the Best of the State

Missouri, the 24th state in the US with more than 6 million people, has many things to offer. And great destinations and road trips are among them! Roads trips let you discover new things, recharge, and self-reflect. You only need a vehicle, whether your own or a rental car, some fuel, and a destination to go on one! Let’s explore some of the best road trips to travel in Missouri.

Travel to Missouri State Parks

Missouri has 91 state parks: how much time would it take to travel to them all? But you can visit a few in just a day. For example, Weston Bend State Park, Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge, and Crowder State Park are roughly in the same area. Weston Bend State Park has beautiful woody scenarios, Loess Bluffs Refuge has a great variety of animals, and Crowder State Park has picturesque green rolling hills.

Some other great natural places not too far from St. Louis are Hughes Mountain. Here, you can find some of the most ancient exposed rocks. Afterward, you can travel to Echo Bluff State Park with its impressive bluffs and waters.

State parks can be great to explore by bike. Learn about Missouri bike laws here.

Explore the Lake of the Ozarks

Lake of the Ozarks is amongst our top boating destinations in the US, but it offers just as much for non-boaters.

You can start your trip at Osage Beach by the lake. Explore the shores, cute towns, maybe rent a pontoon if you feel like boating. There is also a swinging bridge and the oldest legal distillery in the county. Here, explore Lake of the Ozarks State Park, the largest state park in Missouri. Then, just 15 minutes from Osage beach, there is the Ha Ha Tonka State Park, where you can see some of the few castle ruins in the US. There is also a Bridal Cave close by, where you can book a guided tour to explore fascinating cave formations. Travel south to Lebanon to explore the Heartland Antique Mall. There is also Boswell Park, which is a part of the Route 66 attractions.

Travel the Route 66 in Missouri

Route 66 is likely the most famous road ever, running from Chicago to Santa Monica, going through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. . John Steinbeck once called it “the mother road, the road of flight”. People go down this route for history and nostalgia. The Missouri part is great for a road trip!

Cities on Missouri Route 66 include St Louis, Cuba, Rolla, Lebanon, Springfield, Carthage, Brooklyn Heights, and Joplin. It’s almost 300 miles and takes more than 5 hours: of course, without stopping anywhere. Learn more here.

Marvel at Missouri Waterfalls

Missouri also has quite a lot of rivers and waterfalls. From Mina Sauk Falls, the highest waterfall in the state, it’s a short distance to Johnson’s shut-ins, where the river cascades over rocks in many rivulets. An hour from Johnson’s shut-ins are Hickory Canyons in St. Genevieve, which look best after heavy rain. There is also a beautiful waterfall in Marvel Cave, or Grand Falls in Joplin, the largest continuously flowing waterfall in Missouri. But they are quite a bit south of Hickory Canyons: it’s more than four hours drive.

The Way of the American Genius

Highway 36 does not sound as grand as Route 66, but it is very much worth a visit. This area is connected to such people as Mark Twain, Walt Disney, Molly Brown, J. C. Penney, and Jesse James, and such discoveries as quilt, pony express, and sliced bread. Highway 36 starts at Saint Joseph in the northwest and finishes at Hannibal in the northeast. It’s almost 200 miles.

Attractions along the route include Pony Express Museum at Saint Joseph, J. C. Penney Museum at Hamilton, a mural dedicated to sliced bread in Chillicothe, Pershing State Park and Locust Creek covered bridge in Meadville, Walt Disney Hometown Museum in Marceline and Mark Twain’s and Molly Brown’s museums in Hannibal. Choose this route if you like museums, history and want to feel closer to American Geniuses.

Visit Missouri watermills

Are you a fan of watermills? Missouri is one of the best states to explore watermills. You can start at Rockbridge Mill, which was built in 1888 and operated until the 1940s. Now it is a perfect calm retreat, where you can dine, fish, and relax. From there, it’s only 25 minutes to a very picturesque Hodgson Mill. Another 20 minutes south to get to the Dawt Mill. And if you are up for a lengthier trip, drive north to Alley Spring&Mill, Old Mill at Montauk State Park, Reed Spring Mill, and Dillard Mill.

Find Missouri Wine Country

Do you like wine? Are you interested in winemaking? Consider touring Rhineland, the Missouri wine country. Besides wineries, it has beautiful nature and some German-style buildings.

Start in St. Louis and travel to Augusta, which has antique shops, wineries, quaint B&Bs, and more. Then, go to Hermann, settled by Germans, which has a WurstFest held here every March! There are also wineries and vineyards, of course. Afterward, travel to Rocheport with wineries, tasting rooms, antique shops, and historic walking trails.

We hope this article gave you some ideas if you are planning to travel in Missouri. Perhaps you are interested in some of these routes but have no car? Rent a car with XRental today!