One Tank of Gas Destinations
Summer’s coming, which can only mean one thing: vay-cay time! If you are strapped for cash or simply don’t have the time to take an exotic two-week getaway, here are a few options for one-tank escapes from reality, starting from a few key cities around the U.S. All you need is a tank of gas, a bag full of snacks, and a few friends! Hit the road and let us know in a comment below: where will one tank of gas take you this summer?
From Austin to San Antonio (158 miles round-trip)
Relive the days of the Alamo at the historic site. While you’re in town, feast on deliciously spicy Mexican food, stroll down the River Walk, and if you head down in early April, join the Fiesta San Antonio celebration!
From Charlotte NC, to Grandfather Mountain, NC (214 miles round-trip)
No, it’s not a cane-toting mountain decked out in an adorable cardigan sweater. Grandfather Mountain boasts awesome outdoor activities, including a mile high swinging bridge, hiking trails, wildlife habitats, and even a fudge shop.
From Atlanta, GA to Ellijay, GA (156 miles round-trip)
How do you feel about apples, apple pies, apple tarts, and apple jam? We say, “Yum!” Ellijay is a gorgeous town, known for their apple picking in April and their apple festival in October. If apple picking is a little too uneventful for you, check out Ellijay’s river scene. Ellijay has great white water rafting, but even if you don’t want to jump into something that crazy you can take in the beautiful scenery from the sidelines.
From Memphis, TN to La Grange, TN (110 miles round-trip)
Paddle your way through a Cypress Tree Forest on Ghost River. Talk about spooky! The water is spring-fed, so if you go during the summer you can hop out of your kayak and take swim breaks at your leisure! Plan on your excursion lasting between 3 and 5 hours if you’re floating the length of the river. Check out their website for info on kayak rentals and to plan your weekend paddle trip.
From Jacksonville, FL to Satsuma, FL (142 miles round-trip)
Does wine sound just fine to you? Then pack your bags and hit the back roads of Florida to visit this quaint but large winery and vineyard. Log Cabin Winery sits on 10 acres and makes several types of wine in house. You can even plan an overnight visit and stay in a bed and breakfast.
From Miami, FL to Tamiami Trail (294 miles round-trip)
Explore the Everglades on this two-lane trail. Drive through Calle Ocho, exploring the Cuban roots of Miami as you head down into Shark Valley, one of several entrances into the National Everglades State Park. (Don’t worry, no sharks present.) If you’re a fan of bike-riding, it’s also one of the best bike trails in Florida. Hop out and get some exercise on the 15-mile trail while enjoying the amazing scenery.
Ready for action? Get ready to hit the road by estimating the cost of your trip using Gas Buddy’s Trip Cost Calculator. It’ll help save you money on gas by pointing you towards the cheapest stations on your route (and honestly, doesn’t it sound great to have a friend around who cares about how much you’re spending on gas?) Thanks, Gas Buddy. And if you’re looking to save even more on your everyday car expenses, get a quote for affordable car insurance from Direct Auto Insurance. See how much you could be saving on car insurance today!
What a pleasant surprise! Keep the tunes rocking on your next road trip with these 3 tips for making the perfect road trip playlist.
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