AAA Washington’s John King is truly a guru when it comes to inside information about the Silver State’s scenic riches. First he steered me on a side trip to Pyramid Lake when I was in Reno this past May on a travel research trip (read my recent blog about this surreal-looking body of water).

And when it was time to head back to San Francisco, John recommended a short detour: Instead of hopping on I-80, he suggested taking SR 431—better known as the Mount Rose Highway—to Incline Village. He promised it would be a beautiful drive. ... Read More

As an inspector for AAA, I spend a lot of time behind the wheel traveling to the many hotels and restaurants that we recommend for members; let’s face it, love of travel and driving are job requirements.  But even those who love the road can grow weary of traffic and long stretches of less-than-spectacular scenery including overly familiar fast food restaurants and gas stations.  Recently in Mississippi, I had the choice to take “the scenic route” –the Natchez Trace Parkway - north from Natchez to Jackson and enjoyed one of the most relaxing, scenic and historic drives I have had in a long time.... Read More

Where can you go to find a small, remote city that offers quaint shops, a variety of year-round outdoor entertainment options and breathtaking scenery?

“I’ll tell you where. Someplace warm. A place where the beer flows like wine. Where beautiful women instinctively flock like the salmon of Capistrano. I’m talking about a little place called Aspen.”  ... Read More

Question:  Sharam asks:  I plan to drive from San Francisco to Vancouver, BC.  I have choice of Highway 5 & 101.  Which is a better scenic road?  Please advise and where to stop too.

Answer:  Judy Mest, travel planner at the AAA office in Portland, Ore. says:  Highway 101 is a beautiful scenic drive and is designated as a AAA Scenic Byway.  You’ll certainly enjoy the California redwoods on the first leg of your trip, with opportunities to visit the Redwood... Read More

Question: Anne McKenna asks: I am planning a second trip to Kanab, Utah. On my first trip I flew to Las Vegas and drove from there. The drive east to Kanab was fine, but I did not enjoy the steep descent into Hurricane on the return trip. Can I get to Kanab via another airport such as Salt Lake City? A longer drive on a flatter route would be fine.

Answer: Lenora Folk, travel planner at the AAA office in St. George, Utah, answers: If you fly into Las Vegas, take I-15 north toward Hurricane, Utah. A portion of this route from exit 112 in Nevada to Hurricane is a AAA-designated scenic byway with many... Read More