Top Country Drives
My Uncle Lew owned a car. Which in New York City was a big deal in itself. But Uncle Lew's car had a rumble seat. To a kid, that was like a rolling amusement park. A Sunday drive sitting behind the car in the open rumble seat became a spectacle of sight, breeze and the aroma of the countryside, beyond the city canyons. You can't find a rumble seat today. The nearest thing is a convertible. But, there are still country drives. So, slip behind the wheel and set a course to a few of my favorites. – Jay Lloyd
ROUTE 23 - DESTINATION SHADY MAPLE, PA
Shady Maple, nestled in the rolling Lancaster County countryside is a Pennsylvania Dutch version of Oz. The center piece is an enormous buffet which encourages the sampling of simply too much comfort food. But who can resist when it goes by the label, "Smorgasbord" instead of buffet? From liver and onions to smoked meats, pickled veggies and typical Dutch/German treats, it's there and irresistible. Take a look: shady-maple.com/smorgasbord. But there's much more in the area. Find antiques, Dutch country tchotchkes, scenic farmland and farm markets. Along the way you can explore St. Peters Village and other country stops. The drive can be as much fun as the destination.
ROUTE 73 - DESTINATION BOYERTOWN, PA
Boyertown had long been a town that supplied basic goods and services to the surrounding rural farmland of Berks County. A clock tower, now under renovation was the centerpiece. But it began drawing visitors to a museum housing a wonderful collection of Pennsylvania built vintage automobiles. The Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles has been a magnet for collectors and the curious. The displays have been a reason to take that country drive out route 73. But they also launched a transportation rooted theme. It now includes weekend rambles on the Colebrookdale Railroad for scenic trips between Boyertown and Pottstown. And after the run, take a rural ride down route 562, past arm stands and antique nooks to the Yellow House Inn for lunch or early dinner. It's a colorful and delicious window into the region's past, complete with hitching rack for your horse and buggy.
ROUTE 209 - DESTINATION MILFORD, PAT
The juncture of Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey on the Delaware River offers in incredible array of recreational options from riverside hikes, waterfall exploration, sophisticated dining, golfing, horseback riding, watersports and tree-top challenges. You get the idea - everything. Pick the distance and the destination. It's not necessary to go all the way to Milford to find something for the whole family with an eye-fill drive for a visual treat on the way. Shopping? Try what is billed as, "The World's Largest General Store." If you pick up route 209 off the northeast extension of the turnpike, it's just a few miles to Country Junction, a barn of a store that offers everything from camping gear to wine and plenty to explore. Continuing on 209, head into the Pocono Mountains and meander along the Delaware as you reach the pristine Delaware Water Gap National Recreation area. Finally Milford with fine dining at the Hotel Fauchere, art galleries, boutique shopping - even theater. Go for a day or a weekend.
ROUTE 213 - DESTINATION CHESTERTOWN, MD
A drive along the Eastern Shore of Maryland is a venture into history, native lore, pristine Chesapeake Bay beauty and intriguing stops along the way. Chestertown was once a bustling port on the Chester River. Tobacco was shipped from here to global destinations. Historic waterfront mansions, restaurants and shops made this little known town, a unique destination. But the excitement is in the drive. Depart from route 213 to explore small villages and marinas that front the bay. From Elkton, Maryland, drive along the banks of the Northeast River. Find a crab house like Cap'n Chris in Northeast, MD. There are many more before reaching Chestertown. Go back to 213 and head south to route 299 and find your way to Betterton and a spectacular view of the Sassafras River and the Chesapeake from a high bluff. You may be tempted to look up a local realtor. Reaching other bay front spots requires returning to 213 and working your way south to Still Pond, Fairlee Creek and Worton Creek. Then if you have a weekend to spend, finish up at Chestertown with waterfront dining at the Fish Whistle, antiquing or a sail on the tall ship, Sultana.
Enjoy!
