Driving Destinations - Progressive Insurance Blogs

Best U.S. Auctions

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EST

Even if you don't plan to loosen the purse strings at a live auction, it's fun to roam them and browse the quirky commodities on offer. The following live auctions are sure to entertain — particularly those in the market for a dairy cow, vintage car, or a first-edition Spiderman comic.

Trips in Your Own Backyard

Sun, 17 May 2009 00:00:00 EST

We've partnered with the world-renowned travel publisher, Lonely Planet, to bring you this podcast series that provides useful, innovative and easily accessible travel information. Today, we're discussing getaways you can take in your own city.

48 Hours in Greater Phoenix

Thu, 14 May 2009 13:00:00 EST

This week's trip complements our podcast on "Trips in Your Own Backyard," which discusses horseback riding in Phoenix. We wanted to highlight some of the other things the greater Phoenix area has to offer for the perfect weekend in Phoenix.

Five Ways to Travel Greener

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:00:00 EST

What could make travel even better than it already is? Taking a few positive steps forward toward a greener future by traveling. With this in mind, here are five valuable tips for greener travel.

Podcast: Top Tips for Traveling With Your Pets

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 13:00:00 EST

Road trips with your pet can be a challenge to say the least. But with just a bit of preparation it's easier than you'd think to bring Rover and Fritz as you head out to explore the great roads and open spaces of America.

Best U.S. Motorcycle Routes

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 13:00:00 EST

There's nothing quite so pure as leaning into a well-executed turn on your motorcycle. It's a perfect confluence of precision and power, finesse and physics. And, it really comes as no surprise that most of America's best riding roads are also its curviest.

Best of: Unexpected Autumn Landscapes

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 13:00:00 EST

A rear-seat entertainment system can keep children amused — and parents relaxed — on long journeys.

Four Spooky Halloween Haunts

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:00:00 EST

Costumes, candy and carved pumpkins are fun, but this Halloween, get into the spirit with some actual spirits. Whether it's a confederate ghost, the doll that inspired Chucky, or a seriously haunted hotel, these creepy Halloween destinations will make a believer out of you.

Voluntourism

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 13:00:00 EST

Voluntourism is a new breed of travel that transforms time off into opportunities to do good by others. Instead of being a tourist who takes away only snapshots and souvenirs, the voluntourist also gets to leave a little love behind.

New England: Off the Beaten Track

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:00:00 EST

If you're yearning for the picturesque New England countryside without the picture-takers and the winding roads without the traffic jams, then hop in your car and drive up I-91. All the way up.

The Always Surprising U.S. Highway 395

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:00:00 EST

U.S. Highway 395 is one of America's most surprising and sublimely beautiful road trips, with so many stunning viewpoints and points of interest that you'll be hard-pressed to reach your destination.

Colorado's Finest: The Million Dollar Highway

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:00:00 EST

Southwestern Colorado is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the state — purple mountains crowned with caps of snow, towering rock walls, aspen glades. To really get a feel for it, take a drive — particularly on U.S. 550, also known as the Million Dollar Highway between Ouray to Silverton.

America's Heartland River Roads

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EST

No matter where you are on a Scenic Byway, special signs keep you informed of approaching landmarks and historic towns, and because each byway is developed with the help of local communities, you are bound to run into plenty of local hospitality whenever your make a stop.

Wildlife Watching

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EST

: America offers a surprising degree of biodiversity. Indeed, the country is home to a stunning spectrum of unique wildlife that can serve as the focal point of some extremely rewarding travel.

Fun for Everyone at America's State Fairs

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EST

Nothing says summer more than funnel cakes, pig races and car shows at America's state fairs. State fairs in all 50 states offer something for every member of the family. In fact, here are a few state fairs that can quench your kids', your parents' and your own summer thirst for fun.

Driving Hawaii

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EST

Many visitors to the Hawaiian islands plop themselves on a beach and see very little of the charm and mystique that have made the islands so famous. Don't be fooled by the small size of each island — each of these road trips will open up a treasure chest of hidden surprises.

Highway History, One Yard Sale at a Time

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:00:00 EST

Along historic highways across the United States, towns and counties have joined forces to create massive multi-city, multi-day yard sale extravaganzas. The largest of these events span hundreds of miles, involve thousands of vendors and include everything from typical yard sale bric-a-brac to antiques to local food and music.

Unexpected Soaks: Discover Lesser-Known Hot Springs

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:00:00 EST

Not all hot springs are accessible, and fewer have the right combination of temperature (between 98 F and 104 F), minerals, safe conditions and free-flowing water to make them popular destinations. Here are a few hot springs to visit without bumping elbows with fellow soakers.

Unexplored Coastal Escapes

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:00:00 EST

Embark on a journey to one of these enchanting ocean edges for a bit of history, solitude or relaxation.

East to West: Across America's Underbelly

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 13:00:00 EST

Embark on a journey to one of these enchanting ocean edges for a bit of history, solitude or relaxation.

Coast to Coast on U.S. Route 2

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:00:00 EST

U.S. Route 2 (often called Highway 2) inspires a cross-country road trip that spans 2,579 miles between the East and West coasts — and off the buzzing interstates. You can break up your trip by state or region, or ramble across the entire country. Here are some of the sights you'll see along the way.

The Northern Great Plains

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EST

Whether authentic log home or rustic backwoods bungalow, cabins evoke images of frontier life, of cozy homesteads and adventure. Imagine how much more fun it will be to tell your friends and family that you spent your vacation at one of these cabins instead of at a hotel.

Unique Cabin Escapes

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EST

Outdoor Amphitheaters

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EST

Stretching for 160 miles, the barrier islands of North Carolina, popularly known as the "Outer Banks," are a place where history and nature collide. The landing site for some of America's first European visitors, the Outer Banks have been a popular destination since 1587 for good reason. Here are some reasons why.

Best of North Carolina's Remarkable Outer Banks

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EST

Five Amazing Waterfalls

Thu, 29 May 2008 13:00:00 EST

Even the smallest waterfalls captivate us with their lacy beauty, or their wondrous passage down a sculptured rock face. Here are five waterfalls that are not America's tallest or largest, but which still impact mightily on visitors.

Great Lakes Lighthouses

Thu, 22 May 2008 14:00:00 EST

On the Great Lakes, lighthouses stand sentry on the coast keep the traffic sorted out, and many also provide offbeat sites where you can tour, sleep and even operate the beacon. Chart a course for the following distinct shores.

Alien America

Thu, 15 May 2008 14:00:00 EST

Roswell in New Mexico and Nevada's Area 51 are the world's most famous landing pads, but several less-known sites host fewer tourists and still deliver the aliens.

Along the Great River Road

Thu, 08 May 2008 13:00:00 EST

It's no surprise that America's most storied river, the mighty Mississippi, has its own, equally epic roadway. The Great River Road starts in northern Minnesota and unfurls 3,000 miles of water-hugging pavement en route to southern Louisiana. While the River Road passes through major cities like Minneapolis, St. Louis, Memphis and New Orleans, the heart of the thoroughfare beats in its smaller towns.

Amazing Shorelines and Peninsulas

Thu, 01 May 2008 13:00:00 EST

The meeting of water and land is particularly dramatic and visually stunning at these amazing shorelines and peninsulas. With a mix of charming small towns and friendly people, you're guaranteed to leave with lifelong memories. Here are a few places where you can take a drive along the water and see what you discover.

Unheralded National Parks

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:00:00 EST

Visitors to America's less heralded national parks can still find ample elbow room when summer crowds turn Yosemite and Grand Canyon National Parks into parking lots. Whether tramping through the primeval rain forests of the Pacific Northwest, watching bison gallop across the Great Plains or standing underneath the world's largest trees in California, visiting the more off-the-beaten-path national parks makes for road trips to remember

Bluegrass on the Crooked Road

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 13:00:00 EST

Along The Crooked Road, a 253-mile driving trail through the mountains of southwest Virginia, is a well-marked route that celebrates the state's bluegrass heritage. It also follows a truly "crooked" path, winding west from Ferrum to Clintwood. Consider the four stops below for a music-filled weekend.

Earth Art Installations

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:00:00 EST

In response to a wave of artificiality and commercialism in the American art scene during the late 1960s, a handful of revolutionary artists shifted their artistic vision out of the indoor gallery and superimposed it upon landscapes. The result was a movement of large-scale "Earth Art" installations that peaked during the 1970s.

America's Small Town Festivals

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 13:00:00 EST

Small-town festivals offer low-key, budget merriment with fresh local flavor. Check out these tiny-town festivals and discover your own on country road trips.

Best Places to Spot Desert Wildflowers

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 13:00:00 EST

One of the most visible elements of life in the desert is the occasional but dramatic blooming cycles of desert wildflowers. Typically appearing in the spring after the winter rains have subsided, wildflowers blanket the desert sands in a rich multi-colored palette. Stretching from the Rocky Mountains to the Sierra-Nevada range, the vast North American desert offers countless opportunities to survey these ethereal blooms. Of particular interest are the Sonoran Desert, Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley.

Cherry Blossom Fever in Washington, D.C.

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:00:00 EST

There's no better time to visit Washington, D.C., than in the spring when the cherry trees are blooming. During cherry blossom season — usually in April — the whole city turns pink.

Snug Hotels

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 13:00:00 EST

With winter stubbornly in place for at least a few more months, why not indulge in the best of winter stereotypes — roaring fires, toasty quilts and a steaming cup of tea. The following hotels allow you to do just that while helping you embrace winter like a warm bear hug.

Unique Spring Break Spots in the Carolinas

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 13:00:00 EST

Spring break, the traditional antidote to winter's persistent gray and cold, usually means a pilgrimage to a Florida beach. But as you head south, you'll find that sun worshipping is a crowded and popular affair. Steer clear of the traffic and co-eds by exiting off of I-95 to these Carolina destinations.

Top 5 Eco-Adventure Resorts

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 13:00:00 EST

Why spend the night at an ordinary hotel when you can stay at one of America's fabulous eco-adventure resorts? With activities ranging from white-water rafting to sport fishing, these resorts combine adventure-filled days with relaxed evenings in unique natural settings.

Baseball Diamonds Will Sparkle This Spring

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 13:00:00 EST

Today, baseball is more than just the game. Ballparks command cheers, too, whether it's the chic cuisine served in place of franks and stadium mustard or the coveted naming rights to an entire park, most recently an honor given to Cleveland-based Progressive insurance, who have turned home of the Cleveland Indians into Progressive Field. We'll always love the game — here are a few reminders why.

A Romantic Winter Wander

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 13:00:00 EST

Enjoy Leavenworth's best offerings — a small, pedestrian-friendly downtown area and a nearly seamless connection to the natural world encircling it — with an easy, romantic stroll. Although the line between kitschy and genuine is as hazy as the steam off a hot chocolate on a crisp winter day, Leavenworth, Wash., manages to plant itself just on the fringe of accurate. The Bavarian-modeled mountain town is so carefully planned that nary has a window escaped without a decorative shutter, and you can almost imagine yourself in the Alps.

Retrace Significant Southern Civil Rights History

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 13:00:00 EST

The South is beautiful, but not simply so. One cannot appreciate the region without complex emotions, for an important chapter in U.S. history unfolded here. The heroic Civil Rights Movement is a not-so-distant memory, and visiting key sites in Montgomery, Birmingham and Memphis is guaranteed to raise the hair on your back.

Chinese New Year Celebrations in the U.S.

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 13:00:00 EST

Whether you're a rat, a sheep, a goat or a horse, if you love a celebration, you shouldn't miss the festivities surrounding Chinese New Year. There's no pressure to lose weight, no resolutions to stop smoking. Just dazzling parades, dancing lions, exploding firecrackers and nearly 5,000 years of tradition.

Best Spas to Soak Away the Winter Blues

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 13:00:00 EST

When America's first destination spa opened in 1940, no one had any idea how popular these spas would become. Today, as our lives have grown more complex, people are flocking to spas to heal and rejuvenate. A visit to one of these spas this winter will leave you energized and remind you of what it means to be truly pampered.

A Rat Pack Road Trip Means Fun in the Desert

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 13:00:00 EST

Frank Sinatra and pals Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford — collectively known as the Rat Pack — offered a stylish escape from Cold War tensions with their brassy songs, saucy humor and snazzy suits. You can still swing through their old stomping grounds in the California and Nevada deserts. Even the places that have changed beckon the latter-day swinger to take a spin — preferably with your CD changer stacked with up-tempo Nelson Riddle arrangements.

Uncommon Winter Sports Anyone Can Try

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 13:00:00 EST

When the mountains have been fattened by their winter coating of snow, consider slipping on your own extra layer and heading to the hills. But you can forgo the pricey ski-lift ticket and the mega-resort crowds — there are plenty of winter sports that don't require you to follow in someone else's ski tracks.

Celebrating Three Kings Day

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 13:00:00 EST

America's Kitschiest Motels

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 13:00:00 EST

Tasteful prints, consistent decor, lots of amenities — who needs 'em? Give me a hotel that's memorable. Give me a room that makes me want to take pictures because no one would believe me if I described it to them. Give me the kooky, the kitschy and the campy. You with me? Well, start packing. Because each one of these offbeat overnights is worth a trip in itself.

A Sampling of America's Winter Wonderlands

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 13:00:00 EST

Do the cold overcast days of winter get you down? Try this sampling of winter wonderlands to perk up your spirits as you discover some of America's best gems. Winter is a great season to visit these places if you like snow and getting away from the crowds.

Shop 'Til You Drop

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 13:00:00 EST

Madison Avenue and Rodeo Drive may be America's most exclusive shopping destinations. But other stops along the country's consumers byways — galleries, mega-stores, thrift shops, farmers' markets and even malls — offer shoppers access to unexpected finds and a memorable dose of regional culture. With prices ranging from flea market to first class, these six destinations are places where you'll shop 'til you drop.

Great Literary Getaways

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 13:00:00 EST

The next time you're ready for a road trip, why not head somewhere that famous American writers found inspiring?

Foodie Tour of the U.S.

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 13:00:00 EST

Sure, it's hard to find an American who doesn't love a good slice, but depending on where you're from, your hometown pie might be a pizza, or egg custard ...

Four Scenic Florida Byways

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 13:00:00 EST

While the rest of the country drops into a deep frozen slumber each winter, travelers with a fondness for sunshine migrate to Florida like flocks of hungry birds.

Amazing Art Parks in Public Places

Fri, 23 Nov 2007 13:00:00 EST

All across America, art parks blend the beauty of nature with the creativity of mankind, incorporating sculptures, monuments and architecture that are perfectly placed in their natural settings.

A Southern Gothic Road Trip

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 13:00:00 EST

It’s little wonder that Southern writers have sculpted a unique and enticing form of Gothic literature. A menacing atmosphere pervades over the entire region.

Five Football Frenzied College Towns Worth Touring

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 13:00:00 EST

For small and mid-sized university towns nationwide, football is the great transformer. Most days you can cross the brick streets without looking.

Day Hiking America’s Best Trails

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 13:00:00 EST

A rear-seat entertainment system can keep children amused — and parents relaxed — on long journeys.

Unexpected Autumn Landscapes

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 13:00:00 EST

A rear-seat entertainment system can keep children amused — and parents relaxed — on long journeys.