I just got back from taking my '08 MC on its first road trip- I took my son to Gettysburg, PA- it was a great drive there from the Philadelphia area. A mix of long open roads and narrow twisties.

Once in Gettysburg the "Auto Tour" route through the Battlefields lets you learn about the history of the area while never leaving the comfort of your Mini- there are over 16 miles of narrow twisting roads through the park to enjoy driving on- plus this time of the year the park was empty, which made the ride all the more enjoyable!

And to top it off, they encourage you to drive on the left- so much so that there was a sign telling you to do so. (see first attached picture) so even though you're driving through a piece of American History you can pretend you're car is back in Oxford, England.

 

That is very weird you drive on the left...very ironic. Nice mini, btw.

 

You should try to get back there on the July 4th weekend. They have a great Civil War reenactment of the battle. The reenactors are all private hobbyists and the are very serious about being authentic. I now live in Huntsville, AL and the hobby is big around here. These folks look like they stepped out of a sepia tone Brady pic. And the battle attracts thousands of reenactors, which means history really comes alive.

 

That's an awesome trip I've been meaning to take. Thanks for sharing.

 

Sold! Thanks in part to Magnify-a-Mini's recommedation, we're going! This weekend! Can't wait--ted's all set for a new adventure (for background, see this thread: https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/showthread.php?t=143765). Weather's going to be decent, housesitters are all set, got tires rotated and oil changed.

Any must do things / sites to see with the terrier? Anyone going to be near the area this weekend? We're really there to see the battlefields, but would be happy to join up with fellow MINIacs if anyone wants.

 

Gettysburg is great, great roads, and amazing sites to see! I live in Harrisburg, only half an hour away, but am in Michigan for school until my break starts on Wednesday. I would definitely join you if I was home! You'll have a great time!

 

If I go here I won't stop to look at any sites, a bathroom maybe. But I wanted to know is there any traffic on this road? I prefer no other annoying cars on the road. And is there twisties the kind that will make my brakes fade? I like tight twisties, not sweepers cause you end up going 60-75mph on sweepers.

BTW: What is the 16 mile road called? I am trying to Google Earth it.

 

Sorry you won't be around. I have a feeling we'll be doing this again at some point, this is our 'starter trip'. So maybe we'll catch up next time!

 

Just got back from our trip--it was great! If you've got even a passing interest in history, you really can't go wrong. We took our dog so spent a lot of time on foot. The battlefields are open to the public (and their dogs, on a leash) and total about 6,000 acres. When and if we go sans poochie, we'll get the audio auto tour that guides you around the various sites. For this trip, we lucked out and had great weather and really enjoyed being able to take off on foot and explore the battlefields. Very somber and sobering, but a great way to experience that part of our history.

Not only was Gettysburg fascinating, but there is a lot of beautiful country around there. We took some great backroads into the PA and MD countryside. Great MINI roads to be found most everywhere. If we'd had a chunk of weekdays we could piece together it probably would have been even better, but traffic was really pretty sparse once we got out of town. All-in-all, it made for a great weekend getaway!

 

If you want an even more fun road, drive US 30 west from Fort Loudon to Reel's Corner. The entire way is very scenic, but US 30 from Fort Loudon to Breezewood is particularly curvy and hilly.

To get there from Gettysburg take US 30 west across the Blue Ridge (the range of hills in the OP's 2nd photo), and stay on US 30, past I-81, and thru Chambersburg and St Thomas.

Here are a few images I found on the web:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2042/...52bb7a.jpg?v=0

http://www.lincolnhighwayassoc.org/i...chellsburg.jpg

 

thats pretty funny. i drive up to ghettysburg pa several times a week from owings mills maryland. i see some of those sites too. small world we live in. as a matter of fact i am going up there tomorrow.