I think we need to start a sub-forum, or perhaps a sort of directory, divided by region, of the best motoring roads, and road-trip routes.

I am in eastern Pa, and there are a GREAT number of spectacular roads around here, and I would certainly like to benifit from other people's knowledge!

 

I have the same feeling, but I think it should be even broader-based to include recreation, rest areas, etc (part of of the fun of getting away is also stopping). Coming out of NYC, it is frustrating finding even a decent public restroom without feeling like I have to buy something until I get north of 84 or even 90. If we got real clever, we could post links to a good mapping site to illustrate our discussion. I had to research driving in the UK this year (drove by the Oxford plant-on a Sunday, woefully empty) and I found several alternate mapping sites that weren't MapQuest (I am particularly picky about map design, and hate, hate, hate MapQuest).

This weekend drove 293 that runs through West Point. If you don't have time to get really far north of the city, it's a great (but shortish) diversion from SR9 or 6.

BTW, when did you get your S? The folks at Manhattan MINI told me I got one of the first BRG S's (Oct 18). Are we really the first one's out there?

 

Best to stay away from I-84 in western CT, it's almost as bad as I-95 in lower Fairfield.

If you're coming up from New York, take the Hutchinson to the Merritt, then peel off on the small state highways like Black Rock Turnpike. Or go up to Litchfield County for some great motoring. In that case you'll have to stick with 84 as far as 7, but once you're past southern New Milford a whole world of beautiful roads awaits you. Route 4 is an amazing ride. Kent, Cornwall, Salisbury, Warren, Washington, Roxbury--fabulous roads (but lousy people). Just get lost. If you can't find a rest stop, take a slash on the side of the road.

 

My best drive...Wilmington,NY to Lake Palcid, NY... :smile:
Florida Mini Owners

 

>> I found several alternate mapping sites that weren't MapQuest (I am particularly picky about map design, and hate, hate, hate MapQuest).

Such as? I hate mapquest, but I'm used to it, and I find that I hate it less than the others I've tried. Pass on your wisdom!

>>BTW, when did you get your S? The folks at Manhattan MINI told me I got one of the first BRG S's (Oct 18). Are we really the first one's out there?

We probably came over on the same boat . Don Juan? I picked mine up at Princeton MINI 10/24, after having them tint the windows. I haven't seen pictures of ANY US BRG MCS. I've only seen a few euro cars.

 

I picked up my BRG S from Manhattan MINI on 10/19, right off the Don Juan. I haven't seen another BRG, S or otherwise. They told me I was pretty far up the line as well. I'm not exactly trying to count, but I didn't ask the dealer, they told me, so I figured I would just try and find out how much sales BS I was getting. But it does seem we are trailblazers (I should be getting a slew of pictures back next week, but they will all be B&W).

And to be more on-topic, I would suggest the eastern end of Cape Cod (Truro, and to the east side of Route 6 near the lighthouse and Marconi point in Wellfleet), before the winter hits. P-Town is still a little crowded, but the roads just south of there are great. It is very off season right now, and I crossed over the break-in limit (13 days after picking it up, and I live in Manhattan) while I was there two weeks ago, which made for some excellent, motoring (and amazing sights; I had never been to the Cape, and the Atlantic side beachers are breathtaking).

I went looking for the UK sites that had far better rendered maps (not that it helps us any, but at least for the sake of argument), but that was far too long ago. If I find ithem again, I'll post it. It's funny, I'm a big fan of Hagstrom maps, but I find the MapQuest maps garish, even though they are almost the same yellow.

 

I have to say that the Rand McNally people know how to make a decent map. Although they don't always show satisfactory detail, what they do show does actually tend to exist in the real world, as opposed to Mapquest. Mapquest, if you play around with it enough, usually gives you a pretty good idea of local, block-level detail, but their depiction of larger-scale state highway-level road systems is usually quite lacking.

As far as northeast US roads go,

A recently-discovered favorite of mine is Route 1A along the New Hamprshire coast. I recently did this both ways during a bike tour and loved it. I'm sure it's much briefer in a car, but well worth checking out. I found myself wishing I had the MINI there...

Also, Bash-Bish Falls in the southwestern corner of Massachusetts is accessible only by really great roads, especially from the Massachusetts side. From New York, you can get there via Route 22, which is great as well. A beautiful state park, and a great drive.

Anyone who lives anywhere in western MA will surely know this, but Route 2 west from Greenfield to Williamstown is an exceptional drive, particularly through the town of Florida.

I'm sure I can think of more as well...

Come on, let's get this thread going. I'm sure there are lots of other stretches of road within a few hours of where we all live that are sublime places to visit in the MINI. Future rally locations, perhaps?

 

When I have some free time, I'm going to put together a web page of northern Vermont drives. Of course, some of the good ones are now closed for the season. There are a handful of paved mountain roads that the state doesn't even bother trying to plow, so once the snow falls (late October or early November), those roads are closed until the spring.

Here's a quick rundown of some of the biggies:

Route 100 - runs north / south through entire state
Granville Gulch (part of route 100 between Hancock and Warren - 8 miles of twisties and no development off the road)
Smuggler's Notch (route 108 between Stowe and Jeffersonville - closed in winter)
The rest of 108 up to the Canada / US border is fun too
Brandon Gap (route 73 between Brandon and Rochester)
App. Gap (route 17 between Waitsfield and Hanksville) - probably the best

According to my atlas, there's also Middlebury Gap and Lincoln Gap. I haven't driven those yet and Lincoln Gap is not maintained in the winter...

There are too many other little bits and pieces to list. All the Gaps are what they call passes out west - lots of elevation change. There are also a lot of fun roads that follow rivers in the valleys if you don't feel like climbing up the mountains.

Somebody want to tackle the White Mountains (NH)?

 

I know it's the wrong season to be motoring through the mountians, but I found a couple of websites that could prove useful for route finding. Both are motorcycle rider's work, not mine.

first: Stuff from Burlington, VT - Of extra use for me since all the routes start and end where I work.

second: Stuff from West Lebanon, NH - 5 long (300-400 mile) routes starting and ending in West Lebanon, NH. One through NH, one through various gaps in VT, one through ME (that's Maine, not me :smile: ), one through southern NH, and one through VT/NY including a short ferry trip. Looks like fun!

 

Anyone up for a drive straight across Long Island?

 

>>Anyone up for a drive straight across Long Island?

I'd be up for that! But I'm not so sure that I am up for the crazy lane negotiations and left lane sewer "bumps" that I'll encounter on the Belt Pkwy to get to L.I. (I'm coming from NJ). Anyway, skalex, we both have to wait a bit longer to get our MINIs. I might be ready to roll thru anything by then.

 

Right on 2Minis. I live in Lake Placid and get to drive that road everyday. There are several great loops around that area that are great for airing out the ole Mini.

 

Every road is a good Motoring road ..... it's all about perspective and the right blend of silly

---- stay safe ... know your limits. ----

 

If you are vacationing or happen to be lucky enough to live in Eastern, CT, you'll find some perfect motoring roads through some beautiful areas. Great wooded, windy roads. Even if you head out to the casinos (by the way, my LEAST favorite places in CT). Just hop off on some back roads in Groton, Mystic, Stonington, North Stonington, Rhode Island (one of the biggest towns in CT ), Voluntown. My advise, just get lost! You'll find the best roads that way. Good luck and happy motoring!