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Couple enjoying a Florida beach
VIRGINIA TOURISM
A Snowbird Drive South
for the Winter
Stopping along the way as you escape the cold months ahead.
By Stacey Zable
Just like birds that fly south for the winter, you may choose to leave your northern home and spend November through April in the warm Florida sunshine. The drive below takes you from Chicago to Jacksonville, Florida, but you can start anywhere along the route and continue past Jacksonville to whatever Florida town you prefer for your winter escape.
The House from A Christmas Story is a fun Cleveland stop year-round
THE HOUSE FROM A CHRISTMAS STORY
Ohio
City Stop
Chicago to Cleveland is an approximately 345-mile drive and a good stopping point for your first night. While in Cleveland, check out the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which honors legendary artists through various exhibits and live music. The West Side Market features more than 50 vendors, including ready-to-eat choices for a quick lunch. And what better way to jump-start the holidays than with a visit to the House From A Christmas Story, a museum and gift shop dedicated to the beloved holiday film. On your way out of Cleveland, stop at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, about 60 miles from the city.
Tickets for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame are available at AAA.com/Tickets.
Massanutten Resort video
Virginia
Into the Mountains
Take a break from the drive and enjoy the 6,000-acre, all-season Massanutten Resort in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. It’s a 360-mile drive from Canton. The resort, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, is home to indoor and seasonal outdoor pools, a fitness center, pickleball courts, ski trails and a full-service spa. There are also cooking and craft classes, such as making a terrarium at Balanced Roots, a charming store located just outside the resort entrance. Two golf courses are available, with one open year-round, weather permitting. On-site dining includes Base Camp, with mountain views and outdoor seating, and Campfire Grill. Enjoy live music, comedy nights, karaoke and more. You’ll have a choice of accommodations, but the two-bedroom Regal Vistas are the newest condos. They offer a full kitchen, fireplace, private deck and laundry facilities. Nearby is Shenandoah National Park and its beautiful 105-mile Skyline Drive.
Planning your road trip adventure is exciting, especially when choosing the perfect vehicle. Whether you need a monthly rental or a one-way option, a Hertz rental can be a great option. It allows you to avoid putting miles on your own vehicle and choose a ride that fits your needs—whether it’s a fuel-efficient compact car or a mid-size SUV for extra luggage. AAA Members can reserve their Hertz vehicle through AAA and save up to 20% off base rates, get free additional drivers and other stackable savings. Learn more at AAA.com/CarRental.
Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, N.C.
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North Carolina
Go Wild in OBX
It is about 300 miles from Massanutten to the Outer Banks, North Carolina. A must for any trip here—besides relaxing on its magnificent 100-plus miles of wide sandy shoreline—is a wild horse tour with Corolla Outback Adventures. You’ll traverse the beach on a 12-passenger, open-air vehicle where you’ll see wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs and other wildlife. Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills to learn about the first flight. The 426-acre Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head has the tallest living sand dune system on the Atlantic coast. Stroll the picturesque coastal town of Manteo, followed by lunch at the Lost Colony Tavern. Downtown Duck has shops and a raised boardwalk along the water. Dine at The Village Table and Tavern for seafood or steak.
Aerial view of Wilmington, N.C.’s historic district along the Cape Fear river
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Beach and History Combine
Continue south about 250 miles to Wilmington, North Carolina, a beach community with a 230-block National Register Historic District. Take a self-guided or horse-drawn tour to see gems like the Bellamy Mansion and Latimer House.
A Hilton Head Island sunset
GETTY IMAGES
South Carolina
Lowcountry Experience in Hilton Head
Drive 300 more miles to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. A beachfront resort stay here means you’ll be up close to the island’s 12 miles of wide, pristine sands. Hilton Head also boasts more than 70 miles of bicycle pathways. If golf and the area’s legendary greens brought you here, you’ll have 26 courses to choose from in the Lowcountry area, including Hilton Head Island, Bluffton and Daufuskie Island. Don’t miss a meal on the large patio at the scenic Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks along edge of Port Royal Sound. Local fishing fleets bring their fresh catch straight to the docks. For a casual meal with entertainment, check out Kind of Blue for music.
Jacksonville skyline at dusk
Florida
You’ve arrived
Your final 170-mile leg brings you to Jacksonville, Florida. Welcome to the Sunshine State and enjoy the warm weather for the winter!
Resort Stays Along the Way
In addition to Massanutten Resort, plan to stay and rest at least two nights at both of these resorts as you drive to Florida.
Aerial view of The Sanderling
SANDERLING RESORT
The Sanderling, Duck, North Carolina (Outer Banks)
This beachfront resort has 123 guest rooms and suites, plus six vacation homes. You won’t want to spend much time inside with the Outer Banks’ beach in your backyard. The Sanderling went through a redesign for its recent 40th anniversary, but you won’t want to spend much time inside with the legendary Outer Banks’ beach right in your backyard. The property offers year-round activities such as floral arranging workshops, cocktail classes, book clubs, stargazing and art exhibitions. Its spa features ocean-inspired treatments plus a fitness center. Two outdoor pools—including one adults-only—and two hot tubs are open year-round though the pools are not heated. Fire pits are also available year-round.
Pamper yourself with a visit to Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island
SONESTA INTERNATIONAL HOTELS
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Set within the Shipyard community, Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island is a beautiful recently-renovated property with lush grounds and direct access to the area’s magnificent beach. It has year-round heated pools and hot tub. The updated 340 guest rooms and suites offer comfort after a day of driving or taking in area attractions. Don’t miss the daily Turtle Talk and feeding of the 50 to 60 turtles that make their home at the resort’s aptly named “The Turtle Pond.” On-site bike rentals get you around the Shipyard community plus championship tennis courts are nearby. A trolley service takes you to Coligny Plaza Shopping Center so you can leave the driving to someone else. A shuttle also brings golfers to/from the nearby Shipyard Golf Club, home to three courses. Make some time to relax at the resort spa or 24-hour fitness center. There are five on-site dining choices, including a wonderful breakfast buffet at the Seacrest Restaurant and Terrace. Live music can be heard select nights at the Driftwood Rum Bar or simply sit around one of the outdoor fire pits and enjoy the evenings.
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