13 Beautiful Winter Drives Around the United States

 12.Lakes to Locks Passage, New York

PHOTO:COURTESY OF WWW.VISITLAKEGEORGE.COM

 

Starting point: Waterford or Whitehall, New York

The route: 60 miles on U.S. 4 between Waterford and Whitehall

What to expect: The Lakes to Locks Passage travels north-south for 190 miles through New York State, but the stretch between Waterford and Whitehall is especially beautiful. Winter is a special time to drive it because the bays along this National Scenic Byway turn into ice-fishing destinations.

 

More into birds than fish? This winter drive is located within the Atlantic Flyway, so keep an eye out for overwintering dark-eyed juncos, evening grosbeaks, and purple finches.

 

Where to stop: Enjoy views of the Hudson River and Champlain Canal along the drive, and about midway through, stop at the Schuyler Estate, built in 1777 as the home of General Philip Schuyler, Alexander Hamilton's father-in-law. It's where the wedding of Hamilton and General Schuyler's daughter, Elizabeth, took place in 1780, and today it is part of the Saratoga National Historical Park.

 13.Florida's East Coast

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Starting point: St. Augustine or Key West, Florida

The route: About 470 miles; take I-95 from St. Augustine to Miami before switching to the scenic Overseas Highway from Miami to Key West (or vice versa)

What to expect: Not up to battling winter road hazards? Florida has scenic drives aplenty, but heading south along its eastern coast — from St. Augustine, the oldest city in the U.S., all the way to Key West, the southernmost point of the continental United States — showcases the best of the Sunshine State. Skip chilly temperatures and enjoy Florida's glorious take on winter. Expect sand in place of snow and palms instead of pines on this coastal drive.

 

Where to stop: Explore must-see Florida highlights like historic St. Augustine, the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, the Palm Beaches, Miami (make sure to stop for a cortadito in Little Havana for a perfect behind-the-wheel pick-me-up), and the Florida Keys, where you'll cross the famous Seven Mile Bridge on your way to Key West.