Classic Toyota’s Travel Guide: Four Great Cities for Summer Road Trips

Jun 25, 2022

School’s out and summer is in full swing! Today we’re covering some great road trip worthy destinations for families that are also great for couples getaways and bestie trips. You’ll find plenty of variety in activities from hiking to biking to art museums and historic sites. These four cities are just a few hours drive away from our dealerships here at Classic Auto Group! So what are you waiting for? Hop on in your new car from Classic and let’s hit the road together.

As always, if you’ve got a suggestion for a future blog travel guide, we’re all ears! Let us know your picks for great destinations and your thoughts on where we should go next in the comments on our social media.

Let’s get this show on the road!

St Louis, MO – A perfect couples retreat spot for some artsy tourism and beautiful walking tours, and a great family getaway with lots of activities and historical sites.

The Missouri Botanical Garden is a great way to do some light movement and spend a few hours and a wonderful place to take some family or couples photos. The City Museum is a converted 100 year old warehouse with exhibits created from repurposed architectural and industrial objects from the area, and its a one of a kind experience! The Saint Louis Art Museum is an impressive three story building jam packed with historic artifacts, paintings, sculptures, and an impressive rotation of contemporary art exhibits. The Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum is on Washington University Campus, and it boasts an impressive collection of 19th, 20th, and 21st century European and American artworks. Those looking for a taste of the great outdoors will have a blast exploring the John F Kennedy Memorial Forest inside Forest Park, Gateway Arch National Park is a US National park near the starting point of the Lewis and Clark Expedition along the Mississippi River.

Traverse City, MI – Is the largest city in Northern Michigan, and situated along the shores of Lake Michigan known for its culinary delights, wineries, and bustling arts and culture scene.

Adults will enjoy a bit of respite with a wonderful Traverse City Tour of wineries and breweries in the area, or you can visit any of the region’s beautiful breweries and vineyards individually like Mari Vineyards, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, Grand Traverse Distillery, and more. The adventurous in your midst will enjoy a day of kayaking at Clinch Park, boating on Grand Traverse Bay, Sunset Sailing tours, and plenty of opportunities for hiking, bicycling and walking tours. The Dennos Museum Center is an all ages destination to explore arts and culture and a rotating series of workshops, exhibits, and lectures. And the Great Lakes Children’s Museum is a wonderful stop for families to enjoy creativity, hands-on exploration, and a fun-centered learning experience.

Cincinnati, OH – An all-encompassing city on the Ohio River with a wonderful arts and culture scene, plentiful history and science museums, and a plethora of family friendly activities.

Everyone will enjoy a visit to the 2nd oldest zoo in the US, the illustrious Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, and explore native plant life, wildlife conservation efforts, and much more! The Cincinnati Art Museum has a gorgeous and extensive permanent collection of artwork, as well as inclusive and diverse programming for rotating exhibits, lectures, and workshops. The Taft Museum of art may be small but it has a big local impact; located in a 200 year old historic house, the museum is a living landmark with a beautiful manicured garden, a tea room, and select works by European and American fine art masters. If you’re looking for a memorable and unique excursion, the 20,000 square foot American Sign Museum is a must-see institution, commemorating over 100 years of American Sign history and preserving designs and iconography for future generations. Adults will enjoy a Cincinnati Brewery Tour with friends, and foodies of all ages will rejoice to experience the open air Findlay Market, with local vendors, culinary treats, farm-to-table and seasonal fare, and artisanal goods you can’t find anywhere else.

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Saugatuck, MI – This Lake Michigan Coastal city is perfect for those seeking an escape from city life and folks with a hankering for outdoor adventures along the Kalamazoo River.

Beach lovers will enjoy a myriad of activities at Oval Beach such as swimming, sunning, and relaxation, in fact it’s been named one of the 25 Best Shorelines in the world by Conde Naste Travelers Magazine! Travelers of all ages will enjoy the plentiful U-Pick orchards and berry farms of nearby Fennville, MI such as cherries, peaches, pears, plums and more. Anglers will be delighted at the opportunities for fishing such as Wade’s Bayou, Wick’s Park, and “The Saugatuck Sign.” There’s plenty of hiking to be done in Saugatuck Dunes State Park with 13 miles of trails and lakeshore to explore, or you can enjoy a Saugatuck Dune Ride if you prefer. The experienced outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate a trek up Mount Baldhead with ample opportunities for hikes, walking, and even trail running; as an added bonus, photographers will rejoice at the stunning panoramic views at the top! It’s just a taste of what this wonderful area has to offer! On rainy days, you can explore the indoors of the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists’ Residency, and other creative galleries and art studios in the area.