DISCOVER THE ULTIMATE AMERICAN ROAD TRIP
Shopping, Sights & Sidewalks
Boston - Virginia
Stops on this Route:
What to drive:
Make the most of your US road trip with something from our American Collection:
Shopping, Sights & Sidewalks
Stop 1: Caffe Vittoria 1/12
The best place in Boston for a cappuccino or hot chocolate has to be Caffe Vittoria, the first Italian café in Boston. Sitting on Hanover Street since 1929, the restaurant is much-lauded by celebrities and politicians alike. Grab yourself a table and sample Italian delicacies such as cannoli, tiramisu and biscotti with a famous Vittoria coffee.
Shopping, Sights & Sidewalks
Stop 2: Fenway Park 2/12
Boston baseball fans love their Red Sox, who play their home games and have celebrated many World Series titles at the historic Fenway Park in the city. Take a tour of America’s most beloved ballpark, where you can learn all about its 100+ year history, dating back to 1912. Visit Pesky’s Pole on the right field or sit atop the iconic Green Monster over by left field. If you’re visiting during the season, why not book tickets to catch a game?
Shopping, Sights & Sidewalks
Stop 3: Colt State Park 3/12
Driving through Colt State Park offers some impossibly beautiful views, with meandering roads along one of the state’s most impressive shorelines. Often referred to as the ‘gem’ of the State Parks System, Colt State Park has something for everyone: open green spaces for picnics or kite-flying, fantastic walks along the waterfront with panoramic views onto Narragansett Bay, and four miles of cycle tracks to enjoy.
Shopping, Sights & Sidewalks
Stop 4: Tannen’s Magic Store 4/12
Budding magicians will love Tannen’s Magic Store, the oldest operating magic shop in New York City. Since opening in 1925, the hocus-pocus hub has been the source of fun and wizardry for magic buffs. Head to the heart of Midtown in the Herald Square district to stock up on every trick imaginable, as well as the books and DVDs to learn them yourself. Bestsellers include a lightbulb you can explode with your mind, bite-out coins made famous by David Blaine and levitating cards.
Shopping, Sights & Sidewalks
Stop 5: Statue of Liberty 5/12
No visit to New York City is complete without a more than a few selfies at the Statue of Liberty. Gifted to America by France in the late 1800s and standing at over 305 feet from the ground, it’s one of the world’s most recognizable symbols of democracy and freedom. Whether you’re enjoying the view of America’s Great Lady from Liberty Island or climbing the stairs to her balcony, the iconic symbol is a bucket-list must.
Shopping, Sights & Sidewalks
Stop 6: Christ Church Burial Ground - Benjamin Franklin’s Grave 6/12
A graveyard might not sound like the sunniest of stops on your road trip, but Christ Church Burial Ground is pretty remarkable. The biggest icon buried here is Ben Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. As well as his grave there are 1,400 other markers of some of the USA’s biggest Colonial and Revolution-era leaders. Whether you spend a few minutes or an hour at this historic cemetery, it’s worth a stop when in Philadelphia.
Shopping, Sights & Sidewalks
Stop 7: King of Prussia Mall 7/12
Welcome to shopper’s paradise, otherwise known as King of Prussia. With seven top drawer department stores and more than 450 stores, boutiques and restaurants, this whopper of a mall is the largest retail shopping space in America. From Nordstrom to Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s to Aeropostle, you’ll find everything you’re looking for (and plenty you weren’t). Of course, all this retail therapy is hard work – so there's a huge number of eateries to fuel up at throughout your shopping extravaganza. (Image credit: Daniel Lobo)
Shopping, Sights & Sidewalks
Stop 8: Fort McHenry 8/12
Fort McHenry is a coastal star-shaped fort seeped in powerful American history. It’s primarily known for the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812, when it defended the harbour from British attack. During the war, a storm flag was flown over mid-bombardment. On the morning of September 14, 1814, a mighty garrison flag replaced it to signal American victory over Britain. Upon seeing the flag, Francis Scott Key wrote Defence of Fort M’Henry – which later became known as the Star Spangled Banner – i.e. the national anthem of the USA. You can help a ranger raise or lower the flag on your visit, or enjoy the exhibits the park has on offer.
Shopping, Sights & Sidewalks
Stop 9: Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum 9/12
Small and unassuming, you normally wouldn’t look at the townhouse at 203 North Amity Street twice. However, this was the home of legendary US writer Edgar Allan Poe, and still contains his chair, desk and telescope. Take a tour of Poe House, learn about his foster parents, his poems and stories written in Baltimore, and the life and death of the iconic writer. Reservations are required to visit this fascinating glimpse into Poe’s life. (Image credit: Mitch LeClair)
Shopping, Sights & Sidewalks
Stop 10: Georgetown 10/12
This DC neighbourhood marks the spot for many historical landmarks, but is better known today as a hip shopping district that offers everything from high-end boutiques to thrift stores. Cady’s Alley is the place to be if you’re shopping for some antiques or designer furniture, while Book Hill has some neat surprises along the way including a handful of art galleries. And if you want to take the weight off, Georgetown has some of DC’s best eateries too.
Shopping, Sights & Sidewalks
Stop 11: Stony Point Fashion Park 11/12
With beautiful fountains, pretty architecture and the open-air of Richmond, Stony Point Fashion Park is not your usual affair. Its tree-lined, dog-friendly park atmosphere is the shopping destination’s best selling point. And then there’s the shops - Tiffany & Co., Anthropologie and Vineyard Vines are just a few places to splash the cash before hitting the CineBistro for dining and enjoying the best arty and indie films.
Shopping, Sights & Sidewalks
Stop 12: George Washington and Jefferson National Forest 12/12
Round off your action-packed road trip with a dash of tranquillity at the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. You’ll be driving through country roads, taking in the peaceful scenery of mountain streams and forest beauty – all 1.8 million acres of it. From swimming and fishing to camping and horseback riding, there’s no shortage of activities. If you’re up for hiking, the Appalachian Trail is a breathtaking experience – try the four-hour hike to McAfee Knob and snap a postcard-worthy panorama from Catawba Valley in the West to Roanoke Valley in the East.
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