Great Drives: The Episodes #101 -- #113

#101 – Dinosaurs:

We’ll track down the largest beasts ever to tread on the earth, over 100 million years ago – the Stegosaurus, the Velociraptor, the Brontosaurus and the Tyrannosaurus Rex.  We’ll start with a drive to Glenrock, Wyoming for a hands-on dig with one of the world’s most famous paleontologists, Dr. Robert Bakker.  After several days of discovering triceratops bones, fossil fish and more we’ll follow Dr. Bakker down to Medicine Bow.  Then it’s out to Como Bluff the site of the world’s first major discovery of dinosaur bones.  This is the perfect drive for anyone with an interest in the deep past.  But we recommend that you “bone” up before embarking.  

#102 – Wyoming:

We discover where Butch Cassidy got his start, ancient Indian petroglyphs, wild horses, drive America’s most beautiful highway and see the awe inspiring Grand Tetons. 

#103 – Miami to the Keys:

We start with a tour of the little known backroads of Miami, including the Art Deco realm of South Beach. Then we head down the highway to discover the Keys.  From glass bottom boats, to sea turtle rescues, dwarf deer and bacchanalian sunsets we’ll find out why Jackie Gleason said, “how sweet it is.” 

#104 – Orlando to St. Augustine:

After a whirlwind tour of all things Mickey we’ll head out to the coast and set our sights on America’s oldest city, St. Augustine.  We discover wildlife refuges, take a tour behind the scenes at Cape Canaveral, walk the beach where the first land speed records were set (the birthplace of speed --where racing started before NASCAR), mingle with the Harley riders at Daytona’s annual Bike Week, and wander through the historic streets of St. Augustine.  

#105 – Natchez Trace:

From Nashville to Natchez, Mississippi we drive the 444-mile Natchez Trace.  Along this one-time Indian foot-path we discover the heart of country music in Nashville, the birth of the blues at W. C. Handy’s home, see where Helen Keller began to understand the world, find out where Elvis bought his first guitar (and first performed) and finally roam the streets of Natchez, a city that slavery once turned into America’s wealthiest.

 #106 – Hawaii: Oahu

Waikiki has defined the Hawaiian experience for millions of visitors.  We’ll uncover an undiscovered side of Oahu that’s a land of deserted beaches, beautiful little offshore islands, hidden waterfalls and country towns that will show us what the Hawaiian dream is all about. 

#107: Hawaii: Maui

We start out on the Hana Highway.  It’s 52 serpentine miles wind around 600 curves and over 54 one-lane bridges, through scenes of waterfalls splashing beside the road, swimmers plunging into the surf, trees laden with fruit, perfumed air and stunning vistas around every turn.  We take in the raw beauty of the Hana coast and then go off road on the backside of the Haleakala National Park.  We’ll discover it’s all part of the landscape as we roam the back roads of Maui. 

#108--- Napa to Monterey: 

Traverse the golden back roads of California's wine country with a pack of classic Ferraris.   We take the twist and turns through stunning redwoods out to the coast and head down the coast to discover the magic of the Monterey Peninsula. 

#109: Route 66

We’ll get our kicks on this drive through the historic part of Route 66.  Starting out at the Santa Monica Pier, where the highway ended, we’ll retrace its path through the most scenic towns along this historic route.  We’ll see where Gable married Lombard,  go through old Las Vegas and dip down along the back roads as we discover what lured millions of Americans out West.  We’ll end up at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon for a view that will definitely get our motor’s running. 

#110: Woodward Avenue

This is the street that put America on wheels.  From the Detroit River, straight through to Pontiac it takes us to past the birthplace of Barry Gordy’s Motown Records, Henry Ford’s Model T factory, and the Dream Cruise -- the largest one-day vintage car event in the world.  It’s a drive that’s full of history and nostalgia.  Slip on your saddle shoes and let’s hit the road. 

#111: Hallowed Ground:

From Jefferson’s Monticello to Gettysburg, PA we drive this four-state, 175 mile corridor through the heart of American history.  Route 15, the Old Carolina Road, holds more history than any other region in the United States.  It’s a “must do” drive for anyone who cares about America. 

#112: Wales: Search for King Arthur

We follow the legend of King Arthur and the magician Merlin on this journey across Wales.  Arthur’s tale is deeply ingrained in Welsh folklore and recalled in many place names.  There’s stunningly beautiful countryside, ancient sites and the mysteries surrounding the world’s most enduring epic of kingship, love, chivalry and the search for the Holy Grail. 

#113: Scotland: The Highlands

The Scottish Highlands are unmatched for splendor.  From grand mountains, to heather adorned hills, to craggy coastlines, this dramatic scenery makes the Highlands a classic driving tour.  Sheep and cattle roam the glens.  While fisherman tend their nets.   Its beauty attracted Mary Queen of Scotts and its waters have sheltered a legend – the Loch Ness monster.  We’ll roam where Vikings, Celts and English Soldiers battled and see what make the Highlands unforgettable. 

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