Best American Road Trips: From the Iconic to the Unexpected

Imagine a summer journey, driving with the top down and the wind running through your hair on a beautiful, warm day. Your favorite music is blasting from the radio. Ice cream piled high on a cone is dripping down your arm. What better way is there to feel alive and care-free then by going on a classic American road trip? Whether you desire an iconic drive on Route 66 or you prefer to travel through the unknown, Kuehn Motors has some suggestions for you to try out, along with the perfect vehicle paring.

Pacific Coast Highway, California
From Carmel to Morro Bay, coasting down this 147-mile seaside California roadway has become a rite of passage for West Coasters. There’s a sight and excursion for every taste. The bright lights and cotton candy-filled views at the amusement park in Santa Cruz will take you back to your teenage years. Breathe in a stunning, unparalleled view of San Diego Bay from the Cabrillo National Monument. Visit some stunning redwoods and McWay Falls at Julia Pfiffer Burns State Park in Big Sur. Look for history and grandeur at Hearst Castle and animal fun at Monterey Bay Aquarium. This sunny Californian road trip will take your youthful spirit far, especially if you’re riding high on a smart little convertible or a Harley Davidson Sportster.

Blue Ridge Parkway and Nashville, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee
For a taste of the South, drive through the Appalachian Mountains on the scenic 467-mile Blue Ridge Parkway which travels through Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. The drive is bookended by Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. Hike through enchanting parks and visit the Humpback Rocks, James River, and Peaks of Otter in Virginia. Visit Walker Knob, Glassmine Falls, the Great Craggy Mountains, and the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina, as well as the Linn Cover Viaduct, a marvel of modern engineering that lets you coast through the tree tops.

Add an extension to your trip and travel to Nashville, Tennessee for a historical experience in Music City. Visit the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, and the Hall of Fame for a taste of country music. Visit one of the nearby Civil War scenes that surround the city for a glimpse into the past. Check out Carter house, Lotz House, and Carnton Plantation to see three war era mansions that have survived the years. Take a vehicle like our 2012 Audi Q5 2.0T Premium that can transition from country roads to a city like Nashville.

Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula and Valdez, Alaska

The 300-mile route from Anchorage to Valdez connecting Glenn and Richardson highways, offers incredible, unearthly views of prehistoric glaciers and snowy mountain ranges, as well as musk oxen- ancient looking animals prized for their wool. Traveling on ferry into Valdez, you’ll pass a 25-mile drop from Thompson Pass as well as views of Keystone Canyon opening into Prince William Sound. Known as Alaska’s playground, the Kenai Peninsula offer the Kenai Fjords National Park and the Kenai River, famous for its salmon population. Visit this beautiful, under-discovered frontier with a leased Buick Enclave for the best trip possible.

Coastal New England
New England is known for its fall foliage, but a drive up the coast during the summertime can be just as sweet. A 400-mile trip from Boston, Massachusetts to Bar Harbor, Maine will show you the best of what small town charm is. Walk around Boston Common in order to explore the historic mysteries surrounding one of America’s oldest and most storied cities. Stroll the Freedom Trail to check out famous sites from the American Revolution. Catch a game at Fenway Park and tackle your first lobster roll of the trip at Neptune Oyster.

Drive onward to Portsmouth, New Hampshire and walk the Harbor Trail between North Church and U.S.S. Albacore submarine. End your trip in Portland, Maine, and walk around picturesque downtown before hopping a ferry to explore the chain of islands that are bound to awe and inspire you. Make sure to visit Acadia National Park, a serene and picturesque stop of 47,000 acres of woods, mountains, coastline, and bald eagles. Make the most of the exhilarating Atlantic sea breeze by renting a Chevrolet Corvette to drive from small charming town to small picturesque village.

Glacier National Park, Montana

For the most adventurous, cruise along the Going to the Sun road for a life-lasting thrill. The road features 50 miles of twists and turns, has been designated as one of the most scenic drives in the world, and is considered an engineering marvel after it was completed in 1932. With hundreds of animal and plant species, and an infinite amount of beautiful vantage points, Glacier National Park is unparalleled in its breathtaking beauty. Families with kids of all ages will love the sights and proximity to massive glaciers and exciting wildlife. Travel by a family friendly car like the Chevrolet Equinox LT to make the most out of your trip.

Road trips are a staple to summer vacations, and many times the travelling portion of vacations are the least desireable. Travel in style and comfort this summer. The saying goes getting there is half the fun, but we believe the right vehicle on the perfect road can turn summer travel into an adventure.

Springtime in Rochester, Minnesota

The weather is warming up, and the kids are almost done with school, which means one thing- spring and summer have arrived here in Rochester, Minnesota!  Rochester is home to many fun outdoor activities for you and your family. Take a look at our list of our favorite warm-weaher activities in the Rochester area.

-Quarry Hill Nature Center: The nature center has a little something for everybody, whether you want to hike, bike, or learn something new. You can hike or bike the beautiful 320 acres that cover the old quarry, Rochester State Hospital cemetery, and a scenic pond.  Once you are done exploring the outdoors, stop by the nature center, which features interactive displays and live animals.

-Douglas Trail: Hit the trails this spring! The Douglas Trail is a paved path to walk, bike, or run alongside picturesque views. This trail runs through the city and out into the country for a variety of atmosphere. If you are looking for some outdoor exercise, the Douglas Trail is a great option!

-Maple Valley Golf & Country Club: If you love to golf, this is definitely a course worth checking out. This golf course offers a beautiful scenic tour of the grounds and many challenging holes. Tip: Unless you don’t mind walking the hills, you might want to rent a golf cart for this one.

-Silver Lake: Pack up a picnic, and take the family out for an enjoyable afternoon at Silver Lake!  Pick your favorite spot and enjoy your picnic while taking in the beautiful scenery.  Afterword, take a walk around the lake or feed the ducks. You can also rent paddle boats to explore the lake a bit closer.

-Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial: The beautiful outdoor memorial opened in 2000 in remembrance of all American veterans from Southwest Minnesota who have helped protect America’s freedom. Here you can learn about the veterans in the area. Take a moment to recognize the men and women of the armed forced at this beautiful memorial.

Whichever of these activities you plan to do, you are sure to have a great day spending time with friends or family in the great outdoors. Of course, if you are looking for a new vehicle to get you around the outdoors this summer, you can always come test drive a few cars at Kuehn Motor Company!

What is your favorite outdoor activity to do in the Rochester area?

Spring Cleaning The Exterior Of Your Car

As with every spring, the warm weather has been much awaited here in Minnesota.  Now that it is here, (hopefully to stay), it is time to start doing all of the chores that you have put off and do a little spring cleaning. While you know your house needs a good cleaning, your car has endured a hard winter and is surely ready for a little washing.  Follow these simple steps to give your car’s exterior the cleaning it really needs:

1. Hand wash is the best kind of wash.  Don’t settle for running your car through the local car wash.  Take time to grab a bucket full of suds and sponge.  This way you will be sure to not miss any areas that need attention. Be careful about the kind of soap you use on your car. For example, be sure that you DON’T use dish washing detergent; It will strip away your car’s protective coating.

2. Squeegee it. After washing it down, use a rubber blade squeegee to remove all excess water. When water droplets dry on your vehicle, it will leave behind minerals and dirt.

3. Wax on, wax off. When your car was brand new, it had a nice wax coat, but over time, that wax wears off. It is important to give your car a fresh coat of wax because it protects your car from the elements. Pick your favorite kind of wax, whether that be liquid or paste, and follow the directions to apply to your vehicle. If you have the time, apply two coats to ensure all spots are covered.

4. The next area to give some attention to is your windows. Use an ammonia-free glass cleaner and a microfiber towel.  The microfiber cloth works great because it gets rid of cleaner residue as well as oils from your skin.

Once you have done all of these steps, we bet your car will be looking brand new!  Don’t want to go through all of this trouble? We can help. Visit our website and set up an appointment for a car detailing. We promise you- and your car- won’t regret it!