Forget the Express, Take the Local - RV South at a Slower Pace NOV 10 Written by: Timothy Fitzgerald and Genna Marmo 11/10/2013 4:55 PM

November Outdoor Living Newsletter

Southbound

This fall and winter thousands of RV snowbirds will take to the highways and freeways in their annual journey from the north to the warm climes of southern states, such as Florida. Their journey, which in some ways resembles the Iditarod - it's an arduous, multi-day expedition fraught with unending hours of travel, will test the physical stamina of the mightiest of RVers. These kings of the road will be subjected to unchanging highway views, predetermined overnight stops at dubious campgrounds, and in some cases commercial parking lots, or truck stops. Their focus will be solely on arriving at their destination as quickly as possible.

Luckily, with a slight change of perspective, these RV snowbirds have the option to transform their trip from a burden into new, rewarding experiences. Rather than thought of as a commute, the journey between origin and destination can be thought of as a sightseeing trip replete with stops along the way. The key is to re-route the trip with an emphasis on new places, as opposed to efficiency. This means getting off the highway and taking county and local roads. Less highway and more byway!

So let's get right to it, what are the places to hit and what is there to do? If you are traveling along the east coast, you are in luck. The East coast offers a plethora of opportunities to get out of your RV and explore. We give you our top 6 places to see, from Pennsylvania to Georgia (we've assumed anywhere North of Pennsylvania is too cold for a visit this time of year!).

1. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Philadelphia is a great city with a ton of historic attractions. Luckily, many of these are outside of Center City, which may be hard to navigate through in an RV. The Philadelphia Zoo and Eastern State Penitentiary are two great ideas for a stop through Philadelphia that are both easily accessible from a major highway. There are also many great restaurants in the area, and for those who don't mind braving the city, Pat's and Geno's cheesesteak eateries are worth stopping by. Find out more by reading our article on What to see and do in Philadelphia.
2. St. Michaels, Maryland - St. Michaels is a former shipbuilding town that sits on the St. Michaels Harbour. The village offers several high quality restaurants, water views, and the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.
3. Assateague National Seashore, Maryland/Virginia - Assateague National Seashore is not to be missed. The Seashore is a unit of the National Park Service which runs along the Atlantic coast of Maryland and Virginia. The park is unique in that wild horses roam free throughout the park.
4. Outer Banks, North Carolina - The Outer Banks are a 200-mile long string of islands filled with plenty of options for recreation, sightseeing, and dining. The temperature can climb to the mid-60's in November, making even a walk on the beach possible. Kill Devil Hills, at the northern end of the Outer Banks is home to the Wright Brothers National Memorial, and there are many more historical sites and museums scattered down the shore.
5. Charleston, South Carolina - In Charleston you'll be greeted with southern charm. Charleston boasts vibrant flora throughout the city, as well as house and garden tours of lavish antebellum mansions. Sitting on the Charleston Harbour, you can take in views of the sailboats passing by while making your way to a historic tavern in the French Quarter. There is plenty of history and well preserved architecture to explore.
6. Savannah, Georgia - In Savannah, otherwise known as Georgia's First City, you will find examples of Federal, Italianate, Georgian and Victorian architecture, 22 well manicured squares, live oak tree canopies, cobblestone streets, and horse-drawn carriages. Much like Charleston, Savannah has numerous antebellum mansions and provides views of the Savannah River. Other highlights include world class restaurants and one of the largest National Landmark Historic Districts in the country.

Clearly, traveling south this year can be much more exhilarating if you slow down and explore the many treasures that dot the east coast. So get out there, explore, and arrive at your destination recharged!

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