As summer begins, Americans are gearing up for a cherished tradition: road-tripping. According to a survey by The Vacationer, 75% of Americans plan to take at least one road trip this summer, with most staying within 100 miles of home. This enduring tradition, rooted in the early 1900s adventures of Henry Ford and The Vagabonds, is now being revolutionized by Ford Motor Company with their BlueCruise hands-free driving technology.
BlueCruise, available on 97% of U.S. highways designated as BlueZones, promises to make long road trips easier and more enjoyable by reducing driver fatigue. To celebrate, Ford has compiled a list of top BlueCruise routes for summer travel, incorporating recommendations from customers. Here are some highlights:
Dallas to Wimberley: Travel through Texas Hill Country, starting in Dallas with an optional overnight stop in Austin. Explore outdoor adventures, cultural highlights, and culinary delights. Visit Barton Springs Pool and enjoy live music in Austin, then head to Wimberley for glassblowing demos and glamping at The Yurtopian Hill Country Resort.
L.A. to Santa Barbara: This coastal journey offers a relaxing weekend getaway from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara. Enjoy Spanish-influenced architecture, whale watching, and visits to the Santa Barbara Zoo. Stay at the luxurious Rosewood Miramar Beach and dine at Jeannine’s Bakery and Restaurant.
Detroit to Traverse City: A scenic trip from Detroit to Traverse City, ideal for both locals and visitors. Stop for lunch at H2O’s Waterside Grill in Bay City and try pasties in Grayling. In Traverse City, stay at the Grand Traverse Resort Hotel and Spa, explore Lake Michigan’s shores, and enjoy local dining at The Cottage and Moomers Homemade Ice Cream.
Houston to Florida 30A: Travel from Houston to the Florida Panhandle, exploring beach towns along Florida State Road 30A. Make an overnight stop in New Orleans to experience its vibrant music scene. In Florida, stay at a coastal beach house or the WaterColor Inn, and enjoy beach activities, snorkeling, and fishing.
L.A. to Holbrook, Arizona: Relive a classic Route 66 road trip from Los Angeles to Holbrook, Arizona. Optional stops include Sedona, to see ancient fossils and the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Visit the Meteor Crater & Barringer Space Museum, and stay at The Wigwam Motel in Holbrook to explore the Painted Desert.
NYC to The Hamptons: Escape from New York City to the tranquil shores of The Hamptons and Montauk. Enjoy grab-and-go lunch at Round Swamp Farm, relax on Main Beach in East Hampton, tour the waters by sailboat, and savor seafood with ocean views.
Ford’s BlueCruise technology makes these road trips more enjoyable by allowing hands-free driving on designated highways. “We race to win and also to build our Ford Performance community, and our hope is that fans at Le Mans get as much excitement from the off-track experiences as they get from attending the race itself. This is an exciting time to be a fan of Mustang,” said Mark Rushbrook, Global Director, Ford Performance Motorsports.
