Forget Route 66: five under-the-radar road trips that show America’s soul have been revealed, offering travellers a chance to explore the country's musical heritage, coastal charm, and ghost towns.
One route delves into Virginia’s rich musical history, connecting travellers with the birthplace of country music. The 330-mile drive, using routes 58 and 23, starts in Rocky Mount and ends at Breaks Interstate Park. Key stops include the Floyd Country Store, the Blue Ridge Music Center, and the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol.
Another trip follows US 17 from Virginia to Florida, taking in Virginia Beach and Myrtle Beach. The 1,200-mile route passes through Charleston, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia, with stops at the Old Sheldon Church Ruins and Gullah artisan markets.
The 'Loneliest Road in America' offers a chance to explore ghost towns and desert landscapes, while a Missouri route visits the hometowns of great thinkers and innovators. A final route immerses drivers in a tranquil landscape with no stoplights or billboards.
