Savor the journey: day trip destinations for the adventurous foodie

Ready to make an escape from the city? To get off the beaten path for one last summer adventure to these nearby destinations in your Hertz rental car? Whether you’re traveling from New York, LA, or anywhere in between, these ten destinations provide a day of exhilarating adventure!

Starting Point: Miami 
Destination: Key Biscayne 
Drive Time: 20 minutes 

A short, breathtaking drive across the causeway delivers you to Key Biscayne, one of the best fishing spots in the state. So just hop into your Hertz convertible and enjoy the wind in your hair, plenty of pristine beach views and the freshest fish around from one of many local seafood joints. 

Starting Point: Seattle
Destination: Bainbridge Island 
Drive Time: 60 minutes 

So much more than just a suburb, Bainbridge Island boasts world-class restaurants and is only a short, picturesque ferry ride from the mainland. It’s also home to a handful of wineries and it even hosts a fantastic farmers’ market on Saturdays. So it’s the perfect place to forage for your lunch, score some fresh oysters, artisanal cheeses and the pick of the best local produce. 
 

Starting Point: NYC
Destination: Poconos
Drive Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes 

The Poconos region of Pennsylvania has all the hiking, fishing and white water rafting an adventurer could want—plus some seriously stunning waterfall views. So toss your gear in the SUV and enjoy a day away from the city. Then, when it’s time to refuel, the area offers a plethora of farm-to-table restaurants featuring gorgeous, seasonal produce and locally-sourced meats and cheeses. 

Starting Point: Chicago 
Destination: Cedarburg, WI 
Drive Time: 2 hours, 15 minutes 

Get out of the city for an afternoon and head for scenic Cedarburg, WI. Old fashioned candied apples and tasting rooms abound. It’s never hard to find a spot to score some local cheese curds for the drive home. 
 

Starting Point: LA 
Destination: Palm Springs 
Drive Time: 2 hours 

Head inland for a round of golf, an afternoon at the spa or a day of bargain shopping followed by a memorable dinner at any one of Palm Springs’ notable restaurants. Whether you’re craving classic comfort food or a new spin on sushi, you won’t be disappointed. For the total celeb experience, rent a luxury model from Hertz’s Ultimate Collection and turn some heads as you go. 

Starting Point: Denver
Destination: Breckenridge
Drive Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes 

While this Colorado town is known for its snow-covered resorts, there’s plenty of fun to be had in the off season. Check out some of the award-winning local restaurants for an array of fresh, uncomplicated food, try your hand at fly-fishing or lace up your boots for a hike— and don’t miss the stunning mountain views. 
 

Starting Point: Portland
Destination: Willamette Valley 
Drive Time: 60 minutes 

Hop in a hybrid and get back to nature! Only an hour from the city, the Willamette Valley boasts more than 500 stunning vineyards. Plus, the area is home to a number of local dairies and creameries, many of which welcome visitors by appointment. So you can speak with the artisans and watch adorable goats frolic in the pasture while sampling the local delights. 

Starting Point: Detroit 
Destination: Ann Arbor 
Drive Time: 55 minutes 

Whether you’d rather tailgate at Michigan University or sip a seasonal ale in-house at one of the area’s many local breweries, nearby Ann Arbor is a great spot for game day action if you’re visiting the country’s biggest NFL stadium. Then head for Main Street where you’ll find an amazing selection of cuisines including American, French and Vietnamese.
 

Starting Point: Boston 
Destination: Cape Cod 
Drive Time: 2 hours 

Cape Cod has been a popular summer destination for years, but until recently its food scene took second place to the views. A new wave of farm-to-table restaurants, fine dining seafood spots and top tier coffee houses means beach lovers can soak up the last days of summer and then look forward to some equally unforgettable meals. 

Starting Point: San Diego 
Destination: Ensenada, Mexico 
Drive Time: 2 hours 

If you’re up for an adventure, Ensenada is a two-hour drive from sunny San Diego, and offers hundreds of cantinas serving traditional Mexican fare. Ask the local people for their recommendations and it’s sure to lead you to enjoy fresh, authentic Mexican food that’s big on taste but small on price. To make the visit even more unforgettable, why not also rent yourself a high-performance sports car?

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