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Texas Hill Country:
Wineries, Wide-Open Spaces, Small-Town Charm
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Red Rock Scenic Byway: Arizona Desert Beauty
hen much of the country is cooling down, Arizona’s high
desert is just hitting its stride. The Red Rock Scenic Byway,
a short but striking drive near Sedona, delivers jaw-dropping views of red sandstone formations, cliffs, and mesas that glow especially bright in the softer November sun. Only 7.5 miles long, the
byway can be driven in less than 20 minutes — but most travelers linger for hours, stopping at trailheads and viewpoints. Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock,
and Courthouse Butte rise dramatically from the desert floor, creating a landscape that feels cinematic.
T
his rolling landscape between Austin and San Antonio comes alive in the fall. While spring is famous for bluebonnets, late
fall brings its own magic: golden-leaved cypress trees along the Guadalupe River and cooler days that make it ideal for exploring. The Hill Country is dotted with German-
influenced towns such as Fredericksburg, where you can spend an afternoon tasting wine from local vineyards, strolling down Main Street, and trying old-world sausages. Nearby, the LBJ Ranch tells the story of
President Lyndon Johnson’s Texas roots, and Enchanted Rock State Natural Area offers hikes with sweeping views. For travelers who prefer a slower pace, Hill
Country roads are made for scenic drives — winding two-lane highways that pass ranches, rivers, and fields that glow in the soft November light. It’s a landscape that encourages you to pull over, take your time, and appreciate how big and beautiful Texas really is.
4 N
Blue Ridge Parkway: Last of Fall Foliage
o list of great American drives is complete without the Blue Ridge
Parkway, often called “America’s Favorite Drive.” Winding through Virginia and North
Carolina, it offers more than 450 miles of mountain views, tunnels, and overlooks. In November, the crowds thin out, the
air turns brisk, and the mountains take on a quieter, more contemplative beauty. Bare branches reveal views that were hidden by dense leaves a few weeks earlier, and pockets of color often linger in lower elevations. The parkway also links two iconic national
parks — Shenandoah in the north and Great Smoky Mountains in the south — making it easy to extend the trip. Along the way, you’ll find Appalachian
music traditions, craft shops, and small towns where you can warm up with hearty meals after a day of exploring. It’s a road trip that connects natural beauty with cultural roots, and November is the perfect time to experience it without the crowds.
NOVEMBER 2025 | NEWSMAX MAXLIFE 93
NATCHEZ SIGN/JOE SOHM/DREAMSTIME / RED COOLER/SHUTTERSTOCK AI/SHUTTERSTOCK / ALL OTHERS ©ISTOCK
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