Welcome to Newport, Rhode Island, where the ocean is always nearby, history is never far away, and the word “summer cottage” once meant something that looks suspiciously like a European palace. On this self-guided driving tour, you’re going to see why Newport has fascinated people for centuries. Long before the mansions arrived, this was a thriving colonial seaport—busy streets, bustling wharves, and a town shaped by trade, faith, and the sea. Then came the Gilded Age, when America’s wealthiest families decided Newport should be their warm-weather stage, and built homes so grand they still make you stop mid-sentence and say, “Wait… people lived there?” And of course, Newport is also a place of pure coastal beauty—rocky shorelines, wide Atlantic views, and that salty breeze that makes everything feel a little more cinematic. Here’s how this works: all you have to do is follow the route on your screen and listen as you drive. We’ll guide you from downtown’s historic streets to the elegance of Bellevue Avenue, and then out along the coast where the scenery opens up and Newport really shows off. Along the way you’ll hear the stories behind the landmarks—some dramatic, some surprising, some just delightfully absurd in the best Newport way. You’ll pass places tied to presidents and poets, to revolution and reinvention, and to families whose idea of “casual” came with ballrooms, marble, and enough staff to run a small town. A quick note before we roll: Newport is charming… and it’s also alive. Streets can be narrow, turns can come up quickly, and pedestrians may step into crosswalks like they’ve been doing it since 1726. So take it slow, stay safe, and let the tour unfold at an easy pace. If you’re traveling with friends or family, you’ve picked a great tour for it—there’s plenty to point at, laugh about, and argue over whether that mansion is “tasteful” or “a little much.” (Spoiler: it’s both.) Alright—get comfortable, keep your eyes open, and keep your camera ready. Newport has a lot to say, and you’re about to hear it. Let’s begin.
Alright folks, welcome to Cincinnati, Ohio — the Queen City! We’re about to take a self-guided driving adventure through one of America’s most historic and scenic river cities. Sitting proudly on the banks of the Ohio River, Cincinnati is a city that’s always been about connections — north and south, old and new, tradition and innovation. Cincinnati was founded in 1788, making it one of the first major American cities west of the Alleghenies. In the 19th century, it grew so quickly it earned the nickname “Queen City of the West.” This was a powerhouse of river commerce, pork packing, brewing, and German immigration. Fun fact: by 1850, Cincinnati was America’s sixth-largest city. Another claim to fame? The world’s very first professional baseball team — the Cincinnati Red Stockings of 1869 — played right here. It’s also a city of “firsts.” The first reinforced concrete skyscraper, the Ingalls Building, rose here in 1903. The Roebling Suspension Bridge — the very one we’ll cross later — was the longest suspension bridge in the world when it opened in 1867, and it served as the prototype for New York City’s Brooklyn Bridge. And if you’ve ever enjoyed a scoop of Graeter’s ice cream or a plate of Cincinnati chili, you’ve already tasted some of its unique traditions. On this tour, we’ll take you from the heart of downtown at Fountain Square to cultural treasures like Music Hall and the Cincinnati Art Museum, through the bustling Findlay Market and the historic streets of Over-the-Rhine, then up to the hilltop views of Eden Park and Mount Adams. Finally, we’ll circle back to the river and finish where it all comes together — at the graceful span of the Roebling Suspension Bridge. So buckle up, relax, and get ready. Cincinnati has stories, flavors, and views you won’t forget. Let’s hit the road and explore the Queen City together!
Let’s be honest—this stretch of highway isn’t exactly the Grand Canyon. It’s mostly trees, more trees, and just enough McDonald’s to make you wonder if you’ve been driving in circles. But here’s where things get interesting. Unlike your typical sightseeing tour, this one’s all about the unsightseeing. We’re not pulling over for monuments or museums. In fact, we’re not pulling over at all—unless your curiosity (or your bladder) says otherwise. In which case, we fully support your spontaneous detour energy. Instead, we’re bringing the stories to you. As we cruise past towns and cities—some famous, some forgotten—we’ll share fascinating, surprising, and occasionally ridiculous tales that shaped them. These are the places that launched revolutions, made headlines, inspired legends—or at the very least, have names that sound like rejected sitcoms. Now, here’s something important for this tour to work the way it’s designed: always follow the signs for I-95 South. Stick to the “Cars and Trucks” lanes, which are always on the right—do not take the “Cars Only” lanes. And skip the Express I-95 lanes; stay on the regular I-95. That’s how we’ll stay on track together. If you do have to leave the route, no worries. Just restart the tour by selecting the next Point of Interest as your new starting point. The app will navigate you there, and the tour will pick up seamlessly. So even if all you see out the window are trees and tail lights, we promise to keep your ears entertained with stories that’ll make you say, “Wait, that happened here?” And maybe even, “Okay, let’s take that next exit.” Ready? Let’s hit the road and discover the hidden stories along I-95—one mile at a time.