There’s something special about hitting the open road. Unlike air travel, where you’re basically confined to a small plane for the duration of your journey, luxury road trips allow for a real sense of adventure and exploration. Of course, many people immediately think of coastal routes or even mountain passes, but within the heart of America lies a wonderful and largely underappreciated landscape.
For the discerning driver, the journey through the Flint Hills of Kansas is one of the greatest luxury road trips in America.
Can You Experience a Landscape of That Size and Depth to Draw You Back to Center?
So long as you’re not expecting any city skylines or bustling town centers, the Flint Hills of Kansas offer some of the most beautiful landscapes and the most relaxing getaways in all of the Americas. To really experience the natural beauty of the Flint Hills, you have to get out on the roads and drive through them.
The Flint Hills are home to some of the last remaining tallgrass prairies on the planet, and when you pull off the main highway and look out over the rolling prairie hills, you are taken aback by the sheer beauty and vastness of the space.
It is important to secure the best car insurance in Kansas before you take off on your long journey across the open plains of Kansas. With your cheapest car insurance in Kansas covering your vehicle, you can now concentrate on your trip, knowing that any unexpected events on the road will be covered for your peace of mind.
Yes, Total Peace of Mind is the Ultimate Road Trip Luxury.
Setting Out: The Journey Begins in Cottonwood Falls
Cottonwood Falls is a tiny village in Chase County, the very heart of the Flint Hills of Kansas. Here you will find plenty of peace, as Cottonwood Falls is the type of place where you can walk along the paved streets and hear nothing but the wind, your shoes on the pavement, and your own footsteps.
And as you stroll along the brick paved square of the town center, you can hear your own steps on the brick. This is the kind of place and setting where you can slowly begin to unwind, relax, and let go of the stresses of modern life. We can start our trip here.
Historic bed-and-breakfasts in the area provide refined comfort and a fresh take on the classic road trip. Each uniquely decorated room features an assortment of artwork and local mementos. Enjoy a gourmet breakfast on the veranda and watch the sunrise over the rolling hills with a steaming cup of coffee in hand.
Be sure to pack a bag and check the road before heading out on the Native Stone Scenic Byway.
Cruising the Native Stone Scenic Byway
A driving tour of the Flint Hills in the open spaces of Kansas can be one of the greatest driving experiences on earth. Wide open spaces and interesting native stone formations along the Native Stone Scenic Byway through Chase County give the feeling of freedom in wide open space.
In the midst of a modern world where life is busy, the Flint Hills experience can bring great peace of mind by reconnecting travelers with Nature and giving new meaning to the term driving vacation.
The light of day here in the Flint Hills is a constant change of character as the sun moves across the horizon. In the afternoon, the tall grasses of the prairie are lit up in a brilliant display of color and life – the greens of the new growth and the warm, golden tones of the mature grasses.
Later in the day, the light takes on a softer, deeper amber hue and the long shadows of the hills are a beautiful contrast to the tall, green grasses.
It is breathtaking-just pure, uninterrupted space.
Smooth roads, excellent for long road trips and very good for driving classic touring cars or even Luxury Crossovers. While driving, you can listen to the constant sound of tires on the smooth, freshly asphalted roads.
Slow down and take in the sights!
Drive as you wish along the byway, stopping for as long as you want at lookout points where, from the high points of the ridges, you can see rolling hills of Native Stone dotted with fields of green grass that stretch on into the far horizon. Draw deep breaths of clean and crisp air to center yourself within the peaceful confines of this vast and majestic landscape of unspoiled prairie grassland.
Art, History, and Fine Dining in the Heart of the Plains
The luxury traveler will be well served when exploring the regions of Lucas and Manhattan, offering the finest dining experiences, including locally sourced Beef, produce grown within farm-to-table environments, and quality Regional Wines. After a long day of road travel, the guest can retreat to a warm and inviting evening of fine dining.
Local art is a large portion of what Cottonwood Falls has to offer. Many local galleries showcase pieces of Western art, as well as contemporary art that depicts the prairie landscape. Handcrafted pottery is also very prevalent throughout the town, and gives viewers a glimpse into the mind of the local artist and how the landscape of the Flint Hills has affected their work.
The true charm of a Cottonwood Falls road trip, however, is to leave the itinerary behind and see where the roads lead. Get a little lost on a dirt road and discover an isolated pull-off with a spectacular view.
Practical Considerations for a High-End Heartland Tour
Planning for a Road Trip can involve a couple of steps to ensure all is taken care of for a smooth journey. Here are some basic steps, tips, and guidelines.
Here are a few essential tips to keep in mind for your trip:
Vehicle Inspection: Before you take off on your Road Trip, make sure you go over your vehicle for any problems with tires, fluids, and brakes to make sure you are prepared for any situation.
Route Planning: If you do decide to meander in search of a unique aspect of the area, you can map out fuel stops, restaurants, and places of interest before you leave so that you are not left searching for a place to refuel after hours of driving.
Seasonal Timing: In late spring, the green of the Flint Hills’ tall grass is splashed with colorful wildflowers. Autumn provides rich, golden grasslands with crisp driving weather.
Pack comforts like bottled water, snacks (like high-quality, dark chocolate), a wool blanket for stargazing on the roadside, and play classic road trip tunes on your iPod.
There’s something special about a road trip through the open space of the heartland. The Flint Hills offer a luxury traveler a chance to return to heritage and have space to reflect on life. A journey through the Kansas plains can be a great road trip for anyone with a good vehicle, who has prepared for the trip, and has the time to enjoy the journey.
