What follows is a true story, involving Neil Peart, Michael Mosbach, and Yr Fthfl Srvnt. As most of you probably know, Neil is the drummer and lyricist for the progressive rock band Rush, and many experts consider him to be the best living drummer in the world. Michael is a private investigator from Los Angeles. He is also head of security whenever Rush is on tour, since Neil considers him to be the best P.I. in the world. As for me, well, I’m just the luckiest guy in the world. But let’s begin at the beginning…
So what is the best way to check out a newly acquired 2007 Aston Martin V8 Vantage? In the immortal words of Otter from Animal House, “Road trip!” Accordingly, in early May I set off to do two of my most favorite things: go for an exciting drive, and look for historic, scenic, and otherwise-interesting places in the Mid-Atlantic area.
Everyone knows the Civil War battles of Gettysburg and Antietam, but not many know the significance of the Battle of Cedar Creek. Yet it was a critical point that almost produced a decisive victory for the South, which would have jeopardized the reelection of President Abraham Lincoln. Ultimately, it proved to be a major Union victory, sufficient to end the Confederacy’s potential to win the war.
BMWs are great for spirited riding or driving—and if you use that ability to visit scenic and historically interesting places, then you have an unbeatable combination. With that goal in mind, I set off in late October to find out whether Pennsylvania or West Virginia had the best Fall Colors. Along the way, I encountered no small number of historical haunted houses, just in time for Halloween. My path first took me through Gettysburg.
Having often explored the Maryland side of the Potomac River, I thought I’d try the Virginia shore for a change. And for good measure, I decided to work in the Rappahannock River, since I knew little about it. The river was originally named by Native Americans, naturally, and is said to mean “the river that rises and falls” or, possibly, “river of quick, rising water.” The Rappahannock runs roughly 195 miles before emptying into the Chesapeake Bay.
As recounted in , last spring I piloted my 2020 Mercedes-Benz SL550 along the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, searching for scenery, history, and boundless adventure. I found all of the above and thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Three weeks Continue Reading
Last spring, after a 6-month layoff to recuperate from major foot and ankle surgery, I fired up the Mercedes-Benz SL550 and tentatively embarked on another tour. I stayed close to home and split the driving over 2 days, in case Continue Reading
After a long drive through rural Virginia, I found myself stepping into a place that I knew well—but which didn’t really exist. It was a fascinating juxtaposition, but (as usual) I’ve gotten way ahead of myself.
Spring is a perfect time for touring, and Virginia is a great place to tour. Moreover, a Mercedes-Benz SL550 provides an exciting way to move from one interesting site to another. May 28-29 found me driving a large circle around Charlottesville in search of history, scenery, and great driving roads.
After my initial outing to Delaware in search of history and scenery, I was pumped to return and complete my route. And I was hoping to jump on foot from Maryland, across Pennsylvania, and into Delaware. I’ve been to known to exaggerate on occasion, but this is not one of those times. Read on!
So what could be better than hopping into an outstanding car and driving in search of scenic beauty, history, and fascinating (and often true) stories? How about old mansions (abandoned and not), or a place called the “Midnight Thicket,” or the woman who helped the greatest abolitionist of all time? It was all there, just waiting for me.
Having purchased a new Mercedes-Benz SL550 in September, it seemed fitting to use it to seek out Fall Colors in Pennsylvania and Maryland. From Gettysburg to Boonesboro, I found a lot of them—and also a generous helping of interesting history along the way.
The Eastern Shore of Maryland was calling to me, with its beaches, lighthouses, historic buildings—and its tragic history of slavery. In particular, I was looking to follow in the footsteps of Araminta Ross—better known as Harriet Tubman, the “Moses of her people.”
Okay, as far as I know, Princeton, New Jersey isn’t really accursed. But after reading by Joyce Carol Oates, I had to assume that it was—at least in 1905-1906. Also, I’m pretty sure that the entire state of Connecticut isn’t Continue Reading
Driving one’s Aston Martin to a mansion does not seem out of the ordinary. But how often does one encounter an abandoned snuff factory along the way? Or upwards of 100 professional photographers from around the world, all gathered in one spot and seemingly waiting for something special? Throw in some drag racers, a forgotten community, a man named Cupid, and a few abandoned mills, and you’ve got the makings of an excellent road trip! And then there was the mansion itself, naturally…
Driving through the Catskills Mountains in New York is always fun, with a great selection of interesting roads, unending beautiful scenery, and lots of history to explore. This particular trip was well out of the ordinary, however. I somehow ended up hundreds of feet higher than my car’s location at least twice, and I also stayed overnight in Miss Kitty’s Saloon. And then there was the abduction of Trudy Truelove… But as usual, I’m getting ahead of myself.
Recently, on another forum, I was asked what is my favorite State for touring. After reflecting a bit, I responded, “It’s tough to pick a favorite state, but it would have to be West Virginia. Awesome scenery (in several ways), tons of history, and terrific roads.” And the question prompted me to take my next Aston Martin tour there. And what better way to explore than to follow the historical footprints of George Washington?
After a long, wintertime layoff from touring, it was time to put aside the income taxes and get the valiant BMW 335i convertible back out on the road. My goal was to visit some new spots along the original National Road in western Maryland and southwestern Pennsylvania—and to break an automobile hill-climb record that has stood for 105 years. Along the way, I found a Half-King, a Half-Brother, and the usual amount of scandal, murder, and mayhem. What more could I ask for?
On December 21, with Christmas fast approaching and much remaining to be done, I decided that it was the perfect time for another Aston Martin road trip. I was in search of the prelude to the Battle of Antietam in the American Civil War. At the risk of offending Mr. Dickens, my trip would involve “A Tale of Two Mountains and Three Cigars.” Even better, I found many places bringing back memories of my childhood.
Being long overdue for another BMW road trip, I eagerly set off in late September for a tour of Virginia’s mansions, a search for a lost river, and to ponder the nature of yesterday’s heroes. As one of the oldest colonies, Virginia has a wealth of history—much of it in plain sight, but some of it lost in the hills and valleys.
On August 5, 2017, I pointed the intrepid 2007 Aston Martin V8 Vantage in the direction of the famous Lincoln Highway. I found the historical thoroughfare I was expecting—along with the tragic story of Wesley, Jack, and Ginnie, plus a fun lesson regarding 89 years of automotive progress.
You all know the old joke, right? “Why does New York have all the lawyers and New Jersey all the toxic waste sites? Because New Jersey got first choice.” Well, New Jersey gets a bum rap; it actually has at least several scenic or historic places that are perfect for exploration…
Okay, all joking aside, it actually has hundreds or even thousands of such places, and I managed to find quite a number of them.
