Illustrations by James P. Morse.

WISCONSIN
State Route 106
Fort Atkinson
By Jennifer Goodnough

I was driving from my home in Madison to pick up art supplies when I discovered my winding road, just off U.S. 90. It was a good sign seeing a group of motorcycles turn off as I veered onto S.R. 106 en route to Fort Atkinson.

You can’t go much over 45 miles per hour here as the road is curvy both on hills and in the valleys. The hills reveal nothing but blue sky as you go up, then, once over the top, the red barns and green sprouting fields of lush Wisconsin dairy land come into view.

Depending on the season, you may see parts of Lake Koshkonong. If you miss the turns, you could run into huge piles of hay or find yourself heading up a dirt tractor ramp and into a barn, so use caution.

The bends are fun, and in some areas the route is lined with thick old forest. Keep an eye on the road, but don’t miss the sight of people boating and fishing along the Rock River. And oh yes, drive with your windows open, because that fresh country air is downright invigorating.

OHIO
Corey Road
Sylvania Township
By Carrie Roca

When you live in the Midwest, which can be asphalt grid central for miles on end, finding a hilly road with a few gentle turns and nice scenery is a real treat. Corey Road west of Toledo is a delightful little romp, not a direct route to any place I frequent, but always the choice for a weekend morning when the only thing racing through my head is to drive.

Now, while Corey calls to mind a road that might feature in a luxury car commercial, the fact is it’s best suited to driving a slow car fast. Trust me: 35 miles per hour is more of a rush in a Vibe here than it is in a 3-series, for which these lazy esses are remedial at best.

The road is lined with stone cottages and imposing wooded estates. Heading south, the forty-seven-acre Stranahan Arboretum on the right boasts rare trees, a ravine, wetlands, and prairie.

Corey Road isn’t long enough to make for one of those great, mind-clearing road trips, but it does serve as a good mini-escape, and for that I’m grateful.