New York to Chicago and back in 10 days

[Marinabard]

Hello everyone,

I am flying to New York from London with my husband on 23/07. And our return flight is on 03/08. We are planning spend a day or two there and then rent a car and drive to Chicago via Niagara Falls and Toronto. Then we would spend a day in Chicago and drive back to NY taking a more southern route. I have had a look on which routs to take, and am still not sure what's best. We would like to drive along some scenic routes, and I would appreciate some advice, please. I am especially not sure of the way back from Chicago to NY. Thanks.

[Lifemagician]

Hi, and Welcome to the Great American Roadtrip Forum.

If I were you I would look at the old US highways US-6; US-20; and/or US-30. In particular US-6 in Pennsylvania from Meadville to Kinzua State Park, where you can see the old tressle railway bridge which was taken down by a tornado in 2003, after standing for more then a century.

These routes pass through small Town America on the whole. You will see a variety of scenery, depending on which route you take, but one thing is for sure, you won't have any tolls to pay.

Lifey

[Marinabard]

Thanks a lot, Lifemagician. This is very helpful.
I was also wondering if it is worth going from NY to Niagara Falls via Boston. Boston is not on the way, but I was thinkikng if it is a must-see place?
Thanks

[Lifemagician]

Our definition of a 'must see place' is a place you want to see. A roadtrip is a very personal thing, and each road trip is unique. If Boston is place you feel you want to see, then by all means put it on your list. This forum is not like a travel agent who tells you where to go, we help you to get to the places you want to see, via the routes you prefer to travel.

Two of my children live in Boston suburbs, but down town is where I have only been once.

Lifey

[Lifemagician]

If you do plan to visit Boston, then I would highly recommend you take US-20 to Niagara. Besides being toll free, the section between Albany and Madison in NY is a very interesting route with a lot of old European architecture in the many quaint towns through which it passes. It runs basically parralel with I-90, so if you find yourself short of time, you can always hop on the toll way.

The other thing you may like to check out is the car rental. From what I have heard it is much cheaper to rent a vehicle in New Jersey (Newark) than it is in New York State. Be sure the company knows that you plan to take it across the border.

Lifey

[Marinabard]

Thanks a lot, Lifemagician! This has been very helpful:)