Start your Route 1 journey at Fort Kent, Maine, on the Canadian border. Many residents here have dual Canadian/American citizenship and a majority speak French. The next major city is Portland, Maine, the largest city in the state, then it's on to Boston, Massachusetts.
Experience Boston by foot, if possible. The historic district alone could occupy you for days, but don't linger too long, because New Haven, Connecticut, home to Yale University and Providence, Rhode Island, once a jewelry manufacturing hub, are next on your itinerary.
Pass up New York City and its 18,000 plus restaurants for now and stop off at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. While there's more to Philly than the Liberty Bell, and Philly Cheese steak sandwiches, you won't want to miss them. Nod to Baltimore, Maryland, and its fresh crabs as you head out to visit the politicians in DC.
Move along to the nation's capitol, Washington DC. While there's enough here to keep you busy for weeks, opt for a visit to meaningful sights, such as the World War II Memorial and the Bonsai and Penjing Museum. Next is Richmond, Virginia, where Girl Scout cookies are made every year. Stock up while you're there, then it's on to the Carolinas.
Drop by Raleigh, North Carolina, which has surpassed Wichita, Kansas to become the 50th largest city in the country and ranked #2 for Best Place for Business in 2006. Then step back in time and check out the many antebellum mansions of Columbia, South Carolina before moving further south.
Enjoy the very unique St. Johns River when you arrive in Jacksonville, Florida, which is also known as the "River City." The St. Johns is the longest river in Florida, 310 miles, and is one of the few bodies of water in the U.S. that flows north. You'll want to save Miami for another time as you press on to the Route 1 journey's final stop.
Enjoy rolling into the finish line, Key West, Florida, 100 miles away from the U.S. mainland. There's way too much cool stuff here to fit onto an island that's only 4 miles long by 2 miles wide. But don't call it a wrap until you enjoy at least one big slice of Key Lime pie and one Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square.
