Where Shall We Go? Lancaster, the Atlantic, and the Secret to a Fresh Car
I was thinking maybe this week we could head east. My husband grew up with four siblings in Pennsylvania, although he describes himself as half-Iowa and half-Pennsylvania. His mom was from Newton, Iowa, and his dad was from Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
He has such fond memories of growing up near a trout stream on his grandpa’s place, where he played in a huge tobacco barn to his heart’s content. I wanted to see this somewhat magical place, too, so we headed east one year.
Before we hit the road, we refreshed our car with the Drive Time® Truck Puck® Reusable Air Freshener in the scent Campfire Nights. I chose it because of its top note, sandalwood—my favorite among woodsy scents. Campfire Nights also boasts mahogany, teak, and cedarwood, creating a rich, earthy aroma that made our journey feel even more adventurous.
Do car air fresheners really work? Absolutely. The Drive Time Truck Puck kept our car smelling fresh throughout our road trip, masking odors from food, luggage, and the general mustiness that can build up over long hours of travel. Unlike traditional paper air fresheners that fade quickly, this reusable option maintained its strength, making the drive more enjoyable.
We loaded the car and headed toward the Pennsylvania Turnpike. That might not sound like a big deal, but when you look into its history, it’s fascinating. It was the first major project in Pennsylvania history where the landscape was altered to fit human needs rather than the other way around. Engineers paved a four-lane highway through the Appalachian Mountains, blasting seven tunnels and constructing 114 bridges! This modern marvel streamlined travel in a way that was groundbreaking at the time.
By the time we traveled the turnpike together, three of those tunnels had closed, leaving four open. They ranged from 4,000 to 6,000 feet long and were quite impressive! David remembers Howard Johnson travel plazas along the route, where his family would stock up on cans of Howard Johnson’s Clam Chowder and very dark brown bread. Those simple roadside traditions became cherished travel memories.
When we arrived in Lancaster, I was immediately struck by the area’s beauty. It reminded me of Missouri, but the drive had taken us through much higher mountains. Lancaster sits at the heart of Amish country, home to the oldest and likely largest Amish settlement in the U.S. Horse-drawn buggies were everywhere, but the enclosed designs with lanterns on each side were different from the open ones I’d seen in Missouri. The Amish and "English" farms alike were stunning, evoking a simpler way of life. If you’ve never traveled to this part of the country, consider adding it to your list.
David’s last name, Herr, is common in Lancaster County, as his eighth great-grandfather, Hans Herr, settled “Penn’s Woods” in the 1700s after fleeing religious persecution in Germany. We visited the Hans Herr Elementary School, the Hans Herr Haus, and even saw Hans Herr featured in a wax museum. As a history enthusiast, this trip east was a favorite of mine. It was fascinating to compare early European settlers on the East Coast to those who later journeyed west via the Oregon Trail to settle the Pacific Northwest.
We decided we couldn’t come this far east without seeing the Atlantic Ocean, so we hopped in the car and drove 3.5 hours east to Wildwood, NJ, located at the southern tip of a barrier island below Atlantic City. Wildwood’s beaches are a dream—wide, free, and covered in beautiful white sand.
If you enjoy checking out local brews, we recommend Mud Hen Brewing Co. David opted for the Duneslager, while I sipped on a Spicy Pineapple Margarita—both perfect pairings for our beer-battered cod sandwiches. After all, when at the shore, seafood is a must!
The journey was unforgettable, and one thing we’ve learned from road trips is that small details can make a big difference in comfort. Long drives can lead to stale air in the car, especially with luggage, food, and changing climates. A good air freshener, frequent stops to stretch, and keeping snacks and water handy all contribute to a more pleasant trip. Whether you're heading out for a weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure, thoughtful preparation helps make the journey as enjoyable as the destination.
Retailers can purchase Drive Time® products from our Faire online market or directly from AERONDriveTime.com.
Lori Herr for Drive Time® Brand