Oregon • Historic Columbia River Highway Most car enthusiasts know about the Pacific Coast Highway and rightfully so, with its more-than 1000-kilometre long view of the ocean. But that’s not the only magnificent stretch of waterfront asphalt on the American west coast. Enter the Historic Columbia River Highway (HCRH) in Oregon, which runs from Troutdale to The Dalles. Not only is HCRH the first paved road in the Pacific Northwest, but the first designated scenic highway in the U.S. Bordering the Columbia River Gorge, the canyon boasts sheer walls of basalt accented by ferns, rare endemic plants and is home to no less than five waterfalls: Latourell, Shepperd’s Dell, Bridal Veil, Wahkeena and the 189-metre Multnomah. Japan • Mount Haruna Fans of the hit Japanese drifting anime Initial D will recognize this as the home turf of main character Takumi Fujiwara and his legendary Toyota AE86. In real life Akina is actually called Haruna, a dormant stratovolcano in the Gunma Prefecture featuring five ways up and down the mighty mound via automobile (preferably something lightweight and rear-wheel). The most famous is the Jomo-Sanzan Panorama Highway, containing all of the off-camber, gradient shifting hairpin turns and switchbacks depicted in the show. Pro tip: first timers should go during the day when visibility is greatest, as there are many blind corners and certain points where the lane narrows down to a single car width. Ireland • The Wild Atlantic Way Number one on the list for longest drive is this epic 2,500-kilometre journey connecting Malin Head, County Donegal in the north to Kinsale, County Cork in the south. Mother Nature is in full display throughout the route with towering cliffs, deserted bays and beaches and weather- beaten islands. And here’s a fun fact for Star Wars lovers. Episode VII “The Force Awakens,” Episode VIII “The Last Jedi” and Episode IX “The Rise of Skywalker” were all partly filmed along Wild Atlantic Way at Loop Head, the Dingle Peninsula and Skellig Michael Island off the coast of Kerry.
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