If you have the time, consider a Blue Ridge Parkway / Skyline Drive route. It's slow going, but very scenic. A little off route, but the back roads of Western Mass are beautiful too. Route 2 east of Adams, route 20, route 8 north of Winsted, and so on.
As far as the restaurant business goes, how about something easier, like dairy farming or working in a foundry? (Ha ha) Just kidding - best of luck to you. I recently left a job of 30 years, as enough was enough. I like that old saying about if you love what you're doing, it isn't work or a job.
