Great Drives: 2009 Mini Cooper Convertible

Backtrack on Route 129 west into the village of Croton-on-Hudson to catch Route 9 north. Past Peekskill, switch to U.S. 202 west, heading toward the Bear Mountain Bridge. Here the Mini is in its element as the road follows the river in a series of S-curves along steep cliffs, a scene that recalls California's Highway 1. The intrepid can hike one of several trails up the rocky hills to get a panoramic view of the Hudson Highlands. Continue past the bridge into the hamlet of Garrison, or the town of Cold Spring beyond, for several dining and lodging options. Directly across the bridge, however, Bear Mountain State Park beckons. Together with the adjacent Harriman State Park, it offers every kind of state park recreation. To get a perspective on how far you've come, take the park's Perkins Memorial Drive, which climbs upward through the cool shade to a height of 1305 feet. At its end, a stone lookout tower offers expansive views. But you really don't even need to leave your Mini to see, off in the hazy distance, the tall buildings of Manhattan. The city is only about fifty miles away, but it feels a lot farther.

Teatown Lake Reservation. An 834-acre preserve in Ossining with a nature center and fifteen miles of hiking trails. teatown.org

Croton Gorge Park. Situated at the base of the Croton Dam and its impressive spillway, along Route 129 near Cortlandt, this is a prime spot for picnicking or fishing.

Tavern Restaurant. This cozy corner of the Highlands Country Club, south of Garrison, is open to the public. Lunch and dinner are served Wednesday through Sunday. 845-424-3254; highlandscountryclub.net

Valley Restaurant at the Garrison. Featuring local fare (with herbs and vegetables grown in their own garden) and views of the Hudson Highlands. Best deal is Thursday's $35 prix fixe menu. Open for dinner Thursday through Saturday and Sunday brunch. 845-424-3604; thegarrison.com

Bear Mountain State Park. Besides back-to-nature activities like fishing and hiking (the Appalachian Trail passes through the park), there's a giant outdoor swimming pool, a carousel, and a zoo. Lodging is available at the nondescript Overlook Lodge or - much cooler - four individual stone lodges (six rooms each); all offer views of Hessian Lake. Unfortunately, the Bear Mountain Inn, a rustic-style property that dates from 1915, is currently closed for renovations.

The Specs: 2009 Mini Cooper Convertible On sale: Now
Price: $24,550/$27,800 (base/as tested)
Engine: 1.6L I-4, 118 hp, 114 lb-ft
Drive: Front-wheel