I've driven the NJ Turnpike way too many times... and I never look forward to doing it again despite being frequently able to go fast on it. Why? It's crowded, un-scenic and, to top it off, costs $4.60 for the privilege. The road is lined with dozens of rest areas with bad junk food joints along the way. This is the kind of road you want to speed through to get out of rather than for thrills. The drive on the east coast is mildly more scenic but heavily trafficked - dunno about the western backroads.