Absolutely. Nothing better than getting in the car and just "going". I've done the first 2/3 of Rt 66 (in two separate trips) with tons of side trips to see this, that, and the other. Two years ago, DH flew to Denver, but I drove solo, and stopped wherever I felt like it. Got to the highest point in Nebraska, in the dead center of nowhere, just as a storm was coming in, miles from the closest blacktop road. Was a spiritual experience, and one that was special (even though it's only a little hill, that you drive right up to!)
So, yes, byways over highways, any day....
Terri