Top 5 Places Your Car isn't Welcome

Dear Friends,

I wish you a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.

If you were fortunate enough to receive a car for Christmas, please take note not to bring it here: (see below)
(It will now become evident to you that I'm back on my anti-vehicular traffic kick:)

As much as we all moan and groan about traffic jams and highway pile-ups, most Americans would be lost without their wheels. Can you imagine The Beatles singing, "Baby, you can't drive my car ... " ?

But for those who prefer hoofing to steering, here's a list of the top 5 places in America where wheels aren't welcome:

Monhegan Island, Maine: There are no cars allowed on this island off the coast of Maine, but you probably wouldn't need it anyway -- wee Monhegan Island is barely one-mile square. There are, however, 12 miles of "steep and strenuous" trails if you get restless.  The island is well-known as a prime fishing spot and has been a popular getaway for artists for decades.

Governors Island, New York: The only wheels allowed on this island are the ones powered by human legs. You can bring  your own via the free ferry, or rent a fancy QuadCycle once you arrive. The island was closed to the public until 2003, when the U.S. graciously sold it back to New York ... for a dollar.

Hike Inn, Georgia: They're not kidding around - to get to there, deep in the Amicalola Falls State Park, you actually have to "hike in." Two to four hours, to be exact. The Inn boasts clean linens, hot showers and home-cooked meals, but tech heads beware: There are no electrical outlets in the"'bunkrooms" and guests are requested "not to bring cell phones, beepers, pagers, laptops or other electronic devices."

Catalina Island, California: Just a ferry ride away from car-congested L.A., Catalina is paradise for those who prefer extremely "alternate" modes of transportation. Visitors can kayak, boat, zipline, parasail, helicopter, SNUBA, SCUBA, etc. -- anything but drive. Unless it's a golf cart, which are allowed in the main town of Avalon, but nowhere else.

Tangier Island, Virginia: On this island in Chesapeake Bay, three things are not allowed: cars, credit cards and alcohol. But before you cancel your reservations, there's boating, crabbing, biking, buggy tours, white sand beaches and more. Still not convinced? OK, you can rent golf carts here, too, if you really feel the need for speed.