During the release of Legend of Zelda: Tears of The Kingdom, Game Sandwich’s Social Media Manager Steph Roehler happened to go on an East Coast road trip. To celebrate this iconic franchise while away, they brought a little Link along to participate in all the fun, national park adventures. As Link and Steph have returned safely home, let’s have a fun little breakdown of their IRL journey.
Starting at 4 a.m. in Northern Michigan, Link spent the first few hours of the drive cuddled up next to the dash and watching the miles go by. After all, they had quite an exciting first destination: Ontario, Canada.
Canadian Link
Link and his companions crossed the border with little fanfare. However, it wouldn’t be a Canada trip without an honorary stop at Tim Hortons. The group really enjoyed the sour cream Timbits. Just a few more hours of a cramped car and rock-and-roll karaoke, and the party stopped in beautiful Niagara to see the falls in their full glory. Don’t tell New York, but we’re pretty sure the Canadian side’s got a better view.
Zoras of Acadia
After a cozy night at a Niagara Falls campsite, Link and co. were on the move again. This time, their destination was a little more Northbound. In search of some of the most beautiful coasts in all of New England, the Hero of Time journeyed to Acadia National Park, where the rocky shores are absolutely blissful. Link really loved all the seaside shells and the way the sun sets on the water.
For a few days, Link and his friends explored the rocky landscapes, visited old lighthouses, and even found something called the Witch Hole. Unfortunately, no witches were found, but there were at least a half-dozen beaver lodges showing off their construction skills. Link’s party had to leave before they could discover more of Acadia’s mystical secrets, but all Bar Harbor visitors should keep an eye out for strange magic in the area.
Skyward Appalachians
Southbound now, the Hyrulian hero traversed the vast roads and mountains of Shenandoah. This Virginia national park painted a stunning morning view. Our travelers were so high up that clouds would crest the Appalachian peaks and eke across the roads, just like a proper horror video game. Link kept his sword close for this adventure.
Sheathing the Master Sword
After abandoning the mountains, Link and his companions took it a little easy. All party members relished the hot showers of a Maryland hotel and explored the storied shelves of 3rd Eye Comics. A little socializing and nerding out was much needed after scaling so many mountains, cliffsides, waterfalls, and more.
In the end, Link and friends finally made the 13-hour drive back to Northern Michigan, where everyone had a good rest after such a long journey.
Whether your Link was exploring the open world of Hyrule or hiking the cliffs of Maine, the Hero of Time is a perfect companion for any adventure. And that’s what’s beautiful about beloved games like Legend of Zelda. There are so many ways to enjoy the worlds and characters you love. Playing the games, cosplaying, writing fanfiction, creating fan art. It’s all beautiful and inspiring. So, whichever way Link motivates and inspires you, embrace it. Your journey is yours to make.
