National Road Bridge IN
We all do it. We see the road side attraction sign, “at the next exit turn left…” Then we tell ourselves or our kids, “we don’t have time to stop”. We convince ourselves of the importance of getting home to prepare for the next meeting, kids soccer practice, or even to cut the grass. Point is, how many times do we choose not to stop, breathe, or simply take a break? My thought is too often. Continue reading
When venturing along our National Byways one often finds themselves stopping along the way; perhaps to visit an interesting out-of-the-way museum, taste the treats at a local diner, or flip through an orange crate of vinyls at an antique store. In this respect The National Road is no different from other National Byways.
However, in Ohio, The National Road separates itself from other byways. Traveling east to west the road begins in Bridgeport, just this side of Wheeling, West Virginia along the Ohio River. The Ohio leg of the road, 227 miles ends just west of Lewisburg at the Indiana state line. It’s along this path that The National Road offers more than a peaceful afternoon drive.
Our previous posting discussed a recent visit to an auto service center, review When your road trip requires a pit stop. April 16, 2014.
Although I could be critical on a few points, the service center did a fine job replacing the engine. I do not know if it was an employee error or a bad filter that caused the problem. However, they replaced the engine at no cost to me, provided a rental car, and a satisfactory service warranty. At the end of the day, I can say this experience was unsettling at first but the service center did a fine job making it right.
As for the critical comments, and this goes more to customer service than anything, is about their follow up. Or lack thereof. Continue reading
Natchez-Trace
For the past several months you’ve been planning a fall road trip with your wife and decided to travel The Natchez Trace. You have the route well marked, your hotels are reserved, and to celebrate your 30th wedding anniversary a special dinner is planned at the Natchez Hills Vineyard.
It’s midmorning on your second day and the experience of the first day could not have been better scripted. You’re hundred’s of miles from home enjoying the scenery and reminiscing about yesterday. A picnic lunch is planned at Jackson Falls. Suddenly your car begins to “puff.” Then it stops – dead on the road. What’s next? Continue reading
The excitement and joy of traveling these national treasures, our byways and historic roads is often the result of a lot of research. Unless you stumble upon a forgotten road or decide to exit the interstate, planning one of these road trips can take hours – but sometimes that’s half the fun.
If it’s spring, then it must be time for Daffodils, Lily’s, Dogwoods, and historic road trips. This trip we visit Virginia’s Historic Route 5, or often referred to as The Jamestown Discovery Trail which extends from just south of Richmond to Williamsburg, VA. Following the path of the James River, it leads to Virginia’s historic triangle and it’s the drive that got me hooked on Virginia over 25 years ago.
Abraham Lincoln 1859
“If I went West, I think I would go to Kansas.” – Abraham Lincoln
In 1854, the U.S. Congress passed The Kansas-Nebraska Act which allowed people in the northern territories of Kansas and Nebraska to vote and become a slave-state or a free-state. This Act was not met well with the citizens of the North as it over ruled the Missouri Compromise of 1820. With this Act in place, a steady stream of fighting, battles, and skirmishes began between those residences who were pro-slavery against those with anti-slave sentiment. However, Kansas ultimately entered the Union as a free state on January 29, 1861. Continue reading
Confederate General John Hunt Morgan
October 1862, The Louisville Journal quoted about Morgan and his Raiders; “They carry nothing but their arms, which are first class, and their blankets – no haversacks, or any other incumbrance, and live upon the country through which they pass. Their horses are the best blood, fleet, enduring, and well cared for. They fight recklessly, travel rapidly, and do an immense deal of mischief.” Continue reading
Route 66. We’ve all heard about it, read about it, even fell in love with animated Cars. People all over the world are attracted to this highway, including fans in Australia who have their own Route 66 Fan Club and touring packages.
The lure of this highway seems to be constant and indifferent to age, sex, race, or cultural heritage. However, driving this historic highway can be a daunting experience. Especially if you’re not well prepared and loaded with patience. Route 66 traverses’ over 2,400 miles, through eight states, urban and rural areas, and a seemingly endless variety of landscapes. Continue reading
Map of U.S. All-American Roads and National Scenic Byways.
(U.S. Department of Transportation)
Heritage tourism is defined as tourism that engages with cultural tradition of a particular location and has become an important and growing economic segment of worldwide tourism. Resources of heritage tourism include tangible remains of the past such as artifacts, as well as culturally valued natural areas and intangible cultural assets like folk traditions.
Heritage with nostalgia brings together the elements of the past, with elements of the present. Providing opportunities for travelers to create their own unique image of the past, but from todays perspective. Continue reading
America's Open Roads 
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