Defining The Slow Road Movement

I have been thinking about words to describe what makes traveling along US Route 89 special. Robert Sullivan in his book, Cross Country, suggested that people who prefer to drive on two-lane roads rather than Interstates should start a "slow road" movement, a la the slow food movement. What that idea has come to mean for me is taking the time to enjoy the journey rather than speeding from destination to destination. It means stopping in little towns to visit the historical society museum. It means looking for a local café for lunch. It means meeting people and getting to know the particular culture of that region. It means being adventurous and curious and occasionally disappointed, but never bored.

For example, you can drive from Phoenix to Flagstaff on Interstate 17 and get there in about two hours. The scenery isn't bad and there are services available in the Verde Valley with the usual assortment of chain restaurants. Or you can drive to Flagstaff on historic US Route 89 where the possibilities for an enriched experience are nearly endless. Here's a short list to whet your appetite:

Visit the Desert Caballeros Western Museum in Wickenburg where you'll find an eclectic mix of art exhibits and local history displays.

Eat breakfast or lunch at the Cornerstone Café in Yarnell where you can indulge in the best pasteries you've ever eaten.

Spend a hour on Courthouse Square and Wiskey Row in Prescott where you can try the craft-brewed beer at the Prescott Brewing Company or shop for art a Van Gogh's Ear.

Hike to the Woodchute Wilderness at the top of Mingus Mountain for spectacular views of the Verde Valley.

Explore the prehistoric ruins at Tuzigoot National Monument to learn about the culture of the first farmers on the Verde River.

Spend the night on Oak Creek at Forest Houses Resort where each of the 14 guest houses is unique.

I could go on and on but you get the idea. You could spend a day or a week on just the 250 mile stretch of road represented by Arizona 89 and 89A.

So what do I call this kind of travel? 'Authentic' comes to mind meaning going to places where you will have an experience that you can have nowhere else. Or the newest term that is becoming common is 'geotourism' which aims to focus on the unique culture and history of a region. In conjunction with the National Geographic Center for Sustainable Destinations, several regions along US Route 89 have produced a Geotourmism map to guide travelers. The newest effort to produce a map is underway on the Western Heritage Trail from Surprise, Arizona, to the Grand Canyon.

OK, I can go along with the idea behind geotourism. For me the real benefit of this kind of driving vacation is slowing down and really enjoying the pleasure of discovering new places and meeting the wonderful people who live there. It's easy to be part of the slow road movement. Take the first exit from the Interstate and find a two-lane road that leads you to the heart and soul of America.