The Historical Marker Database

One of the most interesting aspects of driving the slow roads of America is the chance to learn about local history. One way to do that is to stop at the historic markers that you encounter along the older two-lane roads. When you see the sign "Historic Marker Ahead" don't go whizzing on by. Pull over and enjoy a piece of local history.

One of my favorite historic markers in on US Route 89A between Bitter Springs and Kanab in the House Rock Valley. In 1776 a party of Spanish explorers passed this way when returning from an unsuccessful attempt to find an overland route from Santa Fe to the missions in California. This monument commemorates that journey.

Take a look at the Historical Markers Database to find a markers along your journey or to add your own.

The Historical Marker Database: "History Happened Here
National and global events all happened somewhere, and historical markers mark the place where many occurred. But the richness of history is in its local details, details that can be insignificant on the global stage: the home of an individual who made a difference; a natural feature, building, byway; or something interesting that happened nearby. History is not just about the high and mighty."

Road Trip Tips for Couples

In working on the US Route 89 project, my wife and I have done some long road trips. The last one was 15 days long and we drove over 4,000 miles from Arizona to Canada and back. Therefore I can really relate to the eight tips for couples planning a driving vacation. Road trips can be great fun and make a relationship stronger or they can be a disaster. Actually, there is probably some of both in any long trip. The trick is to make stressful situations an opportunity to grow as a couple. It is worth the effort.

Road Trip Tips for Couples: "The reason there's a dark side to road trips is that, while they seem like the ultimate in carefree travel, they are in fact tiring and stressful. Before you actually hit the road, your mental image is likely drawn from car ads filmed on a perfect day in a perfect car on an empty road with endless vistas and no speed limit. You've left your troubles behind, and your biggest worry is that your hair -- because you're in a convertible, of course -- might get tangled. To help ensure that a snarled coiffure really is your biggest problem when you hit the road with your soul mate, here are eight tips to help you plan the romantic getaway of your dreams."