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."

6 questions before a road trip

The usual questions to consider before a road trip are about places to stay and eat along the way. Or what route is the quickest or most scenic. Here is a list of questions about insurance and other things we hate to think about. However, knowing these answers can save you a lot of hassle on your next trip.

6 questions before a road trip: "Each year, millions hit the road to visit family for the holidays, reconnect with friends or just take a little time off.

Before loading up the trunk with luggage, however, experts say it's important for drivers to check with insurance providers and credit card companies to know if they're protected should a travel problem arise."

Five Essential Holiday Road Trip Items To Keep in Your Trunk - Family Car Guide

What's in your trunk? I have a home-made road emergency kit with jumper cables, tire pump, quart of oil, small shovel, screw driver, pliers and hand ax. I also carry a first aid kit which I assembled when my son was in Boy Scouts. Tell us what you think is essential.

Five Essential Holiday Road Trip Items To Keep in Your Trunk - Family Car Guide: "Heading out onto the roads this holiday season to go across the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house can be a stressful affair. Not to mention evil women in Gingerbread houses who try to cook you (oops, mixing my fairy tale metaphors here) there are big rigs, distracted drivers and other road hazards to contend with."

Secrets for Surviving Holiday RoadTrips

Here are some ideas for making a Thanksgiving road trip more fun even when disaster threatens. Be sure and explore the Roadtrip America website for lots of good stuff about road tripping.

Secrets for Surviving Holiday RoadTrips: "The roads are jammed, the kids are squabbling, the weather is sleety and the pumpkin pie is going cold in the trunk. Ah, yes, it's the annual Thanksgiving road trip. Is there anything you can do to make this pilgrimage more bearable? Yes, there is."

Top Ten Reasons that Road Trips Suck | Gadling.com

It's good to read a contrary view every once in awhile. Here's ten reasons to think twice about that road trip you are planning. Forwarned is forarmed, as they say.

Top Ten Reasons that Road Trips Suck | Gadling.com: "Road trips suck. Just in time for Thanksgiving, let's go ahead and talk about it. It might make you feel better."

10 Long-Distance Bicycle Routes in the U.S.

If your slow raod travel runs more to two wheels and human power, here's a list of bike routes to consider for your next trip.

10 Long-Distance Bicycle Routes in the U.S.: "From Denali to Miami, America offers up routes that can make for weeks- or even months-long bicycle getaways."

Know the rules of the road trip

This article goes beyond the ususal tips about car maintenance and puts the romance back in road triping. My only addition is to the list of books to read for inspiration. Read William Least Heat-Moon's classic, Blue Highways, and his latest, Roads to Quoz. Then go out and explore a slow road. There is no need to go far. There is one right around the corner or off the next exit.

Know the rules of the road trip: "It's pretty basic: Vehicle. Road. Go.

It's in our DNA, that need to journey beyond the screen door - to venture out in search of meaning or in the name of exploration - and when we do it in a Chevy Impala convertible stocked with groceries of questionable nutritional value and a Coleman filled with tasty beverages, it's pretty fair to assume the journey is a road trip."

Fuel-frugal road trips: Save on ga$ and reduce your carbon footprint as you travel

When I started working on the US Route 89 project, I had some hesitation about recommending that people drive more. But there really is no other way to see the wonderful places along 89 between Canada and Mexico. That's why I suggest that people take the "slow road." It is a more fuel efficient way to travel. Here are a few more ideas for saving money on gas on your next road trip.

Fuel-frugal road trips: Save on ga$ and reduce your carbon footprint as you travel: "No matter what size or kind of vehicle your family piles into for a road trip, motorists who follow so-called “green” driving practices can both save money at the pump and reduce their carbon footprints by as much as 15%, according to the AAM’s EcoDrivingUSA campaign."

Hit the trails: Four road trips for fall - USATODAY.com

Here's another approach to selecting a route for your road trip. Pick a subject that interests you such as a particular food (salsa, anyone?) or a period in history. Then find a route that will satisfy that interest. Here are a few suggestions:

Hit the trails: Four road trips for fall - USATODAY.com: "Looking to add some meaning and direction to your next road trip? Then pick an interest and follow the trail."

British man gets in his convertible car, and simply drives around the world

One man made every road trippers fantasy come true.

British man gets in his convertible car, and simply drives around the world: "Have you ever gotten in your car, started driving and wondered what would happen if you just kept going?"

And just like the sky, the road never ends... - Life's Signposts

We see a lot of motorcyclists on our road trips on US Route 89. It is a very popular road for bikers probably because of the varied terrain and minimal traffic in many sections. Here is a thoughtful blog post by Gary Gardner about a recent ride on US 89.

And just like the sky, the road never ends... - Life's Signposts: "I've often spoke about the imagery and connection that I have with highway signs. I love the fact that I can be on a road 3,000 miles away from where I want to be and know that if I follow the numbers, I'll get there. I love how they are both literal and metaphorical guide posts to a destination. I think I first realized this when I was attending Graduate School at Arizona State in Tempe, AZ. The main street through Tempe is Mill Avenue, which becomes Apache Trail as it curves around campus. At the time it was also US Highway 89. Back home in Salt Lake City, the main drag through town is State Street -- also US-89."

Hot Dog Road Trip Celebrates The American Classic's Regional Flavors | Reuters

I love hot dogs. Each region of the country has its own unique way of serving them. Herre's a list of ten cities and the recipes that make them famous. In my opinion, hot dogs are the perfect road trip food—fast, convenient and they give you a taste of what make that particular city unique.

If you are traveling through Phoenix, Arizona, try the Great Dane Dog House on North 7th Street. They serve a Chicago-style dog and some of the best french fries in town. Do you have a favorite hot dog stand to recommend?

Hot Dog Road Trip Celebrates The American Classic's Regional Flavors | Reuters: "From the east to the west, north to the south, Americans love to dress up their dogs! Whether you choose avocado and mojo sauce or opt for potato and onions, one thing is clear -- this great nation is crazy about hot dogs and the toppings that give them their local flavor!"

A road trip through literary California

A road trip through literary California

Continuing in the literary theme, here is a road trip in northern California. It features places where some of the authors of America's great road trip books lived and worked. Perhaps you will be inspired by the beautiful scenery on this trip to write your own narrative.

Great Road Trips in American Literature | Arts & Culture | Smithsonian Magazine

Great Road Trips in American Literature | Arts & Culture | Smithsonian Magazine

I would add to this list William Least Heat-Moon's latest book, Roads to Quoz: An American Mosey. I have been reading it slowly all summer, savoring Heat-Moon's use of the English language that makes visualizing his journeys even more enjoyable.

Do you have a favorite road trip book that is not on this list?

Traveling in Indian Country

Two newspaper articles came to my attention today that illustrate the paradox I feel when traveling in Indian country. The first story appeared in the Independent and detailed the Navajo Nation's concern over protecting the San Francisco Peaks north of Flagstaff, Arizona, from desecration. The peaks, called Dook’o’oosliid in Navajo, are the sacred mountain to the west and one of four mountains held holy by the Navajo people and other tribes. The Forest Service has approved plans for an expansion of the ski resort on the peaks which includes using reclaimed sewer water to make artificial snow. Indian religious practitioners view this as desecrating sacred ground and have sued the government. The tribes are now seeking the intervention of President Obama to settle the dispute.

My connection to the San Francisco Peaks is not so deeply religious but it is nonetheless spiritual. When I travel to northern Arizona I always look for the appearance of the distinctive outline of the volcanic cone of the peaks on the horizon no matter from which direction I approach. It signals a coming home to a an area of the country that I love. I have climbed to the top of Humphreys Peak and felt the power of the place. So I am sympathetic with the Indians' feelings. It is another example of the dominate culture's lack of concern for a minority culture, particularly that of native Americans.

The second story is from the Arizona Daily Sun and is about the Navajo Nation's plans to build a $200 million casino complex at Twin Arrows, 20 miles east of Flagstaff. For many years the Navajos resisted the allure of gambling money but have finally started building casinos. This goes against taboos on gambling that are part of the Navajo culture. I know that profits from the casinos are funding vital services both on and off the reservation. I love the irony of the Indians gaining from an entertainment that is outlawed in most of the rest of the United States. It seems about time that the red man gets to stick it to the white man. I can't help but feel a twinge of saddnes, too.

If there is a point to these two stories, it's this. Keep your mind open on a road trip, as well as your eyes. You are likely to encounter strange things that will surprise and perplex you. Be aware and you will be richer for the experience.

11 Essential iPhone Apps for a Road Trip

If you own an iPhone, or for some of these applications an iPod Touch, here is a review of some very useful applications for road trips. I like keeping track of gas milage for my vehicle and challenging myself to make improvements, so when I got an iPod touch to replace my trusty Palm Pilot, I went looking for a good program to track milage. After trying several, I settled on Road Trip. You can use it as a simple milage tracker, or if you're obsessive about it, it allows you to record more information such as location, octane, road conditions and method of payment. You can also designate a range of dates as a particular road trip to analysis. All together a handy application with great support from the developer, Darren Stone.

11 Essential iPhone Apps for a Road Trip: "Whether you’re driving 20 miles or 2000, being able to find gas, grab a bite to eat, keep up with the news or check the map for your location are all essential to a good journey on the road. With the right iPhone apps, you can avoiding sticky situations like running out of gas or getting lost miles from home."

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.

Beginner's Guide to Tent Camping: How to Camp and Where - Associated Content

When I think road trip, I think camping. Our summer vacations while our kids were growing up were always camping trips. Over the years, we acquired a good assortment of camping gear from tents to cooking equipment and more coolers than I can count. The practical advantage of camping is that the cost is much lower than staying in motels. (I admit that after three or four days of sleeping in a tent, we would check into a motel to take showers and maybe watch a little TV.) But of greater importance is enjoying the outdoors and having close access to the wonders of our national and state parks

If you are new to camping, here is a great guide to get you started.

Beginner's Guide to Tent Camping: How to Camp and Where - Associated Content: "Beginner's Guide to Tent Camping.
There's something enchanting about sleeping in a tent under the stars and hearing the breeze, the gentle rain, and the wildlife. Your dining room is a serene forest, a soft meadow, or a nearby tranquil lake."

Planet News Article, Jackson Hole Wy | At a Glance: NEWS BRIEFS | 4/8/2009

When we were camping in Grand Teton National Park last year during a road trip for the US Route 89 project, we noticed that the park was constructing a very nice pathway next to the park road for pedestrians and bicyclists. Now this path will be connected to one from the town of Jackson. For sure the next time we head that direction we will take our bikes and enjoy the ride between Grand Teton and Jackson.

Planet News Article, Jackson Hole Wy | At a Glance: NEWS BRIEFS | 4/8/2009: "No obstacles for North 89 pathway
Jackson Hole, Wyo.-Teton County will move forward on a future pathway that will connect the Town of Jackson and Grand Teton National Park along North Highway 89."