Category Archives: scenic drives

Celebrating 100 years of the Mother Road

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The mother road is 100 years old and still fascinates travelers

Celebrating a Road That Isn’t All There Anymore

Every now and then something pops up in my feed that feels like a tap on the shoulder. Today it was a notice about the upcoming Route 66 Centennial — a once‑in‑a‑century celebration for a road that’s somehow both legendary and, well… missing in places. I was out and about, minding my own business, when suddenly the Mother Road wanted my attention again.

And honestly? I didn’t mind.

A Road That Crosses Eight States… and I’ve Only Seen a Sliver

The article reminded me that Route 66 stretches across eight states, from Illinois cornfields to the California coast. Eight states of diners, neon signs, motels, migration stories, and dusty postcards. Eight states of American mythology.

My own experience? A tiny sliver — the stretch near Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon. A few miles, a few minutes, and yet it still felt like stepping into a vintage travel poster. The kind with a smiling family in a station wagon and a promise that adventure is just one more mile down the road.

 

It’s funny how a place can be both new to you and instantly familiar.

The Centennial That Sparked This Post

The blurb I saw summed it up perfectly:

The centennial commemorates the original designation of Route 66 on April 30, 1926, celebrating its cultural, historical, and economic impact across eight states. The celebration also highlights preservation efforts, tourism, and the ongoing legacy of the Mother Road.

That’s the heart of it — not just a birthday party, but a celebration of everything Route 66 has meant to travelers, dreamers, and the communities along its path.

Whether you’re attending the kickoff in Springfield, joining a satellite event, or just driving a surviving stretch, the centennial is being billed as a “once‑in‑a‑century opportunity to experience the heritage and spirit of America’s most iconic highway.”

And that’s what got me thinking.

Why Celebrate a Road That Isn’t Whole Anymore?

Route 66 isn’t intact from end to end. Some pieces have been rerouted, abandoned, or swallowed by the interstate system. Some towns faded when the traffic did. Some stretches survive only as cracked pavement and fading paint.

But maybe that’s exactly why it deserves celebrating.

Because Route 66 was never just a road.
It was a promise.
A pathway west.
A symbol of possibility.
A ribbon of stories stretching across eight states and nearly a century.

Even in fragments, it still carries all of that.

 

My Little Piece of the Mother Road

Standing on that stretch near Flagstaff, I remember thinking how strange and wonderful it was that a simple road could hold so much history. I wasn’t driving cross‑country. I wasn’t chasing the whole route. I was just passing through — and yet I felt connected to something bigger.

And because the universe has a sense of humor, one of my favorite photos from that trip is of Mater the tow truck — yes, that Mater from Pixar’s Cars — sitting proudly along Route 66. A fictional character on a real road, reminding me that Route 66 lives just as much in our imagination as it does on the map. Pixar didn’t just make a cute movie; they captured the heartache and hope of all those little towns the Mother Road once carried.

Maybe that’s the magic of Route 66.
You don’t need all 2,448 miles.
Sometimes a few feet — or a rusty tow truck with a big grin — are enough.

Looking Ahead to the Centennial

The centennial feels like an invitation — not just to celebrate the past, but to appreciate what remains and to honor the communities keeping the spirit alive. To wander a little. To remember that roads don’t have to be perfect or continuous to take you somewhere meaningful.

Maybe I’ll explore more of it someday.
Maybe you will too.

Either way, the Mother Road is turning 100, and that’s worth a moment of appreciation.

Maybe a road doesn’t have to be whole to take you somewhere.

 

Is the Great American Road Trip Running Out of Road?

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**🚗Road Trip, the call of a generation

Rt 66 in arizona has a load of attractions including more modern ones like Mater from Cars

A Cross‑Country Daydream from Route 66 to Route 20**

America’s Love Affair With the Open Road

With gas prices climbing and no relief in sight, it’s fair to wonder whether the classic American road trip is slowly becoming an endangered species. Then again, air travel isn’t exactly a walk in the park these days either.

Still, before we declare the road trip obsolete, it’s worth pausing to appreciate the romance, freedom, and pure Americana that grew out of our national love affair with the automobile.

The Mother Road: Route 66

One iconic road immediately comes to mind — and I’m pleased to say I’ve explored a small slice of it.

Route 66, the legendary “Mother Road,” was established in 1926 and stretched 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica. It wound through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, carrying generations of dreamers westward.

Though officially decommissioned, roughly 85% of the route is still drivable. Vintage neon signs, retro diners, quirky roadside attractions, and weathered motels still line the way, offering a nostalgic glimpse into a bygone era.

America’s Longest Road: Route 20

If Route 66 is the most famous, Route 20 is the heavyweight champion. At 3,365 miles, it’s the longest road in the United States — and it starts right here in Boston.

A Route 20 adventure would take you through 12 states and across the entire country, ending in Newport, Oregon. Along the way, you could:

  • Stroll the Boston Esplanade
  • Visit the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield
  • Wander the Finger Lakes of New York
  • Detour to Niagara Falls
  • Swing up to Lake Placid, home of the 1980 “Miracle on Ice”

Then it’s onward through Pennsylvania and into Ohio, where Cedar Point awaits with some of the best roller coasters in the nation. Once you catch your breath, Route 20 rolls into Indiana and the Indiana Dunes National Park.

Across the Heartland and Into Big Sky Country

In Illinois, Route 20 carries you straight through Chicago before crossing the Mississippi River into Iowa.

Then comes Wyoming — Big Sky Country at its finest. You’ll pass through Lost Springs, the least populated municipality in America, and you’re just a side trip away from Yellowstone. Keep an eye out for bison; they don’t yield.

Getting ready to pass by

Montana only gets about ten miles of Route 20, but it’s close enough to tempt you toward the famous Going‑to‑the‑Sun Road, a bucket‑list drive if ever there was one.

The Final Push to the Pacific

Idaho brings a breather in Boise before the home stretch. The last state is Oregon, but don’t be fooled — there are still 451 miles to go before you reach Newport and the Pacific Ocean.

Quite the road trip indeed.

And Then… Maybe the Overseas Highway?

Once I’ve conquered Route 20, maybe I’ll head south to Florida for the Overseas Highway — 113 miles and 42 bridges ending at the Southernmost Point in Key West. A completely different kind of road trip, but just as iconic.

So… Is the Road Trip Doomed?

Maybe gas prices will rise. Maybe travel will keep changing. But the American road trip isn’t just about miles or money — it’s about freedom, curiosity, and the irresistible pull of the horizon.

As long as there are roads to follow and stories to chase, I don’t think the great American road trip is going anywhere.

 

Travel Daydreams: The Trip List, Part 2

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Checking Off More Adventures

As I dig deeper into the 40 Trips Every Woman Should Take Before She Dies list, I’m pleasantly surprised to see how many of these adventures I’ve already experienced — or at least tucked onto my ever‑growing bucket list. It’s turning into a fun little audit of my own wanderlust.

#12: Cruising the California Coast

The list’s twelfth recommendation is a drive down the California Coast, essentially the Coast Starlight railroad trip but on four wheels instead of rails. Whether by train or car, I already know it’s spectacular. The Pacific Coast Highway — Highway 1 — winds roughly 400 miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles, connecting two iconic cities with jaw‑dropping scenery in between. Big Sur’s cliffs, the endless ocean views, and even the Elephant Seal Rookery in San Simeon make this route a showstopper.

2 Nuns

#13: Sedona’s Red Rock Magic

Next up is Sedona, Arizona — a place I’ve visited a couple of times and would happily return to again. The red rocks, the crisp desert air, the perfect weather… it’s a photographer’s dream. I’m not much for spa days or massages, but if that’s your thing, Sedona has you covered.

#17: The Florida Keys

Ah, the Keys. I am so not done with them. I’ve explored the upper end (Key Largo) and the lower end (Key West), but the middle stretch is still waiting for me. One day I’ll finally drive the Overseas Highway — ideally in a sporty red convertible with the top down.

#20: An Alaskan Cruise

Been there, done that, and would absolutely do it again. An Alaskan cruise is the best way to see glaciers and cover a lot of ground in just a few days. Excursions to places like Skagway and Ketchikan offer glimpses into Native Alaskan culture, wildlife encounters, dance demonstrations, and towering totem poles. And if you want even more adventure, the White Pass and Yukon Railway is right there waiting.

#21: Disneyland (But I’m a Disney World Girl)

The list suggests Disneyland, but once you’ve been to Disney World in Florida, the California park feels like its smaller cousin. I’ve visited both — Disneyland once, Disney World more times than I can count. It helps when your best friend works there and hands you free passes and discounts.

Kali River Rapids

#23: Solo in Seattle

Seattle 2013 photo credit Deb Neumann

Seattle shows up as a recommended solo trip, and I suppose that’s exactly what mine was. I spent a week there for work orientation, which left plenty of time to explore. I photographed Mount Rainier from the Space Needle, wandered Chihuly Garden and Glass, and watched the famous fish‑throwers at Pike Place Market.

#25: Horseback Riding (and a Bonus Helicopter Ride)

Halfway through the list, and I’m still checking boxes. #25 is horseback riding — something I did on one of my Sedona trips. That same visit also gave me my first helicopter ride, though the list writers seem to have overlooked that thrill.

Pausing the Journey (For Now)

I’ll stop here for today, but I’m genuinely amazed at how many of these trips I’ve already experienced. This list is turning into a delightful walk down memory lane, and I’m looking forward to picking it back up again soon.

 

Bridges We Love to Fear

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Bridges That Make Your Heart Skip a Beat

I was casting about for something to write today. The National Day Calendar didn’t offer much inspiration—Candy Day was the biggie, but with Halloween just behind us and Valentine’s Day looming in February, it felt a bit… stale.

Then I stumbled across an article about dangerous bridges. Now that got my adrenaline pumping.

Sedona 2009

Adrenaline Junkie at Heart

I’ve been called an adrenaline junkie more times than I can count. Helicopter rides? Yes, please. Scuba diving? Absolutely. Watching volcanoes erupt? Been there.  And don’t forget White Water Rafting. Before arthritis slowed me down, I logged some serious hiking miles. Cage diving with sharks was on my list too, but the price tag kept that dream at bay. An African safari still sits on my bucket list.

But bridges? Are they really as terrifying as people say?

Let’s take a look.

Scariest Bridge I’ve Ever Crossed

🧗‍♀️ Yukon Suspension Bridge – Yukon, Canada

  • Spans the Tutshi River
  • Approximately 1,200 feet long
  • Sways as you cross (that was the scariest part for me!)
  • You can feel every footstep—yours and everyone else’s
Yukon Suspension Bridge

Yukon Suspension Bridge 2013 – photo credit Deb Neumann

Once I got the hang of it, the fear faded. Like anything new, it’s intimidating at first—but then it becomes exhilarating.

American Bridges That Dare You to Cross

There are countless intimidating bridges around the world, but today I’m sticking to the U.S. We’ll save the international spine-tinglers for another post.

🌴 Seven Mile Bridge – Florida Keys

I’ve always dreamed of driving this one in a convertible, wind in my hair. It’s part of a series of bridges connecting the islands from Knights Key to Little Duck Key. A spectacular drive—unless you get caught in a hurricane.

7 mile bridge, Fla

 

🌲 Deception Pass Bridge – Washington

Connecting Whidbey Island to Fidalgo Island, this bridge towers 180 feet above the water. Before it was built, the only way across was by boat or ferry. If you’ve got a fear of heights, don’t look down.

Deception Pass Bridge, WA

🧗 Royal Gorge Bridge – Colorado (not Arkansas)

Correction time! The Royal Gorge Bridge is actually in Colorado, not Arkansas. It stands 955 feet high and once held the title of the world’s highest bridge—until China built the Liuguanghe Bridge. Bungie jumping off this one? Only in your wildest dreams.

Royal Gorge Bridge

🌞 Sunshine Skyway Bridge – St. Petersburg, Florida

Stretching 22,000 feet over Tampa Bay, this bridge arcs between St. Petersburg and Terra Ceia. It has a tragic past: in 1980, a freighter struck the bridge, collapsing a span. It’s also known for attracting those in despair, a sobering reminder of its emotional weight.

Sunshine Skyway Bridge, FLA

🌊 Lake Pontchartrain Causeway – Louisiana

Driving this feels like skimming across water. At 23 miles long and only 16 feet above the surface, it connects New Orleans to the North Shore. Stormy weather? Buckle up and say a prayer.

Lake Pontchartrain Causeway

🌬️ Mackinac Bridge – Michigan

A true giant at 26,000 feet, this bridge replaced ferries between Michigan’s peninsulas in the 1950s. During high winds, cars have been known to drift—so drivers, beware.

Mackinac Bridge, Michigan

Lava Lake Glow

Kilauea 2018 photo credit Deb Neumann

Bridges may not breathe fire or roar like volcanoes, but they challenge us in quieter, more suspenseful ways. Whether it’s the sway beneath your feet or the dizzying height above the water, they dare us to cross—and reward us with breathtaking views and unforgettable stories.

 

Have you crossed a bridge that made your heart race? I’d love to hear about it.

 

It’s Officially Fall

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NE Fall

New England Fall photo credit Deb Neumann

🍂 Fall in New England

It’s been building to this moment all month. The mornings have grown cooler, the air carries a crisp bite, and—what’s that I see? Alongside cheerful pumpkin displays, the leaves are beginning to change color. Today is September 22, and with the flip of a calendar page, we’re officially in fall. It’s the Fall Equinox.

Pumpkin Patch- photo credit Deb Neumann

🌞 Fall Equinox

The Fall Equinox marks the moment the sun crosses the celestial equator heading south. We’ll experience roughly 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness—a perfect balance. Since the time of the Druids, this day has signaled the end of the harvest and the beginning of preparations for winter. This year, winter officially begins on December 21, the Winter Solstice—also known as the shortest day (or perhaps the longest night) of the year.

🍎 Fall Traditions

Fall is a favorite season for many. The heat of summer fades, and vibrant colors line the roads and byways. It’s the perfect time for apple picking and leaf peeping. Around the Equinox, fall color begins to burst forth—starting in Maine and New Hampshire, then gradually sweeping south through Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island by mid to late October.

Norton colors

Along the water in Norton-,photo credit Deb Neumann

🚗 Where to View the Fall Foliage

Cycling the Kancamagus photo Deb Neumann

If you time it right, the White Mountains of New Hampshire are breathtaking. Try a drive along the Kancamagus Highway, which connects Lincoln in the south to Conway in the north. My brother and I once took his motorcycle up there—we froze in the mountain air, but those spectacular views without a car roof in the way? Worth every shiver.

Jack o Lanterns Keene NH photo Deb Neumann

🌄 Mohawk Trail

Closer to home in Massachusetts, the Mohawk Trail offers stunning foliage and sweeping vistas. The western stretch, as you approach New York State, is especially vibrant.

🏔️ Mount Greylock

I’ve heard wonderful things about the views from Mount Greylock’s summit. Nestled in the heart of the Berkshires, it’s the highest peak in Massachusetts. I haven’t made the drive yet—traffic’s rumored to be horrendous—but maybe this is the year to bite the bullet and go for it.

 

Swans in Flight Photo Deb Neumann