Nostalgic Tourism and America’s Historic Byways
Heritage tourism is defined as tourism that engages with the cultural tradition of a particular location and has become a significant 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 aspects of the present. They are providing opportunities for travelers to create their unique image of the past but from today’s perspective.
Advertisers today have found success in focusing on the popularity of nostalgia tourism. They work endlessly to create an image of what the traveler wants to see. Helping tourists like yourself seek a simplified, romantic version of a place and history, or a perceived image of a destination, without the reality of day-to-day life or the life at the destination.
However, nostalgic and heritage tourism is not limited to a single geographic location, time of the setting, or preferred method of travel. Traveling our nation’s historic byways are quickly becoming a popular method of creating these nostalgic experiences. Historic Trails, waterways, which include rivers and canals, and Railways, with their contribution to expanding the western half of the United States, are the earliest form of transportation corridors. However, for now, we’re talking about America’s Byways, Historic Highways, and National Roads.
Within the United States, there are over 150 roads designated by the U.S. Department of Transportation as “All-American Roads,” or “National Scenic Byways” stated by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration; America’s Byways. The classification of these historic corridors is based on one or more archeological, cultural, historical, natural, recreational, and scenic qualities. The interesting fact, however, not all landmark roads are “All-American Roads” or “National Scenic Byways.”
These historic roads each has a life of its own and is defined by its unique image, its created image, its perceived image, its classification, and how these historic roads are managed. Their distinction from other roads may include differences within their natural environment(s) and the local cultures. Furthermore, their heritage and historic significance affect these distinctions, as well as support from state and federal agency, and local and or regional historic road alliance organizations.
No set rule defines these distinctions, nor is there a required length. U.S. historic corridors may extend through one state and be short in distance. One example is the “Edge of the Wilderness National Scenic Byway” in Minnesota, which spans 47 miles. By contrast, “The National Road” spans 12 states and 3,200 miles. Extending from San Francisco, CA, to the eastern shores of Maryland. Time Magazine (July 7, 2007) called the National Road, the “Backbone of America,” as the route covered such a cross-section of the U.S.
As you seek to create your own nostalgic experience, we at America’s Open Roads Media look forward to sharing information to aid you on your journey. So keep in mind, take your time to enjoy the sights and sounds of the road. Along the way, enjoy a slice of fresh apple pie, shop at the corner store, pick up an armful of fresh veggies. To experience America’s Open Roads, one must drive them.
Learn more about our nation’s byways; check out About America’s Byways.
