Nostalgic Tourism and America’s Historic Byways
“Heritage tourism” is defined as tourism that engages with the cultural tradition of a particular location. It 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 combines 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 more comprehensive than a single geographic location, time of the setting, or preferred method of travel. Traveling our nation’s historic byways is 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 forms of transportation corridors. However, 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 the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration; America’s Byways. These historic corridors are classified based on one or more archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational, and scenic qualities. Interestingly, not all landmark roads are “All-American Roads” or “National Scenic Byways.”
These historic roads each have a life of their own and are defined by their unique image, their created image, their perceived image, their 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 agencies 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. They are 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.
