beckyrepp

If you're thinking about taking a trip to Hell and back check out the photos from this 2008 trip.

Thanks for visiting my blog. I invite you to visit often. This is where I plan to record thoughts, memories, and photos from travels on the American Road. We hope to see you on the back roads! Becky Repp

Check out the generous gift from ???? Santa???? to every roadie that I just posted under the National Road/US 40 topic.

GREAT news everyone. Check out the story on the Road News page on our website http://americanroadmagazine.com/road_news/road_news.html . We recently received the good news from the Director of the Vandalia Tourist Center. I can't help but hope that the letters they received from American Road readers and Forum members contributed to this outcome. What an awesome holiday gift!

I love what you did with the animation! Very cool. Happy Holidays everyone! Becky Repp

In this issue: Winter issue of American Road Seasonal fun on America's Byways Winter Festivals and Events Road Trip Itineraries Planning your trip home for the holidays? Check flights weather MPG Request Free Information and Travel Guides from Our Sponsors: http://americanroadmagazine.com/advertising/adv_request.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Calendar of Events Click to find events and festivals to help plan your vacation or weekend getaway: http://www.americanroadmagazine.com/calendar/calendar.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Greetings! The American Road staff would like to extend a hearty welcome to all new subscribers and American Road Forum members. We are thrilled to have you join the growing list of American Road enthusiasts! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Winter 2008 issue of American Road The Winter 2008 print edition of American Road magazine is mailing to subscribers mid-December. Watch your mailbox. We have a second mailing going out in January for individuals that subscribed after the initial mailing cutoff date (December 7, 2008). For those of you who subscribe to the digital edition of American Road magazine, the information to access the file will be emailed in the next few days. There are lots of great road trip ideas, fun festivals and events, and an American Road-Cool Roads Sweepstakes. Have fun planning your next getaway with articles and information from this upcoming edition of American Road! Seasonal Fun on America's Byways and Historic Highways Lincoln Highway On December 15 at 7 p.m., take the Lincoln Highway to New Lenox, IL, and listen in on the Providence Catholic High School Concert Band and Choir performance. You'll hear classic Christmas songs as well as a performance of the 1812 Overture, Suite from Pirates of the Caribbean, and a presentation by the new Providence Catholic Jazz band, "The Swinging Celtics." Admission to the Christmas Concert is free. For more information, call the school at (815) 717-3152 or visit http://www.providencecatholic.org Creole Nature Trail Take the Creole Nature Trail to the town of Iowa, LA, where the Iowa Merchants will usher in the 2008 Holiday Season with the 15th Annual Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 13. The parade, sponsored by the Iowa Merchants, will start at 2 p.m. with the route beginning at J.I. Watson Middle School and ending at the Factory Stores of America Mall. There will be a surprise Grand Marshal for the parade. The Annual Christmas program will be held at the Iowa Community Center, at 6 p.m. with area churches and schools participating. Hot chocolate will be served. For more information, call 337-582-3535 or the Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau at 337-436-9588 or visit http://www.visitlakecharles.org/ El Camino Real and Historic Route 66 Throughout the month of December the Rio Grande Botanic Garden in Albuquerque on the El Camino Real and Historic Route 66 National Scenic Byways invites visitors to enjoy New Mexico's largest walk-through light show. Explore a dazzling array of sculptures and displays designed by Albuquerque BioPark artists and craftsmen. Look out for a collection of glass snowmen lighted by fiber optics on the plaza. Bring in your own skates and glide across the ice skating rink nearby. For ticket prices and a detailed description of the festival, please visit http://www.cabq.gov Road Trip Itineraries New road trip itineraries have been uploaded to our website offering you fantastic ideas for road trips around the country. Whether you are traveling over the river and through the woods to Grandma's house or escaping cool temperatures you'll find fun things to do along the way. You'll find sponsored road trip itineraries spanning from New York to Washington and Utah to Missouri. Wherever you are there is bound to be a road trip near you. Visit our road trip itinerary page at: ( http://americanroadmagazine.com/itineraries/itineraries.html ) Winter Festivals and Events Visit our calendar of events page ( http://www.americanroadmagazine.com/calendar/calendar.html ) and you'll find plenty of festivals and events (many without admission fees) to fill your Winter afternoons. Vandallia, Illinois is hosting an open house at the future home of the National Road Interpretive Center. Meet American Road staff photographer Tony Craig at a book signing promoting his new work "Country Stores in North Carolina." Take a horse-drawn elk viewing tour. The possibilities are endless. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU We welcome your correspondence and questions. Have you paid a recent visit to one or more of the places mentioned in a previous issue of AMERICAN ROAD? We want to hear about it. Are there specific highways or auto trails that you would like to read about in American Road? Let us know. We love receiving your cards, letters and e-mails. Photographs are great, too! You may send us a letter or e-mail. Send letters via US mail to: American Road PO Box 46519 Mt. Clemens, MI 48046 You may send e-mails to becky@americanroadmagazine.com. (Letters and e-mail may be published in an upcoming issue of AMERICAN ROAD and may be edited for style and available space.) Our advertisers and affiliate programs help support the free information provided via americanroadmagazine.com and our e-newsletter. Be sure to tell them you heard about them through American Road magazine. IS IT TIME TO RENEW/SUBSCRIBE TO AMERICAN ROAD? A batch of renewal notices will be e-mailed and mailed in the next few weeks. If you just mailed in your renewal form with payment, it is possible that the next renewal letter may cross your payment in the mail. Please disregard the notice if that is the case. You may now renew or subscribe on line. 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DREAM WELL AND DRIVE SAFELY ON THE AMERICAN ROAD! You received this message because you provided your address to Mock Turtle Press-publisher of AMERICAN ROAD magazine. We use your e-mail to periodically provide you with information (subscription renewals, announcements, surveys, etc.) We do not sell e-mail addresses. If you wish to be removed from the list to receive future e-mail newsletters from us please e-mail becky@americanroadmagazine.com. Sincerely, Becky Repp American Road Magazine ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SPECIAL OFFER: Give a gift, and we'll add a FREE issue to your subscription! Buy a gift subscription for a friend and we'll extend your subscription by one issue, FREE! 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I'll be connecting with the Tourism Director in Vandalia again and will find out what else might be done in the future. My guess is that we'll need to keep sending letters -- since the "squeaky wheel" gets the grease. More to come. Best, Becky

Welcome back Tony! And, Matt, I think you are correct. If memory serves, I believe that this thread was Jennifer's idea - which just underscores the terrific job that both she and Pat do in managing this Forum for American Road. Pat and Jennifer are two people that we are very thankful for on this holiday! We are also very grateful to each and every one of our Forum members, American Road magazine readers, and our advertisers. Each of you help make this website and American Road magazine possible for everyone to enjoy. Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Thomas and Becky Repp

I'll send my letters tomorrow. I'm a big fan of old U.S. 40 in IL and have cruised past the building numerous times....Bliss Your letter will be much appreciated!

Don't forget to enter our American Road Trip Sweepstakes by the end of today (November 15). This Autumn you could FILL UP Your Tank ON US! Win a $100 GAS CARD from American Road! ® Get your road trip off to a great start! Enter today to win a $100 gas card from American Road. American Road Salutes the Autumn Advertisers (listed in the right-hand column) who have made possible the Great Gas Card Giveaway! Click on the link below for rules and entry info: http://americanroadmagazine.com/sweepstakes/sweepstakes.html Good luck!

I was on the phone yesterday with the Director of Tourism in Vandalia, Illinois. She informed me that funding is being cut to keep the Old Capitol open. She sent me the following media release to share: MAYOR GOTTMAN ENCOURAGES CITIZENS TO HELP SAVE THE VANDALIA STATE HOUSE For Immediate Release Contact: Mayor Ricky Gottman September 22, 2008 618-283-1152 Office 618-267-9788 Mobile Vandalia, Ill...Mayor Ricky Gottman encourages area residents who are concerned about the Governor’s recent budget cuts to historic sites to contact state legislators immediately to help restore these funding cuts. Governor Blagojevich has slashed $2.8 million from the historic sites division within the IHPA budget, which funds the operation of historical sites including the Vandalia State House. Because of this action, the Vandalia State House is scheduled to close on November 30. “The Vandalia State House is a living educational library and a long lasting symbol of Illinois’ heritage,” said Mayor Gottman. “With the Bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth coming up in 2009, it is vital that the State of Illinois keep open the very sites that will tell the many visitors to Illinois the story of Abraham Lincoln’s life, especially that of his life in Illinois.” Mayor Gottman also reinforced the importance of the Vandalia State House to the local tourism industry. “The Vandalia Statehouse is vital to the economic prosperity of our community and region, drawing over 30,000 visitors annually,” said Gottman. “Fayette County showed the highest percentage increase in 2007 for tourism of all Southwestern Illinois Counties and the Vandalia State House is large part of that.” “The City of Vandalia is near completion of our ‘Looking for Lincoln’ project which includes the display of 10 storyboards in the downtown area near the Old State Capitol. These wayside exhibits portray how Abraham Lincoln left his traces in the folklore, buildings, streetscapes and landscapes of Vandalia. It would be a shame if the facility is closed when the City introduces these attractive exhibits.” Mayor Gottman has assembled an advisory group of dedicated citizens who are working to develop ideas to help keep the Vandalia State House open. In addition to working with the advisory group, Mayor Gottman has sent letters to state officials asking them to restore the Governor’s budget cuts. “I strongly encourage our local citizens to call or write state legislators to oppose the Governor’s harmful budget cuts.” ### If you wish to write a letter encouraging officials to restore the funding to keep the Old State Capitol open you may do so by contacting any one (or all) of the following: Governor Rod Blagojevich 207 State House Springfield, IL 62706 217-782-6830 217-557-1733 Fax Rep. Michael Madigan Speaker, House of Representatives 300 State House Springfield, IL 62706 217-782-5350 217-524-1794 Fax Rep. Tom Cross House Minority Leader 316 State House Springfield, IL 62706 217-782-1331 217-782-7012 Fax Senator Emil Jones, Jr. Senate President 327 State House Springfield, IL 62706 217-782-2728 217-782-3242 Fax Senator Frank Watson Senate Minority Leader 1355A State Route 127 Greenville, IL 62246 618-664-9108 618-664-9112 Fax Rep. Ron Stephens State Representative – 102nd District 112A Executive Dr. Highland, IL 62249 618-651-0405 618-651-0413 Fax

What forum would one post trip reports like this in American Road? Hi there - great stuff! One thought, but, it's you're call: you could post under the "Dining" topic on the American Road Forum. Looking forward to reading more posts from you!

Hi Alex, Nice try! Unfortunately, no. Contest rules at: http://americanroadmagazine.com/sweepstakes/sweepstakes.html specify one entry per person.

This Autumn FILL UP Your Tank ON US! Win a $100 GAS CARD from American Road! ® Get your road trip off to a great start! Enter today to win a $100 gas card from American Road American Road Salutes the Autumn Advertisers (listed at the bottom of this message) who have made possible the Great Gas Card Giveaway! Click here for details and entry instructions. Enjoy the benefits of American Road® anywhere you roam! American Road® is the premier publication (print and electronic) featuring the joys and adventures of traveling America's back roads. Our magazine was created with the road traveler in mind. You will find affordable road trip ideas, maps, and roadside attractions in each issue to plan your ultimate journey. Enjoy classic diners, cruise the coasts, travel quiet country back roads, discover lost highways, and uncover roadside treasures in every region of the country. Plus, you'll be notified instantly of all our upcoming sweepstakes for opportunities! Special Offer Our Digital Edition was created with the explorer in mind. It contains all the great articles and ads readers enjoy in the print edition, but is now convenient for readers to print or download to their laptop while on the road. Special offer: Give a GIFT subscription to the print edition of American Road magazine and get a 1 year digital subscription for yourself FREE. Or, subscribe to the digital edition for only $6.00. Order today and we'll also AUTOMATICALLY enter you into the American Road Sweepstakes. Save BIG! US Print Subscription + FREE digital subscription: Your Price is only $16.95! Click https://americanroad.magazinemanager.com/su..._print_combo_us to subscribe to the Print and Digital issues. (Please provide your email address in the subscriber information box to have the digital edition sent to you). Digital Issue Subscription Regular Price is $10.95, YOUR EXCLUSIVE PRICE is only $6.00. Click https://americanroad.magazinemanager.com/su...?source=dig0908 to subscribe to the digital issue today. WIN BIG! Enter the American Road Gas Card Giveaway at: http://americanroadmagazine.com/sweepstakes/sweepstakes.html Special thanks to our sponsors: Boone, (N. Car.) CVB Chautauqua (N.Y.) CVB Explore Minnesota Tourism Haywood County, N. Car. The Last Green Valley Louisiana Main to Main Roots 'N Blues 'N BBQ Festival, Mo. St. Tammany Parish Tourist CC , La. Tennessee's Backroads Heritage, Inc. Whidbey & Camano Island Tourism, Wash.

Just a note to those who might not realize this - but, this past year we started adding articles including Canada in American Road magazine. The Spring issue includes the Old Forts Trail which crosses the US border and takes travelers into Canada. The Autumn issue includes an article about Route 666 beer (in Tunnel Vision) which is Canadian (The article also mentions Ontario's Craft Beer Route - a drive to sample micro-brews from 29 craft brewers. Just please don't drink and drive.).

Hi Jim, I'm sorry I haven't responded to your message before now. We've been dealing w/ a family medical emergency that is taking allot of time and energy. But, I wanted you to know that we (Pat, Denny, Jennifer, Keep) have had a few discussions on next steps. Basically, I just wanted to tell you this issue is not forgotten. Thx, Becky

We are pleased to announce that Larry Griswold of South Holland, Illinois is the winner of the last American Road Trip Sweepstakes. Mr. Griswold will enjoy amazing accommodations, delectable dining, and endless entertainment in Eagan, Minnesota (http://www.eaganmn.com'>http://www.eaganmn.com) —in the heart of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Metro area. We invite you to Explore Minnesota (http://www.exploreminnesota.com) for yourself. Mr. Griswold's American Road Trip prize package includes: * One night stay * at the beautiful Eagan Crowne Plaza Hotel (http://www.crowneplaza.com) * Dinner for two at Eagan's famous Jensen's Supper Club Jensen's Supper Club (http://www.jensenssupperclub.com) * Four Nickelodeon Universe ® (http://www.nickelodeonuniverse.com) unlimited ride wristbands * $100 Mall of America® (http://www.mallofamerica.com'>http://www.mallofamerica.com)Visa Gift Card * Dinner for two at Corona Cantina #1 Mexican Restaurant at Mall of America® (http://www.mallofamerica.com) Discover Eagan, Minnesota (http://www.eaganmn.com) Total retail package value: $548.80

Sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. I'm going to be a wreck when we lose one of our 'kids.' Utah and Arizona. I love that area of the country. Arches Ntl Park is one of my favorite national parks. Zion is awesome. Arizona is spectacular, too. As for routes to explore, US 50, old US 6, and Lincoln (the various alignments) are allot of fun. There are some articles in back issues of American Road that you might find useful for your trip (but, it may be too late if you are already on the road). There's an article about the LH Goodyear Cutoff in the Autumn 2003 issue. An article about US Route 163 & 191 in the Summer 2003 issue (which travels through the lower eastern section of Utah), and many more. Check out the index created by Richard Etchells: Index

Hi Dave, Do you know what software is used to run that Forum? I'm wondering if this is a limitation of the software that we are using. I'll have to connect with our webmaster. Thanks, Becky

People are coming to American Road magazine and the Forum, I believe, to seek ideas for road trips. I think, correct me if I'm wrong, that people are wanting to see what cool drives, people, places, things, etc. other folks interested in traveling America's back roads have found during their travels. This covers a broad array of folks - from the couple that just retired wanting to explore North America in an RV and see all the wonderful people, places and things along our back road; to road 'aficionados' seeking to trace every alignment of an early auto trail. I think that the various sub-forums are meant to address the different interests held by the wide-spread audience that we reach. That said, we've got lots of great conversations going on in our Forum already and I don't want them to change. Here are a few thoughts: 1) Perhaps we need to look at all the sub-forums and make sure that we have a moderator who is posting and encouraging participation in them to increase interest and participation. 2) When we have a topic mentioned in the general discussion that pertains to a sub-forum topic we may want to post that item in the sub-forum. Reason being -- people have selected topics of particular interest and get emails sent to them when something is posted in that sub-forum. Thoughts? Becky