beckyrepp

Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind. ~Seneca

$320,000 in funds were approved for the City of Rochelle through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. It has been designated for a project that includes improvements on the Lincoln Highway. Read more at: http://www.rochellenews-leader.com/v2_news_articles.php?heading=0&page=72&story_id=3907

All this talk of food, gets one thinking about diners. Which diner is your favorite? Why is it your favorite? What's your favorite thing on their menu? What makes it unique? Looking forward to hearing from you!

Please note that we will be performing a software upgrade of the Forum and Blogs today. Once the upgrade is complete we will post a notice. Thank you for your patience as we perform this upgrade to enhance security and other features of this community. Best, Becky Repp becky@americanroadmagazine.com 1-877-285-5434 x1

Hi Dave, Sounds like a great trip! I'm jealous. We ran an article about the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Autumn 2006 issue. I need to double check, but, I believe Monticello is mentioned in the article (I've been there . . . beautiful country). It's the 75th anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway this year - so, its an especially great year to visit. For information about events happening along the parkway visit: http://www.blueridgeparkway75.org/. For additional information about traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina visit: http://www.ncblueridge.com/landingPages.php?page=ARFall. Click on the cover of the visitor guide in the top right corner of that page for an e-version of the guide. Asheville is a great city. You'll find information about Asheville in the Spring 2008 issue (in the Trail of the Lonesome Pine article - perhaps you could travel the Trail of the Lonesome Pine on your return route. I was fortunate to have traveled that entire route stopping everywhere mentioned in the article - it was a fabulous trip. You travel through Greeneville, Tenn. (http://www.greenecountypartnership.com/trails.aspx); Wise County, Va (tourism.wisecounty.org/) ; and end up in Bluefield, WVa. (www.mccvb.com). Asheville is the southern tip of the Trail of the Lonesome Pine as well as being on the Blue Ridge Parkway. So you could pick up the Trail of the Lonesome Pine route on your return trip there. Just make sure that if you go through the back roads between Tennessee and Virginia that the weather is good (it might be a bit hazardous in winter months as there are some mountain roads). The Biltmore is breathtaking. Be sure to visit the Grove Arcade while in Asheville, too. We had a great time window shopping at the Arcade and really enjoyed the local farmers markets inside. Newberry isn't far from Aiken, SC (Thoroughbred Country: http://tbredcountry.org/common/content.asp?PAGE=137 ). Aiken County is part of the Rivers, Rails, and Crossroads region of the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor ( http://www.sc-heritagecorridor.org/sites/r...ssroads-region/ ). You'll find info about Amelia Island here: http://www.ameliaisland.com/. If your going to be in St. Augustine you wont' be too far from the A1A Scenic & Historic Byway: http://www.scenica1a.org/ AND you might also be able to explore the Indian River Lagoon Scenic Byway (http://www.dot.state.fl.us/emo/ScenicHWY/designated/indianrivertreasure.htm). We ran an article about the Byway and attractions (Florida Space Coast) and Manatees in the Winter 2007 issue of American Road. We'll be eager to hear about your trip! Best, Becky Repp becky@americanroadmagazine.com P.S. I forgot to mention that some of the areas that I mentioned currently have downloadable PDF trip itineraries available on our website to take with you on your trip (I know Aiken, SC has one as does Wise County VA). You'll find them (and more) at: http://www.americanroadmagazine.com/itiner...tineraries.html

Find trip itineraries in every region of the country at: http://www.americanroadmagazine.com/itiner...tineraries.html You'll find new itineraries for: Bowling Green, Ky. Coulee Corridor Scenic Byway (Wash.) Missouri Route 66 Ohio River Scenic Byway (Ill.)

FREEDOM. You can escape from the demands of every day responsibility (even if only for a short time). Bonus: No airport screening required!

I recently had the opportunity to drive a section of the Otter Trail Scenic Byway in Minnesota. I enjoyed the small stretch of the Byway that I drove (near Fergus Falls, MN). Attractions along the way: The World's Largest Otter: http://www.visitfergusfalls.com/gallery.ph...=jpg&pid=21 The quaint town of Fergus Falls: http://www.visitfergusfalls.com/gallery.ph...=jpg&pid=15. http://www.visitfergusfalls.com/gallery.ph...=jpg&pid=16 I would have liked to spend a few more days just exploring Fergus Falls and enjoying breakfast every morning at the Viking! Unfortunately, weather wasn't cooperating with me during the trip—a big snow storm blew in from the West—so my outdoor photos are snow covered.

Dave, The American Road Foundation is working on applying for a grant to make an online library of vintage road maps and the like. This would be a fabulous donation to the Foundation and the Foundation would be honored if you would consider such a donation. Christine Martens (aka Wis History Geek on the Forums) is working on the grant application process. In the interim, we could get started with such a project, but, we would need volunteers to help with the scanning and online archiving (database building, etc.). American Road magazine would be happy to cover the cost of the online storage for this project. As for housing/storing the physical guides and maps, we have connections to some transportation museums that would have suitable storage capability and I believe that one of them would partner with the American Road Foundation to maintain the collection in one repository, store, and safeguard the collection for future generations to enjoy. I would love to discuss this more with you. Please feel free to email me or call me. Or let me know when you might best be reached to discuss the possibilities. FYI, the American Road Foundation is planning on hosting an event in September in Joliet, Illinois (the crossroads of the Lincoln, Route 66, and, US 6). Perhaps the collection could even be displayed at this event? I look forward to discussing the possibilities! Best,

Greetings everyone! I just learned that the following store in New York is carrying American Road: Magazine Cafe 15 W 37th Street New York NY 10018 Ph: 212-391-2004 Fax: 212-391-2088* Email: info@magazinecafestore.com Website: www.magazinecafestore.com

Game description: Take a hidden object road trip as you travel on the glorious Route 66 and visit the exciting historic locations along the Mother Road! http://www.iwin.com/games/route-66 I personally haven't played it. And, from the reviews it looks like it may be pretty easy. Nonetheless, its always fun to take trip down Route 66 (even if its a virtual journey!).

The staff at American Road magazine wishes you a year filled with happiness, health, and lots of great road trips! Best, Becky Repp becky@americanroadmagazine.com 1-877-285-5434 x1

Hi John, I'm willing to make a joint phone call with you (would do so in my role for the AR Foundation) - I believe it would be most beneficial to have you on the line. I wonder if Russ Lombard (current president of the American Road Foundation) might be willing to join us - he also lives in Washington state which might be helpful. Let me know if you think this might be helpful. Best, Becky

Almost ANY movie is good at a Drive-in theatre. What is the most memorable movie that I've seen? . . . Probably Austin Powers at the Admiral Twin Drive-in on Route 66. The movie was funny, but, I think it was so memorable because its a great drive-in on Route 66!

"Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love!" ~Hamilton Wright Mabie

"Remember This December, That love weighs more than gold!" ~Josephine Dodge Daskam Bacon The staff at American Road magazine would like to wish everyone a Happy Holiday! May it be filled with happiness and good health. And if you are traveling -- we wish you a safe journey. Best, Becky Repp becky@americanroadmagazine.com 1-877-285-5434 x1

Greetings everyone. I'm excited to say that we received enough monetary and product donations to send care packages to 40 of our men and women serving overseas. We found a platoon with 20 men and 20 women (deployed from Washington state) serving in Afghanistan. We sent individual gift bags with holiday treats and personal hygiene items requested by the platoon. They asked for simple items such as lip balm. We included other treats (gum, candy canes, hot cocoa mix, etc.) and other hygiene items (sanitary/antibacterial wipes, travel pack of kleenex, and tooth brushes). The platoon also asked for reading material - so we sent two boxes filled with books and copies of American Road magazine to help take their mind off of the war when they do get a few minutes of down time). Packages were mailed yesterday and today. We have some items remaining from what we purchased and what was donated. We plan to give these to an area shelter or the local VA hospital. I will make some calls on Monday to find these items a home. I'm thrilled to say that two area elementary school classes participated in this effort. The children drew pictures and wrote letters. We included one in each gift bag. The children did a wonderful job. I think the letters and drawings will mean a great deal to the soldiers. Many thanks to everyone who donated money, products, and time to this effort. We included a letter with each box. The text of the letter is included below. --------------------------- Greetings. Enclosed, you will find gift bags – small tokens from us to indicate that we appreciate what you are doing. We wish each of you a safe holiday season. We are sending a total of twelve priority mail boxes to your platoon. There are forty gift bags (one for each person). Two of the boxes are filled with magazines and books to share. I'm also thrilled to say that you will also find a letter in each gift bag from a child. Two elementary school classes participated in writing letters to include with these packages. Entities and individuals that participated in this effort include: American Road advertisers An anonymous donation from one of our active American Road magazine on-line forum members Pat & Jennifer Bremer Bruce Clark Mary Ellen Filbey Rick Filbey Brenna Filbey Kaelyn Filbey Denny Gibson Bryan McGinnis Joe & Cheri Miller Steven Rastigue, DDS David Reese Tom and Pat Repp Mrs. Amy Quick's second & third grade class - Joseph M. Carkenord Elementary in Chesterfield, MI Mrs. Zaiglin’s first grade class - Joseph M. Carkenord Elementary in Chesterfield, MI Staff at American Road magazine

Greetings everyone. I'm excited to say that we received enough monetary and product donations to send care packages to 40 of our men and women serving overseas. We found a platoon with 20 men and 20 women (deployed from Washington state) serving in Afghanistan. We sent individual gift bags with holiday treats and personal hygiene items requested by the platoon. They asked for simple items such as lip balm. We included other treats (gum, candy canes, hot cocoa mix, etc.) and other hygiene items (sanitary/antibacterial wipes, travel pack of kleenex, and tooth brushes). The platoon also asked for reading material - so we sent two boxes filled with books and copies of American Road magazine to help take their mind off of the war when they do get a few minutes of down time). Packages were mailed yesterday and today. We have some items remaining from what we purchased and what was donated. We plan to give these to an area shelter or the local VA hospital. I will make some calls on Monday to find these items a home. I'm thrilled to say that two area elementary school classes participated in this effort. The children drew pictures and wrote letters. We included one in each gift bag. The children did a wonderful job. I think the letters and drawings will mean a great deal to the soldiers. Many thanks to everyone who donated money, products, and time to this effort. We included a letter with each box. The text of the letter is included below. --------------------------- Greetings. Enclosed, you will find gift bags – small tokens from us to indicate that we appreciate what you are doing. We wish each of you a safe holiday season. We are sending a total of twelve priority mail boxes to your platoon. There are forty gift bags (one for each person). Two of the boxes are filled with magazines and books to share. I'm also thrilled to say that you will also find a letter in each gift bag from a child. Two elementary school classes participated in writing letters to include with these packages. Entities and individuals that participated in this effort include: American Road advertisers An anonymous donation from one of our active American Road magazine on-line forum members Pat & Jennifer Bremer Bruce Clark Mary Ellen Filbey Rick Filbey Brenna Filbey Kaelyn Filbey Denny Gibson Bryan McGinnis Joe & Cheri Miller Steven Rastigue, DDS David Reese Tom and Pat Repp Mrs. Amy Quick's second & third grade class - Joseph M. Carkenord Elementary in Chesterfield, MI Mrs. Zaiglin’s first grade class - Joseph M. Carkenord Elementary in Chesterfield, MI Staff at American Road magazine No reply is necessary, as we know that you are otherwise occupied. All our best to you. We wish you all health, safety, and a speedy return home. Sincerely, Rebecca Repp General Manager – American Road magazine becky@americanroadmagazine.com

Here's an update on the 2009 Holiday Military Care package project: We are really excited as it looks like we will be able to send care packages to at least 30 soldiers. We are still hoping for enough donations to send to 50. I also received notification that two grade school classes are working on cards and notes to include with the packages! Thank you to the people that have already donated to this project. Their generosity is helping make this 2009 Holiday Military Care Package project a success. I'll continue to keep everyone posted via the Forum and e-newsletter, etc. Happy holidays, Becky Repp

We are reviving Alex' idea from two years ago. We are working to send care packages to our military men and women. See the info below: Help Us Send Care Packages to Our Service Men and Women Many of you may recall that two years ago we sent gift packages filled with personal care items, gifts, and copies of American Road magazine to three platoons serving overseas in harms way. The donation made by American Road combined with donations made by our readers and advertisers resulted in gifts for almost 50 people serving in our armed forces. We still continue to receive letters of thanks indicating that the gifts, letters, and cards sent did much to boost the moral of the recipients. Regardless of where you stand politically on war, we encourage you to help us send packages demonstrating our appreciation for the great sacrifices made by our military men and women. You may donate in one of three ways: Call 1-877-285-5434 x1 Send a donation via PayPal to becky@americanroadmagazine.com (specify that the donation is for Military Holiday Care Packages). Send check or money order to American Road; c/o Military Holiday Care Packages; PO Box 46519, Mount Clemens, MI 48046 Donations must be received by December 7 to allow time to purchase the care package items, package, and ship them by December 11 for arrival by December 25. Thank you in advance for your assistance and generosity.

Greetings! All the staff at American Road magazine wish you and your family and safe and Happy Thanksgiving. Sincerely, Becky Repp American Road Magazine becky@americanroadmgazine.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Help Us Send Care Packages to Our Service Men and Women Many of you may recall that two years ago we sent gift packages filled with personal care items, gifts, and copies of American Road magazine to three platoons serving overseas in harms way. The donation made by American Road combined with donations made by our readers and advertisers resulted in gifts for almost 50 people serving in our armed forces. We still continue to receive letters of thanks indicating that the gifts, letters, and cards sent did much to boost the moral of the recipients. Regardless of where you stand politically on war, we encourage you to help us send packages demonstrating our appreciation for the great sacrifices made by our military men and women. You may donate in one of three ways:Call 1-877-285-5434 x1 Send a donation via PayPal to becky@americanroadmagazine.com (specify that the donation is for Military Holiday Care Packages). Send check or money order to American Road; c/o Military Holiday Care Packages; PO Box 46519, Mount Clemens, MI 48046 Donations must be received by December 7 to allow time to purchase the care package items, package, and ship them by December 11 for arrival by December 25. Thank you in advance for your assistance and generosity. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Save 10% when you shop online at American Road magazine's John Claar's Hitching Post Shop the Hitching Post-the American Road store for unique gifts for the road traveler. As a preferred customer, you will SAVE 10% on any purchases made until December 15, 2009. Use Coupon Code: PC112009 SPECIAL GIFT SUBSCRIPTION OFFER: Buy a gift subscription for a friend and we'll add an issue to your subscription AND the gift subscription FREE! Give a Gift