12 May, 2008 , — SHARE THE ROAD - Courtesy the Motorcycle Safety Foundation May is motorcycle awareness month. Motorcycles are vehicles with the same rights and privileges as any motor vehicle on the roadway. Drivers of other passenger vehicles should always remember to follow these steps to help keep everyone safe: >br>
o Allow a motorcyclist the full lane width. Although it may seem as though there is enough room in a traffic lane for both an automobile and a motorcycle, the motorcycle needs the full room to maneuver safely. Do not share the lane.

o Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic. This allows the motorcyclist to anticipate traffic flow and find a safe lane position.

o Remember that motorcyclists are often hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot or missed in a quick look due to their smaller size. Always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections.

o Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle-–motorcycle signals usually are not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed.

o Remember that road conditions which are minor annoyances to passenger vehicles pose major hazards to motorcyclists. Be aware that motorcyclists may need to change speed or adjust their position within a lane suddenly in reaction to road and traffic conditions such as potholes, gravel, wet or slippery surfaces, pavement seams, railroad crossings, and grooved pavement.

o Allow more following distance, three or four seconds, when following a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. And don’t tailgate. In dry conditions, motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars.

• Motorcyclists have responsibilities, too, by following the rules of the roadway, being alert to other drivers, and always wearing protective gear.

• The message to all drivers is: Help make this the first year in recent years when motorcycle fatalities do not increase. “Share the Road” with motorcycles.

2 May, 2008 , Worcester, Mass. — THE ELIAS TEMBENIS WALK FOR AUTISM The Elias Tembenis Walk for Autism is a journey across America to benefit families struggling to pay for autism therapy and medical services. Two friends of the Tembenis Family, Robert Williams and Bobby Genese, both of Worcester, MA, will begin their walk in May 2008.

The walk will start on Route 50 in San Francisco and end on the Discovery Trail in Washington, DC. The estimated time of completion for the 3,000 walk is ten to twelve months. For information visit: http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/eliaswalk/index.htm

21 April, 2008 , — ORGANIZING TIPS FOR A HEADACHE FREE VACATION Studies show Americans are working harder and longer than they ever did before. This places a higher premium on already prized vacation time. But for most, preparing for, going on and coming back from a break can prove just as hectic and tiring than just staying home.

"You've earned the time off, enjoy it!" declares Organizing Guru Rosemary Chieppo. "The key is to plan ahead." Chieppo reminds that once organized, there is nothing left to do but to have fun.

In her new organizing handbook, CLUTTER, CHAOS & the CURE, Chieppo offers guidelines ranging from maximizing closet space to deciding when important documents should be thrown out, but also offers tips for organizing a less stressful trip.

The longtime member of the National Association of Professional Organizers suggests doing the following before leaving town:
Make sure everything at home is in order so returning home is more enjoyable, including:
o Arranging for pet care
o Paying the bills due before return
o Halting deliveries
o Taking out the trash
o Washing all dirty clothes
--Roll clothes into tight cylinders to save space when packing
--Pack a bag for dirty laundry
--Leave extra space in suitcases for souvenirs

"Once you return," Chieppo stresses, "put everything back in its place!" That is the basis of her unconventional approach, which she admits is more Rachael Ray than Martha Stewart. For Chieppo, organization does not mean being rigid or perfect, but rather being able to find what you need when you need it.

"Think, toothbrush," she reveals. "You never lose it because its home is where you use it."

Chieppo encourages travelers to apply the same logic while on a road trip, "Make sure your jumper cables, tire jack and emergency kit are actually in the car." When not traveling, those items are often removed to make trunk space for items like groceries. Additionally, packing a cooler with snacks and drinks can be a great money saver, but she warns, "It can also be dangerous if the cooler is not within easy reach and you are trying to grab a sandwich from the backseat while driving 60 miles per hour!"

Chieppo advises parents to have each child pack a survival kit with games, books or iPods. Long waits or long-hauls can be more enjoyable for everyone if kids pack their own entertainment.

Chieppo relates that if successfully planned, last minute "bumps in the road" can easily be handled and retreats can end up truly relaxing, She adds that preparation and organization are the keys to a delightful getaway.

8 April, 2008 , Washington D.C. — 2008 DOZEN DISTINCTIVE DESTINATIONS This is the ninth time the National Trust for Historic Preservation has announced a list of Dozen Distinctive Destinations. To date, there are 108 Distinctive Destinations located in 42 states throughout the country. To see a complete list, visit www.preservationnation.org\ddd.

In each community, residents have taken forceful action to protect their town. Whether by enacting a local preservation law to protect historic buildings against demolition, rewriting zoning codes to prevent commercial sprawl, removing regulatory barriers to downtown housing, making downtown areas more walkable, enacting design standards, or taking some other major step that demonstrates a strong commitment to their town, residents have worked hard to preserve the historic and scenic assets of their communities, with rewards that transcend town limits.

The 2008 list of America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations includes:

Aiken, S.C.--Aiken seamlessly balances its varied 19th century heritage with cosmopolitan flair to offer all the necessary ingredients for a great vacation.

Apalachicola, Fla.--Apalachicola, an authentic coastal town renowned for its mouth-watering seafood and singular charm, features a waterfront dotted with fishing vessels, a downtown filled with eclectic shops and streets lined with historic buildings.

Columbus, Miss.--The birthplace of prize-winning playwright, Tennessee Williams, Columbus thrives on its extraordinary mix of Southern history, natural beauty and culture--with antebellum homes spared during the Civil War and historic tours showcasing the remarkable impact of the African American community to a revitalized Main Street that possesses great curb appeal.

Crested Butte, Colo.--One of the most charming vacation destinations in the Rockies, this former coal mining village is a recreational paradise that offers a rare mix of rugged beauty, history and adventure no matter the time of year.

Fort Davis, Texas--With no traffic lights or chain stores, Fort Davis is a gateway to an unspoiled terrain, offering an extraordinary blend of majestic scenery, abundant wildlife and cultural resources that bring to life the history of the 19th century western frontier.

Friday Harbor, Wash.--This small, well-preserved community in the San Juan Island chain is one square mile of perfection—an antidote to city life, ideal for outdoor adventurers, wildlife enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Portland, Ore.--Boasting both the charm of a small town community and the urban vitality of a big city, Portland, Oregon is a dynamic destination that offers an alluring mix of natural beauty, lively downtown entertainment and landmark historic attractions.

Portsmouth, N.H.--This elegant seaport, the third oldest city in the nation, is one of the most culturally rich destinations in the country with its captivating blend of coastal beauty, historic buildings and lively downtown.

Red Wing, Minn.--Conveniently located one hour south of the Twin Cities, this handsome historic town features a treasure trove of architectural gems dating back to its beginnings as a riverfront trade point as well as an enviable natural environment.

Ste. Genevieve, Mo.--One hour south of St. Louis, Ste. Genevieve is the only French colonial village remaining in the United States, providing an unparalleled glimpse into the pioneer spirit of the early settlers.

San Juan Bautista, Calif.--Known as the City of History because of its exceptional collection of Spanish colonial architecture, San Juan Bautista showcases Old California like no other.

Wilmington, N.C.--From riverboats to battleships, grand old mansions to historic museums, splendid gardens to Civil War sites--Wilmington, North Carolina has a charm and style all its own that dates back nearly three centuries.

22 March, 2008 , Jackson, Kent. — BREATHITT COUNTY MUSEUM The Breathitt County Museum is seeking to raise several hundred thousand dollars to complete renovation of the old county jail to provide more museum space and serve as a welcome center.

"We've been working for about a year on renovations to the jail," said museum director Janie Griffith. "We need $300,000 to $400,000 to finish the project." The jail was constructed in the 1930s by the federal Works Projects Administration.

The museum, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of the rich Appalachian heritage of Breathitt County, is a virtual storehouse of historical treasures relating to the history of Eastern Kentucky, said Griffith. It needs more space to accommodate its growing collection of exhibits and artifacts.

The museum also has a temporary gallery for the display of works done by local artists and crafts people. Traveling exhibits are also occasionally displayed in this area.

The temporary gallery now houses a traveling exhibit devoted to the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial, Griffith said.

The museum, located at 329 Broadway Street in downtown Jackson, is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Groups can also arrange in advance for tours on other days, Griffith said.

For more information call 606-666-4159 or visit the museum's website at: http://www.breathittmuseum.com/

17 March, 2008 , Detroit, Mich. — SPRING 2008 AMERICAN ROAD TRIP SWEEPSTAKES American Road Magazine is pleased to announce the Spring 2008 American Road Trip Sweepstakes, sponsored by the South Carolina Heritage Corridor.

Discover South Carolina's Military Heritage and the National Heritage Corridor by registering to win the American Road Trip Sweepstakes! This prize package is valued at over $500. Package includes:

-One night stay at the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina - http://www.charlestonharborresort.com/
-Lunch for 2 at The Blarney Stone in Downtown Walterboro as you stroll the quaint Antique Store filled streets and stop by the SC Artisans Center.
-Dinner for 2 at Bocci's located in Historic Downtown Charleston. http://www.boccis.com/cms_pages/
-2 passes to The Hunley Museum, North Charleston. http://www.hunley.org/
-2 admissions to Charles Towne Landing Historic Site, America's Birthplace. http://www.charlestowne.org/visitus.shtml
-2 Passes to the South Carolina Aquarium. http://www.scaquarium.org/
-2 passes to Fort Moultrie. http://www.nps.gov/fosu/historyculture/fort_moultrie.htm
-2 passes to Fort Sumter. Don't miss the feature editorial about Fort Sumter in the Spring 08 issue of American Road magazine!) http://www.nps.gov/fosu/

With so much to do, the winner will want to extend their stay in Charleston!

You, too, could be a winner of an American Road Trip Sweepstakes! There is no purchase necessary to enter the 2008 American Road Trip Sweepstakes, and anyone who subscribes to American Road Magazine between March 15, 2008 and May 15, 2008 will automatically be entered in the upcoming drawing. Contest entry rules are provided at americanroadmagazine.com/sweepstakes/sweepstakes.html

Take a break from doing taxes, rev up your engines, and crank up the tunes. And get ready to hit the American Road!

26 February, 2008 , Milan, Italy — MUSSONLINI'S GAS PUMP FOR SALE American Road magazine recently received news from Route Nostalgie, a magazine about historic highways based in Paris, that the world-renown Fisogni Museum is for sale.

The Fisogni Museum, recognized by the Guiness Book of World Records in 2000, is dedicated to the history and development of filling stations. The museum launched in 1966 by Guido Fisogni. Fisgoni set up his own service station construction business, in the same year.

The Fisogni Museum is located in the old town of Palazzolo Milanese, north of Milan. There, more than eight thousand artifacts are housed, dating from the beginning of the last century. Items include: - two hundred petrol pumps - two thousand oil cans - a wide variety of tools - two thousand five hundred oil changers, fire extinguishers, lubricators and compressors - An enormous number of accessories, gadgets and toys carrying registered trademarks of petroleum companies.

Perhaps the most notable artifact in the museum's collection is the petrol pump that operated in the 30's in Villa Torlonia, the Rome residence of Mussolini, the Italian dictator.

Fisgoni is currently considering bids for the entire collection. Should you be interested in this opportunity, please contact the Milan-based consulting company which is presently assisting Mr. Fisogni: Business Change Consulting e-mail: sbrodas@tin.it Contact person: F.Cosulich Tel. 39-349-6261976

18 February, 2008 , — ROCKIN' DOWN THE HIGHWAY - reviewed by Denny Gibson The Cars and People That Made Rock Roll (Hardcover) by Paul Grushkin

Rock 'n' roll has been connected to the automobile from Day One. The first official rock 'n' roll recording was, at least on the surface, about a car, the Oldsmobile Rocket 88. Rock 'n' roll music and automobiles, especially fast flashy automobiles, have had some great times together. In Rockin' Down the Highway Paul Grushkin documents those times. The book is a series of essays that could stand alone but which fit together like Beach Boy harmonies. Photos and drawings are rich with detail and warrant as much attention as the text does. Some images are familiar but there are many that you won't see anywhere else.

The first chapter, titled Rocket 88: The First Generation, tells about the earliest days of rock 'n' roll alongside the early days of hot rodding. From that I figured the rest of the book would be divided into neat slices bounded by dates. Not so. In fact, I'm not sure how Grushkin came up with his set of eight but it works. Each succeeding chapter, like the essays within it, could stand-alone, yet each fits wonderfully into the whole.

Tales like the morphing of Hot Rod Race into Hot Rod Lincoln make up the Race with the Devil chapter and somehow the airbrush duel between T-shirt artists Ed Big Daddy Roth and Stanley Mouse fits in there, too. Neil Young's hearse, the Monkeemobile, and the Little Old Lady from Pasadena are just some of the to be found in the chapter entitled I Love L.A. Radar Love puts musicians and music, remember dash mounted phonographs and 8 tracks, on the road. Grushkin labels the remaining chapters A Day in the Life, Detroit City, Road Runner, and Rock Dreams and fills them with, and this is a tiny sample, stuff like a party in Sweden, the Heavy Rebel Weekender, Snoop Dogg's Snoop Deville, Ken Kesey's Further bus, a pink Cadillac and a Little Red Corvette, plus a few 396s, 409s, 413s, and 426s. Grushkin uses details and pictures grouped under diverse chapter headings to build a fascinating machine of a book.

2 February, 2008 , New York — The Old Portage Trail The article, MOONSHINE, in AMERICAN ROAD's Winter 2007 issue examines present-day tourist attractions with historical roots steeped in illegal liquor. The tour includes George Washington's distillery in Virginia, Thunder Road in Knoxville, Kentucky, and Rip's Rock In Pallenville, New York.

Here's an interesting juxtaposition, the Temperance movement began in Fredonia, New York, in the middle of what is now the largest Concord grape growing region in the world (known as the Concord Grape Belt). In nearby Westfield, about 20 minutes south, Dr. Thomas Welch sought the Concord grape to make an unfermented sacrificial wine for communion.

Travelers to the Concord Grape Belt today may travel along the Old Portage Trail running between Westfield and Mayville, New York. This path was followed for many years by those shipping goods between the Great Lakes and the Midwest. Learn more about the history at http://www.concordgrapebelt.org/tourism.php.

20 January, 2008 , Atlanta, Ga. & Knoxville, Tenn. — Roadside Medical and Pilot Travel Centers Open First Medical Clinic Roadside Medical Labs and Clinics (www.roadsidemed.com) and Pilot Travel Centers (www.pilottravelcenters.com), the nation's largest operator of travel centers, announce the opening of their first medical clinic in Cartersville, Ga.. The companies have teamed up to create a coast-to-coast network of retail medical clinics to address the health risks faced by over-the-road drivers. In addition to the management of the medical clinics, Roadside Medical will also offer the industry's most innovative driver wellness program designed to travel with drivers working within their schedule.

The new Roadside Medical Lab and Clinic is located at 968 Cassville-White Road, Cartersville, GA 30120 conveniently along I-75 at the Pilot Travel Center. Roadside Medical Lab and Clinic requires no appointment and anyone can receive medical care 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The driver wellness program is available to drivers upon visiting the Roadside Medical Lab and Clinic, calling 602-692-2734 or requesting information on www.roadsidemed.com.

"Roadside Medical is different than any other medical resource available to drivers today," says Joe Neely, chief executive officer of Roadside Medical Clinics. "We provide drivers with not only the medical assistance through our clinics to help with their existing health concerns, but also make it easy for them to integrate practical health care solutions into their schedules with healthcare coaching, trucker tips and exercises they can do in and around their rig to keep them on a better road to health."

Even though this program was designed for the professional trucker, other travelers will certainly benefit.

3 January, 2008 , — Travels with Fido The holidays are over. In addition to making New Year's resolutions and gathering financial statements to prepare tax returns, many folks are making travel plans for 2008. Vacation requests must be submitted to employers to prevent scheduling chaos.

While planning these family outings, chances are, not many people check the animal regulations in the states through which the family will journey in 2008.

If you plan to travel with your family's four-legged friend, it is prudent to learn which restrictions and/or regulations apply to pets and their owners. State laws differ. Arizona, for example, requires that travelers with a dog carry an original health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian within 30 days prior to entry. Photocopies of health certificates must have an original veterinarian signature. The health certificate must document that the animal is currently vaccinated against rabies, according to the requirements of the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians Compendium of Animal Rabies Control. Connecticut requires a health certificate with specific language and only allows visiting pets to stay in Connecticut for 30 days without additional compliances.

Visit the US State and Territory Animal Import Regulations web page maintained by the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA, APHIS) Veterinary Services. The site, http://www.aphis.usda.gov:80/vs/sregs/, has links to regulations on interstate movement of animals. They also offer an up-to-date Voice Response Service. Using a touch tone phone, call 800/545-USDA (8732), then press 2 for state regulations.

You will be prompted to select the two-letter postal code of the state for which you are requesting information. Postal abbreviations are available at: http://www.usps.com/ncsc/lookups/abbreviations.html#states

Anyone planning a trip to or from Canada with Fido should visit http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/animae.shtml.

26 December, 2007 , Indianapolis, Ind. — "Go Week" Speed to the Indiana State Museum before one of the year's most popular exhibits with kids and adults races out of Indianapolis. It's a great cure for cabin fever.

"SPEED," developed by COSI Columbus with support from the National Science Foundation and in cooperation with the Science Museum Exhibit Collaborative, is one hands-on interactive experience after another that explores the science behind the forces of stop and go. The exhibit ends Jan. 21, 2008.

In addition to the activities in the exhibit, a visit during "Go! Week" (now through January 6) offers these outlets for pent-up energy:

Funky Friction and Cotton-ball Catapult: Try two experiments: How far do you think you can catapult a cotton ball? It all depends on what you do with it! And how can you use speed to create sound? Find out with friction.

World Champion Yo-yoer: If you think walking the dog is a great yo-yo trick, you've got to see Noel Kunz perform. Kunz, who placed second in last year's state championships and 77th in the World Yo-Yo contest, uses today's technologically advanced yo-yos to make them appear to leave his hands altogether and become hopelessly entangled without missing a beat in his fast-paced demonstrations. He'll perform Dec. 28.

NASCAR Race Car: Of course, "SPEED" wouldn't be complete without a race car. On Dec. 29 and 30, Jasper Engines & Transmissions will bring the Jasper NASCAR car to the museum. Come drive a simulated race car and climb aboard a motor trike.

Record-breaking Pinewood Derby: Remember your (or your brother's) pinewood derby days? The pinewood derby was all about speed, so we're capping off this exhibit with an attempt to set some records.

Racers of all ages can join in as the Indiana State Museum, Boy Scouts of America Crossroads of America Council, Ratio Architects Inc. and F.A. Wilhelm Construction Company Inc. try to set records for the tallest, longest and fastest pinewood derby track in the 55-year history of the competition, according to Boy Scouts of America's national headquarters. Pinewood derby track record-setting attempts take place Saturday, Jan. 5, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and, Sunday, Jan. 6, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Anyone may enter with an eligible pinewood derby car. Visitors can also borrow one at the event. This event is free and open to the public.

More information may be found at indianamuseum.org/speed or call 317-232-1637.

16 December, 2007 , San Bernardino, Calif. — Hall of Fame Nominations Submit your Entries for the 2008 Cruisin' Hall of Fame.

Nomination forms are available for the 19th annual Stater Bros. Route 66 Rendezvous Cruisin' Hall of Fame in San Bernardino, Calif. The public may submit entries for individuals and/or entities who made a significant impact on the automotive cruisin' era, generated national recognition and demonstrated community goodwill.

The nominee must fit into one of the following categories: Legendary builder and/or designer; Automotive manufacturer or specific vehicle; Entertainer/Media and Historic; or Miscellaneous.

The nomination deadline is scheduled for Thursday, January 31, 2008. Nomination forms are available online at www.route-66.org or at the San Bernardino Convention & Visitors Bureau at the California Welcome Center located at 1955 Hunts Lane, Suite 102, San Bernardino, Calif.

16 December, 2007 , Cleveland, Ohio — "A Christmas Story" A 1938 Oldsmobile Model Six, restored by Motorcar Portfolio, was used in a street scene in the 1983 movie "A Christmas Story." Until recently, the auto sat in the Motorcar Portfolio showroom in Canton, Ohio.

Visitors to the "Christmas Story House" in Cleveland will now be able to see this classic ride up close and personal. For hours of operation and more information visit http://achristmasstoryhouse.com/.

*Motorcar Portfolio's President is none other than Bob Lichty, former president of the Lincoln Highway Association and a board member of the American Road Foundation.

30 November, 2007 , San Antonio, Calif. — San Antonio Winery Turns 90 San Antonio celebrated it's 90th Anniversary this year. San Antonio, Los Angeles’ only working winery, has been owned and operated by the Riboli family for four generations. In fact, three of them remain highly active in the business today, including Stefano and Maddelena Riboli, who are in their 80s but continue to be a dynamic presence on a daily basis. San Antonio Winery was founded by Santo Cambianica, who in 1917 left his home in the Northern Italian province of Lombardy to settle in Los Angeles’ thriving Italian-American enclave. Naming it for his patron saint, Cambianica founded San Antonio when more than 90 wineries thrived amid the hundreds of acres of vineyards in what is now downtown Los Angeles. Most were shuttered by Prohibition, but San Antonio acquired an exclusion to provide sacramental wines for Catholic masses, a tradition it carries on today. The winery remains in its original location on Lamar Street, in what is now Downtown L.A.’s emerging River District. A designated historical landmark since 1965, San Antonio Winery is Los Angeles’ only working winery, with the atmosphere of a European wine estate and a welcome as warm as the sun-baked hills of Tuscany. Its premium quality wines come from grapes grown the family’s vineyards in Monterey, Santa Barbara and Napa Counties, and have won more than 1,000 awards in national and international competitions.

20 November, 2007 , — THANKSGIVING DINING ON THE ROAD If your plans for Thanksgiving include traveling on Thanksgiving Day (or just a desire to skip the cooking and cleanup!) you don't need to miss the big turkey dinner. Our editor's found some historic restaurants serving the holiday dinner in style. Most facilities recommend calling for reservations. !) Poogan's Porch, in Charleston, South Carolina opened in 1976. Since then, this historic restaurant on "Rainbow Row," (a neighborhood boasting a collection of colorful antebellum mansions) has been a regular hot spot for locals because of the food, the service, and the atmosphere. Open 365 days a year they serve Lowcountry breakfasts and dinners. http://www.poogansporch.com/ 2) Spend a historic Thanksgiving at Fraunces Tavern in New York City. Established in 1785, Fraunces Tavern was a favorite of founding father George Washington. The menu is a traditional dinner including your choice of turkey, fish, or pasta for the main course for $60 prix fixe. http://www.frauncestavern.com/index2.htm 3) The Grand Concourse, in Pittsburgh, offers the unique experience of dining in a restored train station. The Grand Concourse hosts one of Pittsburgh's most popular Thanksgiving buffets, featuring turkey, glazed ham, prime rib, baked cod.Price: $24.95 adults; children under 12, $16.95. www.stationsquare.com/grandconcourse/ 4) Denver boasts the Ship Tavern at the Brown Palace— an historic hotel that opened in 1934 after prohibition was repealed—serving casual fare ever since. http://www.brownpalace.com/dining/ships_tavern.cfm 5) For a different experience, in Tennessee, all eight Tennessee state parks will serve Thanksgiving Day dinner from 11 a.m. until closing. Park restaurants include: Cumberland Mountain SP (931) 484-7186; David Crockett SP (Lawrenceburg) (931) 762-9541; Fall Creek Falls SP (423) 881-5241; Henry Horton SP (931) 364-2222; Montgomery Bell SP (615) 797-3101; Natchez Trace SP (731) 968-8176; Paris Landing SP (731) 642-4311. 6) A dining experience with spectacular scenery awaits those traveling through Moab, Utah. The Red Cliffs Lodge is located at milepost 14 off Highway 128. Dozens of movies and hundreds of commercials filmed at or near the ranch over the years. From John Wayne to Susan Sarandon, the Red Rock canyons have a well-established role in America's film history. http://redcliffslodge.com/restaurant/

5 November, 2007 , — TRAVEL SAFELY WITH YOUR FURRY FRIEND THIS WINTER For many, our furry friends are family and travel with us during vacations and trips home for the holidays. We've compiled a short list - based on a review of articles from American Humane Society - that provides you with some tips to avoid accident, injury, and even possible loss of your four-legged companion. Additional information and recommendations are available in the full articles. We urge you to review these documents as you make your travel plans. 1) Drive. Buses and trains currently do not permit pets. Our research dug up one company that organizes tours for people and their dogs - Rovin' with Rover, based out of Ohio. 2) If you must fly, find out if you can take your pet on board with you (there may be a fee). If you cannot carry your pet with you it is best to leave them at home with a pet sitter or to board them at a kennel. According to the Humane Society of the United States, pets have been lost, injured, and even killed traveling in airplane cargo holds. Holiday air travel is even more chaotic and poses higher risks to pets. Visit this link for more information and advice: http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/caring_for_pets_when_you_travel/traveling_by_air_with_pets/ 3) Talk with your vet to determine if it is appropriate for your pet to travel, some creatures are not suited to travel because of temperament, illness, etc. Also, depending upon your plans, your pet may face risks that require vaccinations before departure or that you might want to avoid altogether. If you decide to to hire a pet sitter, review the recommendations by the Humane Society of the United States before proceeding: http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/choosing_a_pet_sitter/ The Humane Society also provides advice for choosing a kennel: http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/choosing_a_boarding_kennel.html

27 October, 2007 , Cuba, Mo. — TWELVE OUTDOOR MURALS ALONG THE RT. 66 CORRIDOR Cuba, MO has been designated "Rt. 66 Mural City" because of its 12 outdoor murals. Travelers can pick up a brochure for a self-guided tour of the murals from the Visitor Center or area restaurants. Each mural has a story. For photos and information visit crawfordco.com/murals. Cuba welcomes travelers who would like to stop, stroll the historic district, and view the murals. There is also a history museum in the historic district and a variety of restauants in town. WiFi is available at the Visitor Center and other sites in town.

24 October, 2007 , — GHOST WALKS Since Halloween is around the corner, our editors found a few events that would allow you to travel with the paranormal. Bannack, Montana (Oct. 26-27, 2007) www.experiencegoldwest.com/listings/11919.htm The well preserved ghost town, which was the first capital of Montana, holds many spooky tales from the rawhide west. Ghosts of Henry Plummer, Chief Snag and other notorious historic characters come alive for this interpretive stroll through downtown Bannack. Ghost Walk & Cemetery Tours Cripple Creek (Colorado) (843) 853-2266 Take a journey into Charles Towne's haunted past. Stroll through 18th and 19th century neighborhoods of the historic district. Stories and legend of the unusual and supernatural are combined with the fun and fascinating history of our Charles Towne. Ghost Tours of Newport, RI Newport, Rhode Island Toll Free: 1-866-33GHOST Take a lantern-led evening stroll down historic Newport, Rhode Island 's shadowy lanes and discover the ghosts, ghouls, and legends of the haunted city by the sea. Discover the dark tales of New England's past as you walk among the shadowy graves of Newport 's own common burying ground. A Ghostly Experience Walking Tour St. Augustine, Florida These tours are based on local stories researched through records from historical libraries, church documents, personal diaries and personal interview. Tours are held every night of the year, including all holidays. Staff report that no special effects are used. They say, if you see something unusual during the tour, it's real! http://www.aghostlyexperience.com/about.html Historic Indiana Ghost Walks and Tours http://www.unseenpress.com/desc.htm Multiple locations throughout Indiana One tour explores the Theatre District in Indianapolis Downtown: industry meets society in this spine tingling look at one of the most interesting areas of Indianapolis. Learn of Dr. Helene Knabe, Lady Bettina, Cockroach Row and Jolly Werner, all of which lead to mayhem and eternal life on earth after death. Appalachian GhostWalks http://www.appalachianghostwalks.com/ Explore the mysteries of mountain heritage. Travel back in time to visit and learn about the "People Of The Past". Stroll down Main Street in each of Haunted and Historic Appalachia's oldest towns.

6 October, 2007 , — 10 MOST AWESOME AUTUMN DRIVES If you are one of the thousands of people who enjoy all the splendors of traveling during the Autumn season this article is for you. Forbes Traveler recently spoke with road trip experts, including Thomas Repp, American Road® magazine's Executive Editor, about Autumn must-do drives. You will find the article and a road trip slide show at: http://www.forbestraveler.com/luxury/americas-best-fall-drives-story.html.

1 October, 2007 , HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — HALLOWEEN HAUNTS FOR YOUNG AND OLD Ghosts, witches, and costumes galore...haunted houses, mazes, and so much more. Charlotte's primed and ready to give residents and visitors alike a happy Halloween. Just make sure you head to these local haunts before trick or treating. Open each weekend this month, everyone will be dying to get in Scarowinds' Halloween Haunt. With six terrifying mazes and over 300 ghouls, goblins, and creepy creatures, you'll be screaming for more...or less. Blame Children of the Corn or even Stephen King, but there's always something slightly spooky about a giant field of corn. All month long at the Amazing Maize Maze at Rural Hill Farm in Huntersville, visitors can solve the clues that will navigate them through seven acres of stalks.

30 September, 2007 , ORTONVILLE, Mich. — "OUR WEENIES NEVER FALL OFF!" by Ariele Huff It happens to us on every trip. We pull up the car or RV at a spectacular or cozy spot, our cooler packed with goodies to BBQ over an open fire, and, you guessed, it's either a rusty grill or an open pit. Scrubbing off the rusty ones is a no win proposition, so I end up lining them with foil, which burns and sticks to food. With the open pit, we often sigh and give up--or try substituting some precious but fragile cooling rack. Goodbye cooling rack! Perfect Campfire Grill to the rescue with three graded sizes of easily cleaned heavy-gauge steel grills that can be suspended over outdoor fires and fire pits. With their raised edges, the grills keep even hotdogs and corn from rolling into the coals. We take the large size (18 inch diameter) when we go to family reunions. It holds twenty chicken thighs, burgers, or skewers and even more hotdogs. The RV is always stocked with the next size down (12 by 18 inches), and the 10 by 12 inch grill stores easily in the car trunk for those eating emergencies. The large rack comes with stakes to hold it above a fire pit, while the mid-range has slanted legs, and the small size comes with stakes and a charcoal pan, allowing us to grill anywhere. All the grills can adjust to different heights above the fire and come with accessories like hot pads, totes, and mitts. Call The Perfect Campfire Grill folks at 248-627-1172 or visit their site at www.campfiregrill.com. They'll fill you in on how they came up with their slogan, “Our Weenies Never Fall Off!

24 September, 2007 , — VIVEE One in Five People Risk Their Life to Text While Driving Breakthrough technology reads messages to you, puts brakes on danger Years ago, no one would have ever thought to do something as dangerous as read or type a business letter while driving. Nowadays, it's standard operating procedure for millions of Americans. So hooked on staying connected, many people can't ignore their Blackberry's while driving, even though they know it's dangerous-- an alarming trend. A recent survey by Nationwide Insurance found that one in five people text while driving. The numbers jump to one in three among 18-34 year olds. Perhaps even more disturbing, insurers predict this trend will only increase as more and more people get access to mobile devices with messaging technologies. The consequences of reading email while driving can be horrific. That's what led USTelematics, Inc. to focus on creating technology to keep drivers connected to their messages and their steering wheel. The result: Vivee, short for Voice Interactive Voice Enhanced Email. Vivee is an amazing new service that reads your email or text to you. That's right, Vivee actually talks; a little animated character appears on the screen of your device and appears to speak incoming messages to you. Your hands stay on the wheel and your eyes stay on the road, where they belong. "Safety should be our primary concern when driving--that's what makes Vivee such a remarkable and timely development," says Charlene Montalbano, Product Manager of USTelematics, Inc. Insurance studies show that distracted drivers cause 80% of all traffic crashes, so several states already have laws banning the use of handheld cell phones while driving. Now, lawmakers are becoming more precise and targeted in the approach to eliminating driver distractions for drivers by considering laws that specifically ban text messaging and reading email while driving. Vivee will not only keep your focus safely on the road, ultimately, it may help you avoid a ticket. When you have incoming emails or texts, Vivee alerts you so that you can listen to your messages instead of trying to read them. Vivee connects to the internet through the Verizon Wireless EVDO high speed network. When Vivee is fully installed in any compatible device it also brings full wireless internet connectivity with it, at speeds on par with many DSL services. In its first release, Vivee is compatible with all current windows operating systems and the smart phone. US Telematics plans to release adapting software for the Apple IPhone and an IPhone compatible version of Vivee. Another option for business and recreational travelers alike is Vivee2go, a portable multimedia device about the size of two decks of playing cards. Vivee2go is particularly attractive to families on the go because it can be linked to Web-augmented GPS navigation and play music and movies-- all in one convenient, compact device. While Vivee has broad appeal to just about anyone who wants to drive safely yet still receive emails, Montalbano says another practical benefit is for individuals with vision problems. "We are excited about the adaptive possibilities Vivee offers," says Montalbano. Vivee speaks and reads messages. This will level the playing field in business and education for those with vision disabilities. The ability to receive emails and texts without human assistance may change the lives of many people.

18 September, 2007 , BOISE, Idaho — GOOD NEWS FOR PET PARENTS NAPPS ,The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (www.petsitters.org) announced today the launch of a nationwide campaign aimed at making the pet sitting industry better known to the 157 million pet owners throughout America. The initiative is called the NAPPS Community Awareness Program (CAP) and it's primary mission will be to introduce to the general public, through all available media, the benefits of utilizing a trained and professional pet sitter to care for family pets while pet owners have to be away on trips,or family emergencies. available. Also,it is common knowledge in the pet care industry that utilizing a professional pet sitter is far superior to boarding where pets are exposed daily to many sicknesses and diseases that they might contract from other animals sharing the boarding facilities.Often when boarded, our pets hear unfamiliar noises around them including other pets in pain and the stress of not seeing their owners or family members creates measurable stress on the family pet. Pet Sitters are particularly important when you need your pets cared for in your home in the event that illness or injury occurs and the pet owner is unable to provide daily care for the animals. NAPPS since 1989 has been the leading innovator in the field of training professional pet sitters and continues to lead the nation in both the availability and training of its thousands of pet sitting members. According to research pet families are doing more to care for their pets. In the United States 71% of households have pets and 37% of pet owners consider their pets important family members. Spending on pets has more than doubled from $17 billion in 1994 to over $40 billion in 2006, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA). Over $10 billion of that amount was spent on health care and boarding of those pets.Pet sitting is the superior alternative to kenneling or boarding if just to reduce pet stress say industry experts. According to Felicia Lembesis, Executive Director of NAPPS, "Over the next 12 months NAPPS is committed to expanding the number of professional pet sitting businesses in America's communities to better serve the 150 million pet owners in the country. Our mission is to provide education and tools to increase professionalism as well as other NAPPS resources to new and existing NAPPS members. We value highly the reputation of NAPPS members to provide superb pet sitting services in their local community as well as fostering a strong network of pet owners and referrals who know that, with a NAPPS member they get the best trained pet sitter available." In addition to several well known partners NAPPS has joined with Pets Best Pet Insurance LLC (www.petsbest.com) of Boise ID to provide pet owners the newest generation of superior pet health insurance programs designed to fit any budget. Both NAPPS and Pets Best will combine resources to move the CAP program forward aggressively during 2007-2008.

8 September, 2007 , TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — LEAF-PEEPER, by Mike Norton For generations, veteran "leaf-peepers" have made the Traverse Bay area the base of operations for their annual fall color pilgrimage. One of the best places to enjoy the interplay between water, sky and foliage is the Old Mission Peninsula, which juts bravely into Grand Traverse Bay--nearly 20 miles long and in some places as little as a mile wide. A beautiful patchwork of orchards, vineyards, forests and villages, it's the perfect place for a morning or afternoon drive that combines fall color with beautiful views of the bay, visits to wineries and roadside fruit stands, and unforgettable meals at several charming restaurants. The most spectacular views along the peninsula are generally to be had along M-37 (Center Road), which runs along the steep ridge at its center, through the charming hamlet of Mapleton to the picturesque lighthouse at Old Mission Point. But it's just as lovely to amble along the roads that follow the shoreline on either side, stopping to visit the historic village of Old Mission and the quiet settlement of Bowers Harbor. Northwest of Traverse City is the much larger Leelanau Peninsula, the "little finger" of the Michigan mitten--a place of beautiful scenery, quaint lakeshore villages and fascinating history, and home to the magnificent Sleeping Bear Dunes. The coastal fringes of this remarkable area can be sampled easily along M-22, which follows the shore of Grand Traverse Bay to Northport, then turns abruptly southwest to skirt the coast of Lake Michigan through Leland, Glen Arbor and the Sleeping Bear Dunes. (Here, a must-do is the side jaunt on M-109 past the ghost port of Glen Haven and the famous Dune Climb to the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive (permit required) which offers splendid views of the surrounding lake and dune country.) Still, when it comes to fall colors, the peninsula's hilly interior often provides a more brilliant show than the coastlands. Here, along the slopes above Lake Leelanau and the two Glen lakes, are farmlands, woods, vineyards and small towns that still retain traces of their Polish and Bohemian founders. Some of the same feeling can be had just to the northeast of Traverse City, in the glacier-scoured Chain of Lakes region of Antrim County. This is a dramatic landscape of rolling drumlins and long, deep blue glacial lakes. Two of the largest, Elk Lake and Torch Lake, are particularly beautiful when the hills in which they nestle are aflame with fall colors. Nearby is the steep valley of the little Rapid River, whose forested slopes look as though they could have been transported from the Appalachians. A good introduction to this region can be had by following US 31 north from Traverse City, past orchards and farms along the shore of East Grand Traverse Bay to the lively little port of Elk Rapids. From here, it's possible to drive east between the lakes and into the hills above them, where the autumn views of distant blue hills evoke fall in the lochs of Scotland. The tiny village of Alden, on Torch Lake, makes a great stop for lunch and some shopping, while the summit of Shanty Creek near Bellaire provides awe-inspiring views of the surrounding countryside. The highlands to the south of Traverse City are dotted with dozens of small lakes, sturdy farm towns and dense forests of evergreens and hardwoods - as well as the majestic Boardman Valley. Much of this intensely varied landscape is contained in the Pere Marquette State Forest, and it is best explored by heading out into the maze of twisting roads that wind through the forests, around lakes and along the tops of high wooded bluffs. One place to start is by circling Long Lake, whose islands and coves provide a pleasant fall backdrop for a drive to the village of Interlochen, home to the renowned Interlochen Center for the Arts. From here, it's an uncomplicated trip east through rolling farmlands to Kingsley and the even smaller hamlet of Mayfield on the Boardman River, where a traveler must choose whether to follow the river valley (which broadens dramatically just beyond this point) or ascend the steep bluffs above the river to the Forest Lakes region. Of course, one can always do both! WHAT ELSE TO DO: You can cover a lot of ground by driving through the fall landscape - but to experience the full sensory richness of autumn, you have to get out and listen to the crunch of leaves, smell the spicy aroma of apples and woodsmoke, breathe the crisp autumn air. Fortunately, Traverse City has dozens of hiking trails. Another great way to see the autumn foliage is to paddle a canoe or kayak down one of the area's gentle, slow-moving rivers. WHEN TO COME: Thanks to its coastal location and diverse landscape, the fall color season around Traverse City usually lasts a bit longer than in neighboring areas. Color changes usually begin in mid-September in the higher elevations south and east of Grand Traverse Bay, especially the steep inland valleys of the Boardman, Jordan and Manistee rivers. By the end of the month, when those areas are experiencing peak colors, the coastal forests along the Lake Michigan shoreline and the larger inshore lakes are just beginning to show good coloration and can often continue to grow in intensity well into October. The Traverse City Convention & Visitors Bureau publishes a full-color brochure highlighting its recommended color tours and maintains a Fall Color Hotline at 1-800-727-5482 where visitors can find out about the progress of the color season. For information about color tours and other events and activities in the Traverse City area this fall, as well as a comprehensive listing of area restaurants, accommodations and attractions, contact the Traverse City Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-TRAVERSE or on line at www.VisitTraverseCity.com

29 August, 2007 , SANTA FE, N. MEX. — GREAT SANTA FE HORSE RACE The Ride of a Lifetime Up to 100 teams of horseback riders are expected to take part in the first annual Great Santa Fe Trail Horse Race Endurance Ride this September. The race will follow, as closely as possible, the route of the Santa Fe Trail, America's first commercial highway running from Franklin, Missouri to Santa Fe from 1821 to 1880. The race begins on September 3 just outside Santa Fe, New Mexico and will end 13 days later just east of the Kansas border in Missouri; a riding distance of over 500 miles and a total distance of more than 800 miles. Each riding day will be 50 or 55 miles in length. There will be several rest days along the route when teams will move to new locations but without any riding being done. * Three types of teams will compete: The type 1 teams have one rider who rides one horse or a number of different horses throughout the event but can only ride one horse per day/leg. Type 2 teams have different riders for each day/leg, although the same rider and horse complete an entire day/leg, and a number of horses over the ride may be used. The Super Teams (limited to 10 teams) can have up to 4 riders and 4 horses compete in each leg of the race (this does not take into consideration the conserving of horses for future legs of the race). * Along the race route where the riders stop a Race Village will be established, made up of local merchants, vendors, support services, and various race sponsors. The Race Villages are intended to give local horse enthusiasts and spectators a chance to learn more about the Santa Fe Trail, find out about endurance horse racing, and see the racers, both human and equine, up close in a festive atmosphere. * As the namesake and western terminus of the trail, Santa Fe will host the teams and race organizers beginning September 1, 2007 at the first Race Village. All 100 teams will gather at the Santa Fe Downs just south of the city to prepare for the start from Lamy, N.M. just outside of Santa Fe. The race will remain in New Mexico for 3 days of riding and 3 nights before moving into Kansas. * The race itself is sanctioned by the American Endurance Ride Conference and all horses will be under veterinary supervision and care along the entire length of the route. For more information contact Race Organizer, Rob Phillips, 785-218-3265, sfthorserace@aol.com, www.sfthorserace.com. For a complete list of events check the Santa Fe Convention & Visitors Bureau's web site at http://www.santafe.org or contact the bureau for a free Santa Fe Visitors Guide, 800-777-2489.

24 August, 2007 , HICKORY CORNERS, MICH. — GILMORE CAR MUSEUM RECEIVES AUTOMOTIVE LITERATURE COLLECTION When the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners, MI announced to its membership in early 2006 that it would be creating a research library, the response was positive. The Museum had an impressive collection of automotive archives, photos, documents, shop manuals, and magazines that it hoped to make available to hobbyists. Soon volunteers stepped forward to sort and index the materials, and donations of file cabinets, office furniture, and more literature-by the single piece and by the pickup truckload-began to arrive. Then in early 2007, the Museum received word that it would be receiving a "substantial" collection to add to its newly created research library. The timing couldn't have been better: the Museum, known for its historic buildings as well as its world class collection of cars, had just completed renovations on a persevered 1880s Michigan barn. Just how substantial the addition would be wasn't immediately clear, that is, until the Chuck Jensen Literature Collection arrived from Joliet, IL, consisting of nearly 22,000 individual pieces. The collection dates from the late 1890s and continues through the 1970s, and includes original automotive sales brochures and ads in pristine condition. Richard Bowman, the Museum's Director of Library Services, says that the Jensen Collection easily tripled the Library's initial holdings. Chuck Jensen was very involved with the antique car hobby but never owned antique cars himself. He did, however, keep the literature on every car he had ever purchased, including material on the 1967 Plymouth Fury III convertible that he and his wife Lois purchased new and later donated to the Walter P. Chrysler Museum in Auburn Hills, MI. Inquisitive and fascinated with early automotive history, Jensen was often called upon by local groups to speak on the topic yet his entry in the hobby was somewhat more accidental. Over the years, the Jensen's had purchased many automobiles from the same local dealer and in 1977 the topic of automotive literature came up. Much like Chuck Jensen, this dealer had saved copies of advertising material for every car he had ever offered for sale. That collection-dating back into the 1920s-soon became part of the Jensen collection. From there, the Jensens began to seek out ads and brochures for some of the earliest and most obscure automotive marques. Today, the Jensen Collection includes rare examples from autos such as Ruxton, Apperson, and Mobile Steamer. Bowman points out that the ads and sales materials now in the Gilmore Car Museum Collection, "provide a unique perspective of not just individual makes of automobiles, but of their presentation, marketing, and impact on society over the decades." The goal of the new non-lending research library is "to make authentic resource material available," explains Museum Director Michael Spezia, "to restorers, historians, and the public, and to utilize it in Museum exhibits." And, as they say, "success breeds success." Continued donations, such as parts books, service manuals, dealer color and upholstery albums, club publications, and magazines, have brought the Library's total holdings to well over 55,000 pieces and counting. Response to the project has been so strong and its unprecedented growth in such a short period of time has Museum officials very excited. The Gilmore Car Museum master plan, created in 2003, provides for an all-new, 38,000-square-foot Automotive Heritage Center, which will be the Museum's first point of contact with its guests. The center will house Museum offices, gift shop, meeting and banquet facilities, exhibit space, and adequate room to house the expanding Gilmore Car Museum Archives and Library, as well as library collections for other organizations. Museum Director Michael Spezia expects completion of the new facility sometime within the next two or three years. In the meantime, staff and volunteers are busy sorting and cataloging materials into a computer database, and assisting hobbyist (by appointment), while watching the collection grow before their eyes. For more information on the Gilmore Car Museum, its new library, or how you can help, please visit GilmoreCarMuseum.org or phone the Museum a 269-671-5089.

17 August, 2007 , LOS ANGELES, CALIF. — THE MUSIC BOX If you saw the film, you can't forget it. Two clumsy delivery men--one heavy-set, the other rather puny, both wearing derby hats--play Sisyphus with a piano they were hired to deliver to a house at the top of an enormous stairway. Time after time, as they struggle to lift the crate with the piano to the top of the stairs, it slides back down to the bottom--once with the big man clinging to it. The film is called The Music Box and stars the classic comedy team of Laurel & Hardy. Produced by the Hal Roach Studios, the film won the Academy Award for Best Comedy Short Subject of 1931/32. Laurel & Hardy are now long gone of course (Laurel died in 1965, Hardy in 1957), but the Music Box Steps, and the memories they carry with them, live on. Located between Vendome Street and Descanso Drive in Silver Lake, a district of Los Angeles just north of downtown, the Music Box Steps have long been a mecca for movie buffs from around the world. And since 1995, the steps have played the lead role in an annual children's film festival called Music Box Steps Day. Music Box Steps Day features free food, a raffle, live music, a magic show, Laurel & Hardy look-alikes, and the highlight: multiple screenings of the Oscar-winning film in a tent set up in the recently renamed Laurel & Hardy Park, directly across from the steps. The event is the brainchild of Vincent Brook, a nearby resident and life-long Laurel & Hardy fan. Brook is also a professor of media studies at UCLA and USC, and a board member of the Silver Lake Improvement Association (SLIA). His passion for film and community activism came together in his founding of the festival, which began with the ceremonial unveiling of a commemorative plaque at the base of the steps. A few years later, Councilmember Tom LaBonge, a loyal patron of the event, had city signs identifying the staircase installed. The festival, like the steps it honors, has attracted visitors from near and far. One year tourists from Amsterdam stopped by, and another couple came all the way from London, England, just for the event! "Music Box Steps Day is a kind of harmonic convergence," Brook says. "The site is precisely where SLIA was founded in 1989, to combat gang-related crime along this very street. Now it's a symbol of neighborhood pride as well as a celebration of Laurel & Hardy and their timeless film--both proof of the positive potential of community spirit and a reminder of this historical jewel in our midst." This year's 13th Annual Music Box Steps Day will be held Saturday, October 27, noon to 3 pm, at Laurel & Hardy Park, 900 Vendome Street, in Silver Lake. Admission for the event, sponsored by SLIA, the Silver Lake Chamber of Commerce, and Los Angeles City Council member Eric Garcetti, is free. Listen to the American Road Trip Talk: Music Box podcast at: http://www.americanroadmagazine.com/programming/programming.html For more information, email vbrook@earthlink.net.

5 August, 2007 , Las Vegas, Nev. — WILD WEST RELICS ON DISPLAY IN LAS VEGAS The Nevada State Museum in Las Vegas brings the Wild West to life with its "Havens in a Heartless World" exhibit, on display through Aug. 19, 2007. The exhibit captures the excitement of the cowboy era and presents a more accurate view of the famous, and sometimes infamous, history of the Wild West. The exhibit includes the world's oldest Tabasco bottle, circa 1870, on public display for the first time in Southern Nevada. The items in the exhibit were found when archaeologists excavated four saloons in the historic mining town of Virginia City near Reno. The exhibit also includes a wide assortment of bottles, gaming devices, plates, glasses and other objects associated with saloon life. For information on the exhibit and the museum's other attractions, visit www.nevadaculture.org.

3 August, 2007 , Detroit, Mich. — AMERICAN ROAD SWEEPSTAKES WINNER American Road Magazine is pleased to announce the winner of the June 2007 American Road Trip Sweepstakes, sponsored by the Illinois National Road Association. The June 2007 sweepstakes winner is Vickie Boackle, of Trussville, Alabama. Known as the Road That Built the Nation, the National Road began in Cumberland, Maryland and continued west to the Mississippi River. It was the first federally funded road thanks to the efforts of the Thomas Jefferson administration. The road in Illinois offers a unique blend of historic sites, fun activities, small town America, and farm country. The prize package includes accommodations for three nights for two people, special tours of historic sites including a guided boat tour of beautiful Governor Bond Lake, the Historic State House in Vandalia where Abraham Lincoln's political career began, dinner for two at Nuby's Steakhouse in Pocahontas, a popular spot in the Roaring 20s, and lunch for two at the Oatman House Tea Room in Collinsville, built by Dr. Charles Oatman, a former drummer boy in the Civil War. You, too, could be a winner of an American Road Trip Sweepstakes! Another contest is now underway. The winner (and one guest) will stay one night at the AmericInn Minocqua located on Hwy 51, downtown Minocqua (Wisconsin). Guests may enjoy nearby Lake Minocqua where individuals relax and play on the beach. The AmericInn provides complimentary breakfast and an evening beer and wine reception to guests. The elegant Norwood Pines Supper Club provides a $50 dining certificate. Fifty dollars in gasoline is included! The lucky winner will also be a guest at the Merrill Super 8 in the Special Jacuzzi Room. Gift certificates from the Merrill Chamber of Commerce and a special gift basket from Three Wishes, a family store of fine, unique home and garden decor completes the package. We invite you to experience the cultures and learn the stories found only along Wisconsin Highway 51 a great American road. There is no purchase necessary to enter the 2007 American Road Trip Sweepstakes, and anyone who subscribes to American Road Magazine between July 1, 2007 and September 30, 2007 will automatically be entered in the upcoming drawing. Contest entry rules are provided at americanroadmagazine.com/sweepstakes/sweepstakes.html While visiting the American Road magazine website to enter the new American Road Trip Sweepstakes you can also: Get road news and low-cost to no-cost travel tips from the editors of American Road Magazine. Find travel resources to plan your next vacation. Find year-round festivals and events on our online calendar. Learn valuable travel tips and get a few good laughs as you listen to the American Road podcast program. Discuss topics of particular interest to YOU in the American Road FORUM. Share thoughts, experiences, and photographs with others interested in exploring America's backyard. So grab your car keys, rev up your engines and crank up the tunes. And get ready to hit the American Road! The American Road Magazine site is designed to further build and strengthen the American Road community of travelers by offering a dynamic site with regularly updated news and events, contests, podcasting, and an interactive visitors forum. American Road Magazine is published quarterly by Mock Turtle Press of Mt. Clemens, Michigan. The Executive Editor of American Road is Thomas Repp. We are happy to arrange interviews or speaking engagements with any one of our staff of experts. If we are not able to assist you, we will do our best to refer you to another source.

1 August, 2007 , South Bend, Indiana — ROADSIDE ARCHITECTURE SURVEYORS NEEDED A roadside architecture survey training session will be held at the Lincoln Highway Association National Office in South Bend, Indiana on Saturday, September 15, 2007 at 10 a.m. Volunteers are needed to identify and record historical structures and landscapes relating to the historic Lincoln Highway across Indiana as the state prepares a byway application for the corridor. GPS training will be included in this session. Interested individuals should contact Bill Arick at 260-471-5670. Volunteer surveyors will be needed in the following Indiana counties: Porter, Lake, LaPorte, St. Joseph, Elkhart, Noble, Whitley, Starke, Kosciusko, and Allen. Surveyors will utilize existing survey data and will survey and add structures not included in original surveys. Help Indiana preserve and protect part of the nation's first coast to coast road inspired by Hoosier Carl Fisher. For more information visit: www.lincolnhighwayassoc.org

18 July, 2007 , MISSISSIPPI DELTA REGION — AMERICAN ROAD ADVERTISER CONTEST: Win a week-long trip to the Mississippi Delta! MISSISSIPPI DELTA TOURISM ASSOCIATION SPONSORS WEEK-LONG ADVENTURE IN THE DELTA Vicksburg, Miss. - Guests visiting www.visitthedelta.com - the marketing website for the Mississippi Delta Tourism Association (MDTA), currently have the opportunity to register and win a Mississippi Delta adventure featuring the entire region. The promotion will be accepting entries until August 31, and the package features giveaways such as gaming in Tunica and a night at the world-famous Alluvian Hotel in Greenwood. Other gifts include accommodations across the region, some of the Delta's best cuisine and visits to Delta attractions including the Vicksburg National Military Park, the Delta Blues Museum and Brussel's Bonsai. The trip wraps up in Greenville at the Mississippi Delta Blues and Heritage Festival - a celebration of the musical heritage created for the world in the Mississippi Delta. "We are thrilled to offer a trip of this caliber to the Mississippi Delta," stated Bill Seratt, president of MDTA. "Our heritage is a very important piece of our national history and we want to share it with the world!" For more information on the Mississippi Delta and for your chance to win the prize package, visit: www.visitthedelta.com

6 July, 2007 , — MAKING THE WORLD A PUP FRIENDLY PLACE TO TRAVEL Pup-Peroni brand dog snacks announced that it is determined to make it easier than ever for pet parents to travel with their furry companions. And they're doing it in style as they team up with Galpin Auto Sports, the design team behind television's popular Pimp My Ride, to launch a national contest that will make one pup enthusiast the proud winner of the first, and only, PUP'D-OUT 2008 Jeep Liberty. The promotion's grand prize Jeep is not only designed to be pup-friendly, but seriously PUP'D-OUT as Galpin Auto Sports (GAS), the famed design team responsible for the popular television show Pimp My Ride, is designing and Galpinizing (customizing) this PUP'D-OUT phenomenon. The fully customized Jeep will be tailored to the personality and interests of the Grand Prize winner and his or her dog - geared for the pup-perfect lifestyle. The completion of this pup-friendly ride will include everything you need to ensure that the four-legged member of the family is as comfortable as the rest - if not more! More than just a custom paint job; bark-worthy features include: Dog ramp that lowers/retracts from back hatch for easy pup entry and exit from jeep, water and food bowls, dog bone wheel rims, small vacuum installed in back to help with clean-up, pull-up screens behind front seats and behind back seats to keep your furry friend safely in one part of the Jeep, when necessary. Over 6.5 million unique codes will be available in specially marked Pup-Peroni packages and distributed at special Pup Friendly events by the one-and-only Pup Patrol - the mobile team whose mission is to make the world a more pup-friendly place. Paw prints are spanning the United States, and not just in our backyards as statistics show that 29% of pet parents are taking their four-legged family members with them on trips of 50 miles or more. In addition, 47% of pet parents consider their dog's comfort in the decision making process when buying a car (Source: 21st Century Dog Owner Survey, American Kennel Club, 2007). The Pup-Peroni Pup-Patrol is out to make the world a more Pup-Friendly place and they're heading your way on a cross-country tour with stops planned at dog parks, pet stores and retail locations nationwide. Pup-Peroni and the Pup-Patrol are championing the rights of pets and pet parents to have fun anytime, anywhere. They'll be campaigning to open up more Pup-Friendly places in your town and hosting fun activities for you and your pooch. More details please visit www.pupperoni.com.

30 June, 2007 , ALASKA — BOOK REVIEW: THE MILEPOST, review by Ariele M. Huff What exactly is THE MILEPOST that it can attain a 58th version in just so many years? A phone book? People don't even buy dictionaries that often. To understand this iconic manual, it helps first to know what it is not. With 800 pages, the book has an equally weighty subtitle: Food, gas, lodging, camping, fishing, sightseeing and road conditions along the highways and byways of Alaska, Yukon Territory, Northwest Territories and major access routes in Alberta and British Columbia. THE MILEPOST is not a take-along guidebook, unless you are a weight lifter looking for a heavier suitcase in order to buff your biceps. THE MILEPOST is also not a travel entertainment read, which is not to say it isn't entertaining. However, it packs details, ads, and color photos so tightly together that you'd better not count on making any notes in this book. (Okay, there's some space at the bottom of a few pages from 782 through 798 - the Alaska Marine Highway Schedules section. But even some of those have been usurped for lush photos.) Known as the "bible of North Country travel," THE MILEPOST is the kind of resource avid travelers, travel writers, and Chambers of Commerce wish existed for every area of the country, and yes, even the world. It takes a while for any writing to attain bible status, and it didn't happen immediately to THE MILEPOST either. The 1949 version was a meager 72 pages, which had doubled by 1962 and outstripped glove-compartments in 1975 at 498 pages, where it plateaud until its 50th anniversary, when it bulked up to 640. From then on, a snowball effect (pardon the chilly northern reference) has added pages each year. Not quite ready to be used as a couch but definitely hard to fit into a breadbox, THE MILEPOST is unique among travel planners - which is what it is. This begs the question: Why does Alaska and environs need such a ponderous volume to aid visitors to its beauteous shores and lakes and mountains and meadows? The answer is twofold. First, Alaska is this mysterious huge entity to the north of the contiguous 48, where many things from weather to roads are quite different. Tourists, even those with local relatives, are often unprepared to maximize the experience - or even to maintain safety. The second part of the answer is that, like the guide, the draw of the 49th state during summer months is truly massive: 1.5 million guests, a doubling of the areas population! If planning a sojourn north to any of those areas mentioned in the subtitle, THE MILEPOST is a must have, and get it at least a month in advance so you can scour through it and use the Plan-a-Trip Map. The legendary mile-by-mile logs are updated annually by the MILEPOST field editors and address 30 major highways and 50 secondary highways and roads more or less. There's also information on ferries, cruise ships, local tours, and rail travel, as well as lots of detail about geography, wild life, and, well, 800 pages of cool stuff.

22 June, 2007 , Wisconsin — HIGHWAY 51 TUNES - by Christen Martens Highway 51 runs right by my baby's door Highway 51 runs right by my baby's door If I don't get the girl I'm loving Won't go down Highway 51 no more. Curtis Jones (1939) Highway 51 has been associated with the blues for many years. The route was used by many in the south to head north when a change of scenery was needed, in particular by migrant African-Americans. Rambling up Highway 51 helped to create some classic blues recordings. The most noted recording, Highway 51 Blues, can be found on Bob Dylan's debut album, Bob Dylan (1961). His stylizing of the song has been called the first folk-rock recording by some, and has created a controversy of the song's origin. Some believe he used Curtis Jones' lyrics (and it is credited as such on the album) with a few changes, others say it has to be from Tommy McClennan's New Highway 51. Some will even credit the song to Bob Dylan. It has also been noted that if you listen really close you can hear some underlying tones of the Everly Brothers Wake Up Little Suzie. John Lee Hooker composed and recorded his own Highway 51 song on his album Graveyard Blues. I'm gona get up in the monin. Goin down Highway 51. Get up in the monin, Goin down Highway 51. Miss Sally Mae, my sweet woman, And she don't pay me no mind. -John Lee Hooker (1949) On a more upbeat note, songs about heading up Highway 51 to vacation can also be found. The traditional journey of vacationers from Illinois to Wisconsin's beautiful Northwoods is immortalized in Kevin Soucie's song Hazelhurst. When the city's getting to me And the job has got me down, I start thinking 'bout the weekend And getting out of town. Well I never thought the Northwoods Was a place for having fun, Til I headed west on 94 And north on 51. -Kevin Soucie (2005) Whether its Bob Dylan, John Lee Hooker or Kevin Soucie, Highway 51 is all about traveling and road songs. When you are planning to do some rambling down Highway 51, be sure to check http://www.explorehwy51.com.

14 June, 2007 , — Father's Day: Tie or Trip? Before you make that trip to the mall to select a tie for dad think about taking dad on a road trip! Road trips are a great way to spend quality family time. To help you find fun things to do on your journey--whether your trip lasts a few hours, a day, or longer--American Road® staff compiled some great things to do around the country this coming weekend with your father: The National Road Festival features community events in 13 Illinois towns along the National Road. Call 888-268-0042 or e-mail national.rd@visitsouthwestillinois.org. The Children's Museum of Memphis is offering free admission to dads on Father's Day. http://memphis.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=memphis&cdn=citiestowns&tm=30&f=00&su=p529.3.152.ip_p554.2.150.ip_p531.29.420.ip_&tt=2&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http://www.cmom.com/ The Muscle Beach Cruz in Seaside, Oregon features big-boy toys: 1960-1978 American made muscle cars with V-8 engines. For information for all events scheduled Father's Day weekend go to www.flashbackinseaside.com or call 503-717-8530, Flashback Promotions. You may also contact the Seaside Downtown Development Association at 503-717-1914. ROUTE 66 ANNIVERSARY CLASSIC CAR SHOW by the Barstow (California) Route 66 Mother Road Museum. The first 66 dads that attend the event receive a FREE gift. 760-255-1890 www.route66museum.org. Happy Cow Creamery (Greenville County, South Carolina) opens for tours on Father's Day. Take dad where the fields are green and lush, the milk is fresh, and the cows are always happy. Some tips: Try to get as many family participants as possible. Think up ideas for places to visit based on the places you remember dad wanting to stop. Involve everyone in planning the trip (including dad). It is Father's Day so make the day about him. Take along snacks and beverages for the drive--keeping in mind everyone's dietary needs. If you aren't able to round up everyone for a road trip on Father's Day weekend, schedule an outing to occur in the next month or two. Set a date, and use Father's Day to start planning the trip. If your road trip is planned on a day other than Father's Day, find fun events to enjoy with dad at: https://americanroadmagazine.com/calendar/calendar.html Now, isn't that better than a tie?

3 June, 2007 , — SUMMER RV TRAVEL/SAFETY TIPS - COURTESY THE GOOD SAM CLUB The days are long and the sun is hot. This can only mean one thing - summer is here! (Advertorial) Summer is the season that you and your family look forward to all year long. Its a time where family bonds are strengthened and lifetime memories are made. That's why it is essential to make sure your RV is running properly to avoid a premature end to your vacation.

To get the most out of your vacation time this summer, a pre-trip RV check is your best bet for a hassle-free trip. However, before you even begin to look over your rig, a good starting point would be to make sure everything you need is packed and ready to go.

As for what to pack, a lot depends on where you are going, what time of year and for how long. Start by allowing every passenger one suitcase for clothing, toiletries, medication, and "must-have-items." As for the rest of the provisions, here are a few suggestions on what to take: food and drinks, skillet, garbage bags, silverware, plates and dishes, cups, toilet paper, towels, cell phone and lawn chairs.

Once you've taken inventory of all the items you'll need for your trip, you can begin to inspect the most vital component for a safe and smooth vacation - your RV!

Prior to each trip, try to get in the habit of walking around the outside of your RV to see if anything is out of place. How do your tires look? Are they low on air? Have all slide-out rooms been retracted? Are all of your items and accessories properly secured? Other areas to check or adjust include: engine oil and fluids, trailer attachment to hitch, awnings, signal and brake lights, side mirrors and seatbelts.

And last, but certainly not least, you want to make sure your RV is fully insured just in case the unexpected happens. Fully insured means getting the full value of what you paid for your rig - not a depreciated amount! If your current insurer doesn't offer this kind of protection, or if you are in search of an insurer that specializes in RV coverage, look no further than Good Sam VIP Insurance America's #1 RV Insurance Specialist.*

Contact Good Sam VIP Insurance today and get the coverage you deserve for a lot less than you probably would expect. As a matter of fact, Good Sam VIP members that have switched save $300 a year, on average!

To receive a free, no obligation rate quote, call 888-514-1116 and mention savings code GFN or get a quote online by clicking here.

* Based on the results from an independent study conducted by URI Information Services and Dr. James E. Fisher, St. Louis University.

30 May, 2007 , SALINEVILLE, OHIO — AMERICAN ROAD TRIP SWEEPSTAKES WINNER Congratulations to Carole Thorne of Salineville, Ohio. Ms. Thorne is the winner of the March/April 2007 AMERICAN ROAD TRIP SWEEPSTAKES sponsored by the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway! Ms. Thorne's prize package includes a journey back to a time of simplicity and American values along the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway where the Mighty Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois rivers converge. Ms. Thorne and a guest will enjoy three nights away with this prize package including lodging for two people at bed and breakfast inns and hotels along the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. Look for a new AMERICAN ROAD TRIP SWEEPSTAKES in the near future. http://americanroadmagazine.com/sweepstakes/sweepstakes.html

25 May, 2007 , WASHINGTON, DC — MORE THAN 1000 NEW PET-FRIENDLY HOTELS Just in time for summer fun road trips with Fido--more than 1,000 new pet-friendly AAA Approved and Diamond rated lodgings have been added to AAA's ninth edition of Traveling With Your Pet: The AAA PetBook. Many hoteliers are catering to the millions of Americans who consider their pets to be part of the family and prefer to include their pets when traveling, according to AAA, publisher of Traveling With Your Pet: The AAA PetBook. Typical treats include special menus, luxurious dog beds, food and water bowls and I.D. tags. Optional extras range from plush robes and walking service to doggie massages and grooming. Even some properties in the highest echelon of luxury and prestige pet-friendly AAA Five Diamond Award hotels offer special spa treatments and other indulgent activities for guests and their pets. Nearly every city across the United States and Canada offers pet-friendly accommodations. The top 10 cities based on the number of AAA Approved and Diamond rated pet-friendly accommodations are Houston; San Antonio; Austin, Texas; Albuquerque, N.M.; Phoenix; Dallas; New York; Orlando, Fla.; Nashville, Tenn.; and Tucson, Ariz. For travelers whose vacation tastes are more on the rugged side, the book lists more than 375 AAA Approved and Rated pet-friendly campgrounds. Other popular pet-travel activities include visiting beaches, exploring state and national parks, hiking, mountain climbing and swimming. The book also includes pet safety guidelines, a travel preparation checklist and listings of dog parks. Traveling With Your Pet: The AAA PetBook is available at AAA offices, online at AAA.com/BarnesandNoble and at better bookstores. The cover price is $17.95 U.S./$24.95 Canadian.

16 May, 2007 , S. DAK. — CRAZY HORSE FAMILY INTERVIEW Sixty years ago, one man made a pact with a South Dakota mountain. At the request of Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear, Korczak Ziolkowski, the celebrated New England sculptor, came to carve a memorial in the mystic Black Hills. The peak, for its part, would stand patiently as its spirit was slowly revealed a likeness of the Oglala Lakota chief Tasunke Witko, known as Crazy Horse, that would forever change the face of the American landscape. Work on the Crazy Horse Memorial consumed the remainder of Korczak's life. When he passed away in 1982, his final words to his wife were of the great task unfinished. "You must work on the mountain." Korczak said, "but go slowly so you do it right." Two and one half decades later, Ruth Ziolkowski hears those words echo every day. American Road recently visited with Ruth, now president and CEO of the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation. She spoke of the memorial's progress, of her late husband's remarkable faith in his cause, and of the circle of children and grandchildren who now surround her, dedicated to completing Korczak's epic labor of love. The interview with Ruth is documented in the Spring 2007 issue of American Road. Readers wanting to learn a bit more about Crazy Horse, the warrior, may do so directly from his descendants: Doug War Eagle. In the following interview, Doug tells American Road how Crazy Horse earned his name. He also reveals how Korczak created the model for the Crazy Horse Monument--since the family asserts there is no existing photo of Crazy Horse. American Road: There are a few questions that we wanted to ask of the family of Crazy Horse, which led us to you. I understand there are no images of Crazy Horse from which the sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski could work. Doug: Yes, that is true. American Road: How did they get the features for the Monument's model? Doug: Our grandfathers. Various family members closely resembled Crazy Horse's looks. Standing Bear, who talked with the sculptor Korczak about creating the monument, had a marriage connection to the Crazy Horse family. He knew where to find the family, and led Korczak to them to fashion the model of Crazy Horse from which the Monument was based. Julia Clown (Crazy Horse's youngest sister) had a son, Moses Clown. Moses looked almost exactly like Crazy Horse. There is a photo of him taken before he went to France to serve in WWI. That image was used to fashion the cheek bones, forehead, and eyes of the sculpture. The chin and nose, I am not sure exactly. I've heard that Korczak used his own chin and nose as a model. Edward Crown's profile was used for the Crazy Horse monument. Other features from different family members were used to create the model. American Road: Can you explain why Crazy Horse and other Lakota didn't want their photos taken? Doug: They felt that part of them or their spirit would be taken away because the image could show an expression of how they might be, not necessarily how they are. They don't want to express that. American Road: How did Crazy Horse get his name? Doug: In 1858, when he was 18 years old, Crazy Horse, the warrior, was given his spiritual name by his father, Wagula we call him Old Man Crazy Horse. There are a lot of stories floating around out there, and most versions confuse the actions of Wagula (Crazy Horse's father) with the actions of Crazy Horse, the warrior. The version I understand to be true is that he was training a horse that he favored down by the Powder River area in Wyoming. A woman and her son were cleaning a hide in the water after a hunt. Five or six Shoshones came down to try to take the meat from the hunt that the son was carrying. The Shoshones killed the woman and wounded the boy. Crazy Horse saw this. Crazy Horse's Medicine Man-Horn Chips-had placed black spirit rock behind the left ear of the horse to protect the horse. Crazy Horse told the boy to go to the village and get a group of warriors, while he held the five or six other Shoshones. Crazy Horse chased and killed the Shoshone that murdered the woman-his first warrior kill. He only had a cherry stick with him that he was using to train his new horse. He was taunting the enemy warriors with this cherry stick-drawing them to the area where the warriors were expected. Crazy Horse went unscathed. He shamed the Shoshones because he held off armed warriors with a stick until the warriors from the village arrived. He got his name because he was following in his father's footsteps. His father, Wagula, also called Old Man Crazy Horse, lost his mother at five years of age. Crazy Horse-the warrior, lost his mother when he was four. They both exhibited actions of bravery growing up. Wagula started calling his son Crazy Horse after the above encounter with the Shoshones. We are now doing a DVD to tell the story of what actually happened according to our family history. Part one is found at Reel.com (search for Crazy Horse).

1 May, 2007 , — MONEY SAVING TRAVEL TIPS Money saving travel tips -Order travel guides, maps, etc. ahead of time from places you plan to visit. These guides often include money saving coupons. You may click the link http://americanroadmagazine.com/advertising/adv_request.html to select byways, destinations, hotels/motels, and roadside attractions, from whom you would like to request information. No stamps necessary! And, the information will arrive in your mailbox. (Bonus: The travel guides provide a great way to involve the family in trip planning. Including everyone in the process helps ensure that there will be something to interest everyone on your excursion). -Plan meals. Breakfast is often the least expensive meal to eat in restaurants. Check out diners and family restaurants that are popular with the locals. These establishments are usually reasonably priced, provide home-cooked meals, have extensive history, and offer local flavor missing at chain eateries. Buy food for lunch, snacks, and beverages from supermarkets. You will save money and time. Check the travel guides you ordered for dining coupons. If you plan on a luxurious dining experience, Restaurant.com allows you purchase discount-dining certificates that save you oodles of money. Restaurant.com Dining Certificates . From now until Thursday, May 31, 2007, any Restaurant.com dining gift certificate has been discounted by 60% off the already-low price. The $25 value dining certificates that normally sell for $10 are now just $4. Use the savings code "GRAD" at check-out to recalculate the total. -Stay at some mom and pop motels when possible. Family run motels typically offer significantly reduced rates compared to chain establishments. Another perk, the rooms are usually on ground level making luggage lugging easier. There are some cardinal rules to follow to avoid a bad experience. Ask to see the room before you rent it. If the proprietor refuses to show you a room, leave. Check out the lodging establishments on our Memory Motel page. When these motels were featured in American Road magazine, a staff member stayed at the facility to ensure that it was clean and well run at the time of publication. Check with other travelers regarding their experiences and recommendations. The AMERICAN ROAD FORUM members love to share their stories and offer suggestions. Join today. Its FREE and FUN! Perhaps you, too, may offer recommendations from your travel experiences. -Travel during off-season (if you can). You avoid peak gasoline and hotel rates, as well as crowds. -Avoid high speeds. In other words, get off the Interstate and drive back roads. You can improve your gas mileage about 15 percent by driving at 55 mph rather than 65 mph. (This goes along with our philosophy to slow down and enjoy the journey.) -Roll down the windows or open the air vents to keep your car comfortable on not-so-hot days. -Use overdrive. If your car is equipped with overdrive gearing (on 5-speed manual transmissions and 4-speed automatic transmissions), be sure to make use of the overdrive gear as soon as your speed is high enough. If you have a manual transmission, the lower the shift speed, the better the fuel economy. Your owner's manual will give you further information. -Properly inflate and align tires, doing so can improve your gas mileage. -Follow the engine tune-up and car maintenance schedule in the owner manual. Tune-ups improve performance as well as gas mileage. -Travel light. Every 100 pounds in the trunk reduces fuel economy by 1-2 percent. A loaded roof rack can decrease your fuel economy by 5 percent. -If your car is a gas-guzzler, rent a fuel-efficient auto for your road trip. The money you save in gas may more than offset the money you spend to rent the vehicle. An added bonus, you don't put the travel wear and tear on your car. (Check your credit card benefits and your auto insurance policy for rental car coverage before agreeing to purchase rental car insurance. You may avoid unnecessary expense.)

23 April, 2007 , LOUISVILLE, Ohio — WINNING PHOTOGRAPH IN AMERICAN ROAD FORUM PHOTO CONTEST-JEFFREY LOTZE

VIEW WINNING PHOTO

The picture of the abandoned mining shack submitted by Jeffrey Lotze was taken June 16, 2005 east of Leadville, Colorado. Lotze used a Kodak 6440 digital camera at 4.0 megapixels. Lotze reports "I held a polarizing filter from my 35mm SLR camera over the lens to get the vivid sky colors. We (Jim & Brian Cassler & my son, Jeremy) were returning from the Lincoln Highway National Convention in Ely, NV (where I met some staff from American Road magazine). We decided to do some 4-wheeling." Mosquito Pass which is around 13,000 feet altitude. It was a major stagecoach and mail route into Leadville from Denver. Unfortunately, shortly after taking this picture, Lotze ran into massive snow banks and was unable to get through. The party detoured back through Leadville and found a pass farther south that was cleared. Reports Lotze, "I had a hard time deciding what picture to submit because I had so many from this trip alone." There will be plenty more opportunities for folks to submit photographs in future American Road Forum Photo Contests. You need to join the Forum to enter the contest. Signing up is FREE. Simply click the Forum button at the top right of this page for more details and to establish your own account on the American Road Forum.

14 April, 2007 , Hickory Corners, Mich. — MICHIGAN DREAM GARAGE - THE ULTIMATE MUSCLE CARS If you were to close your eyes and image your dream garage full of muscle cars, what would you see? The Gilmore Car Museum, in Hickory Corners, MI, has assembled 22 of the World's rarest and most sought after muscle cars of the 1960s and 70s in its Michigan Dream Garage - The Ultimate Muscle Cars. This special exhibit will run throughout the Museum's 2007 season, which begins on May 1. The Gilmore Car Museum looked beyond their own collection of autos and sought out benchmark cars from number of private collectors to create this year's Dream Garage. Included in this all-new exhibition that's sure to rev up your imagination is a 1964 Pontiac GTO, considered the original muscle car; six authentic Yenko Chevrolets, one of which was formerly owned by baseball superstar Reggie Jackson; the 1963 Impala Grey Ghost, which was recently restored by Boyd Coddington; and many more. Muscle cars are a truly American phenomena of the 1960s and 70s and were high-performance cars produced by the auto manufacturers and sold directly through local dealers. Marketed extensively to young males, these cars soon were in great demand and set off an intense competition between car companies to produce the most powerful and extreme street machines. One particular dealer, Yenko Chevrolet of Canonsburg, PA, soon became one of the best known and largest suppliers of muscle cars during this period. They began by ordering 100 special factory-built high performance Corvairs in 1966, then moved to offering customized Camaros, Chevelles, and Novas. By the early 1970s, the oil crisis, stricter emission standards, high insurance cost, and safety concerns began to seriously impact muscle car sales and the larger engines were dropped. Now, after more than 30 years, these cars have become highly sought after by collectors as they fill their own dream garages. Today, when it comes to vintage muscle cars we often see replicas, clones, or tribute cars of the most extraordinary examples. The Gilmore Car Museum offers an opportunity to see the real thing in their special exhibit, Michigan Dream Garage - The Ultimate Muscle Cars, which continues through October 31st. The Gilmore Car Museum's 41st season begins on May 1, 2007 and remains open daily from of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (6:00 p.m. on weekends), through the end of October. Located in the heart of west Michigan, the Museum is midway between Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, and Battle Creek, on M-43 and Hickory Road. To learn more about the Gilmore Car Museum visit: www.GilmoreCarMuseum.org or call the museum at 269-671-5089.

28 March, 2007 , YORK, PA — UNCORK YORK - TOUR DE TANKS OFFERS SPECIAL VINTAGE PREVIEWS This coming weekend is the final weekend for this tasty tour. It's hard to resist when cooking - sneaking a little taste before the meal is completely done or better yet sampling a spoonful of chocolate chip cookie dough before baking. There's just something about tasting during the process of cooking that intrigues us all. Winemaking offers a similar temptation. To satisfy those cravings, this March the award-winning wineries of the UnCork York Wine Trail invite visitors into their cellars for the ultimate wine tasting straight from the barrels during the second annual Tour de Tanks event every Saturday and Sunday throughout the month. Celebrate the arrival of new vintages with exclusive barrel and tank tastings offered at the 11 family-owned wineries of the UnCork York Wine Trail, nestled in the scenic heart of Pennsylvania's Dutch Country Roads Region. Oenophiles and those just becoming interested in the fruit of the vine will appreciate the opportunity to talk with the wine makers, learn more about the process and enjoy comparisons of different varietals and vineyards. Tickets for this special event are $15 with one ticket good at all participating wineries for all five weekends. Tickets and overnight packages can be purchased online at www.UnCorkYork.com or at participating wineries. Ticket holders are eligible for a 10 percent discount on the purchase of wine. This year, in addition to the 11 wineries, 11 dineries are joining the fun offering all-inclusive $30 per person menus every Friday through Sunday in March. From the Accomac Inn, a gourmet restaurant overlooking the beautiful Susquehanna River to the Blue Moon, located in historic downtown York, there is sure to be a restaurant to please the palate. Many area restaurants feature the wine of the UnCork York wineries and others encourage diners to bring along their favorite bottle.For more information or for assistance planning a visit, please call the York County Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-888-858-YORK or visit www.UnCorkYork.com. Photo on home page courtesy York County CVB.

16 March, 2007 , — RV READY FOR SPRING YET? Author Ken Freund Brought to you by Good Sam Club RV Road Service

RV Ready for Spring Yet?
Coming out of hibernation

It's been a long winter and the combined effects of the elements can take a toll on stored RVs. If your coach has been in storage, now's the time to prepare for those spring getaways. Taking a little time now will help ensure enjoyment all through the year.

Before hitting the road complete this RV spring-prep checklist: Begin with a thorough exterior inspection. Examine the outside, including the body and roof, for any cracks or separation and look inside for stains on the ceiling, sure signs of roof leaks. Look beneath the coach and/or or tow vehicle for signs of fuel or other fluid leaks.

Once you've determined there are no exterior leaks, wash the RV with a specially formulated soap designed for the exterior. Work in the shade, since washing a hot surface can result in hard-to-remove spots and streaks. Use specialized wheel cleaners to make tires and trim look new.

An RV that's been stored all winter needs to be aired out. Vacuum the carpet and clean the floors and other surfaces as needed.

Spring prep should include a fluid and connections check. Look for insect and rodent nests and chewed wires and hoses. Check the amount of LP gas and test appliances for proper functioning.

Drain and flush the freshwater tank. Add 1/4 cup of household bleach for each 15 gallons of capacity. Then fill the tank almost to capacity, leaving room for sloshing. Drive or tow the coach to mix the bleach. Run the hot water to get the bleach through the water heater. Then drain the freshwater tank. Refill, along with 1/4 of baking soda per 15 gallons. Drive or tow to mix the water, run the hot water, then drain and refill with fresh water. Test the water pump and water system, including the water heater.

On motor homes, generators and tow vehicles, change the oil and filter and perform all recommended services according to the owner's and maintenance manuals.

Batteries should be check for electrolyte level and connections should be removed, cleaned and after re-assembly, treated with an anticorrosive product.

Make sure all of the lug nuts are secure, check tires for cracks and other damage and set inflation pressures. Trailers should have the wheel bearings repacked.

Replace batteries and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Check the gauges on fire extinguishers. Check and refill your first aid and emergency kits. An emergency kit should include: flares, a gas can, reflective triangles, duct tape, jumper cables, wheel chocks, flashlight and basic hand tools.

Stock up with necessities for cooking, cleaning and entertaining. Review kitchen equipment and the inventory of favorite games, books, cards, puzzles, CDs, DVDs or videos.

To have peace of mind when you hit the road, get Good Sam RV Emergency Road Service

8 March, 2007 , WEST WENDOVER, NEV. &md