Mount Airy, North Carolina and the famous Mayberry Inn harken back to a simpler time, when CBS’ The Andy Griffith Show brought gentle laughter and wholesomeness to America from 1960-1968. Today, the community is a shrine to the still-popular program and its many memorable characters. Step back in time as Matt Shea, a Mayberry aficionado, reflects on the town’s heritage as chronicled for American Road Magazine by Tony Craig. (Photo credit carolinacountry.com)
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Set in Seattle: Movies and TV Shows That Made the Emerald City (more) Famous
Pacific Northwest chronicler Harriet Baskas surveys some of the better-known films and TV shows set in or near the Emerald City. Some have been filmed there entirely while others capitalized on the stunning scenery and urban chic of Seattle to frame memorable dramas and comedies. (Photo credit seattlepi.com)
Visit WebsiteAnson Williams: Still Finding Happy Days
Anson Williams, famous for his role as Potsie Weber on Happy Days, keeps faith with the idea that happy days are still “yours and mine” in the here and now. Nostalgia will always have its special place and today, Williams is also passionate about helping highway drivers stay safe by warding off drowsy driving. (Photo credit alertdrops.com)
Visit WebsiteGoing Mobile: COVID-Safe Auto Tours in 2021
Frequent “Trip Talk” contributor Erika Nelson is back, this time with lots to share about COVID-safe roadside attractions. Included are Butch Anthony’s drive through museum in Alabama; the Enchanted Highway in North Dakota; and Porter Sculputre Park. All are outdoor venues that you can road trip to and through. And hear about those Mardi Gras House Floats!
Visit WebsiteWestward Ho! St. Joseph, MO is Home to History and Legend
St. Joseph is identified by the slogan, “Where the Pony Express started and Jesse James ended.” Beth Conway, Communications Director at the local Convention & Visitors Bureau, draws from a trove of historical fact and lore in telling the story of “St. Joe,” voted the top true western town in 2007. The townsfolk continually revel in living up to that award.
(Photo credit travelawaits.com)
Visit WebsiteGilmore Car Museum and the Saga of Fonzie’s Triumph
Hickory Corners, Michigan is home to the sprawling Gilmore Car Museum. Within, you can find motorized totems from every avenue of American life, including the TV Highway. Coming in 2021 is the return of a Happy Days icon, Fonzie’s 1952 Triumph motorcycle. Hear the obscure story behind the famous bike.
Visit WebsiteM*A*S*H Goes to Malibu
The 4077 took up prime time on American television for 11 memorable seasons. The set for the legendary M*A*S*H series also took up some prime real estate in Malibu, California. To think that it all could have gone up in flames! The harrowing story behind the famous finale of a still-beloved TV show is revealed by American Road contributor Jess Winfield. (Photo credit Pinterest.com)
Visit WebsiteThe Mothman and More: History and Folklore in Point Pleasant, WV
Until 1960s tales of the macabre “Mothman” scared the dickens out of the locals. Point Pleasant, West Virginia was exactly what you might expect: an historic riverside town with bucolic vistas and friendly people. Today, the town is still small but with an outsized legend and lots of early American lore to attract throngs of visitors every year. Tonya and Joey Madia are Point Pleasant pilgrims with plenty to share. (Photo credit pinterest.com)
Visit WebsiteElvis Was Here: Movie Sets and Other Sightings of the King
In honor of Elvis Presley’s birthday, Cory Cooper stops by to share his expertise on locations and sets where The King’s feature films were shot. Including settings as diverse as New Orleans, Seattle, Hawaii and Las Vegas, hear the details of where, when and how Elvis made movie magic. (Photo credit graceland.com)
Visit WebsiteCar Curators and Driving the New Year
Cars Yeah creator and host Mark Greene has an unquenchable passion for automobile technology and the countless places it can take us. To start 2021, we talk with Mark once again about the array of museums and exhibits that put automotive ingenuity on proud display from coast-to-coast.
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