The Reviving America’s Scenic Byways Act of 2019 directs the Secretary of Transportation to start the application process for new byways within 90 days and designate a new round of National Scenic Byways within one year. The implications for road travelers across the nation are far-reaching, heralding a resurgence of support for beautiful places off the beaten path. Mark Falzone, President of Scenic America since April 2017, describes the profound significance of this legislation. Photo by northofboston.org

New England is rich in historical significance and cultural influences harkening back to colonial and Revolutionary War days. From Boston, Massachusetts to Acadia National Park in Maine, history blends with some of North America’s most spectacular scenery to entice road trippers from sea to shining sea as Trip Talk host Gary Mantz recently discovered for himself.

David L. Scott and Kay W. Scott have spent over thirty summers touring the United States and Canada, including six summers exclusively devoted to the national park lodges. They are experts in planning affordable enjoyment of the U.S. National Park system and the wide variety of lodging options it offers.

Author Kim Romaner and her retired husband decided over two years ago to sell their home and most of their possessions to embark on a cross-country RV adventure that continues to this day with stays at famous places like National Parks as well as small towns and roadside attractions that can accommodate their big rig. Kim is an inspiration to those who hope to pursue their own dreams someday by hitting the open road.

Manresa Castle in Port Townsend, WA is both a haunted hotspot and a landmark hotel boasting Victorian-era elegance. Several other popular lodgings in the Evergreen State have a ghostly reputation as well, including The Tokeland Hotel in the town of Tokeland. It is the oldest hotel in Washington.

Jess Winfield, American Road editor, L.A. based author and screenwriter talks about his feature article “Star Trek Original Movie Locations” in the Summer 2019 issue revealing a gorgeous array of natural settings that filmmakers used in developing the franchise.

Paranormal investigator Marie D. Jones researched the tragic history of numerous American roads and bridges for a chapter in her book, Celebrity Ghosts and Notorious Hauntings. From Hwy. 41 on which James Dean met his untimely (though predicted) demise to infamous bridges where apparitions are frequently spotted, the lure of the haunt compels many of us to seek out spectral scenes as revealed in this edition of Trip Talk.

Tom Cotter has gained a large and loyal following among classic car enthusiasts with his Barn Find Hunter series on YouTube and by forging a career promoting the collection and restoration of these coveted automobiles. He shares experiences and insights gathered during his many Barn Find road trips in this episode. Photo credit Hagerty.com

Trip Talk recently hosted an interview with the amiable and informative Greg Peerbolte, executive director of the Joliet Area Historical Museum. Enjoy this “Best Of” episode again and listen for news of American Road Magazine’s 2019 “Picture Perfect” photography contest. You could win $500! Visit americanroadmagazine.com for details and entry instructions.

Hidden away like a palace fashioned of magic and artistic genius, Solomon’s Castle in the lush wet wilds of central Florida is Howard Solomon’s dream of paradise. The creator’s daughter and current keeper of the Castle flame, Alane Solomon articulates the vision her father lovingly constructed from 1972 until his death in 2016.