Note: This is a repeat of a blog previously published.
The internet can be a great tool for travel planning. Anytime we are visiting a new area, I spend some time online doing a bit of research and it’s amazing how many interesting places we find within an easy ride of our campground. Here are some of my favorite travel resources:
Trip Advisor – This is the granddaddy of all travel websites. Type in any town or city in America and you’ll find links to restaurants, lodging, attractions, and more. http://www.tripadvisor.com
Historical Marker Data Base – I have never owned a vehicle capable of passing one of those historical markers that can be found on highways and back roads from coast to coast. I just have to stop and read them! But sometimes it’s impossible to stop, as much as I want to. No problem, all I have to do is log onto Historical Marker Data Base on my computer or Droid smart phone and every historical marker in my area is listed, with photos and complete inscriptions. www.HMdb.org
Bridge Hunter – Bridge Hunter is a database of historic or notable bridges in the United States, both past and present. I may not like driving over high bridges, but I can spend hours browsing here. www.Bridgehunter.com
History Here – This app for both Droids and Apple smartphones is an interactive travel guide to thousands of historic locations across the United States, with photos, video, and maps that bring history to life anywhere in the country. http://www.history.com/interactives/history-here
The Milepost: Anybody who has ever driven an RV to Alaska knows that this trip planner and travel guide is an invaluable resource for information on roads, attractions, and services along the Alaska Highway. The website that supports the book is also packed with information to help make your grand adventure a success. http://milepost.com
U.S. 101 Mile by Mile – I don’t think there is a more beautiful trip anywhere in America than U.S. Highway 101 along the Oregon Coast, and this website is a fantastic guide to every scenic mile. Think Milepost for the Oregon coast. http://www.oregoncoasttravel.net
Legends of America – From Route 66 to ghost towns, legends, myths, historic forts, and more, if it’s out there, you can probably find it on Legends of America. http://legendsofamerica.com
USA.gov – A fantastic website with links to scenic byways, National Parks, State Parks, National Monuments, and a lot more. https://www.usa.gov/recreation
North Carolina History & Historic Sites – From gold rushes, first flights, disappearing colonies, pirate graves, and pivotal battlefields, if it happened in North Carolina, this website will tell you about it! http://www.visitnc.com/journeys/highlights/nc-history
Discover Historic Travel – You can easily spend an entire day with this portal to a wide selection of travel websites. http://discoverhistorictravel.com/destinations/historic-sites/
Civil War Battlefields – The Civil War Trust has a fine website about the War Between the States, including a guide to Civil War Battlefields large and small. http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/
Visit The USA – Another excellent website with travel links for every state that includes where the locals go to hang out, must-see museums, classic road trips, history, and more. http://www.visittheusa.com/
Landmark Hunter – LandmarkHunter.com is a database of historic or notable landmarks in the United States, past and present. http://landmarkhunter.com
Florida Backroads Travel – If you spend any time in Florida, get to know this interesting website that will help you discover hundreds of interesting places to visit on the less traveled back roads. http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com
Know Your States – This isn’t a travel guide, but it’s a fun little test of how well you know our country. How fast can you fill in the map? http://jimspages.com/States.htm
Thought For The Day – The only time people dislike gossip is when you gossip about them. – Will Rogers
Nick Russell
World-Famous, New York Times Best Selling Author, and All-Around Nice Guy!
You forgot Roadside America, the reason we are in Anniston, AL today.