7 Reasons to Sidestep the Superhighway

For more than a decade, I’ve traveled the same route between northwestern Pennsylvania and northeastern Ohio, first as the parent of a college prospect, and most recently, as a newbie grand-mère. I’ve often remarked that one does not need to steer the wheel between here and there; the road is so straight.

So, last Sunday morning, as I pondered my return home from a babysitting gig with my newborn petit-fils, I thought, there must be another way. And as one who traveled solo cross-country on Route 66, I have a special place in my heart for the two-lane. During the trip, which took an extra hour, I thought of seven reasons why you, too, might want to ditch the interstate.

1. You’ll stay more alert. Two-lane highways have many twists and turns, intersections, and varying speed zones to keep you on your toes.
2. You’ll witness more of American life. Home sizes, shapes, and styles span the spectrum revealing socio-economic status, culture, and taste.
3. You’ll observe other humans and their differences. Unlike on the interstate, you’ll see actual people, in their yards, along the streets, and in other cars. You might see a middle-aged man mowing his lawn, a woman with a cane crossing a Main Street, or a youngster selling produce at a roadside stand.
4. You’ll observe nature. Alternatives to road kill include foxes running parallel to the road, deer grazing in a field, and livestock pulling hay from a feeder.
5. You’ll enjoy shopping opportunities. If you see an interesting antique shop, yard-ornament store, or a local Walmart, you can make a quick turn, or a U-turn, without traveling miles for the next exit.
6. You’ll view many different dining options. Ever see a sign for McDonald’s and exit the interstate only to find that you have to travel five miles into town to get your fries? On a two-lane highway, you’ll see diners, fast-food joints, and fancy restaurants all for your choosing. Signs read, “Hunters Welcome,” “Fish and Fries,” and “Fine Dining.” All that is left for you to do is to see if they’re open (and maybe a quick Yelp consultation).
7. You’ll feel like a human. When you reach your destination, instead of feeling as if you’ve gone through a Star Trek transporter, you might actually leave a trail along the route from here to there.

So, there you have it, seven reasons you might want to take the road less traveled. I won’t be able to take the long way home every time I return from Ohioland, but I’ve already mapped out a totally different route for the next time the clock isn’t ticking and the weather is fair.

Ann Silverthorn writes about a wide variety of topics in numerous genres. She’s currently working on a biography of William E. Dimorier (1871-1951), a nearly forgotten poet and educator, who dedicated his life to the betterment of young people.

Twitter: @annsilverthorn   Instagram: ann_silverthorn