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Defining the Slow Road
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by James Cowlin
I have been thinking about words to describe what makes traveling along US Route 89 special. Robert Sullivan in his book, Cross Country, suggested that people who prefer to drive on two-lane roads rather than Interstates should start a "slow road" movement, a la the slow food movement. What that idea has come to mean for me is taking the time to enjoy the journey rather than speeding from destination to destination. It means stopping in little towns to visit the historical society museum. It means looking for a local café for lunch. It means meeting people and getting to know the particular culture of that region. It means being adventurous and curious and occasionally disappointed, but never bored.
For example, you can drive from Phoenix to Flagstaff on Interstate 17 and get there in about two hours. The scenery isn't bad and there are services available in the Verde Valley with the usual assortment of chain restaurants. Or you can drive to Flagstaff on historic US Route 89 where the possibilities for an enriched experience are nearly endless. Here's a short list to whet your appetite:
Visit the Desert Caballeros Western Museum in Wickenburg where you'll find an eclectic mix of art exhibits and local history displays.
 Eat breakfast or lunch at the Cornerstone Café in Yarnell where you can indulge in the best pasteries you've ever eaten.
Spend a hour on Courthouse Square and Wiskey Row in Prescott where you can try the craft-brewed beer at the Prescott Brewing Company or shop for art a Van Gogh's Ear.
Hike to the Woodchute Wilderness at the top of Mingus Mountain for spectacular views of the Verde Valley.
 Explore the prehistoric ruins at Tuzigoot National Monument to learn about the culture of the first farmers on the Verde River.
Spend the night on Oak Creek at Forest Houses Resort where each of the 14 guest houses is unique.
I could go on and on but you get the idea. You could spend a day or a week on just the 250 mile stretch of road represented by Arizona 89 and 89A.
So what do I call this kind of travel? 'Authentic' comes to mind meaning going to places where you will have an experience that you can have nowhere else. Or the newest term that is becoming common is 'geotourism' which aims to focus on the unique culture and history of a region. In conjunction with the National Geographic Center for Sustainable Destinations, several regions along US Route 89 have produced a Geotourmism map to guide travelers. The newest effort to produce a map is underway on the Western Heritage Trail from Surprise, Arizona, to the Grand Canyon.
OK, I can go along with the idea behind geotourism. For me the real benefit of this kind of driving vacation is slowing down and really enjoying the pleasure of discovering new places and meeting the wonderful people who live there. It's easy to be part of the slow road movement. Take the first exit from the Interstate and find a two-lane road that leads you to the heart and soul of America.
This article was first published on James Cowlin's blog, Driving the Slow Road. Visit the blog for news and trips for travelers on America's two-lane roads where the journey is as important and the destination.
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Our First Community Market
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by Barbara Cowlin
We've talked about participating in art fairs, farmers markets, and other events along US Route 89 but had never gotten around to it. Then an opportunity came along several weeks ago, and we decided to take the plunge.
 Nogales, at the very southern tip of US Route 89, had its first Community Market on April 19, and we were invited to attend. It was located in historic downtown Nogales. At the market were a variety of vendors with handmade arts and crafts, food, as well as booths with information about various services and programs. A DJ provided music for the entire four-hour Market which made for a very festive feeling. It was the perfect place for us to meet people and introduce them to the US Route 89 Appreciation Society
I have to admit that we weren't exactly prepared for the event. Having never done anything like this before, we arrived on the scene with our car, our dog, ourselves. No water, no food, no table, no shelter. Oops.
Jumping into creative mode, we pulled the Element into the spot where a table would have been if we had had one. We opened up the back hatch and lowered the tail gate. Jim made up two packing boxes we happened to have with us to use for displaying brochures, buttons, magnets and cards. Other stuff was displayed on the tailgate of the car. Fortunately we had a couple camping chairs with us or we would have been standing for four hours. And of course we had a handy roll of Gorilla tape to attach our display panels to the fence. We were all set!
 An hour into the Market, I was starting to feel fried and dehydrated. Jim looked like he was taking on a major sunburn despite a heavy application of sunscreen. Our dog looked about ready to expire. Jim went off in search of water. He arrived back on the scene (my hero) with bottles of water and diet Coke. I took off in search of shade. There were a number of shops across the street which I wandered in and out of until I found a store selling umbrellas. I bought two-one for Jim and one for me and the dog.
Now we were all set. We met some nice and interesting people. With shade and water, we were able to focus on talking to visitors and to the other participants in the market. Everyone we talked to was enthusiastic about the 89 project. It was a good learning experience for us. Next time, we'll be prepared!
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Support the "Slow Road" Movement:
Join the US Route 89 Appreciation Society
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 You love driving the two-lane highways that keep you close to the edge of the road so you can see the land at a leisurely pace. You think nothing of stopping along the way to admire the view and smell the fresh air. You seek out unique places to eat where the special of the day depends on what's in season at the nearby farm. You already appreciate the opportunities offered by a journey on US Route 89.
You are not alone in your passion for a trip on a "slow road." There are many others like you. Together we can spread the word of the joys of leisurely travel. Join the US Route 89 Appreciation Society and you'll receive an official membership certificate and button to attest to your belief in the "slow road" movement.
General Membership: $5
Benefits:
ˇ Membership Certificate
ˇ Membership Badge
ˇ Email Newsletter
ˇ Invitations to all project events
Download the Membership Brochure in pdf format |
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