Nostalgic Road Trips: A Journey Back to Howard Johnson’s, Classic Motels, and Maps
Remember those carefree days of childhood when summer meant a road trip someplace across the United States? Road trips were more than just vacations; they were rites of passage, filled with unforgettable stops and roadside adventures. Who got the “way way back” in the station wagon? How many pictures could you take with your Polaroid camera?
One iconic stop was Howard Johnson’s. With its distinctive orange roof and the promise of “28 Flavors” of ice cream, it was a source of comfort and nostalgia. Families would pull in, eager for a taste of the familiar. Each meal was more than just food; it was part of the journey’s adventure, a break from the endless road, and a moment to connect with family.
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But before the age of GPS and online maps, there was another essential tool for planning those road trips: the AAA TripTik. These hand-drawn, spiral-bound guides were the travel bible for traveling families. Each TripTik was meticulously detailed, providing a visual map of the route, highlighting scenic routes, and listing essential stops. They helped navigate the vast stretches of highways and byways, ensuring that no scenic overlook or local attraction was missed. The best part was “turning the page” knowing you were getting closer to your next destination.
Beyond Howard Johnson’s and the indispensable TripTik, there were countless other rest stops and destinations that defined the American road trip experience. Think of the old-fashioned diners with their checkerboard floors, where you could order a burger and fries while recounting your allowance money and dreaming of the souvenir you were going to get! Did you ever go to Wall Drug (I did) in South Dakota? It was famous for its billboards and quirky Western-themed attractions. Did you ever see the giant chicken or giant coffee pot? These attractions were designed to inspire ideas and make the long drives more entertaining. These were not just pit stops but integral parts of the adventure, each with its own charm and character.
Motels, too, were a staple of these road trips. Each one had its own unique style, from the neon-lit motels of Route 66 to the quaint establishments nestled in small towns. Staying at a motel was like diving into a slice of Americana, where the decor was a mix of retro and practical, and the service was often warm and personal.
These were the places where families would unwind, recount the day’s highlights, and plan the next leg of their journey using their trusty TripTik. What a bonus if there was a pool!
The joy of these road trips lay not just in the destinations, but in the journey itself, the simple pleasure of hitting the open road with a sense of adventure, knowing that the next stop might bring a discovery. Howard Johnson’s, motels, and quirky roadside attractions were more than mere stops along the way; they were integral parts of a cherished tradition. And the TripTik? The guide made it all possible, turning every trip into an unforgettable adventure.
As we look back on these memories, we’re reminded of a time when road trips were simpler, and each stop was a new opportunity for adventure. These experiences are more than nostalgia; they’re a testament to the joy of the open road and the cherished moments spent with loved ones.
