National Travel and Tourism Week Promoted by National Road Association

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Published on April 28 2015 4:27 pm
Last Updated on April 28 2015 4:27 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

National Travel and Tourism Week kicks off May 2 - 10. The National Road Association of Illinois invites you to travel the National Road (U.S. Route 40) during this week.

This year’s theme is “Travel is...” The Association is asking people to report what travel is to them. Travel is adventure. Travel is family bonding. National Travel & Tourism Week is part of the U.S. Travel Association’s multiyear campaign to prove through authoritative research the real and meaningful impact the travel industry has on our lives, businesses and economy.

During this week, you are encouraged to travel the 164 miles of the National Road in Illinois. The highway will take you from the border of Indiana to the Mississippi River and back again. Along the way, you’ll pass through seven counties: Clark, Cumberland, Effingham, Fayette, Bond, Madison, and St. Clair. Association officials say, "In each county, you’ll find communities that offer shops, restaurants, parks, museums, and people who make you feel like their hometown is your hometown."

Around the turns and along the miles, you’ll know you’re on the right road because the Association's red, white, and blue shields will be there to guide you. Visitors can also check out a new interactive website at EnjoyIllinois.com, where individuals can plan their trips through the road.

Many of the area tourist information centers (TICs) in Illinois will have special information and displays during the week. You can stop by along your way to get giveaways and information on the National Road Association of Illinois, in addition to other byways and general information about Illinois.

The National Road Association of Illinois offers several quirky, unique, and/or historical buildings. The National Road offers a travel guide and Art & Architecture tour guide. The sites for these self-guided tours were selected by a committee of local scholars and historians in an effort to highlight the past. Some of these treasures include: Harlen Hall in Marshall, Race Horse Shoe in Martinsville, World’s Largest Wind Chimes and Golf Tee in Casey, National Road Covered Bridge in Greenup, Cross at the Crossroads and Effingham County Courthouse in Effingham, Dr. Charles M. Wright House in Altamont, Old State House in Vandalia, Wick’s Pipe Organ Plant in Highland and Cahokia Mounds and Brooks World’s Largest Catsup Bottle in Collinsville

During National Travel & Tourism Week, Association officials invite you to explore. They say, "Take photos. Make notes. Uncover memories in the life of a highway that built a nation. Build memories of your own. Savor the miles, savor the moments, and be safe. In other words, enjoy your time on the National Road."

For more information on the National Road Association of Illinois, or to become a member, visit www.nationalroad.org or call 888-268-0042.