National Road Association Encourages Celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week

National Travel and Tourism Week kicks off May 1 - 7. 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 16,” which encourages people to think about travel nd tourism admist the 2016 election season. Association members want to ensure that travel – and its positive impact – is part of the discussion this election season because travel is a primary industry in America.

During this week, you're 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. 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 always know you’re on the right road because our 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 great 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, you're invited to explore. 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. The Association hopes you think about what travel means to you; creating lasting memories with your family and friends.

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