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Byways Magazine
stephen.kirchner@bywaysinc.com https://bywaysmagazine.com
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By Stephen Kirchner, Editor & Publisher s Byways Magazine celebrates its 101st digital edition, we invite readers on a journey through some of the destinations and stories that have helped define the magazine over the years.
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This special anniversary issue begins by revisiting Baltimore, Maryland, the cover story from the very first issue of Byways Magazine published in 1984. From there, we explore America's Great Roads, celebrating the scenic highways and legendary routes that continue to inspire travelers to hit the open road. Readers will also return to the Atlantic Coast with a visit to Virginia Beach, Virginia, one of the nation's favorite seaside destinations, before heading west to experience the spectacular mountains, glaciers, and wildlife of Glacier National Park in Montana. Music lovers will enjoy a stop in Nashville, Tennessee, where legendary venues, Southern cuisine, and vibrant entertainment have made the city a mustvisit destination for generations.
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The journey continues to Green Bay, Wisconsin, a city known not only for its football tradition but also for its beautiful waterfront, museums, and welcoming Midwestern atmosphere. We also revisit Wheeling, West Virginia, where historic architecture, riverfront attractions, and Appalachian heritage combine to create one of the Ohio Valley's most rewarding destinations. Rounding out this milestone issue is our "What's Happening" feature, which highlights Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, as America continues its 250th anniversary commemoration. Readers will discover special exhibits, commemorative events, battlefield experiences, and opportunities to explore one of the nation's most significant historic destinations. Together, these stories celebrate the people, places, and roads that have made Byways Magazine a trusted travel companion for more than four decades.
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Volume 43, Issue No. 4 2026 On the Cover. A montage of seven Byways covers published over the past 17 years traces the magazine’s evolution in the digital era. This milestone edition marks the 101st digital issue since Byways transitioned from print to a fully digital publication in 2009.
Features Celebrating More Than Four Decades on the Road...............................................................................................10 Baltimore, Byways First Cover..............................................................................................................................12 America's Great Roads,Then and Now ..................................................................................................................18 Virginia Beach, Beyond the Beach ........................................................................................................................24 Taylor Swift, Music City USA, & Destinations That Continue to Shine .............................................................30 Green Bay, Titletown USA ....................................................................................................................................36 Wheeling, Revisiting 2022 Dams & Bridges.........................................................................................................42 America’s National Parks: Treasures Worth Protecting .........................................................................................48
What’s Happening Walking in Lincoln’s Footsteps in Gettysburg ......................................................................................................56
Departments Byways Instant Connect ..........................................................................................................................................3 Byways Preview.......................................................................................................................................................4 Advertiser/Sponsored Content Index .....................................................................................................................61
Coming in Future Issues Future issues of Byways will feature Byways Mountains and Valleys, Great American Roads, National Parks and more . . .
Up Next: Mountains & Valleys Byways explores the Driftless Area of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois. Scenic roadways lead through welcoming river towns, historic communities, farms, orchards and some of the Midwest’s most beautiful countryside. Also featured are Oregon's Wallowa Mountains, Colorado's San Luis Valley, Alberta's Crowsnest Pass, the Gila Wilderness & the Mogollon Mountains of New Mexico, and the Monongahela Mountains of West Virginia.
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very issue of Byways Magazine tells a story about a destination. This issue tells the story of Byways itself.
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When the first issue rolled off the press in 1984, our cover featured Baltimore -“America’s Renaissance City”, It was an appropriate beginning. Baltimore represented a city reinventing itself through tourism, historic preservation, and a vibrant waterfront. Those same themes -- discovery, revitalization, and the joy of travel -- would become the foundation of this magazine. Over the next 43 years, Byways has traveled thousands of miles across North America, introducing readers to scenic highways, charming small towns, worldclass attractions, breathtaking national parks, and unforgettable cities. Along the way, the travel industry has changed dramatically, and so has the way people consume information. We have been fortunate not only to witness those changes but to embrace it.
Byways Goes All Digital One of the most significant milestones in our history came with the publication of our first digital issue, marking the beginning of a new era, ong before digital publishing became commonplace. Byways made the transition from ink and paper to an interactive publication that could be read anywhere in the world. That decision allowed us to expand beyond the printed page, eventually incorporating video, multimedia, Apple News, and today, one of the travel industry’s fastest-growing YouTube channels.
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As we reflected on our history while preparing this commemorative issue, we selected seven covers that represent important milestones in the magazine’s journey.
First Digital Issue Our 2009 “America’s Great Roads” issue celebrated the scenic highways and historic byways that inspired the magazine’s very name and remain at the heart of our editorial mission.
Virginia Beach, Live the Life Adventures The 2010 Virginia Beach cover highlighted one of America’s favorite coastal destinations, combining history, beaches, and family-friendly attractions into one memorable issue.
Nashville Issue Features Taylor Swift Our 2015 Nashville cover arrived as Music City enjoyed unprecedented global attention, with hometown superstar Taylor Swift helping introduce a new generation of travelers to one of America’s most vibrant destinations.
Green Bay Visit Leads to Packers Cover The 2017 Green Bay issue demonstrated that iconic sports destinations are about much more than game day, exploring the history, culture, and hospitality that make northeastern Wisconsin a year-round destination.
Wheeling, Ohio River Destination Our 2022 Wheeling, West Virginia cover reflected another enduring Byways tradition -- introducing readers to remarkable destinations that deserve a place on every traveler’s itinerary. Wheeling’s historic architecture, riverfront, and ongoing renaissance reminded us that some of America’s most rewarding discoveries are found just off the interstate. Wheeling has been a strong supporter of Byways, with their advertising message first appearing in Byways in 2014. It began its current run on the inside front cover in 2020, and where it has been ever since.
National Parks Issue Most recently, in 2024, our National Parks edition, featuring Glacier National Park, showcased one of North America’s most spectacular landscapes and reinforced our long-standing commitment to preserving and promoting America’s natural treasures. Each of these covers represents more than a destination. Together, they document the evolution of a magazine that has remained focused on one simple
mission: inspiring people to discover the highways and byways of North America. Today, Byways continues that mission in ways we could scarcely have imagined in 1984. Our digital magazine reaches travel planners, group tour operators, and leisure travelers across the continent. Our stories are shared through Apple News, social media, and our rapidly growing YouTube channel, where hundreds of thousands of viewers explore America’s incredible destinations with us. While the technology has changed, our purpose has not. We remain committed to telling the stories of the places that make North America one of the world’s greatest travel destinations -- its cities and small towns, its rivers and mountains, its parks and highways, and, most importantly, the people who welcome visitors every day. Thank you for joining us on this remarkable journey. Whether you’ve been reading Byways since that first issue in 1984 or you’ve only recently discovered us online, we’re honored to have you traveling with us.
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rom Renaissance City to Reinvention: Baltimore Then and Now
When the first issue of Byways rolled off the presses in April 1984, Baltimore was featured on the cover as “America’s Renaissance City.” It was an appropriate title. Baltimore was in the midst of one of the most ambitious urban revitalization efforts in the United States, transforming its long-neglected Inner Harbor into a national model for waterfront redevelopment.
Forty-one years later, Baltimore remains a city defined by reinvention. Yet the story of Baltimore today is far more complex than it was in 1984. The city has experienced remarkable successes, difficult setbacks, and continued transformation. Looking back at that first cover provides not only a glimpse into Baltimore’s evolution but also a reflection on how travel publishing itself has changed over the past four decades.
opened in 1980 and quickly became a major tourist attraction. The National Aquarium opened in 1981 and immediately became one of Maryland’s most visited attractions. New hotels, restaurants, shops, and public spaces followed.
When Byways placed Baltimore on its first cover, the city represented something larger than itself. It was proof that an aging industrial city could reinvent itself as a tourism destination.
Travel publications, convention bureaus, and motorcoach operators all took notice.
The Inner Harbor Today
The Inner Harbor remains Baltimore’s tourism centerpiece, but it looks very different from the one featured on that 1984 cover.
Baltimore’s Big Comeback
In 1984, Baltimore was riding a wave of optimism.
For much of the twentieth century, the city had been one of America’s great industrial ports. Shipbuilding, steel production, manufacturing, and maritime commerce fueled the local economy. But like many northeastern cities, Baltimore suffered from industrial decline during the 1960s and 1970s.
The waterfront has expanded far beyond the original Harborplace development. Visitors today can walk miles of harborfront promenades connecting attractions that either did not exist or were only dreams in 1984.
The National Aquarium continues to attract visitors from around the world. Historic ships remain docked in the harbor. New museums, residential developments, parks, and entertainment districts have extended the city’s appeal.
The city’s answer was bold: reclaim the waterfront.
The redevelopment of the Inner Harbor became one of the nation’s most celebrated urban renewal projects. Harborplace, with its festival marketplace concept, Byways 12
Neighborhoods that once saw little tourist traffic— including Harbor East, Fells Point, Federal Hill, and Canton—have become major destinations in their own right.
altimore’s waterfront is no longer simply a revitalized harbor. It has become an interconnected collection of districts that blend history, dining, culture, entertainment, and urban living.
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than building a concrete multipurpose stadium, Baltimore created a baseball park that celebrated history, architecture, and the city’s industrial heritage. Today, Camden Yards is widely regarded as one of the most influential sports venues ever built.
Sports Changed the Skyline One of the most visible changes since 1984 is Baltimore’s sports landscape. At the time of the first Byways issue, Memorial Stadium was still home to the Orioles. Within months, however, the Colts would leave Baltimore for Indianapolis in one of the most controversial relocations in sports history. The city responded by doubling down on downtown redevelopment. In 1992, Oriole Park at Camden Yards opened and revolutionized ballpark design across America. Rather
The arrival of the Ravens in 1996 restored Baltimore’s NFL presence and further strengthened downtown tourism. For many travelers today, Baltimore is as much a sports destination as it is a cultural one.
Preserving the Past One thing that has not changed is Baltimore’s deep connection to American history. The city remains home to Fort McHenry, birthplace of “The Star-Spangled Banner”. Historic Fells Point continues to preserve its maritime heritage with Byways 13
cobblestone streets and eighteenth-century buildings. Mount Vernon remains one of America’s finest historic urban neighborhoods.
transitions, population decline, crime concerns, and infrastructure challenges. National headlines have sometimes overshadowed the city’s many strengths.
What has changed is how these stories are presented.
Yet Baltimore has repeatedly demonstrated resilience.
Museums today are far more interactive. Walking tours, mobile apps, heritage trails, and digital exhibits allow visitors to engage with history in ways that were unimaginable in 1984.
Major investments in healthcare, higher education, biotechnology, tourism, and technology have diversified the economy beyond its industrial roots. Institutions such as Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins Hospital have become global leaders in research and medicine.
The stories remain the same, but the methods of telling them have evolved dramatically.
Challenges Along the Way Baltimore’s story since 1984 has not been one of uninterrupted success. Like many American cities, it has faced economic Byways 14
Meanwhile, entrepreneurs, artists, restaurateurs, and community organizations continue to breathe new life into neighborhoods across the city. Baltimore today is still evolving, much as it was in 1984.
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A Different Kind of Renaissance
The Lost Issues
Perhaps the most significant difference between then and now is that Baltimore’s renaissance is no longer focused solely on the harbor.
The Baltimore cover also tells another story -- one about Byways itself.
The 1980s redevelopment concentrated on creating a tourism district. Today’s renaissance is broader. New residential communities, arts districts, innovation hubs, public spaces, and neighborhood revitalization efforts reflect a city attempting to strengthen itself from within while still welcoming visitors. The conversation has shifted from simply attracting tourists to creating a city where people want to live, work, and visit. Byways 16
The Spring 1984 issue launched what would become more than four decades of travel publishing. Yet today, only the cover survives. The stories, photographs, advertisements, editorial layouts, and destinations featured inside have largely been lost to time. That reality highlights a remarkable irony. For centuries, print was considered permanent. Newspapers, magazines, and books were tangible objects that could be held, stored, and archived. Yet many printed publications disappear. Copies are discarded, damaged, misplaced, or simply forgotten. Entire decades of publishing history can vanish.
By contrast, the last seventeen years of Byways exist in complete digital form.
what it was when it first appeared on the cover of Byways: its ability to adapt.
Every issue remains accessible. Every story survives. Every advertiser can still be viewed. Every link remains part of the historical record. A reader today can revisit destinations featured years ago with a few clicks.
The same could be said for Byways.
The digital archive preserves not only the magazine itself but also a snapshot of North American travel at a particular moment in time. In many ways, the digital editions are more permanent than the printed magazines ever were.
Looking Forward If Baltimore symbolized renewal in 1984, it continues to symbolize reinvention today. The skyline has changed. The harbor has expanded. New attractions have emerged. Entire neighborhoods have transformed. Yet the city’s greatest asset remains
From a printed magazine launched in the era of typewriters and film photography to a fully digital publication with interactive links, online distribution, video content, and a searchable archive, the publication has evolved alongside the destinations it covers. That first Baltimore cover now serves as more than a reminder of a city in transition. It marks the beginning of a publishing journey that has documented North America’s highways and byways for more than forty years. The stories inside that inaugural issue may be gone, but the cover endures -- a fitting symbol of both Baltimore’s renaissance and the enduring power of travel storytelling, regardless of the medium in which it is preserved. t
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hen Byways published its first digital issue in 2009, we chose a theme that remains as relevant today as it was seventeen years ago: America’s great roads and scenic byways.
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These routes are far more than highways connecting one destination to another. They are gateways to history, culture, natural wonders, and unforgettable travel experiences. For this special 101st digital issue, we revisit seven of the most memorable stories from that landmark edition. From the ancient civilizations of the Four Corners region along the Trail of the Ancients to the dramatic waterfalls of Oregon’s Historic Columbia River Highway, these routes continue to inspire travelers seeking authentic experiences beyond the interstate. Along the way, you’ll discover volcanic landscapes stretching between California and Oregon, breathtaking mountain scenery on Montana’s Beartooth Highway, the historic National Road that helped open the American frontier, Florida’s iconic coastal highway A1A, and the waterfront beauty of New York’s Seaway Trail.
While much has changed since 2009, these roads remain enduring symbols of exploration and discovery. Some have added new attractions and visitor experiences, while others have preserved the same timeless landscapes that first captivated travelers generations ago. Join us as we look back at these remarkable byways and celebrate the journeys that continue to define the North American travel experience.
The Trail of the Ancients: Timeless Landscapes of the Four Corners When we first featured the Trail of the Ancients, travelers were discovering one of America’s great archaeological routes. The byway remains one of the most fascinating drives in the Southwest, connecting visitors with ancient Puebloan sites, dramatic desert landscapes, and Native American culture.
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Since 2009, visitation to destinations such as Mesa Verde National Park, Hovenweep National Monument, and Monument Valley has continued to grow. New interpretive programs and preservation efforts have helped ensure that future generations can experience these remarkable places. The story of the American Southwest remains written in stone, and the Trail of the Ancients continues to be one of the best ways to read it.
Oregon’s Historic Columbia River Highway: A Century of Scenic Innovation Few roads have had a greater influence on scenic highway design than Oregon’s Historic Columbia River Highway. When we featured the route in 2009, restoration efforts were already underway. Since then, additional trail connections, restored segments, and visitor Byways 20
improvements have strengthened its reputation as one of America’s most important scenic drives. The waterfalls remain spectacular. The Columbia Gorge remains breathtaking. Yet perhaps the greatest attraction is the vision behind the road itself -- a highway designed not simply to move travelers from one place to another, but to immerse them in the landscape. More than a century after construction began, that vision continues to inspire.
Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway: America’s Volcano-to-Volcano Journey Stretching from Lassen Volcanic National Park in California to Crater Lake National Park in Oregon, the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway remains one of North America’s most unique road trips.
In the years since our original coverage, interest in geology, outdoor recreation, and national park tourism has surged. Travelers increasingly seek experiences that combine education with adventure, and few routes deliver both as effectively as this volcanic corridor. From lava beds and cinder cones to alpine lakes and towering forests, the route reminds visitors that the forces shaping our planet are still very much alive.
Beartooth Highway: Still One of America’s Greatest Drives Many scenic roads claim to be among the best in America. The Beartooth Highway rarely needs to make that claim because generations of travelers already have. The dramatic climb toward Beartooth Pass continues to reward visitors with alpine lakes, sweeping mountain vistas, and access to Yellowstone National Park. Seasonal road openings remain a celebrated event each
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spring, and the route consistently appears on lists of the world’s most scenic drives. Some roads improve with age. The Beartooth Highway simply remains extraordinary.
The National Road: The Highway That Built America Long before interstate highways connected the nation, the National Road helped open the American frontier. As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, revisiting this historic corridor feels especially timely. The road helped shape westward expansion, commerce, migration, and the growth of communities across six states. Today, travelers can still experience historic inns, bridges, courthouses, and downtown districts that tell the story of America’s growth. It is more than a scenic drive—it is a journey through the nation’s past.
Florida’s A1A: The Atlantic Coast Classic Few highways are as closely associated with coastal America as Florida’s State Road A1A. Byways 22
The route continues to connect beach communities, historic districts, nature preserves, and some of the Sunshine State’s most iconic destinations. Since our
original feature, destinations along the corridor have expanded eco-tourism opportunities, improved beach access, and strengthened efforts to protect fragile coastal environments. From St. Augustine to the Space Coast and beyond, A1A remains one of the country’s most enjoyable seaside drives.
The Seaway Trail: Great Lakes Adventures Continue The Seaway Trail has long showcased the remarkable beauty of the Great Lakes, Niagara River, and St. Lawrence River. The route remains a favorite among travelers seeking waterfront communities, historic lighthouses, maritime heritage, and outdoor recreation. Since 2009, revitalization efforts in many lakeshore communities have created new attractions, museums, trails, and visitor experiences. Whether exploring the Thousand Islands, watching
waves roll across Lake Ontario, or discovering a quiet harbor town, travelers continue to find new reasons to return.
Looking Ahead When Byways launched its first digital issue in 2009, we could not have predicted how dramatically travel media would evolve. What began as a digital magazine now extends across multiple platforms, including our website, social media channels, Apple News presence, and YouTube programming. What has not changed is the mission. For more than 43 years, Byways has focused on destinations that inspire exploration, celebrate history, and connect travelers with the people and places that make North America remarkable. As we celebrate our 101st digital issue, we thank our readers, advertisers, destination partners, and contributors who have traveled this road with us. The highways and byways of North America still have countless stories to tell. We’re looking forward to sharing the next hundred digital issues with you. Byways 23
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hen Byways first visited Virginia Beach in 2010, we discovered a destination that challenged expectations.
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While many travelers thought of Virginia Beach as simply a summer beach town, we found a vibrant city with military heritage, outdoor recreation, arts and culture, and year-round appeal.
The park’s miles of trails, cypress swamps, and shoreline provide a remarkable contrast to the bustling resort district. Nearby, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge offers opportunities to observe migratory birds, wildlife, and pristine coastal habitats.
Sixteen years later, Virginia Beach continues to evolve while retaining the attractions that made it one of the East Coast’s most popular destinations. The famous three-mile Boardwalk remains the heart of the oceanfront experience, anchored by the iconic King Neptune statue and lined with restaurants, entertainment venues, and oceanfront hotels. Nature lovers continue to explore First Landing State Park, where English colonists first arrived in 1607 before moving on to Jamestown. Byways 25
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center remains one of the city’s premier attractions, while dolphin-watching cruises and kayaking excursions allow visitors to experience the Mid-Atlantic’s largest seasonal population of bottlenose dolphins. Virginia Beach has also strengthened its reputation as a culinary destination. Fresh Chesapeake Bay seafood, oysters, blue crabs, and locally sourced ingredients fill menus throughout the city. The ViBe Creative District showcases local artists, galleries, and public art installations, giving visitors yet another reason to explore beyond the beach. For group travelers, Virginia Beach continues to excel. Motorcoach-friendly attractions, diverse accommodations, and customized itineraries make it one of the most versatile destinations on the Atlantic Coast. Byways 26
Aviation Heritage Along Virginia’s Coast One of the most memorable aspects of our 2010 visit was discovering Virginia Beach’s remarkable aviation attractions.
Navy Blue Angels and military aviation displays that showcase the skill and precision of modern naval aviation. Nearby, Aviation Park preserves a collection of historic aircraft that have served at Oceana since World War II. For aviation enthusiasts, it offers a tangible connection to the generations of pilots who have trained and served here. Naval Air Station Oceana remains the Navy’s Master Jet Base on the East Coast and continues to play a critical role in America’s defense. While security requirements have changed over the years, the base’s aviation heritage remains visible throughout the community. The annual NAS Oceana Air Show continues to attract thousands of visitors with demonstrations by the U.S.
Military Aviation Museum Just minutes away, the Military Aviation Museum has grown into one of the world’s premier collections of flying historic aircraft. Since our original article appeared, the museum has expanded its collection, restoration capabilities, and educational programming. Visitors can view rare World War I and World War II aircraft, many maintained in flying condition.
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The museum’s airshows and flight demonstrations have become major events, allowing visitors to experience the sights and sounds of vintage aviation. From P-51 Mustangs and Spitfires to rare biplanes and bombers, the collection preserves an important chapter of aviation history that might otherwise be lost. Together, NAS Oceana and the Military Aviation Museum create one of the nation’s most compelling aviation tourism experiences, connecting visitors with both the past and present of military flight.
Nebraska: Rediscovering the Great American Road Trip Long before road trips became trendy again, Nebraska was quietly offering travelers some of the most authentic driving experiences in America. The Cornhusker State remains a destination where open roads, wide skies, and unexpected discoveries define the journey. What has changed since our 2010 feature is a growing appreciation among travelers for exactly the kind of experiences Nebraska offers. Outdoor enthusiasts continue to paddle the Niobrara National Scenic River, explore the unusual rock formations of Toadstool Geologic Park, and travel
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through the rolling Sandhills, one of the largest grass-stabilized dune regions in the world. These landscapes remain among the most underrated natural treasures in North America. Nebraska’s cities have also evolved. Omaha’s riverfront redevelopment, expanded cultural attractions, and nationally recognized dining scene have strengthened its appeal. The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium continues to rank among the world’s finest zoos, drawing visitors from across the globe. Lincoln combines collegiate energy with historic neighborhoods, museums, and a growing culinary scene. Throughout the state, wineries, craft breweries, and locally owned restaurants provide visitors with a taste of modern Nebraska. History remains central to the experience. Travelers can follow the routes of pioneers, visit Homestead
than 350 aerospace vehicles and missiles displayed across multiple hangars covering centuries of aviation history. Visitors can walk beneath massive bombers, examine Cold War aircraft, explore space-flight exhibits, and stand just steps away from presidential aircraft that transported American leaders around the globe. Highlights include the Memphis Belle, Air Force One aircraft used by Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Reagan, and an extraordinary collection of experimental and research aircraft. The addition of the fourth building and expanded galleries has further enhanced the visitor experience, allowing guests to explore modern military aviation, space exploration, and presidential flight in greater depth.
National Historical Park, explore Fort Robinson State Park, and learn about westward expansion at museums across the state. For travelers seeking genuine hospitality, uncrowded roads, and memorable landscapes, Nebraska continues to deliver the kind of road trip experience many thought had disappeared decades ago.
Dayton’s National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
What makes the museum especially appealing is its accessibility. Admission and parking remain free, making it one of the best travel values in America. Families, history enthusiasts, veterans, and aviation fans can easily spend an entire day exploring the exhibits. More than a museum, it serves as a tribute to innovation, service, and the individuals who shaped aviation history. As it did in 2010, Dayton continues to remind visitors why it remains one of the most important aviation destinations in the world.
In 2010, the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, was celebrating the launch of its new virtual tour program. Today, both the museum and its digital outreach have expanded dramatically. The museum remains the largest military aviation museum in the world and one of Ohio’s most visited attractions. Located at WrightPatterson Air Force Base, it houses more Byways 29
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ooking back at Byways 2015 issue is like opening a time capsule from a decade ago. The cover featured a young Taylor Swift performing at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, already one of country music’s biggest stars but still years away from becoming one of the most influential entertainers in the world.
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Swift also demonstrated remarkable business acumen by re-recording much of her early catalog, giving her ownership of her music while introducing classic songs to a new generation of fans. Albums such as Folklore, Evermore, Midnights, and The Tortured Poets Department showcased her evolution as a songwriter and storyteller.
Inside the issue, readers discovered Nashville’s rich history, the Country Music Hall of Fame, Cracker Barrel’s fascinating décor center, the rebirth of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Kentucky’s historic Shaker Village. Ten years later, each of these stories remains relevant, though much has changed.
Yet despite her worldwide fame, Nashville remains an important part of her story. The city nurtured her early career, and the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Taylor Swift Education Center stands as a reminder of her ongoing connection to Music City. Looking back from 2026, Taylor Swift’s appearance on the cover of Byways serves as a snapshot of an artist who was already successful but had only begun to realize her historic impact on music and popular culture.
Taylor Swift: From Country Star to Global Cultural Phenomenon When Byways featured Taylor Swift on the cover in 2015, she was transitioning from country music superstar to international pop sensation. Her album “1989” had recently transformed her career, producing chart-topping hits and introducing her to a broader global audience. At the time, few could have predicted the extraordinary success that would follow. Over the past decade, Swift has become one of the most successful recording artists in history. She has won multiple Grammy Awards, including several Album of the Year honors, shattered touring records, and built a fan base that spans generations and continents. Her Eras Tour became the highestgrossing concert tour ever staged, generating billions of dollars in economic impact worldwide.
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Nashville: More Than Music City In 2015, Byways explored Nashville’s 200-year history and its evolution from frontier settlement to entertainment capital. The city’s story began in 1779 when James Robertson, John Donelson, and fellow settlers established what would become Tennessee’s capital. Nashville grew because of its location on the Cumberland River and later as a railroad hub, eventually becoming one of the South’s most important cities. Today Nashville is one of America’s fastest-growing destinations. While country music remains central to its identity, visitors increasingly discover a city known for world-class dining, professional sports, historic attractions, healthcare innovation, and a thriving arts scene. The Grand Ole Opry continues to be Nashville’s most iconic attraction. Since its founding in 1925, the Opry has launched the careers of hundreds Byways 32
of performers and remains the longest-running radio program in American history. Nearby, the Ryman Auditorium continues to host performances by artists from every genre while preserving its status as the “Mother Church of Country Music”. Visitors today also enjoy Lower Broadway’s vibrant entertainment district, the National Museum of
African American Music, the revitalized riverfront, and an expanding collection of museums and cultural attractions. Nashville has successfully blended its historic roots with modern growth, creating a destination that appeals equally to music fans, history buffs, food lovers, and leisure travelers.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum One of the highlights of the 2015 issue was the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, which was then a $37 million state-of-the-art facility housing millions of artifacts chronicling the history of country music. The museum told the story of the genre from Jimmie Rodgers and the earliest Grand Ole Opry performers through modern stars such as Taylor Swift and Luke Bryan. Ten years later, the museum remains one of Nashville’s premier attractions and one of the finest music museums in the world. Its collections continue to grow, preserving everything from costumes and instruments to recordings and personal memorabilia. Historic RCA Studio B remains an essential part of the visitor experience. More than 35,000 songs were recorded there, including hundreds of hits by Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Roy Orbison, and countless others. Standing inside Studio B gives visitors a unique connection to the creative process that helped shape modern American music.
history and cultural significance of country music. For visitors to Nashville, it remains a must-see destination and one of the city’s most valuable cultural treasures.
Cracker Barrel: Preserving Americana One Artifact at a Time Among the most unusual stories in the 2015 issue was a visit to Cracker Barrel’s Décor Center in Lebanon, Tennessee. The article revealed that the antiques displayed in Cracker Barrel restaurants were not reproductions but
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authentic pieces collected from across America. By 2015, the company had accumulated more than 600,000 original artifacts for its restaurants. The story behind Cracker Barrel remains one of the most fascinating examples of preserving everyday American history. Founder Dan Evins envisioned a place where travelers could enjoy home-style cooking while surrounded by reminders of small-town America. That vision continues today. Cracker Barrel has expanded to hundreds of locations across the country while maintaining its distinctive atmosphere. Every restaurant still contains approximately 1,000 carefully selected antiques and artifacts that reflect local history and regional culture. The company’s commitment to authenticity has helped create one of the most recognizable dining brands in America. For travelers, Cracker Barrel remains more than a restaurant. It is a nostalgic stop that celebrates America’s highways, rural heritage, and the traditions that helped define road travel for generations. Byways 34
Lincoln, Nebraska: A Decade of Growth In 2015, Lincoln was experiencing what Byways described as a rebirth. Nearly $750 million in public and private investment had transformed the downtown area through projects such as the Pinnacle Bank Arena, expansion of the Historic Haymarket District, and revitalized parks and public spaces. Today, Lincoln continues to build upon that momentum. The Haymarket District has become one of the Midwest’s most vibrant entertainment areas, filled with restaurants, breweries, shops, and cultural venues. The city remains home to the University of Nebraska, whose football traditions continue to draw visitors from across the country. Lincoln’s reputation for hospitality, affordability, and quality of life has only strengthened over the past decade. Attractions such as the Sheldon Museum of Art, the Nebraska State Capitol, Spring Creek Prairie, and numerous performing arts venues continue to attract visitors seeking a blend of urban amenities and Midwestern charm.
The city has also gained recognition for its music scene, outdoor recreation opportunities, and commitment to public art. What was described as a rebirth in 2015 has matured into a thriving and dynamic destination that remains one of the Midwest’s best-kept secrets.
Shaker Village: Preserving Kentucky’s Past Kentucky’s Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill was another standout feature in the 2015 issue. Located southwest of Lexington, the site preserves 34 original Shaker structures and the nation’s largest collection of 19th-century Shaker buildings. The Shakers established their Kentucky community in the early 1800s and built a thriving society based on shared ownership, hard work, innovation, and faith. Their accomplishments ranged from advanced agricultural practices to impressive engineering achievements, including one of the region’s earliest municipal water systems. Today Shaker Village continues to offer visitors an immersive look at this remarkable community. Guests can tour historic buildings, stay overnight in restored structures, dine at the Trustees’ Table restaurant, and explore thousands of acres of farmland, forests, and nature preserves. The Dixie Belle riverboat still
cruises the Kentucky River Palisades, offering spectacular views of one of Kentucky’s most scenic landscapes. More than a museum, Shaker Village serves as a living reminder of the values that shaped the community: stewardship, craftsmanship, hospitality, and respect for the land.
Looking Back The 2015 issue captured destinations and attractions that have stood the test of time. Nashville continues to thrive as Music City USA. The Country Music Hall of Fame remains one of America’s great cultural institutions. Cracker Barrel still celebrates the traditions of the American road. Lincoln continues its evolution into a dynamic Midwestern city. Shaker Village preserves one of Kentucky’s most important historical treasures. And then there is Taylor Swift. What was once the story of a rising country music star has become one of the most remarkable success stories in entertainment history. Looking back, that 2015 cover now represents not only a moment in Byways history but also a moment just before one artist would redefine what global superstardom could look like in the twenty-first century.
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ith football season kicking off soon, there may be no better time to revisit one of the most iconic destinations ever featured on a Byways cover: Green Bay, Wisconsin and the legendary Green Bay Packers.
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The 2017 Rivers & Lakes issue placed Packers great Donald Driver on the cover and highlighted Green Bay as a destination where sports history, waterfront scenery, local culture, and Midwestern hospitality combine to create one of America’s most unique travel experiences. But Green Bay was only one stop in an issue packed with memorable destinations stretching from Louisiana to Texas, the Great Lakes, and Tennessee.
Titletown USA Green Bay’s football story is unlike any other in professional sports. Founded in 1919, the Packers are the NFL’s only community-owned franchise and one of the most successful organizations in league history. Their relationship with the city is inseparable. Green Bay, with a population of roughly 100,000, remains the smallest city in America to host a major professional sports franchise, yet fills Lambeau Field
every game day and maintains a season-ticket waiting list that stretches for decades. Visitors quickly discover that Green Bay is much more than football. Situated at the mouth of the Fox River and Green Bay of Lake Michigan, the city’s history was built on waterways, shipping, and industry. The Fox River served as a transportation corridor for fur traders, paper mills, and manufacturers long before football put the city on the map.
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A visit to Lambeau Field remains the centerpiece of any trip. Stadium tours take visitors through the players’ tunnel, luxury club areas, and onto the edge of the playing field. The Packers Hall of Fame showcases more than a century of football history through interactive exhibits and championship memorabilia. During training camp, fans experience one of the NFL’s most charming traditions. Youngsters line up with bicycles hoping a Packers player will choose their bike for the short ride from the locker room to the practice field. It’s a uniquely Green Bay experience that reflects the team’s close relationship with its community. Beyond football, travelers can enjoy brewery tours, Fox River cruises, Bay Beach Amusement Park, the Automobile Gallery, farmers markets, and cultural experiences with the nearby Oneida Nation. Green Bay proves that while football may bring visitors to town, the city itself keeps them coming back.
Cruising into New Orleans The issue opened with a journey down the Mississippi River aboard the Creole Queen paddle wheeler. Writer Mary Charlebois reminded readers that no visit to New Orleans is complete without Byways 38
experiencing the river that made the city possible. Styled after nineteenth-century paddle wheelers, the Creole Queen combines history, live jazz, Creole cuisine, and views of one of the world’s great waterways. Historical cruises travel to Chalmette Battlefield, site of the Battle of New Orleans, while evening dinner cruises feature classic Louisiana dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya, and bread pudding with whiskey sauce. The cruise perfectly embodied the Rivers & Lakes theme by showing how waterways continue to shape American culture and tourism.
Texas Heart, German Soul From Wisconsin, readers traveled south to Fredericksburg in the Texas Hill Country. Founded by German immigrants in 1846, Fredericksburg remains one of the most distinctive communities in Texas. Today, visitors find a fascinating blend of German heritage and Texas hospitality. Historic Main Street is lined with shops, galleries, restaurants, and tasting rooms. More than 40 wineries and vineyards have helped establish the Texas Hill Country as one of America’s emerging wine destinations.
Nearby attractions include Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Wildseed Farms, and Luckenbach, Texas. The National Museum of the Pacific War, dedicated to Admiral Chester Nimitz and those who served in the Pacific Theater during World War II, remains one of the nation’s premier military museums. With more than 350 annual events ranging from Oktoberfest to peach festivals and art walks, Fredericksburg has evolved into a year-round destination popular with couples, families, and motorcoach groups alike.
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Following the Legacy of LBJ
Great Lakes Grandeur
Just east of Fredericksburg, the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park tells the story of America’s 36th president. Visitors can explore Johnson’s boyhood home, the Texas White House, the LBJ Ranch, and the scenic Pedernales River that influenced much of his life and political philosophy.
Pat Woods transported readers aboard Victory I for a ten-day cruise through all five Great Lakes. The itinerary connected Toronto, Niagara Falls, Cleveland, Detroit, Sault Ste. Marie, Mackinac Island, and Chicago.
The park provides an intimate look at both presidential history and the Texas Hill Country landscape that shaped Johnson’s character. Byways 40
The cruise demonstrated the incredible diversity of Great Lakes travel. One day featured wineries and the mist of Niagara Falls. Another focused on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland or the Henry Ford Museum in Detroit. The voyage culminated on Mackinac Island, where horse-drawn carriages still replace automobiles and the historic Grand Hotel remains one of North America’s most celebrated resorts. The article reminded readers that cruising isn’t limited to oceans. The Great Lakes offer maritime scenery, historic cities, and cultural attractions every bit as impressive as coastal destinations.
Reelfoot Lake and Discovery Park The issue concluded in northwestern Tennessee with two destinations that continue to attract travelers today. Blue Bank Resort sits on Reelfoot Lake, a natural wonder created by the massive New Madrid earthquakes of 1811-1812. The lake remains one of the South’s premier destinations for fishing, bird watching, boating, and outdoor recreation.
Just twenty minutes away, Discovery Park of America combines science, history, technology, transportation, military history, agriculture, and hands-on learning in a world-class museum complex. Since opening, Discovery Park has become one of Tennessee’s leading attractions and a major draw for families and tour groups.
Looking Back Nearly a decade later, the Rivers & Lakes 2017 issue remains one of Byways’ most memorable collections of destinations. From the football tradition of Green Bay and the Mississippi River culture of New Orleans to Texas Hill Country heritage, Great Lakes cruising, and Tennessee’s natural and educational attractions, the issue showcased exactly what Byways has done for more than four decades -connecting travelers with the people, places, rivers, lakes, highways, and byways that define North America. And in August, as football fans once again turn their attention to Lambeau Field, Green Bay remains a fitting reminder that some destinations are about much more than the game. They’re about community, history, tradition, and the stories that continue long after the final whistle.
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heeling, West Virginia earned the cover of Byways’ 2022 Dams & Bridges issue with one of North America’s great engineering landmarks: the historic Wheeling Suspension Bridge.
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The cover image featured the arched entryway to the bridge, which was the largest suspension bridge in the world from 1849 until 1851. Set on the Ohio River in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Wheeling has long been one of Byways’ great supporters, and the city made a fitting centerpiece for an issue devoted to the dams and bridges that shaped travel, commerce and communities across North America.
Wheeling’s Historic Suspension Bridge Wheeling is one of those cities where history is not hidden away in a museum case. It is built into the streets, riverfront, neighborhoods and landmarks. West Virginia’s first state capital, Wheeling was also the place where West Virginia became a state. Its location on the Ohio River helped make it an industrial and transportation center, and its role along
the National Road connected the city to the great westward movement of the 19th century. The Wheeling Suspension Bridge remains the city’s signature landmark. Built in 1849, it carried the National Road across the Ohio River between Wheeling Island and downtown Wheeling. It was the first bridge to span the Ohio River and, for a brief time, the largest suspension bridge in the world. The bridge was more than an engineering achievement. It was a commercial statement. At the time, Wheeling and Pittsburgh were competing to become gateways between the Eastern Seaboard and the Midwest. The bridge helped extend the National Road into Ohio and strengthened Wheeling’s role as a transportation hub. Visitors today can experience Wheeling as a heritage destination with strong group-travel appeal. West Virginia Independence Hall, the Museums of Oglebay Institute, Victorian Old Town, Eckhart House and Grave Creek Mound all help tell the story of the city and region.
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The bridge itself has earned national recognition. It was honored as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1969, listed as a National Historic Landmark in 1975, and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. For travelers, Wheeling offers a satisfying mix of riverfront scenery, Appalachian foothills, historic architecture, local dining and easy access to nearby attractions. It is the kind of destination that rewards visitors who slow down, look closely and appreciate how one city helped connect a young nation.
California’s Bixby Bridge From the Ohio River, the issue traveled west to one of the most photographed bridges in America: California’s Bixby Bridge. Located along Highway 1 in Big Sur, the bridge is often described as Big Sur’s version of the Golden Gate Bridge. Completed in 1932, the reinforced concrete openspandrel arch bridge rises 260 feet above Bixby Creek and sits about 120 miles south of San Francisco. Its
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dramatic setting, with mountains on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, has made it a favorite stop for road trippers, photographers and travelers exploring the Central Coast. Bixby Bridge is especially appealing because it is part of a larger scenic journey. Monterey, Carmel-by-theSea, Big Sur, Hurricane Point and the rugged coastline of Highway 1 all combine to create one of North America’s classic drives. The article noted that the Cambria-to-Carmel Highlands stretch of Highway 1 was California’s first designated Scenic Highway.
Chicago’s Riverwalk Bridges Chicago brought an urban dimension to the issue. The city is famous for skyscrapers, but it is also a city of bridges. The Chicago River system stretches 156 miles through the region, and within city limits there are 37 movable bridges. Downtown Chicago’s bridges are part of the city’s identity. Michigan Avenue, State Street, Wells Street, Wabash Avenue and LaSalle Street all cross the river on engineering works that combine function with architectural style.
The DuSable Bridge, formerly the Michigan Avenue Bridge, is one of the best known and carries both vehicles and pedestrians across the main stem of the river. For visitors, the best way to appreciate Chicago’s bridges is from the Riverwalk or on an architecture cruise. The city’s movable bridges tell the story of commerce, shipping, urban planning and civic design. They also provide some of the finest views of Chicago’s skyline.
Gavins Point Dam and Lewis and Clark Lake The issue then moved to the Missouri River, where Gavins Point Dam spans the river between Cedar County, Nebraska and Yankton County, South Dakota. The 1.9-mile rolled-earth and chalk-fill dam impounds Lewis and Clark Lake and was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1952 and 1957. Byways 45
While dams are often discussed for flood control, navigation, water supply and power generation, Gavins Point also created a major recreation destination. Lewis and Clark Lake offers boating, fishing, camping, hiking, hunting, bird watching, swimming, biking and photography.
The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge
The lake stretches approximately 25 miles and includes more than 90 miles of shoreline. More than two million visitors come to Lewis and Clark Lake each year, making it one of the region’s important outdoor destinations.
The bridge connects Brooklyn and Staten Island across the Narrows, where Upper New York Bay meets Lower New York Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It carries Interstate 278 and serves as a major link between the Middle Atlantic states and Long Island.
The Lewis and Clark Visitor Center, located atop Calumet Bluff, provides views of the lake, Lake Yankton and the Missouri River below the dam. It also interprets Native American history, pioneer history, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, local wildlife and the Corps of Engineers’ work in the region.
Designed by Othmar Ammann, the bridge transformed travel in New York City. Before it opened, ferries were the only way to travel directly between Staten Island, Manhattan and Brooklyn. Its construction contributed significantly to Staten Island’s development and remains one of the great visual landmarks of New York Harbor.
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New York’s Verrazano-Narrows Bridge added another iconic span to the issue. When it opened in 1964, it was the world’s longest suspension span. It remains the longest suspension bridge in the United States.
A Strong Theme, A Memorable Cover Byways’ 2022 Dams & Bridges issue showed how infrastructure can become destination travel. Bridges and dams do more than move vehicles or hold back water. They shape cities, create lakes, open scenic roads, inspire photographers, connect communities and preserve stories of ambition and innovation.
Wheeling’s cover was especially fitting. The Wheeling Suspension Bridge is not simply a historic structure. It is a symbol of connection, linking riverbanks, regions and eras. For Byways readers, it offered the perfect gateway into an issue celebrating the engineering landmarks that continue to define the highways and byways of North America.
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or generations, Byways has celebrated the destinations that make North America extraordinary. Few places embody the continent’s natural beauty, history, and sense of wonder more completely than its national parks.
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Glacier National Park: The Crown of the Continent
Recognizing their importance, Byways now dedicates an entire issue each year to these remarkable landscapes, highlighting the parks that inspire travelers while reminding us of the responsibility we all share in preserving them for future generations.
Known as the Crown of the Continent, Glacier National Park represents the very best of the American West. Located in northwestern Montana along the Canadian border, Glacier encompasses more than a million acres of rugged mountains, alpine meadows, crystal-clear lakes, and some of the most spectacular scenery in North America.
The cover of this issue features the breathtaking scenery of Glacier National Park in Montana, a fitting symbol for a publication devoted to America’s greatest natural treasures. Goose Island on St. Mary Lake, framed by towering peaks and pristine waters, captures the essence of what draws millions of visitors to national parks every year.
The park’s signature attraction is the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile engineering masterpiece that traverses the Continental Divide while offering unforgettable views of glacial valleys, waterfalls, and mountain peaks.
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Travelers winding along the route quickly understand why Glacier is considered one of America’s greatest scenic drives.
shopping, and cultural attractions. Together, they make Glacier National Park not just a destination but a complete travel experience.
Glacier is also renowned for its wildlife. Grizzly bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, moose, and countless bird species thrive throughout the park. Logan Pass and Many Glacier are among the best places to observe animals in their natural habitat.
Yosemite National Park: California’s Natural Masterpiece
Outdoor enthusiasts are equally drawn to Glacier’s extensive trail system. More than 700 miles of hiking trails lead visitors through landscapes ranging from dense forests to alpine tundra. The Highline Trail and Grinnell Glacier Trail rank among the most celebrated hikes in the National Park System. Nearby communities such as Whitefish and Kalispell add to the appeal, providing excellent lodging, dining, Byways 50
Among America’s most iconic landscapes, Yosemite National Park continues to captivate travelers with its towering granite cliffs, giant sequoias, waterfalls, and expansive valleys. Located in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, Yosemite is one of the crown jewels of the National Park System and a place every traveler should experience at least once. Yosemite’s history is deeply tied to the conservation movement. The Yosemite Grant Act signed by Abraham Lincoln in 1864 became a landmark moment in American preservation, helping lay the
foundation for the National Park System that would follow. The heart of the park is Yosemite Valley, home to world-famous landmarks including El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall. Glacier Point offers panoramic views of the valley and the surrounding Sierra Nevada peaks, while Mariposa Grove protects hundreds of giant sequoias, some among the oldest living organisms on Earth. For visitors seeking quieter experiences, Tuolumne Meadows provides alpine beauty, wildflowers, and peaceful hiking opportunities away from the crowds. Beyond the park boundaries, destinations such as Bass Lake, Mono Lake, and Sierra National Forest add even more opportunities for exploration. Whether arriving for the waterfalls of spring, the warm adventures of summer, the colors of autumn, or the snowy serenity of winter, Yosemite remains one of North America’s most inspiring landscapes.
Great Basin National Park: Nevada’s Hidden Gem While Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Glacier receive
much of the attention, Great Basin National Park offers travelers a quieter and equally rewarding experience. Located in eastern Nevada near the Utah border, this often-overlooked park showcases a remarkable diversity of landscapes, from high mountain peaks to ancient forests and underground cave systems. One of the park’s greatest distinctions is its designation as an International Dark Sky Park. Far from major population centers, Great Basin offers some of the clearest night skies in the United States. On moonless nights, the Milky Way stretches brilliantly across the heavens, making the park a paradise for stargazers and astrophotographers. The park is home to Wheeler Peak, rising 13,063 feet above the surrounding desert basin. Hiking trails lead visitors through dramatically changing ecosystems, culminating in panoramic views that stretch across Nevada’s vast landscape. Another highlight is the Bristlecone Pine Trail, where visitors encounter some of the oldest living trees on Earth. Many of these ancient bristlecone pines have
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survived for more than 4,000 years, standing as silent witnesses to human history.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: America’s Most Visited Park
Below ground, Lehman Caves reveal an entirely different world. Guided tours showcase spectacular limestone formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and rare shield formations that make the cave system one of the park’s most fascinating attractions.
Stretching across the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains America’s most visited national park, welcoming millions of travelers annually. Its popularity stems from a unique combination of accessibility, biodiversity, rich Appalachian culture, and breathtaking scenery.
Nearby Baker and Ely provide gateways to the park while offering insight into Nevada’s mining heritage and western history.
The park derives its name from the natural blue haze that often blankets the mountains, a phenomenon
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recognized long before European settlement by the Cherokee people, who called the area “Shaconage”, or “land of the blue smoke”. The Smokies are renowned for their biological diversity. More than 1,500 flowering plant species thrive here, alongside black bears, elk, whitetailed deer, salamanders, and hundreds of bird species. The park’s forests represent one of the most diverse ecosystems in North America. Hikers can explore over 800 miles of trails, including portions of the Appalachian Trail. Popular routes such as Laurel Falls Trail and Alum Cave Trail provide access to waterfalls, mountain vistas, and some of the park’s most beloved scenery. Beyond its natural beauty, the Smokies preserve important aspects of Appalachian history. Historic cabins, churches, mills, and settlements at locations such as Cades Cove and Oconaluftee allow visitors to
step back into the lives of the region’s early settlers. Despite recent weather challenges, the park continues to demonstrate resilience, welcoming visitors to landscapes that have inspired generations.
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Shenandoah National Park: Virginia’s Mountain Retreat
tapestry of red, orange, and gold, while winter provides a quieter, snow-covered wonderland.
Nestled within Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park offers travelers a more intimate national park experience. Rolling ridges, scenic overlooks, cascading waterfalls, and dense forests create a peaceful retreat just a short drive from major East Coast population centers.
More than 500 miles of trails provide opportunities for exploration. Visitors can enjoy family-friendly walks, waterfall hikes to destinations like Dark Hollow Falls, or more strenuous adventures such as Old Rag Mountain and Hawksbill Summit.
One of Shenandoah’s defining features is Skyline Drive, a 105-mile scenic roadway that follows the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With 75 overlooks providing expansive views of the Shenandoah Valley and Virginia Piedmont, Skyline Drive is among America’s great scenic routes.
Shenandoah also preserves an important cultural legacy. Skyline Drive and many park facilities were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, while visitor centers and preserved homesteads help tell the story of the mountain communities that once called the region home.
The park’s beauty changes dramatically with the seasons. Spring brings wildflowers and migrating birds. Summer offers lush forests and cool mountain escapes. Autumn transforms the landscape into a
As an International Dark Sky destination, Shenandoah provides visitors with another opportunity to reconnect with nature under brilliant star-filled skies.
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Protecting the Parks for Future Generations National parks represent far more than scenic destinations. They preserve wildlife habitats, protect cultural and historical resources, support local economies, and provide opportunities for education and recreation. They are places where travelers can disconnect from daily routines and reconnect with nature, history, and themselves. The national park movement began with Yellowstone in 1872 and has grown into one of the world’s most successful conservation efforts. Today’s travelers inherit both the privilege of visiting these extraordinary places and the responsibility of protecting them. Byways has long recognized the importance of these remarkable landscapes. Through our annual National Parks issue, we celebrate not only the destinations themselves but also the spirit of conservation that ensures future generations will be able to stand beside Yosemite’s granite cliffs, gaze into the night skies of Great Basin, traverse the mountain roads of Glacier, hike the forests of the Smokies, and watch the sunrise over Shenandoah’s Blue Ridge Mountains.
These parks are America’s shared treasures -- places of wonder, inspiration, and discovery. They remind us that some of our greatest journeys begin not in cities or resorts, but on a trail, beside a lake, atop a mountain, or under a sky filled with stars.
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Editor's Note. This story is a reprise of the What's Happening article that first appeared in the June, 2011 issue of Byways. ess than five months after the American Civil War came north, Gettysburg was still struggling to recover. Three days of fighting in July 1863 had produced roughly 51,000 casualties -- killed, wounded, captured or missing -- and transformed farms, churches and public buildings into hospitals.
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The town’s 2,400 residents faced an almost unimaginable task: caring for the wounded, locating the dead and rebuilding a changed community. That November, officials prepared to dedicate a new cemetery for the Union dead. The principal speaker would be celebrated orator Edward Everett. President Abraham Lincoln was invited to offer only “a few appropriate remarks". He arrived by train on Nov. 18, delivered his address the next day and departed after about 25 hours in Gettysburg. Byways 56
Lincoln’s speech lasted about two minutes. Yet its call for a “new birth of freedom” gave enduring meaning to the sacrifices made at Gettysburg and reshaped the nation’s understanding of equality and democracy. More than 162 years later, visitors can still follow Lincoln’s route. The station where he arrived, the house where he stayed and the cemetery where he spoke remain within a compact historic landscape.
Gettysburg Lincoln Railroad Station Begin where Lincoln’s visit began. The president arrived at Gettysburg’s railroad station on Nov. 18, 1863, amid a crowd eager to see him. Opened in 1859, the station had already served as a field hospital and as a vital point for receiving supplies and transporting wounded and dead soldiers after the battle. Today, the restored Gettysburg Lincoln Railroad Station at 35 Carlisle Street is a Gettysburg Foundation history stop. Exhibits interpret its Civil
War service, Lincoln’s visit and the journeys of later generations who came to remember. Check its seasonal hours before visiting.
David Wills House From the station, Lincoln traveled to the home of attorney David Wills on the town square. Wills had taken a leading role in the enormous post-battle recovery effort and helped create the Soldiers’ National Cemetery. His invitation brought Lincoln to Gettysburg. Lincoln spent the night in an upstairs bedroom, where he made final revisions to his remarks. The National Park Service museum includes Wills’ office and the Lincoln bedroom, restored to their 1863 appearance, along with galleries examining the battle’s aftermath and the creation of the cemetery. The David Wills House is currently closed, with no reopening date announced. Visitors can still view its handsome brick exterior at 8 Lincoln Square and consider the remarkable scene there on the evening before the address. Check the National Park Service website for updated access information before a trip.
“Return Visit” Statue Just outside the Wills House, Abraham Lincoln appears to have returned to the square. Sculptor J. Seward Johnson Jr.’s lifesize bronze, known as “Return Visit”, depicts Lincoln gesturing toward the house as he shares the story of his stay with a modern visitor.
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The approachable work is a favorite downtown photo stop. Its Lincoln figure was informed by the president’s life mask, casts of his hands and careful study of his clothing. The statue creates a playful link between past and present.
Follow the Procession On the morning of Nov. 19, Lincoln joined a procession from the square south along Baltimore Street to the new cemetery. Visitors can follow much of that route today. Gettysburg Licensed Town Guides offer a seasonal President Abraham Lincoln’s Visit walking tour using historic photographs and firsthand accounts to recount his brief stay. A self-guided historic walking tour is also available from Destination Gettysburg. Along the way, look for buildings that witnessed the battle’s aftermath and the president’s arrival. The walk places Lincoln’s visit within a living town filled in 1863 with soldiers, dignitaries, reporters and residents. Byways 58
Gettysburg National Cemetery The procession ended at what is now Gettysburg National Cemetery, on ground that had helped anchor the Union position during the battle. More than 3,500 Union soldiers killed at Gettysburg were buried there; later burials brought the cemetery’s total to more than 6,000 United States service members and veterans. The Soldiers’ National Monument rises at the center of the original semicircular burial sections. Nearby, the Lincoln Speech Memorial displays the Gettysburg Address and the invitation asking the president to speak. The memorial honors the words themselves and is one of the rare monuments dedicated to a speech. Lincoln did not speak from the brick rostrum near the cemetery entrance; it was built in 1879. The 1863 speakers’ platform stood in adjacent Evergreen Cemetery. Explore this quiet landscape slowly, taking time to read the state markers and names carved into the stones. A cemetery virtual tour and seasonal ranger programs are also available.
Gettysburg Presbyterian Church Before leaving Gettysburg, Lincoln attended a patriotic gathering at the Presbyterian church, accompanied by John Burns, the elderly Gettysburg civilian who had taken up arms during the battle. The congregation later moved to its present church at 208 Baltimore Street, bringing with it the pew associated with Lincoln. Visitors may see the historic pew and learn about the congregation’s Civil War story when the church is open or during special programs. Because access varies, confirm current opportunities before planning a visit.
Lincoln Into Art Lincoln’s legacy is not confined to historic buildings. At Lincoln Into Art, Wendy Allen presents the 16th president as a contemporary presence. Her reflective and boldly expressive portraits invite viewers to look again at a familiar face.
The gallery occupies an 1850 house at 329 Baltimore Street. It offers a modern counterpoint to nearby monuments and shows how Lincoln still inspires new interpretations.
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Begin at the Museum and Visitor Center For a broader understanding, visit the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center. The film “A New Birth of Freedom”, restored Gettysburg Cyclorama and museum galleries place the address within the causes, consequences and human cost of the Civil War. Licensed Battlefield Guides can also be reserved. The park and National Cemetery have no entrance fee, although tickets are required for the museum, film and Cyclorama experience. The National Park Service app includes maps and self-guided material that can be downloaded before arrival.
Dedication Day 2026 Every Nov. 19, Gettysburg marks the anniversary of the cemetery’s dedication and Lincoln’s address. Ceremonies traditionally include a wreath-laying, an address by a distinguished speaker and a reading of the Gettysburg Address, followed by events connected with Remembrance Day weekend. In 2026, the 163rd anniversary will receive special emphasis through “Lincoln at Gettysburg: Shall Not Perish.” Byways 60
Plans include a presidential procession from Lincoln Square to the National Cemetery and a re-creation of the Gettysburg Address near the place where it was first delivered. Program details may change, so visitors should consult the current event calendar before traveling. Lincoln came to Gettysburg to help dedicate a cemetery. In a handful of sentences, he also challenged the living to continue the work for which the soldiers had given their lives. Walking through Gettysburg today—from the railroad station to Lincoln Square, down Baltimore Street and into the cemetery—reveals how closely that national story remains connected to one small Pennsylvania town. Visitor Information: Destination Gettysburg destinationgettysburg.com nps.gov/gett t
Byways is published bi-monthly by Byways, Inc. and distributed electronically throughout North America. Byways is emailed to more than 4,000 tour operators and the Travel Trade. Subscriptions are complimentary. An Android browser version is available at www.issuu.com/byways. Byways’ distribution includes motorcoach companies, tour operators, selected travel agents, and other group
tour travel promoters. It is also available to consumers with an interest in North American travel. For advertising rates, editorial deadlines, or to place advertising insertions, contact: Byways Magazine at 540-233-1121. ©Copyright 2026 by Byways, Inc. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be duplicated in any form without express written permission of the publisher.
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