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Continue reading →: Experience German Culture at The Liederkranz in Grand Island, NebraskaDo you love German food and music? Or maybe you’ve never experienced it and would like to check it out? While attending the Midwest Travel Network conference we were treated to a visit to The Liederkranz Klub, which was founded in 1870. Liederkranz means “Song of Wreath” or “Circle of Song.”…
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Continue reading →: Understanding G.A.R. – A Tribute to Union Civil War VeteransHave you ever noticed the initials G.A.R. on monuments or signs? Have you ever thought about what those initials stand for? I had seen the initials several times across the country, and I have to admit, I never gave them much thought. Then, when we were on a trip last…
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Continue reading →: Discovering the History of Elvis in Tupelo, MississippiThere’s really only one name that comes to mind when you think of Tupelo, Mississippi – Elvis Presley! So, on the occasion of his birthday today, January 8, we’d like to tell you about our visit to his childhood home in Tupelo. On a recent trip, when we realized we’d…
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Continue reading →: Experience Luckenbach: Live Music and Historic CharmLuckenbach, Texas. Popular before the song by Waylon and Willie, it became massively famous afterwards. We can easily have preconceived notions about a place. I have to admit that Luckenbach was one of those places and was completely unlike what I expected. I hear that happens a lot. I thought it was…
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Continue reading →: Discovering Longhorn Cavern: A Texas Hidden Historical GemIt has supplied food. It has provided a source of material for stone tools and for gunpowder. It provided shelter from nuclear attack. It’s also been a restaurant and nightclub. And it may have even been – or may still be – a hiding spot for stolen gold. Where in…
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Continue reading →: The Quirky History and People of Murray, IdahoUp a winding country road, flanked by tall, deep green fir trees and serenity, lies a tiny, obscure town with more stories than people. Meet historic Murray, Idaho, population 30 – plus or minus, depending on who you ask. Born in the gold-mining days and named after prospector George Murray,…
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Continue reading →: Immerse Yourself in the Timeless Elegance of The Read House in Chattanooga, TennesseeThere’s just something about staying in a historic hotel that feeds the soul. It’s like you can feel the energy and excitement from all the previous guests over the years. And when it’s decorated with beautiful antiques, the warmth of the ages radiates off them as well. The 2025 OWAA (Outdoor…
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Continue reading →: How A Family Favor Led to the Geographic Center of the Continental USAWe were sitting in a room full of people in Nebraska. David asked, “Hey, where is the center of the United States?” He thought that it must be somewhere nearby-ish, but no one knew. “Oh well,” we thought, and just moved on with the conversation. When we left town a…
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Continue reading →: A Nostalgic Visit to the Kermit the Frog MuseumMost of us remember Kermit the Frog – the green one. But did you know the first Kermit was more grayish/green? We didn’t either until we stumbled on the “Leland MS Birthplace of Kermit the Frog, An Exhibit of Jim Henson’s Delta Boyhood” in Leland, Mississippi. While Henson is more…
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Continue reading →: Heritage Traveling Through Generations of HeadstonesThe road dropped out of sight in front of us. We could see it continued somewhere out ahead, but it looked like we were about to drive over a cliff. David pressed forward, while I just shut my eyes and prayed. Nope, the road didn’t drop off, it was just…
Hello,
We’re David and Nancy Keaton
We’re David and Nancy Keaton, explorers with a deep appreciation for the stories sewn into the fabric of small towns and rural communities. We began with a simple idea: to slow down, take the scenic route, and discover the rich history that lies just beyond the main highways.
Through Heritage Backroads, we aim to share our passion for heritage travel,
immersing ourselves in the culture, architecture, and traditions that define each special community. From historic courthouses and quaint main streets to local festivals and mom-and-pop diners, we believe that every backroad leads to a story worth telling.
Whether you’re a fellow traveler, a history enthusiast, or someone who cherishes the
charm of small-town life, we invite you to join us as we explore the heritage and history that enriches our lives and connects us all.
So, hop in and take a ride down the backroads with us and discover the stories worth saving.
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