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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…
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Continue reading →: Discover the Stories of Pawnee Rock in KansasWe were traveling along a quiet country road in a nice, comfortable, air-conditioned car, snacks and drinks right by our side. We noticed a tall sandstone outcropping with a sign letting us know that we were approaching Pawnee Rock State Historic Site. Halfway ThereWe stepped out in the sweltering Kansas…
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Continue reading →: Time Travel on the Plains: Exploring the Living History of Railroad Town at the Stuhr Museum(We were hosted by the Stuhr Museum as part of the Midwest Travel Network Conference. Opinions are our own.) Character. Craftsmanship. Community. Respect. All the things you wish were still around today. Thankfully, they still are at the Stuhr Museum in Grand Island, Nebraska. The museum was founded by Leo…
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Continue reading →: Bishop’s Palace, Galveston, Texas – A Dream House for Historic Architecture FansThe Bishop’s Palace – Beautiful marble, rich mahogany, intricate stained glass, ornate fireplaces, fourteen-foot ceilings – these are just a few of stunning details lovingly and creatively incorporated into the design of the incomparable “Bishop’s Palace” in Galveston, Texas. Some locals call it “Gresham’s Castle” because it was designed and built…
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Continue reading →: Exploring The Archway: A Pioneer Tribute in Kearney, NebraskaCould you leave your home, your family, your friends, knowing you may never see them again? Could you do what the pioneers did, traveling the Oregon Trail, California Trail or Santa Fe Trail? Have you ever wondered what it must have been like? I know a little bit about the…
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Continue reading →: Where History Meets Heart: The Lloyd Mitchell Spur CollectionGATESVILLE, TEXAS Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” An extraordinary man, Lloyd Mitchell, made others feel special – and his simple accidental find of a spur in…
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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