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Things that go bump in the night. Faint cries coming from empty rooms. Shadowy figures that fade from view. It’s all deliciously creepy fun.
If you’re a ghost hunter or you just love feeling a chill run up and down your spine, hop on the road to visit these seven destinations that are well known for their spooky history.
Originally published September 26, 2016.
The post The 7 Spookiest Cities in the U.S. appeared first on The Allstate Blog.
For many people, embarking on a road trip to their vacation destination can be a more affordable means of transportation when compared to other travel options. But, besides saving money on things like airline tickets or baggage fees, there are some other ways to save that may not have crossed your mind. Check out these four tips that can help you save as you get ready to head out on your next road trip:
Stopping for snacks and meals during a road trip can be expensive, especially when you are with the entire family. Consider skipping some of the fast food pit stops and bring snacks and drinks along for the car ride instead, recommends Business Insider. If you’d like to bring any refrigerated items along, or want to keep bottled water or soda cold, place them in a cooler filled with ice — then change out the ice as needed when you stop off at a gas station to fuel up.
Instead of waiting until the last minute to pack for your trip, get a head start so you can determine what you need ahead of time. This way, you can avoid last-minute shopping trips when you reach your destination. For example, if you’re headed to the beach, you’ll likely need sunscreen, towels or a beach bag. Consider packing these types of essentials ahead of time, as Business Insider says that the same items could be more expensive once you reach your vacation destination. Knowing what you need prior to leaving may also give you time to seek out sales when buying any items you need.
If you don’t have a preference or a specific window for taking your trip, you may be able to save some money by traveling during a non-peak time of year, according to U.S. News and World Report (U.S. News). Some of the most popular travel times include around holidays or during summer and winter break. By avoiding these peak travel times, you may be able to score hotel or rental accommodations for less, says U.S. News. But, keep in mind that depending on where you’re headed, some activities or events may be limited based on seasonality.
Driving habits like stopping and accelerating suddenly, and how fast you drive, may have a negative impact on your car’s fuel economy. In fact, frequent hard braking or accelerating may reduce your vehicle’s fuel efficiency by up to 3 miles per gallon, says Consumer Reports. You may be able to help improve gas mileage by avoiding hard braking and accelerating when possible. Additionally, FuelEconomy.gov states that gas mileage can decrease once a vehicle reaches speeds of 50 miles per hour or more. Ensure you’re following the speed limit at all times and consider using cruise control, which can also help improve fuel efficiency.
Planning ahead for your next road trip may help alleviate some financial stress. Remember these tips as you plan so you can focus more on making memories with family and friends, and less on breaking the bank.
Originally published on May 8, 2011.
The post Tips for Saving Money on Your Next Road Trip appeared first on The Allstate Blog.
It’s a distinctive sound that provides a constant backdrop to cities around the world: the car horn. Ever wonder where this quintessential caution device come from? Or, how car horns have changed through the years? Here’s a quick look at the history of car horns.
Long before the days of interstates, backup cameras and drive-throughs, drivers made use of warning signals to alert other road users to their approach or possible danger. Early signaling options included bells, whistles and hand-squeezed horns (yes, like the one you had on your bike as a kid), says Jalopnik. These simple sounds and motions were helpful to other vehicles, including horse-drawn carriages, and pedestrians as “horseless carriages” started becoming more common on the roads.
The increasing speed of cars, however, eventually necessitated something a little louder than a simple bell.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the quest for effective in-car signaling devices changed the acoustics of American roads forever. Automobile owners had their choice of whistles, sirens and bells so they could manually alert pedestrians and other road users. According to MoparMagazine.com, interesting variations included the Sireno, which could be heard a mile away, according to its manufacturers; the Godin, a “press while you steer” device; and the Gabriel, an inventive, multi-toned horn.
Simultaneously, a young inventor called Miller Rees Hutchinson, who also worked with Thomas Edison, set to work to improve on the existing horn, says Car and Driver. His invention, which became known as the Klaxon, could be operated either by a small hand crank or via motor-powered batteries and emitted a loud and piercing sound, according to MoparMagazine.com. The Klaxon, which was frequently found on the early Ford cars, Model T and Model A, provided the now infamous “aoogha” sound. Klaxon horns remained popular until the 1930s, says Car and Driver, when they began to be replaced by electric car horns.
Modern car horns’ function has not changed much over the years, but they do require less power and electronic magnetic interference, according to Car and Driver. They are also built to last longer — using anti-corrosion materials and filtering out dirt and humidity.
The tones of car horns have changed over the years, though. Over the past century, the practice of combining two horns that produce two different notes has resulted in more unique tones, says MoparMagazine.com. Car and Driver states that there are two main types of modern car horns: disc and fanfare horns. You’ll recognize a disc horn by its metallic sounding beep, while a fanfare horn is a fuller and more rich tone.
One memorable horn in the 1960s took a unique turn and did not use the common two-tone sound. Plymouth’s Road Runner emitted a sound that didn’t quite fit with its tough muscle car exterior, but it was certainly attention-getting. MoparMagazine.com notes that the Road Runner’s horn sounded just like the famous cartoon, a familiar high-pitched “beep-beep,” which was only a single tone.
Horns are mandatory on cars, but each state determines what is and isn’t legal in regards to car horns, says Car and Driver. These regulations are typically in regards to the maximum allowed decibels as well as how audible they are — essentially balancing the need for the horns to be heard while keeping them from becoming unnecessarily loud. For example, Car and Driver notes that California’s rules dictate that a horn should be audible from at least 200 feet away, but it should not be “unreasonably loud.” Aftermarket horns are also limited to no more than 110 decibels. This 200 foot rule is common in many states, says Car and Driver, and most car manufacturers monitor the decibel levels on their car horns to keep them within reasonable limits.
The car horn, one of the many things we take for granted about our vehicles, has its roots in road safety — something that remains as important today as it was then.
Originally published on January 28, 2015.
The post History of the Car Horn appeared first on The Allstate Blog.
Automakers have always tried to incorporate the latest and greatest gadgets in the cars they make. If you’re old enough to remember a tape deck or an even eight-track player in your car’s dash, though, you know that cutting-edge technology doesn’t always stand the test of time. Here are a few features that were innovative for their time but you won’t likely find in today’s modern vehicles.
The first car that could wink its lights at you was the Cord 810, which Car and Driver says was introduced in 1936. It was a shift away from the round headlights of the era. In the 1960s, pop-up headlights became increasingly popular on sports cars because they provided unique styling while allowing cues, but they also allowed automakers to get around headlight height regulations. However, if the motor that raised the lights failed, one headlight was left in the raised position — a familiar phenomenon that Car and Driver calls “winking cars.”
The last mass-produced cars with pop-up lights were the 2004 Chevrolet Corvette and 2004 Lotus Esprit, says Car and Driver. Thankfully, regulations on headlights loosened over time, and car designers began incorporating headlights as part of a car’s exterior style.
While vinyl has made a comeback, most of us could not imagine playing records in our car. But in the 1950s and ’60s, Consumer Reports says you could do exactly that. In 1956, you could get an optional record player in Chrysler, DeSoto, Dodge and Plymouth vehicles.
The system featured a slide-out turntable under the dash, which could be turned on with the flip of a switch. However, Consumer Reports notes they did come with a number of issues, including the distraction of changing discs and the pressure required to keep the record needle in place wearing out the records. In-car record players (and the eight-track tape decks that followed them) were a long way from the satellite radio or wireless connections we see in cars today, but they did help pave the way for new in-dash entertainment options.
The 1948 Tucker Torpedo sedan pushed the boundaries of car tech in its day. And although only 51 cars were ever made, the Tucker pioneered some innovative safety features, according to Smithsonian.com. Known as the “Cyclops Eye,” the Tucker Torpedo featured a third, middle headlight, says the Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed. Whenever the car was turned more than 10 degrees, the headlight would turn on and swivel with the steering wheel to improve visibility around corners.
Despite the sleek design and innovations of the Tucker sedan, the company closed its doors in 1949. The Tucker legend is still strong — Francis Ford Coppola even directed a movie about Preston Tucker — and 47 of those original cars still exist, according to Smithsonian.com.
Years ago, automakers used to put gas caps at the back of the car, often in stealthy locations, says Jalopnik. Cars like the ’56 Chevy Bel Air had the gas cap hidden behind a taillight, which would swivel out of the way, while numerous cars from the 1960s and ’70s had their fuel fillers located behind the license plate.
Hiding the gas cap in a trick location streamlined the exterior style of these cars, but eventually, it was decided that fuel fillers that pointed to the rear could be dangerous. The problem was that if you got rear-ended, the pipe to the gas tank could break and spill gasoline onto the car and pavement — creating a fire hazard from even a minor fender bender. As a result, Jalopnik notes, today’s gas caps are generally located behind a fuel filler door on your car’s side.
Automakers have to think outside the box in order to develop new features. While the innovations on these cars may not have stood the test of time, the creative force behind them ultimately helped hone the cars that we’re driving today.
Originally published on May 1, 2012.
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Route 66 — aka “America’s Main Street,” “The Mother Road” and “The Will Rogers Highway” — has captured the imagination of roadtrippers since its inception almost a century ago. Although the highway officially named U.S. 66 has been replaced by the interstate system and renamed in various segments over the years, the storied path from Chicago to Los Angeles still exists — and it has come to represent the hope and spirit of travelers on the drive westward in search of the American Dream.
Whether you’re preparing to buckle up the kids in the back of your SUV or you’re putting on a helmet and heading out on your motorcycle, traveling Route 66 is as much about the stops along the way as it is about the road you’re traveling. The following list of attractions is a small taste of what this pop cultural icon of roadways has to offer. Each stop is unique, but taken together, these roadside wonders help keep the appeal of Route 66 rolling along through the decades.
At the intersection of U.S. Routes 136 and 66 in McClean, Illinois, is the site of one of America’s oldest truck stops: Dixie Truckers Home. Since 1928, this haven has been providing fuel, a bite to eat and a place to rest for weary truckers. While the buildings have been remodeled over time, the original signs remain as a tribute to the stop’s history. No matter how many other truck stops have provided similar offerings along America’s highways over the years, Dixie Truckers Home remains a true original.
One of the pioneers of the now-classic American treat, the Cozy Dog Drive In has been serving up corndogs on Route 66 in Springfield, Illinois, for decades. Opening a few years after the first Cozy Dog was served at the Lake Springfield Beach House and then at the Illinois State Fair in 1946, the Waldmire family has been serving up this quick and easy hot dog on a stick ever since.
Most of the time, bridges let you drive straight from one shore to another — but not the Chain of Rocks Bridge over the Mississippi River. This Route 66 landmark, which runs between Madison, Illinois, and St. Louis, Missouri, takes a 30-degree turn at its midsection. This unique bridge opened in 1929, taking its name from the treacherous, rocky river section it spans. It was not part of Route 66 until 1936, however, when the highway was rerouted over the Chain of Rocks Bridge. After decades of ushering vehicles from Illinois to Missouri with a mid-river turn, the Chain of Rocks Bridge was closed in 1968, and its traffic was routed to a new bridge just 2,000 feet away. After languishing for years under threat of demolition, the bridge was restored and opened to pedestrian and bike traffic in 1999.
Though Kansas may only host 13 miles of Route 66, it’s home to Cars on the Route on Main Street in Galena. Four women restored the KanOTex Service Station, which was then called Four Women on the Route, sparking a new era for this stretch of Route 66 as a tourist stop. Home to the 1951 International Boom Truck that, according to its owners, served as inspiration for Tow Mater in Pixar’s animated movie “Cars,” the name has been changed to Cars on the Route. The building and decor connect visitors to both Route 66 and the movie. You can stop in for a snack, to get a souvenir and to look at the antique cars outside.
Will Rogers was a beloved newspaper columnist, Broadway performer, political pundit, radio legend, movie star and philosopher — and Route 66 is home to a museum built in his honor. Take a break from your Route 66 road trip in Claremore, Oklahoma, at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum, where you can explore a collection of art, memorabilia and artifacts that tell the life story of one of America’s most beloved personalities.
Built of brick and green-glazed tiles in 1936, the U-Drop Inn’s tower at the intersection of U.S. Routes 83 and 66 in Shamrock, Texas, may be one of the most recognizable structures along the entire 2,400-mile stretch of America’s Highway — an Art Deco design topped with a metal tulip. Owned today by the City of Shamrock, the U-Drop Inn returned to its original luster, thanks to local fundraising and a Federal Transportation Enhancements Grant. Tower Station and U-Drop Inn are now home to a gift shop, museum, visitors’ center and even the city’s Chamber of Commerce.
It’s not every day you see 10 Cadillac automobiles buried nose-down in a line facing west. Known as the Cadillac Ranch, this spot has become a popular stop for fans of public art, cars and Route 66 since its creation in 1974 by a group of artists known as the Ant Farm. Though over the years, countless people have stopped to take a piece of the cars as a souvenir or mark them with spray paint, which didn’t seem to bother owner Stanley Marsh 3. As the city of Amarillo grew, the entire installation was moved 2 miles west of its original site in 1997, But even with the move and being repainted a number of times, the Cadillacs remain intact and welcome to visitors.
Opened in 1997 in Santa Fe, New Mexico, just 11 years after the renowned artist’s death, the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum houses more than 140 oil paintings and almost 700 drawings by its namesake. It’s also the site of the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum Research Center, dedicated to advancing the study and knowledge of American Modernist Art. Stop by to view a wide selection of work from O’Keeffe’s 83-year artistic career and to learn about other American modernists.
Featuring teepee shaped rooms, this unique motel began in 1933 with original owner Frank Redford’s museum of Native American artifacts. He added motel rooms around the museum, creating a “Wigwam Village.” At one time there were seven Wigwam Villages, but only three remain today. Two of the motels are along Route 66 (the third is in Kentucky), and if you’re stopping in Holbrook, Arizona or Rialto/San Bernardino, California for the night, you can stay there. They contain all of the amenities of a regular hotel room, except you have the added bragging rights of saying you slept in a teepee on your journey westward.
As the stopping point of Route 66 and its connection to the Pacific Ocean, you’ll find an official “End of the Trail” sign at Santa Monica Pier. Here in Santa Monica, California, among local surfers and international tourists, you can unwind and enjoy the pier’s many offerings — including arcade games, historic walking tours, the famous Ferris wheel, Muscle Beach and Santa Monica Pier Aquarium.
Wherever you choose to stop along the “Mother Road,” make it a trip to remember. Drive safely, and enjoy your journey.
Originally published on August 6, 2013.
The post Top 10 Stops on Route 66 appeared first on The Allstate Blog.
While some travelers enjoy a highway route that detours through charming small towns with eclectic shops and restaurants, the scenic routes on the East Coast also offer breathtaking views of mountains and towns rich in American history. Before planning your next road trip, check out these five routes on the East Coast that might check off something on every passenger’s “must see” list.
The Brandywine Valley is home to many mansions and gardens — so many gardens, in fact, that it’s considered part of “America’s Garden Capital,” according to U.S. News and World Report. But there is more than just the beauty of sprawling mansions and nature for travelers to see along the 12-mile drive. Stretching from the rolling hills of southeastern Pennsylvania through Delaware, the Brandywine Valley also features an array of museums and historic sites. The well-known du Pont family founded their business and dynasty in the area, making the Nemours Mansion owned by Alfred I. du Pont, a 72-room chateau on 200 acres of woodlands, a must-see destination. Road trippers can also visit the Winterthur Museum, featuring an American decorative arts collection with over 90,000 pieces, including ceramic items owned by George and Martha Washington.
VisitMaine.net reports that Maine boasts 3,478 miles of coastline — exceeding the California coastline by about 50 miles. With so many miles to explore, there are endless opportunities to sight-see and explore along U.S. Route 1, which runs along the entire coastline of Maine. Those who love small towns will enjoy the first 30 miles of Maine’s southern coast, as it’s comprised of eight historical towns — one being home to the oldest jail in the country. Like many small towns situated along U.S. Route 1, travelers will be welcomed by quaint shops, small family-owned restaurants (many known for their fresh East Coast seafood) and sandy beaches. If you’re looking for charming or historic lodging accommodations, Norumbega (a restored seaside mansion) and Whitehall (a hotel with roots dating back to the 1830s) are worth considering, says Yankee Magazine.
Massachusetts’ Mohawk Trail is one of the oldest and most traveled routes in the country, with its origin dating back to the post-glacial age, says MohawkTrail.com. There are over 100 attractions situated among the trail, from country inns and camping areas to rivers and waterfalls. Like many routes along the East Coast, the Mohawk Trail is also home to a number of environmental and historical destinations. You may want to visit the Bridge of Flowers — its history dates back to the 1920s and you’ll see a vast variety of brush and flowers — or Salmon Falls, which features the largest array of glacial potholes in the country.
The Seaway Trail in New York and Pennsylvania stretches for 518 miles along the shores of Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, the Niagara River and the Saint Lawrence River. While traveling on the Seaway Trail, you have the opportunity to visit popular destinations such as Niagara Falls and the Thousand Islands region. Along with some of these well-known destinations, you can also enjoy landscape dotted with small villages and farms and take in the breathtaking scenery along the way. In fact, the Seaway Trail was deemed a National Scenic Byway by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Running along the Potomac River from Maryland through Virginia, the George Washington Memorial Parkway links sites rich in American history while preserving the area’s natural habitat, according to the National Park Service. While the length of the parkway is only 27 miles, MyScenicDrives.com says there is an abundance of history and nature to fill hours on your trip. For the history lovers in your traveling party, the parkway provides easy access to make stops at Mount Vernon, the White House and Arlington Park. As you drive further south, nature lovers can experience the beauty, stunning landscapes and wildlife of Lady Bird Johnson Park and Turkey Run Park. Turkey Run Park is also home to a portion of the Potomac Heritage Trail, which offers great access to nature and wildlife viewing.
If you’re like many others, you picture a road trip full of beautiful scenery and unforgettable experiences. The next time you’re planning a road trip, consider these destinations on the East Coast for an abundance of natural beauty and historic landmarks, which are sure to please all travelers along for the ride.
Originally published on May 4, 2011.
The post 5 East Coast Road Trip Ideas appeared first on The Allstate Blog.
The U.S. is among about 75 percent of the countries in the world that drive on the right side of the road, National Geographic says. The reason why most countries use the right lanes dates back to before the invention of cars — and the same is true for the approximately 50 countries in which drivers travel on the left side of the road. Here’s a look at why different countries drive on different sides of the road.
The reason why some countries drive on the left side of the road is likely due to the fact that most people are right-handed. Some of the earliest modes of transportation, such as ancient Roman chariots, were pulled by horses whose drivers likely drove on the left side and defended themselves from oncoming enemies with weapons held in their dominant right hands, the History Channel says. Elsewhere, there was such little traffic from horse-drawn wagons that the preferred side of the road typically varied by community. Eventually, the British government decided traffic should keep to the left, and the law carried down to many of its colonies. That’s why South Africa, Australia and India, among other former British territories, drive on the left side of the road to this day.
Although the U.S. was colonized by Britain, people traveling on horseback and by wagon used the right side of the road, according to the Department of Transportation (DOT). By sitting to the left, drivers could better see oncoming travelers and defend themselves when necessary. When Pennsylvania began plans to build a turnpike in 1792, it adopted a law requiring drivers to use the right lane. Soon after, New York legally required drivers to use the right side of all public highways. Every state followed suit by the Civil War, the DOT says.
Right-side travel was further reinforced in 1908 when Henry Ford introduced his popular Model T with the steering wheel on the left side, National Geographic explains, and other auto manufacturers followed the trend. Over the years other countries also adopted right-side travel, often to help facilitate trips across their borders. Canada, for instance, switched from driving in the left lanes in favor of the right to allow easier travel to and from the U.S., the History Channel explains.
Although most countries adopted their respective sides of the roads decades ago, some have switched traffic patterns more recently. Samoa, which previously favored the right side of the road, moved to the left in 2009 to help drivers more easily travel in Australia and New Zealand, which drive on the left. It’s unlikely many other countries will make similar changes due to the costs of changing infrastructure, The Economist says.
Originally published on April 5, 2012.
The post The History Behind Driving on the Left or Right Side of the Road appeared first on The Allstate Blog.
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