Historic National Road Yard Sale
Scheduled May 28 – June 1

Bargain hunters, take note. The annual Historic National Road Yard Sale - 824 miles of antique furniture, glassware, knickknacks, and fresh produce - returns this year from May 28 to June 1, 2007. Locals set up stalls along the National Road (U.S. 40) through Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois.

Commissioned by Thomas Jefferson in 1806, the road was the first federally funded interstate highway and made territory west of the Appalachians accessible to settlers and traders. Weather-beaten stone mile markers can still be spotted in some sections of the route.

"I think as more and more Americans are seeking affordable, quick getaways, the Historic National Road and our other scenic byways are becoming increasingly important travel and tourist destinations," said Sen. Paul S. Sarbanes, who helped get the Historic National Road designated an All-American Road by the U.S. Department of Transportation in 2002. "Communities along the route also will benefit from the influx of tourist dollars at hotels, restaurants and attractions," he said.

Despite high gas prices, research by the travel industry indicates people will still want to take trips, said Camila Clark, a spokeswoman for the Maryland Office of Tourism. While a speedier parallel highway, Interstate 70, was built in the 1960s, it can't compete with the National Road's scenery and small town vibe. "We're asking people to travel in their own backyards ... short trips that are beautiful, scenic drives."

Tourism officials are urging drivers to discover the inns, churches, parks, bridges and scenic overlooks along the Historic National Road. You can find suggested itineraries and places to stay through the website BnBFinder.com. What an extraordinary roadtrip!