Step back in time with Retro Roadtrips, a love letter to the open road and the vibrant, quirky stops that defined mid-20th-century travel. This book brings to life my decades-long collection of vintage postcards, each one a snapshot of America’s roadside gems—think neon-lit motels, cozy diners, and charming tourist courts from bygone eras. From the heart-shaped sign of the Heart of Fayetteville Motel in North Carolina to the striped cottages of the Blue Bird Motel in Seattle, these places tell stories of travelers, dreamers, and families chasing adventure.
Every postcard is paired with a short, nostalgic tale, blending historical tidbits—like the Civil Rights era in Montgomery or the 1962 World’s Fair buzz in Seattle—with my personal reflections, like my mom’s bluebird songs or the thrill of spotting a retro road sign on a solo coastal drive. A “Travel Notes” section at the end offers links to deeper dives in history.
This is more than a book—it’s an invitation. I’m sharing these treasures to spark your own memories of road trips past or inspire you to hit the highway and rediscover these spots. Got a story about a stay at the Cave Land Motel or a meal at the L-K Family Restaurant? I’d love to hear it for future editions. Join me on this nostalgic ride, where every page feels like a detour to a simpler, slower time.
