Highway Beauty, part 1

Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel across the country from coast to coast without seeing anything.      -Charles Kuralt

Interstate 695, MD 

Sometimes, when you're driving or commuting long distances, or even taking a road trip, things can start to look the same. Mile after mile, town after town, exit after exit, everything seems to run together with little visual reprieve. As you pass each stop, your brain starts to zone out. But while it is good to be concentrating on what is in front of you, there may be some sites on the side of the road that could awaken the senses, or at the very least, ease the monotony. If only for a brief moment, you could experience a little zen as opposed to road rage. Wouldn't that be nice?

Pic 4—Rt. 301, off 97, Crownsville, MD

Thanks to President Lyndon Johnson's love of his wife Lady Bird, the Highway Beautification Act of 1965 was presented and passed, ending some major eyesores, in addition to some blaring billboards that dotted our landscape in the 1950's and 1960's. This prettying up of America's roadways lasted for several decades, encouraging states to adopt beautification projects and increase highway plantings, which includes many of Maryland's mini forests that line Interstate 95, 695 and 495.

Manchester, MD

Unfortunately, loopholes over the last 20 years have allowed the signs to sneak back in and they seem to be multiplying with nearly 500,000 billboards along US major highways to date. East Coast cities are some of the biggest offenders, making Lady Bird's legacy seem like a antiquated pipe dream. (Learn more about what has happened since the 1965 Beautification Act, Lady Bird's Lost Legacy, the New York Times, July 20, 2007).

Rt. 301, Crownsville, MD

Despite the resurgence of the ugly billboard, there is still a lot to be seen on the side of the road. Thanks to some savvy environmental proponents, many regional and national highways have received continued funding (depending year to year) for landscaping which includes planned areas of micro eco systems, complete with small water reservoirs to attract wildlife, manicured median strips with native flowers and wildflower fields that can go on for miles. This gives the driver a blissful retreat from a bland highway filled with nothing but tires and asphalt.

Hampsted, MD

Smaller highways and local routes provide even better views. Fields of wild, native grasses and dense canopies of ash, sycamore and elm make the driving experience seem far more tranquil and even exotic compared to the good ole interstate. Choosing the view over speed means taking the road less traveled, which is not only more satisfying, but it is also stimulating, giving your brain that extra jolt it needs to keep it going for the long haul.

Ocean Highway, Ocean City, MD

So Mr. Kuralt was right, and wrong. We can drive through many interstate highways and have a monotonous view seeing little, or we can be lucky and catch some landscaped beautification. Or we can take the Camden/Philadelphia exit and feel like we're living in Pottersville wondering where Clarence is when we need him. The choices may not be up to you, but if you look closely, beauty can be found eventually, maybe even sitting right next to you.

Rt 50 East

Life's a road trip, always bring your iphone/camera, a journal, bottled water, and a sexy pair of shoes. If you can, take the scenic route. You’ll be amazed at what you'll find, after all, Charles Kuralt made a second career out of this. At the very least, you’ll get better food at locally owned, small town cafes than you will at the expressway's mediocre at best venues of artery clogging fare. For complete travel information on I-95 from Florida to Maine, including rest stops, construction and sites, visit the I-95 Guide.

Back road produce stand, Jersey Shore, NJ 

When we are sure that we are on the right road there is no need to plan our journey too far ahead. No need to burden ourselves with doubts and fears as to the obstacles that may bar our progress. We cannot take more than one step at a time.
-Orison Swett Marden

Crownsville, MD

All photos by: C.A. Langrall and Nathaniel Corn, Balance Photography