Category: Happenings

Some towns like Corunna, IN with a population of around 250 has a Town Hall, but no web site or other postings. We will post a request for local information, RE: individual Facebooks, historical societies, schools, etc. and have them sent us via the link via email for our review. The email would be sent to US6News@aol.com Please include contact information as a part of the send.

Why the Route 6 Tour Association Maps Page Remains a Go-To Resource for Travelers and Communities

If you’re planning a trip along America’s Historic U.S. Route 6—or looking to shine a light on your small town—there’s one digital resource that continues to stand out: the Route 6 Tour Association Maps Page. But what exactly makes this volunteer-run page so popular?

️ 1. Free, Community-Centered Maps

This page offers complimentary mapping services for cities, towns, and rural communities—large and small—across the 14 states served by historic Route 6. Whether you’re a traveler looking to explore or a local looking to promote your hometown, these maps offer a free and accessible platform to do so.

Small towns, walkable communities, unincorporated areas, and even historical districts benefit from this map directory—many of which are not well represented on mainstream travel platforms.

️ 2. Deep Historical & Cultural Legacy

U.S. Route 6 isn’t just another highway. It’s the Grand Army of the Republic Highway, a route that carries with it the legacy of Civil War veterans and the spirit of American history.

The Route 6 Tourist Association—a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit—works to preserve that heritage by making historical landmarks, restored buildings, and small-town traditions discoverable via these digital maps.

3. Built by Locals, For Locals

What sets this resource apart is its origin story: it began as a high school project in 2000 and continues to be run by volunteers passionate about preserving and promoting America’s Main Street. The grassroots, DIY approach is felt throughout the entire website.

Anyone can participate—submit events, share photos, suggest updates, or even sponsor a map listing for a small town (many under 1,000 people). It’s community-sourced tourism at its best.

4. A Nostalgic and Practical Travel Resource

In a sea of commercial travel sites, Route6Tour.com’s maps page offers something refreshingly different: a specialized, heritage-focused guide built for curious road trippers, educators, families, and preservation enthusiasts.

It’s not just about directions—it’s about discovery.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a traveler, a tourism coordinator, or a hometown history lover, Route6Tour.com/maps.htm is more than a page—it’s a platform for storytelling, connection, and preserving the places that make the journey memorable.

Explore the maps today and experience Route 6 in a whole new way.

Why Route 6 Tourist Association uses a Multi Platform Social Media promo kit

The Route 6 Tourist Association utilizes a multi-platform social media strategy to effectively connect with road trippers, history fans, and preservation advocates by tailoring their content and engagement methods to the unique characteristics and user base of each platform. Here’s a breakdown of why this approach is crucial and how it benefits them:

1. Reaching Diverse Audiences Where They Are:

  • Road Trippers: This group is primarily looking for travel inspiration, practical tips, itineraries, and real-time updates.
    • Instagram: Highly visual content like scenic photos and short videos (Reels) showcasing the beauty of Route 6 directly appeals to those planning a trip, inspiring them with picturesque views and unique attractions.
    • Pinterest: Ideal for travel planning, with boards featuring road trip tips, downloadable itineraries, and curated collections of walkable towns and museums.
    • X (formerly Twitter): Used for quick updates, road conditions, news flashes, and links to blog posts, perfect for travelers on the go.
    • Reddit: Engages with travelers planning their Route 6 adventures through community discussions, Q&A, and trip reports.
    • YouTube: Offers video storytelling, virtual tours, and short-form highlights, allowing road trippers to experience the route before they even visit.
  • History Fans: These individuals are interested in the historical significance of Route 6, its stories, and the landmarks along the way.
    • Facebook: Provides a platform for sharing historic highlights, stories of the route, and connecting with local communities.
    • YouTube: Features interviews with local historians and full-length videos delving into the history of the towns and landmarks along Route 6.
    • Blog/Website (linked via social media): Offers in-depth articles on historical sites, unique attractions, and the heritage of the route.
  • Preservation Advocates: This group is concerned with maintaining the integrity and legacy of Route 6.
    • LinkedIn: Utilized for nonprofit partnerships, sponsorship outreach, and updates on preservation projects and strategic alliances with historical societies and preservation groups.
    • Facebook: Can be used to share updates on community initiatives and calls to action related to preservation.
    • Website/Blog: Provides detailed information on preservation efforts and opportunities to get involved.

2. Tailoring Content to Platform Strengths:

  • Visual Storytelling: Instagram and Pinterest leverage the visual appeal of Route 6, showcasing its diverse landscapes and charming towns through high-quality photos and videos.
  • Real-Time Engagement: X (Twitter) allows for immediate dissemination of information, while Facebook and Reddit facilitate direct interaction and community discussions.
  • In-Depth Information: YouTube and linked blog posts provide a platform for more comprehensive storytelling and educational content.
  • Networking and Partnerships: LinkedIn is crucial for building professional relationships and securing support for preservation efforts.

3. Enhancing Engagement and Community Building:

  • Interactive Sessions: The association uses live Q&A sessions on social channels and encourages user-generated content to foster a vibrant and engaged community.
  • Direct Communication: Promptly responding to comments and questions across platforms demonstrates responsiveness and builds a stronger connection with followers.
  • Personalized Content: By analyzing engagement data, the association can tailor content to what their audience loves, ensuring continued relevance and interest.

4. Promoting the Mission:

  • The Route 6 Tourist Association’s overarching mission is to preserve and promote the rich history, scenic beauty, and cultural landmarks along U.S. Route 6. A multi-platform strategy allows them to amplify this mission to a broader and more targeted audience.
  • By being present across various platforms, they ensure that the story of Route 6 continues to engage, educate, and inspire a wide variety of people, from casual travelers to dedicated preservationists.

In essence, a multi-platform strategy allows the Route 6 Tourist Association to maximize its reach, deliver relevant content to specific segments of its audience, foster meaningful engagement, and ultimately achieve its goals of promoting tourism and preserving this iconic American highway.

Here’s your WordPress-ready blog post titled “Why This Multi-Platform Approach Works”, complete with SEO best practices and formatting in mind:

Why This Multi-Platform Approach Works

In today’s fast-paced digital world, connecting with your audience means meeting them where they are. For the Route 6 Tourist Association, that means going beyond just one platform—and embracing a multi-platform approach that truly works.

Each social media platform serves a unique audience with its own set of behaviors, expectations, and content preferences. Here’s how we’re making it work for Route 6:

Facebook: Community & Conversation

On Facebook, we build a sense of community. It’s where our followers discover local events, share memories of their Route 6 road trips, and engage in thoughtful conversations about preservation and history. Our posts here are geared toward storytelling and updates that spark dialogue.

Instagram: Visual Storytelling

Instagram is our gallery of visual inspiration. From stunning sunrises over Pennsylvania hills to nostalgic diners in Nebraska, we curate snapshots that reflect the spirit of America’s longest highway. Travelers follow us here to see Route 6 in living color—and get inspired to hit the road.

Pinterest: Road Trip Planning & Inspiration

Pinterest is where future road trips begin. Our pins highlight travel itineraries, must-visit landmarks, walkable towns, and locally loved eateries. It’s the go-to board for travel dreamers and planners alike.

X (Twitter): Real-Time Alerts & Advocacy

We use X for quick updates, historical facts, and live coverage during key Route 6 events. It’s also a tool for advocacy—sharing news about preservation efforts, legislation, and Route 6 milestones in real-time.

LinkedIn: Professional Outreach

LinkedIn is where we connect with tourism professionals, nonprofit partners, educators, and preservationists. We share updates on projects, collaborative campaigns, and volunteer opportunities that support our mission to protect and promote Route 6.

YouTube: Longform Video Content

From virtual driving tours to interviews with local historians, our YouTube channel offers immersive content for viewers who want to go deeper into the stories and culture that define Route 6.

Reddit: Niche Engagement

On Reddit, we tap into passionate communities—from road trippers and history buffs to local experts. We listen, contribute, and build meaningful connections with people who care about America’s historic highways.

Why It Matters

By tailoring our message for each platform, we ensure Route 6 continues to:

  • Engage diverse digital audiences
  • Educate new generations about this iconic roadway
  • Inspire support for preservation and tourism

This strategy isn’t just about marketing—it’s about mission alignment. It helps us build awareness, encourage exploration, and protect a national treasure one platform at a time.

Stay Connected

If you’re passionate about America’s Highway, don’t just follow us on one platform—follow us on all of them! Each offers a unique experience that brings Route 6 to life in a new way.

✅ Facebook
✅ Instagram
✅ Pinterest
✅ X (Twitter)
✅ LinkedIn
✅ YouTube
✅ Reddit

Let’s keep Route 6 alive, vibrant, and traveled—from sea to shining sea.

Standout locally owned eateries along all of US Route 6

Standout Locally Owned Eateries along all of US Route 6

California

Nevada

Utah

Colorado

Nebraska

Iowa

Illinois

Indiana

 

Ohio

Pennsylvania – Heart of Route 6

New York 

Connecticut

️ Cape Cod (Route 6/6A)

️ Providence, Rhode Island (Near US 6 corridor)

Honorable Mention Near Route 6 Corridor

  • Bingham’s Family Restaurant (Susquehanna County, PA)

Why These Made the List:

  • Historic pedigree: Many date back to the 1930s–50s, surviving decades of changing travel trends.

  • Local flavors: Emphasis on comfort food and iconic regional dishes.

  • Cultural significance: Inspired films, earned national media, and continue drawing road-trippers.

 

Embark on a Road Trip Through Time: What to Expect Exploring Historic US Route 6!

Calling all road trip enthusiasts, history buffs, and seekers of authentic American experiences! If you’re dreaming of an adventure that transcends mere mileage, then historic US Route 6 is calling your name. Stretching over 3,000 miles from the shores of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, to the golden beaches of Long Beach, California (its original western terminus), Route 6 – often called “The Grand Army of the Republic Highway” – is a living testament to America’s past.

But what can you really expect when you hit the road on this legendary highway? Let’s dive in!

1. A Diverse Tapestry of Landscapes

Prepare for a breathtaking panorama of America’s natural beauty. Route 6 will guide you through:

  • Charming New England Towns: Rolling hills, historic architecture, and vibrant fall foliage.
  • Pennsylvania’s Coal Country and Farmlands: Industrial heritage blending with picturesque agricultural vistas.
  • Ohio and Indiana’s Heartland: Wide-open spaces, classic small towns, and endless cornfields.
  • Illinois and Iowa’s Prairies: Expansive skies and a sense of endless horizons.
  • Nebraska’s Sandhills: Unique geological formations and unexpected beauty.
  • Colorado’s Majestic Rockies: Soaring peaks, winding mountain passes, and stunning vistas.
  • Utah’s Red Rock Country: Otherworldly landscapes of canyons, buttes, and vibrant hues.
  • Nevada’s Deserts: Stark beauty, ghost towns, and shimmering mirages.
  • California’s Diverse Terrain: From mountains to deserts, eventually leading to the Pacific.

Each state offers a distinct visual and cultural experience, ensuring your camera roll will be overflowing!

2. A Journey Through American History

Route 6 isn’t just a road; it’s a timeline. You’ll encounter:

  • Vintage Americana: Classic diners, neon signs, mom-and-pop motels, and roadside attractions that harken back to a bygone era. Many are still operational, offering a genuine taste of the past.
  • Industrial Heritage: Especially through states like Pennsylvania, you’ll see remnants of America’s industrial might, from old factories to mining towns.
  • Small-Town America: Experience the heart and soul of the country in towns that time seems to have forgotten, where friendly faces and local stories await.
  • Pioneer Trails and Westward Expansion: As you head west, you’ll cross paths with routes taken by early settlers, feeling the echoes of their incredible journeys.
  • World War II Connections: The “Grand Army of the Republic Highway” designation is a nod to veterans, and you’ll find monuments and museums honoring their sacrifices.

3. Unexpected Discoveries and Hidden Gems

Unlike the hyper-commercialized interstates, Route 6 encourages serendipity. Expect to:

  • Stumble upon quirky roadside attractions: From giant statues to bizarre museums, these often-overlooked spots are part of the highway’s charm.
  • Find local eateries with incredible food: Skip the chains and seek out the diners and cafes serving regional specialties and home-cooked meals.
  • Unearth fascinating historical markers and plaques: Take the time to read them; they offer valuable insights into the places you’re passing through.
  • Meet fascinating locals: The people you encounter in small towns are often eager to share stories and recommendations.

4. A Slower Pace and Authentic Connections

This isn’t a race to your destination. Route 6 demands a more leisurely approach.

  • Embrace the detours: Sometimes the most rewarding experiences are just a mile or two off the main route.
  • Allow for spontaneity: Don’t over-schedule. Let the road guide you and be open to changing your plans based on what you discover.
  • Engage with the communities: Stop, walk around, browse local shops, and talk to people. This is where the true spirit of Route 6 reveals itself.

5. Varying Road Conditions and Navigation

While much of Route 6 is well-maintained, remember it’s an older highway.

  • Sections may be less traveled: Especially in rural areas, you might encounter quieter stretches of road.
  • Navigation can be tricky: Route 6 sometimes overlaps with newer highways or has sections that are no longer clearly marked as “Route 6.” A good map (physical or digital with historical overlays) and some pre-trip research are highly recommended.
  • Prepare for all seasons: If you’re tackling the full length, you’ll experience diverse climates. Pack accordingly!

Ready to hit the road? Exploring historic US Route 6 is more than just a drive; it’s an immersive journey into the heart of America. It’s a chance to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with a simpler time, one mile and one story at a time. So fuel up, pack your sense of adventure, and prepare for an unforgettable expedition!