Travelers Mecca

The first step in planning a trip today is finding an interstate highway. This direct route is easier and faster than driving a collection of several two-lane highways. Interstates enable you to avoid passing through cities or villages and also scenery of the countryside. I am thankful that I once lived in the crossroads of the country. Swainsboro was noted as the only place where two trans-continental highways crossed. US One went from Maine to Miami, Florida. Us 80 left the California coast and ended in Savannah. The crossing was our Main Streets with John C. Coleman Hotel on the corner. This was reversed depending on whether you were going or returning. The delightful journey filled my hometown with tourists who chose Swainsboro as a stopover. They were led to a real southern meal when several miles away in each direction signs appeared inviting Follow the Keys-to-Keys Café. Way worn travelers filled the luxurious and upscale John C. Coleman Hotel. Among travelers, Swainsboro became a place regarded as a center for tourists, a popular destination. Parking spaces were filled with cars bearing tags from states far from Georgia. When interstates came on the scene, I drove down home down I-16 and discovered Swainsboro could be completely bypassed. Travelers could reach their destination quicker and more directly but look at the pleasure they missed on the drive.

‘);