On the Blue Highway...
I was rocking out (on my ear buds) to "Blue Highway” by Billy Idol the other day. A song from the album “Rebel Yell” that I’ve listen to for over 40 years! I would have said maybe 30 years... but like most things now when I am estimating a time and date… if I add 10 years, plus a year or two or three… I get closer to the actual correct guess. So yes… that song came out in 1983.
The point, however… was that it hadn’t occurred to me consider what exactly is the Blue Highway? 
The term "blue highway" was coined by William Least Heat-Moon in 1979, referring to the secondary roads on old paper maps, which were often printed in blue. These roads, unlike the major interstates, meander through small towns, urban neighborhoods, and the countryside, rarely taking a direct path. They follow the terrain and connect existing roads and trails. Traveling on a blue highway means embracing a slower pace, allowing for unexpected discoveries, and connecting with the heart of America.
The Essence of a Blue Highway
- Intimacy and Exploration: Blue highways go through the heart of towns and villages, not around them, offering a more intimate experience of the countryside. They are more connected with the landscape than interstate highways.
- Pace and Patience: Blue highways require patience, as they often involve slower speeds and indirect routes. This slower pace allows travelers to see the country and experience the journey itself.
- Unique Encounters: Traveling blue highways provides opportunities to encounter diverse people, local cultures, and unique sights, from roadside fruit stands to quirky motels.
- Avoiding Homogeneity: Unlike interstates that are filled with chain restaurants, blue highways offer local cuisine and a glimpse into the unique character of each place.
- Historical Roads: Many blue highways are the original US highways developed in 1926, connecting existing roads and trails
Billy Idol's song "Blue Highway" captures a different aspect of the concept, using the term as a metaphor for the journey of life. It evokes a sense of freedom, adventure, and the pursuit of new experiences. The lyrics express a desire for connection, love, and intimacy while embracing the thrill of the ride and the unknown. Billy Idol’s is a song about living with purpose and finding fulfillment in the journey.
The spirit of the "blue highway" also resonates with Old Road Brand. We draw inspiration from the adventures of the road. The brand was originally inspired by old gas station road maps and the cherished memories of family road trips. Our "wearable tributes" in the form of vintage state license plates on modern hats, inviting people to find their state and create their own "Old Road".
Embrace the Journey
Whether it's a literal exploration of backroads or a metaphorical journey through life, the "blue highway" represents a path of discovery, connection, and appreciation for the unique experiences that lie beyond the beaten path. Old Road Brand provides a way to remember and celebrate these experiences through our vintage inspired line of hats, keeping the spirit of adventure alive.
#bluehighway #billyidol #roadrips #roadtrip #oldroads #oldroadbrand #adventure #hats #findyourstate #adventures #USA #oldtowns #backrorads #travel