Mrs. Howder\u2019s Mothers Day gift — at her request — was to have me and the kids leave the house for a few hours. I had to find the right enticement for short attention spans so I offered to take the kids on a tour of the “World\u2019s Shortest Highway.” as a part of our morning of outdoor activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019d become aware of a list of primary state highways in Virginia shorter than one mile<\/a>. I couldn\u2019t imagine anyone having the time, energy or inclination to compile such a list but I\u2019d hate for such a thing to go unappreciated so I tucked it away for future possibilities. One of the routes ran near my home. I\u2019d ridden it dozens of times but I\u2019d never realized its exalted status until I saw it on the list. I knew instinctively that I\u2019d need to return someday to document it for posterity. It\u2019s a compulsion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a city filled with some of the most amazing tourist sites and free museums in the world, with a history bristling with geopolitical significance and a vibrant center of activity on a grand scale, I planned to take my darling children to the airport. Yes, the airport. Never mind the Smithsonian or the White House or the National Mall, because when you\u2019re a Howder child you get to experience the obscure and unusual attractions instead. Someday they\u2019ll understand. [1<\/a>]<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nTo the Airport!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n