If you haven’t noticed the trend by now then it’s probably because you’re already out in the woods. In the past few years, young Americans seem to be shifting and appreciating the roots of simpler culture. Americana. It’s more than mere nostalgia; it’s a conscious effort to promote community and sustainability, the same traits that our ancestors were raised on. Click for the continuation. It’s a movement born in response to the ever-accelerating pace of modern life and Internet technology overload. All over the country, people are returning to an appreciation for the simpler things in life, which are brilliantly surveyed in United States of Americana—the first comprehensive handbook to all things Americana, written by Kurt B. Reighley. This growing population of men and women who are noticing this need for chance and a slower pace are acting on this lifestyle as consumers and doers.

Music: Renewed interest in the legends of country, blues, gospel, and folk (Johnny Cash, Emmylou Harris, Hank Williams, and Leadbelly); the rise and evolution of alt-country music and the Americana genre (Fleet Foxes, Wilco, the Decemberists, and T Bone Burnett)

Fashion: Wearing American heritage clothing and footwear (Red Wing boots, Filson jackets, Carhartt overalls, and Pendleton wool shirts). These college student and young adults are coming home and their parents are saying, “wow”! The days of plastic and nylon sneakers have been put on pause. Appreciation of leather, duck canvas and raw materials (like your father wore) are now the fashionable items. Not only are they fashionable, but much better for the environment. These products are lasting noticeably longer too. Ever heard of hand-me-downs?

Grooming: Returning to straight-razor shaving and old-fashioned barber shops. Have you noticed the increase in locally owned barber shops lately?

D.I.Y.: Taking up handmade crafts (knitting, needlepoint, and soap making), as well as home canning (pickling and preserving)

The speakeasy renaissance: Drinking Prohibition- and pre-Prohibition-era cocktails (old-fashioned, gin fizz, and sidecar)

Entertainment: Seeking out burlesque, circuses, and the vinyl LP is making a comeback like no other.

You can get the book here, or better yet, at your LOCALLY owned book store.