Route 66: The Mother Road
Midwestern & Southwestern United States
Hello, inquisitive people. Wander Woman here. Today I’d like to tell you about an experience I had in April of 2021. It was one of the greatest road trips of my life; in fact, many consider Route 66 to be THE Great American Road Trip. Route 66 is, I suppose you could say, an “antique” highway that runs from Chicago, Illinois to Los Angeles, California – “more than two thousand miles all the way,” as the lyrics of the famous 1946 song by Nat King Cole will tell you. It passes through eight states and three time zones and was fondly referred to in its heyday as the “main street of America.” Constructed roughly between the years of 1926 and 1938, Route 66 provided Americans of the era a more or less direct route between the Midwest and the west coast of the USA. The construction of this new highway proved transformative for the small towns through which it passed, bringing commerce and revenue from travelers to communities that had previously been isolated and impoverished. As automobiles became more accessible to the average American family, “motoring west” along 66 became an incredibly popular vacation activity. Motels, diners, and roadside attractions popped up all along the way to cater to families on holiday.
In 1985, Route 66 was decommissioned as an official American highway, and many stretches of it have fallen into disrepair. Newer superhighways have replaced it, often running right alongside the old route. Today, Route 66 draws history buffs and novelty-seekers; both American and foreign travelers looking for a taste of the nostalgia of a bygone era. And in this capacity, Route 66 does not disappoint, even today! When my boyfriend and I decided to drive from my home near San Francisco to his home near Milwaukee, Wisconsin, we could have taken Interstate 80 and made the drive in about four days. But we decided to give ourselves eight days instead and follow much of the old Route 66. I am so glad we made that decision! There are still many fun and quirky roadside attractions to enjoy along the drive, and I’ll share some of my favorites here.
When passing through Barstow, CA, stop for a bite at Peggy Sue’s 50’s Diner. I’ve had breakfast and lunch there on various trips and found both to be delicious. Plus, you’ll find all the kitschy 1950s ambiance you could possibly hope for and a large gift shop selling all sorts of Route 66 memorabilia. It’s definitely worth an hour or two of your time.
You’ll be hungry again by the time you hit Seligman, AZ, which is good news. The Roadkill Cafe and OK Saloon is waiting there to quench your hunger with colorfully named specials like the Splatter Platter and Dead Meat Treat. Before leaving town, look for the large Route 66 mural on the main street; it makes an awesome photo op.
Once you cross into New Mexico, be sure to stop and stretch your legs and browse around at the TeePee Curios gift and souvenir shop in Tucumcari. The shop’s large teepee-shaped entrance makes another awesome photo backdrop, and inside, you’ll find not only a large selection of Route 66 and southwestern-themed merchandise but also a stunning collection of Native American-made sterling and turquoise jewelry. I bought a beautiful pair of earrings there to commemorate the trip.
In Texas, the Cadillac Ranch is a must-see Route 66 roadside attraction. Ten vintage Cadillacs are planted nose-down in a field beside the highway, where they have withstood time and weather for decades. Writing, drawing, and spray-painting on the old cars is not only allowed but actually encouraged! So, they have become ever-changing art pieces that will look different each time they are visited.
Just outside of Tulsa, Oklahoma, is the Blue Whale of Catoosa, a quick but worthwhile stop to stretch your legs and take in a piece of vintage Route 66 Americana. It was built in the 1970s by a man named Hugh Davis as an anniversary gift to his wife, who loved to collect whale figurines. It quickly became a popular stop along Route 66. It is still owned and operated by Hugh’s daughter, who can tell you the whole history of this modest but fun roadside attraction.
Once we reached St. Louis, Missouri, our epic journey was almost done. This was our last night on the road, and we splurged for a hotel room with a stunning view of the Gateway Arch. Whether you sleep with a view of it or only stop to visit along your way, the arch is a major American landmark (and it’s also the smallest US National Park!) It symbolizes the gateway from the Midwest to the American West, and if you happen to arrive in spring while the trees that surround it are in bloom, the effect is quite beautiful.
From that point, it was only a few more hours to reach the beginning/end point of Route 66, Chicago, Illinois. We celebrated by enjoying a traditional Chicago-style deep-dish pizza from a well-known local chain of restaurants called Giordanos. It was a perfectly delicious conclusion to what my boyfriend still calls our GART, or Great American Road Trip. Should you ever plan a Route 66 road trip of your own, I recommend our 8-day itinerary as a bare minimum, but really, 12-15 days would be better. That way, you could really immerse yourself in the stops along the way. Happy travels, all!
Tucumcari TeePee Curios, Tucumcari NM
The midpoint of Route 66, Adrian TX
Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo TX
Blue Whale of Catoosa, Catoosa OK
The Gateway Arch, St. Louis, MO
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