The iconic Route 66 has always held a special place in the American imagination, and traveling down the legendary road offers a unique opportunity to experience its rich history. Journeying down the Mother Road provides a special kind of nostalgia – one that takes you back in time and lets you explore the sights, sounds, and memories of the past. This article is a celebration of the nostalgia and experiences that Route 66 stirs up in its travelers.
1. Rediscovering the Iconic Route 66
As the nation was rapidly changing in the mid-20th century, Route 66 emerged as a well-traveled highway route from Chicago to Los Angeles. Commonly known as the “Main Street of America,” the route weaved through many communities and rural areas. Since its establishment in 1926, it’s been a key thoroughfare for people and products.
As a precursor to the modern interstate highway system, this particular road featured long stretches of open, flat terrain—perfect for US troops travelling back home after WW2 and the Korean War. Famous for its kitschy roadside attractions, Route 66 was a true American icon.
It’s also fondly remembered for a plethora of unforgettable experiences. E anders, curious travellers who wished to explore, and the US military along their tour of duty. Millions of people traveld Route 66 throughout, and regardless of the purpose, everyone shared in the memories of a stunningly vast landscape.
Until its decommissioning in 1985, Route 66 saw its share of colorful characters and colorful stories, all a part of the same shared legacy. Nowadays, discovering the classic 66 is a different adventure. Communities, attractions, and restaurants along the Mother Road have been restored and revitalized. Vintage motel signs, classic diners, and even the occasional filling station have maintained the distinct charm of a bygone era.
The nostalgia of Route 66 can be experienced in a number of ways:
- Exploring the many memorable attractions and sites
- Visiting local family-owned businesses
- Attending a plethora of events run in the local communities
- Tasting storied eateries
- Staying in a classic roadside motel
As time marches on, Route 66 remains a popular attraction to people of all ages, shapes, and sizes. Whether you wish to revisit the route of your childhood or explore the quarter-mile paths for the first time, the journey down the Mother Road of America awaits.
2. Exploring the Timeless Beauty of the “Mother Road”
The “Mother Road” – also known as Route 66 – has been a symbol of Americana from its inception in 1926. Stretching 2,438 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, the mighty highway has captivated millions with its iconic vignettes of small-town America and wide-open West Texas. The road is a true tour de force of America’s beauty.
To this day, the “Mother Road” still beckons to travelers eager to explore its stunning beauty and timeless attractions. From rustic roadside diners, to kitschy tourist traps and neon-lit motels, Route 66 has something for everyone.
Charmed by Yesteryear
The “Mother Road” serves as an example of what life was like for millions of Americans back in the mid-20th century. Nowhere else can you feel the sights, sounds, and smells of the classic American road trip quite like Route 66. From the gentle hum of a 1950s highway driving past the red barns and green fields of rural Texas, to the bustle of old-timey diners and trading posts bustling along old-fashioned two lane highways, there is always something fascinating to observe.
Take time to explore the roadside attractions that have made Route 66 legendary. Be sure to check out the iconic Cadillac Ranch in Texas for its outrageous sculptures. California’s iconic Wigwam Motel also offers an iconic snapshot of mid-century charm. And of course, don’t miss the infamous Route 66 sign, an international symbol of American freedom.
Savoring the Journey
One of the great pleasures of exploring Route 66 is savoring the sights along the way. Make sure to take time to take in the diverse landscapes that the road passes through, from the breathtaking vistas of the Grand Canyon, to the lush green valleys of New Mexico, and the charming small towns that are dotted along the way.
- Stop in charming towns like Tucumcari, New Mexico and Flagstaff, Arizona.
- Drive by iconic sites, like the Petrified Forest National Park and the Totem Pole Park in Holbrook, Arizona.
- Appreciate the beauty of classic Americana Route66 provides, stopping to enjoy neon signs and classic cars.
- Choose an intriguing detour down some of the iconic sidestreets for a different experience than the main highway.
Oftentimes, it’s the unexpected moments of surprise that are the most compelling memories. Snap a selfie the historic Santa Monica pier, or have a milkshake at a nostalgic drive-in. These memories will last a lifetime.
3. Recollecting Life Along the Open Road
Exploring the Long and Winding Road
Traveling by car has an unparalleled feeling of freedom. There is a certain joy in taking in the sights and sounds of the world around you, with no other restrictions or boundaries. Whether you are driving alone or with family, or maybe even a group of friends, there is something special about the journey.
The sound of the open road is a beautiful one. The tires hum as they grip the pavement, the engine comes alive with acceleration, and the wind whistles against the glass. Roaming freely into the surroundings with the windows rolled down, the fresh air carries the smell of the local landscape. Trees, fields, and mountains blend together to form a luscious painting in perpetual motion.
Stopping for Memories
As you travel, it is often worth taking a break along the way. There are moments in which the views become so compelling, you almost don’t want to move forward. It is at these points it is best to take out the camera and savor the beauty of the world around you. These are memories that don’t belong to anyone else, a treasure that you collected on your journey and one that no one can take away.
In group trips, these stops become even more remarkable. Stories, jokes, and laughter are sprinkled generously at roadside. Old tales are recounted, adventure plans are made, and lifelong memories are formed starring best friends. Those moments are priceless, often saved in framed photographs that hang on the walls of home.
Not all stories are created on the road, however. In fact, some of the most interesting conversations and stories are spread throughout the course of the entire journey. It is not uncommon to be lost in conversation as the car passes through towns and cities. The journey can sometimes be just as exciting as the destination, where you can pass through skies of stars, whisper in the rusted secrets that the trees carry, and pay respects to your native land.
Returning Home
At the end of a road trip, there always awaits some form of an unexpected surprise. Something that was never seen on the map, and something that can’t be scripted. It is the experience of a lifetime, and even after finding the destination, the road trip is only just complete. What else awaits is the sweet satisfaction of returning home and knowing that you just experienced a tremendous adventure.
The car carries the weight of the memories collected along the way. It is a time capsule that seems to almost have a personality of its own. Somewhere deep in its hood lies buried the stories, the knowledge, and the appreciation that can never be taken away. From places passed to experiences had, stories will live on, photos will remind us of the beauty of the road, and memories will continue through countless generations.
4. Reviving the Memories of Route 66
Route 66: a name that has come to be synonymous with the American spirit and a sense of freedom from those bygone days of discovery and exploration. With its beginnings in the early 1900s, this was a golden strip of highway that offered adventure and a chance to explore the unknown in a way that just isn’t the same today.
Reaching from Chicago, Illinois to Los Angeles, California, the 2,400 road stretched across 8 states and was the primary artery of U.S. mobility for decades. Until its decommissioning in 1987, Route 66 still holds a special place in the hearts of many American motorists.
Though the road itself isn’t a dedicated highway anymore, remnants of its golden years can still be found. The neon signs of motels, the faded signs of diners, and the miles of pavement that travellers have crossed are all examples of what can be found today.
It has become a pilgrimage for many, a journey to recapture the thrill of the open road and find a lost era of travelling. Route 66 passed through the heart of small towns and cities nationwide, affording travellers a chance to experience a culture and hospitality that was unique to each county.
So if you’re looking to make your own unique journey of rediscovery and want to add it to your travel bucket-list, there’s a way to revive your memories of Route 66! Armed with a map and a rental car, travelers can pick out the attractions that remain on this classic road. Sights you can’t miss include the iconic Devou Park in Covington, Kentucky, the majestic Oatman in Arizona, and California’s beloved Santa Monica Pier.
- Hit the road with some friends – or solo – and make a trip out of it!
- Make stops along the route to complete your travel log and explore different towns and cities.
- Visit attractions related to Route 66, such as monuments, museums, and roadside shops.
- Be sure to take plenty of pictures – nothing captures the spirit of this great road like a photograph.
As the iconic Route 66 winds its way across America, so too do the dreams, hopes, and stories of those who traverse it. Through each destination on the journey lies a shared history and a unique experience; one of adventure, exploration, and reminiscence. Set off to experience the Mother Road for yourself, and create a journey to remember.
