"66 is the mother road, the road of flight." - John Steinbeck, The Grapes of Wrath

A motel shaped like a teepee? A restaurant resembling a giant sombrero? 

 Would you like to fill up at a restored gas station where the attendant fills your tank and cleans your windshield?  Is an evening cruise through the streets of a small town, basking in the glow of dozens of neon signs, your idea of hog heaven?   

If this sort of adventure appeals to you, then you can understand why so many twenty-first century vacationers are forsaking the convenience of self-serve gas stations, fast food and chain motels for the slower pace of traveling America ’s two lane roads.  

Unique motels, mom-and-pop diners, funky fifties architecture, strange museums and the sometimes tacky, often wacky, roadside attractions are a welcome change from the superhighways. As more Americans and International tourists chose to travel the country by automobile, Route 66 evolved as their thoroughfare of choice.

Route 66 began life in 1926, when the diagonal route from Chicago to Los Angeles was assigned its number in the federal highway system. By the 1930s, thousands would use the road to escape the Midwest Dust Bowl in search of a better life. In 1939, Route 66 was immortalized in John Steinbeck’s book, The Grapes of Wrath. It was he who first referred to the highway as "the mother road". Route 66 was popularized even more in the 1940s, when Bobby Troup penned his ode to Route 66, "Get Your Kicks on Route 66". The road would gain cult status in the 1960s, with the television show, Route 66, showed two modern adventurers traveling the road in their Corvette

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raversing eight states as it cuts a diagonal line across the country, Route 66 still offers an unparalleled view of small town America by way of Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California, cutting through what many regard as the “real America”, our heartland, crossing woodlands, rolling hills, farmland, rivers, mountains, and deserts before finally ending at the Pacific Ocean at Santa Monica’s famous pier.

Route 66 today is a collector’s dream. From vintage neons costing thousands to inexpensive souvenirs sporting the "66" shield, there is truly something for every collector and every budget. Each of the eight "Route 66" states published travel brochures and maps for tourists. These are collector’s items today. Since the route often paralleled the railroad tracks, railroadiana is part of the Route 66 collection as well. Since there are several Harvey Houses along Route 66, Fred Harvey (think Harvey Girl) memorabilia is a favorite. Although there are thousands of relatively new souvenir pieces, it is the vintage memorabilia that collectors crave. They collect everything from Route 66 signs and diner booths to vintage travel souvenirs and postcards. Although everything that bears the Route 66 shield is not old, some contemporary collectibles are just as avidly collected. About ten years ago, a Route 66 quilt was sold via catalogs for about $75.00. Today, that quilt can bring up to $300 at auction. Vintage neon signs from motels and restaurants are among the highest priced Route 66 memorabilia. Before you buy, make sure they are authentic and were acquired legitimately.

The internet is a hub of Route 66 activity. You can talk to other enthusiasts in chat rooms, plan a trip, research historic locations, and find out about events. A recent search engine query for Route 66 brought up over 2.5 million hits. You can also keep up with the 66 scene by reading Route 66 Magazine. It is published quarterly and offers well-researched articles covering aspects of Route 66 from diners to solar racing along the Mother Road.

The backbone of the Route 66 movement is the National Historic Route 66 Federation. Historians and preservationists meet with road warriors yearly at the International Route 66 Festival. This year’s event is scheduled for June 10-13, in Tulsa Oklahoma. The non-profit Federation works tirelessly to promote travel and tourism along the route and to preserve its resources. Maps depicting the parts of Route 66 that are still navigable are available from the national organization. Arizona has maintained most of their portion of the Mother Road, so you can have your picture taken "standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona".

Route 66 is an antique collector’s dream. Many of the shops are located along the old road, as route 66 runs through the historic district of many cities. Amarillo, Texas, in particular, has a vibrant antiques district along route 66. It’s always a good idea to call ahead for store hours before making the trip.

Traveling the Mother Road is all about reliving those childhood vacations in your parent’s station wagon, without the irritation of your sharing a seat with your siblings. So, take the time to cruise the Mother Road, very slowly, making lots of stops and picking up all sorts of kitschy collectibles. Enjoy the drive.

Eighty years ago: 1926: The diagonal route between Chicago, Illinois and Los Angeles, California is assigned the number "66". Only 800 miles of the road is paved. The eight states traversed by Route 66 are Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California.

1939: John Steinbeck calls 66 the mother road in his novel, The Grapes of Wrath

Fifty years ago: 1946: Nat King Cole sings Bobby Troup’s song, "Get Your Kicks on Route 66"

1960: Route 66 Television show debuts

1970: Interstate 40 is completed, bypassing the last remaining portion of US 66 in Arizona.

1999: The National Route 66 Corridor Preservation Act is passed by Congress, and today is overseen by the National Park Service.

"Life doesn't happen along the interstates. It's against the law." -- William Least Heat Moon, Blue Highways

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