Driving the old Route 66 from California to Chicago - How long? What to see/do?
Jun 11, 2010, 1:21 am
#17
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 453
yes,...do it!
efce-- you've been getting some great information here.^
I have made this trip twice, once in July and once in August; and expect to do it several more times.
Research it all carefully, because there is just so much to see. Keep in mind that tourist attractions may well be only open from 9 to 5
; so you've really gotta decide what you really want to see.
.
The first time I was on a very tight budget and I wound up driving an ugly gray rental Corolla; but the drive was such an adventure that it very soon didn't matter at all. In the mountains west of Kingman, AZ the nimble handling of that little car came in handy. The second time, I had a little more money and got a Lincoln Town Car(fully insured
). I was on that same stretch of road, surprised by the performance of that Town Car, when I looked up as a truck was coming around a curve on my side of the white line
! Ford quality brakes quickly stopped that Town Car straight as an arrow! Good thing; because I had no where to go but down that mountain's side
. I couldn't even get mad about it, because it was just a part of my adventure
.
In Oklahoma, I enjoyed the route66 museums; and the Sandhills Curiosity Shop in Erick.
In Texas, snapped a photo of the U Drop Inn at Shamrock, Tx. I always enjoy stopping at The Big Texan Steakhouse in Amarillo. You'll likely see the Cadillac Ranch; as well as that very big cross! The Midpoint Cafe in Adrian is the halfway point for route66.
The first time I made the drive, I was lucky enough to stay in the Blue Swallow Inn in Tucumcari. This old place really cause me to stop and put me in a mind to remember the good people that I was lucky enough to have for grandparents...this was how they travelled in the days before Holiday Inn. I met many interesting people there, including one man from Japan who comes back every other year. New Mexico is a truly beautiful state. You will cross the Continental Divide! I enjoyed my visit and lunch at the El Rancho Hotel in Gallup, but would like to go back when I can spend a little more time.(beautiful jewlery there).
Arizona has alot to see and some good stretches on old route66. You might enjoy the Petrified Forest or Meteor Crater. Winslow has it's corner; and if you can afford it try to spend the night at La Posada! I had a great time one night at the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff. West of Williams the old route66 gets good. Stop in Seligman at the SnowCap for an ice cream. Kingman has a fine route66 museum. They had something on display that I had not seen since I was a boy...a Studebaker with a window mounted air-conditioner! Cool Springs Cabins ain't renting cabins anymore; but it's a cool place to visit. Over the mountains to Oatman and on to California!!!
California likes to paint the historic US 66 emblem on the roadway. It's just paint on asphalt; but it gets ya.Cross the Mojave, unwind, and think of the millions who have crossed a lonely desert before you:-:. If it is still there, and if you've seen the movie; try to stop at the Bagdad Cafe in Newberry Springs. There's a Wigwam Motel outside of San Bernardino. Cruise on in on 66 to the Santa Monica Pier
Sure things change along the road...because life changes. But there's still life, the road, and adventure...but you'll never know it until you drive.
Happy trails to you.
I have made this trip twice, once in July and once in August; and expect to do it several more times.
Research it all carefully, because there is just so much to see. Keep in mind that tourist attractions may well be only open from 9 to 5
; so you've really gotta decide what you really want to see..The first time I was on a very tight budget and I wound up driving an ugly gray rental Corolla; but the drive was such an adventure that it very soon didn't matter at all. In the mountains west of Kingman, AZ the nimble handling of that little car came in handy
. The second time, I had a little more money and got a Lincoln Town Car(fully insured). I was on that same stretch of road, surprised by the performance of that Town Car, when I looked up as a truck was coming around a curve on my side of the white line! Ford quality brakes quickly stopped that Town Car straight as an arrow! Good thing; because I had no where to go but down that mountain's side. I couldn't even get mad about it, because it was just a part of my adventure.In Oklahoma, I enjoyed the route66 museums; and the Sandhills Curiosity Shop in Erick.
In Texas, snapped a photo of the U Drop Inn at Shamrock, Tx. I always enjoy stopping at The Big Texan Steakhouse in Amarillo
. You'll likely see the Cadillac Ranch; as well as that very big cross! The Midpoint Cafe in Adrian is the halfway point for route66.The first time I made the drive, I was lucky enough to stay in the Blue Swallow Inn in Tucumcari. This old place really cause me to stop and put me in a mind to remember the good people that I was lucky enough to have for grandparents...this was how they travelled in the days before Holiday Inn. I met many interesting people there, including one man from Japan who comes back every other year
. New Mexico is a truly beautiful state. You will cross the Continental Divide! I enjoyed my visit and lunch at the El Rancho Hotel in Gallup, but would like to go back when I can spend a little more time.(beautiful jewlery there).Arizona has alot to see and some good stretches on old route66. You might enjoy the Petrified Forest or Meteor Crater. Winslow has it's corner
; and if you can afford it try to spend the night at La Posada! I had a great time one night at the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff. West of Williams the old route66 gets good. Stop in Seligman at the SnowCap for an ice cream. Kingman has a fine route66 museum. They had something on display that I had not seen since I was a boy...a Studebaker with a window mounted air-conditioner! Cool Springs Cabins ain't renting cabins anymore; but it's a cool place to visit. Over the mountains to Oatman and on to California!!!California likes to paint the historic US 66 emblem on the roadway. It's just paint on asphalt; but it gets ya
.Cross the Mojave, unwind, and think of the millions who have crossed a lonely desert before you:-:. If it is still there, and if you've seen the movie; try to stop at the Bagdad Cafe in Newberry Springs. There's a Wigwam Motel outside of San Bernardino. Cruise on in on 66 to the Santa Monica PierSure things change along the road...because life changes. But there's still life, the road, and adventure...but you'll never know it until you drive
.Happy trails to you.
Last edited by 4now; Jun 11, 2010 at 10:00 am
Jun 11, 2010, 7:40 am
#18
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,188
I wonder if the old American TV series "Route 66," which aired from 1960 to 1964, is still shown on cable, etc. overseas. "Bonanza" is shown here (Fortaleza, Brazil) on the TMC channel of our satellite TV provider. The song, "Get Your Kicks on Route 66," predates the TV show, of course (writen in 1946 by Bobby Troup and made famous by Nat King Cole).
Jun 11, 2010, 11:13 am
#19
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
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Jun 11, 2010, 4:47 pm
#20
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
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Stay in a Wigwam Motel if you can:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wigwam_Motel
I stayed at the one in Holbrook, AZ and it was an absolute blast.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wigwam_Motel
I stayed at the one in Holbrook, AZ and it was an absolute blast.
Jun 11, 2010, 5:39 pm
#21
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Santa Monica, CA
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Posts: 1,586
Also checkout Roadside America for places to see along the way.
Jun 13, 2010, 8:28 pm
#22
Join Date: May 2003
Location: GEG
Programs: Motel 6 Club Avoir Le Cafard
Posts: 5,027
Get Your Kicks
East of Barstow where US-66 parallels I-40 in places, late at night you can stop and stargaze; or partake of your favorite leisure activity, right there in the middle of the road, with very little to fear in the way of of oncoming traffic.
Bring a blanket (but don't fall asleep).
Bring a blanket (but don't fall asleep).