ROAD TRIP!
Gas prices may be soaring but this is America and summer is fast approaching. That means its almost road trip season and as I have said before, a lack of money can hinder, but can’t prevent road trip adventures.
Of course to accommodate a stretched budget spontaneity and a flexible schedule is key to the enjoyment of a road trip. However, this must be balanced with a wee bit of planning. With that said, let’s plan a road trip, or two, or three.
We will start, but not end, with Route 66 as when dreams and fantasies of road trips are given free reign, that seems to be the highway that most often comes to mind. The hands down number one travel guide for that illustrious highway has to be the EZ 66 Guide by Jerry McClanahan.
This, and other great guides such as one for lodging and dining can be ordered from the National Historic Route 66 Federation. As a bonus, by ordering books direct from them you will be supporting an organization that has a long track record of keeping Route 66, and the gems that make it special, alive.
http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=1968adventurer&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=076032817X&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifrThere is ample opportunity for a lifetime of adventures on the ever changing Route 66, especially if you add a short detour or two to almost magical places like Supai or Hualapai Mountain Park. That concept was the catalyst for a project that became Route 66 Backroads.
If the budget for travel has been crimped a bit with the current, and escalating, gasoline prices there are a wide array of festivals scheduled along Route 66 this year. Make any of these the center piece of a vacation or weekend getaway and you will have memories that last a lifetime.
Next weekend, the 30th of April, is the annual Route 66 Fun Run in Kingman, Arizona. This 180 mile, three day block party is the ultimate tribute to Route 66 and the American love affair with the road trip.
If you happen live close to the eastern terminus of Route 66 at Chicago, the Route 66 Association of Illinois maintains an extensive calendar of events. There is a very good chance there is at least one or more events that will fit your schedule and budget.
This year the big event, the international Route 66 festival, is scheduled for Amarillo during the second week of June. Indications are that this event will be the one that sets the standard other event coordinators aspire to.
The Route 66 Association of Missouri has an excellent three day event on their calendar. “The Route 66 Association of Missouri 22nd Annual Motor Tour, “Cruisin’ the Past, Present and Future”, will take place on September 9th, 10th, and 11th, 2011. We’ll be touring from Miami, Oklahoma to Leasburg, Missouri with overnight stops at the Econo Lodge in Miami, OK, and the Sand Spring Resort, across the Niangua River from Bennett Spring State Park.
Open to everyone
Any type vehicle- antique or late model
3 fun-filled days on Historic Route 66
Dash plaque, window decal and passport for each registered vehicle
Motor tour t-shirts and other cool Route 66 stuff available for purchase”
Motorcycles seem to be a preferred mode of transport for road trip enthusiasts. If that is your cup of tea may I suggest the Laughlin River Run in Laughlin, Nevada, or one of the amazing number of similar events scheduled in Nebraska?
This summer “See Rock City”, take a break at Wall Drug, or discover the secret of The Thing. Don’t let gas prices keep you from enjoying the quintessential American experience, the road trip! Cruise the information super highway before setting out on the road and chances are you can find something going on close to home that just may become the cornerstone of a very memorable adventure.