The trend of transforming Route 66 into America’s longest attraction (thank you John Springs) shows no sign of waning if the excitement conveyed by the new owners of the iconic Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari or by Dan Rice, 66 to Cali on Santa Monica Pier, is any indication. Further evidence that this old road is still America’s most famous highway is found in the number of travelers from throughout the world who come to immerse themselves in the spirit of this tarnished time capsule with its overlay of the glitter and glitz of Disneyland.
We are mere days away from the release of the second edition of the exciting new e-zine, 66 The Mother Road published by John and Judy Springs. This publication is a perfect example of how this iconic highway is fast becoming a bridge connecting the past and the future.
My efforts to bridge the gulf between past and future is being made manifest in making it possible for fans of the highway to purchase signed copies of the new book, Ghost Towns of Route 66http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=1968adventurer&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0760338434&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr, through the blog, and links that allow for following this blog on Kindle. The next effort to bridge the chasm of time will be a Facebook book signing, with Route 66 question and answer forum, and the means to order signed copies of this book. Details will be forthcoming soon but a tentative date is Saturday afternoon, July 23.
There have been quantum leaps in regards to technology since Route 66 was certified in 1926. Still, the old road is still about cruising and the virtual world can never replace the thrill of a road trip along legendary Route 66.
If you are new to such adventures, or are planning to motor west toward the end of July, you might consider inclusion of the 2011 New Mexico Motor Tour in your travel plans. Immerse yourselves in the mystique and culture of Route 66 with a few hundred fans of the highway and you will never be able to enjoy a drive on the interstate highway again.
If the schedule doesn’t allow for experiencing Route 66 from end to end, and your plans are to explore Illinois or Missouri, you might want to set your sites on Pontiac, Illinois, and the opening of the new Pontiac (automobile) museum. The museum is scheduled for a July opening and will be a showcase for all things Pontiac.
In Missouri there are a number of festivals scheduled but it is the fall mural tour in Cuba that has grabbed our attention. We have loose plans for driving Route 66 around the first of October to gather material for the new book, a Route 66 encyclopedia, and have this on our list of possible dates.
One of the more exciting aspects about the resurgent interest in the old road, and the resultant economic viability of refurbishing old properties, is the fact that when the sun goes down you don’t have to put the Route 66 frame of mind to bed. In Missouri you have a number of lodging choices but the crown jewels are the Wagon Wheel Motel, circa 1936, and the Munger Moss.
Oklahoma and Texas, as well as New Mexico, have some great places as well, such as the El Rancho in Gallup. Still it is tough to beat the Wigwam Motels, one in Holbrook and one in Rialto, California, for the real feel of Route 66.
This summer discover, or rediscover, the charm and wonder of life in the slow lane. Take to the Main Street of America and get inspired.
