I am being chased by schedules, commitments, and deadlines, but there is so much happening along Route 66 it is impossible to resist the urge to share. With that as an introduction, lets get started.
Carolyn Hasenfratz has again harnessed the power of the Internet to link Route 66 with the modern era and fuel the flames of resurgent interest in this amazing old highway. Her first endeavor, John’s Modern Cabins, continues to be an invaluable directory. Her latest enterprise, a site entitled Sell 66 Stuff, provides small town shops and businesses with an international market for their products.
It is with eager anticipation that I await the second edition of 66 The Mother Road, an e-zine that presents this iconic highway to a 21st century audience. John and Judy Springs are the masterminds behind this bit of innovative thinking.
To a degree I have jumped on the electronic age band wagon. First with the blog, and now by offering signed copies of the latest book, Ghost Towns of Route 66, through the blog by offering the convenience of credit card payments made with Paypal. The button for ordering is in the upper right column.
I can now also offer signed copies wholesale, as well as prints. Please send an email for further details.
While we are on the topic of using the era of the Internet to introduce a new generation to the wonders of Route 66, Emily Priddy has made her contributions in two forms. The first is for those who do not wish to have their Route 66 state of mind interrupted with a generic chain motel at the end of the day, and the second is to keep the younger set busy on the road as well as inspire a new generation to savor the pleasures of a Route 66 adventure.
One of the slickest items to come down the pike in quite some time is the Arizona Route 66 Passport. A souvenir in itself, this little booklet becomes a treasured heirloom with acquisition of the various stamps from businesses along the route.
If your planning a trip through the Grand Canyon State on Route 66, you can order the passports by contacting Josh Noble at the Powerhouse Visitor Center in Kingman. They are also available at 4 Women on the Route in Galena, Kansas, the Midpoint Cafe in Adrian, Texas, the Enchanted Trails RV Park & Trading Post in Albuquerque, and the Wigwam Motel in Rialto, California.
I hope that other associations follow suit. Even better, perhaps an enterprising organization can create a passport for the entire route!
There are three great entities that could create such a device, perhaps they could join forces in such an endeavor. One is the Route 66 Alliance with co founder Michael Wallis. Another would be the National Historic Route 66 Federation, your one stop source for guide books including the EZ 66 Guide, 2nd edition, by Jerry McClanahan. Then there is the fast rising star of the Route 66 Chamber of Commerce.
Route 66 is most definitely alive and well. Try it for yourself and see what all of the excitement is about.
