For those who fear the international fascination with Route 66 may be waning, please be assured this is not the case. I base this assurance on the volume of emails and questions received that pertain to Route 66.
As many of this blogs readers may have similar questions, I felt it might be nice if answers were provided in a manner that benefits everyone. So, lets get started.
Where can I find an accurate and easy to use guide book to Route 66?
If there is a better guide available than the EZ 66 Guide penned by Jerry McClanahan, I am unaware of it. This is the guide I always carry when traveling Route 66. Copies of this book, and an excellent dining and lodging guide that I also carry, are available through the National Historic Route 66 Federation. As a bonus, buying the books through this organization will support a very worthy organization.
If I am interested in current events on Route 66, where is the best source of information?
Route 66 News. Period.
Do you have ideas or suggestions for attractions found near Route 66?
Yep. I may be a bit biased on this one but am going to suggest my book Route 66 Backroadshttp://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=ifr. Another book that will surely enhance the Route 66 adventure is this handbook from Drew Knowleshttp://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=1968adventurer&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=159580059X&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr.
If time is limited, and I want to just stay in one place while making several day trips do you have any suggestions?
Yes, two. The first is Kingman, Arizona, one of the most overlooked vacation destinations anywhere on Route 66. Hualapai Mountain Park, 180 plus miles of Route 66, the Grand Canyon, one day whitewater rafting trips on the Colorado River, and the only road that is drivable to the bottom of the Grand Canyon are just a few of the day trips available from Kingman. As a bonus, it is only 36 hours from Chicago to Kingman via Amtrak, and the airport in Las Vegas is only 120 miles away.
My second choice would be Amarillo. Route 66 in both directions, one of that highways most famous ghost towns, Glenrio, Palo Duro Canyon, and first class accommodations would be just a couple of reasons for my selection. Another is its proximity to the food at the Midpoint Cafe in Adrian, Texas.
Are there any tour companies that offer guided trips along Route 66?
For those who reside in Australia there is an excellent company with a very knowledgeable guide, Dale Butel. I am unsure how others could partake of this adventure or Dale’s expertise but you might give them a call or send an email for ideas or suggestions.
Can you recommend decent vintage motels?
I would suggest starting with the lodging and dining guide mentioned previously. My personal choices are the Wigwam Motel in Rialto, Motel Safari or Blue Swallow in Tucumcari, the Munger Moss in Lebanon, Missouri, and the Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Missouri. I would be remiss if I did not note the fact I will be signing books at the Wagon Wheel Motel gift shop on October 7.
I have kids, age 7, 10, and 13. Do you think driving Route 66 would hold their attention and be a fun vacation?
Yes, with a bit of planning and a little flexibility. Start with the movie Cars, then get them excited by creating a game where you search for real life locations pictured in the film. I would also suggest the website, Kids on 66, designed by a gifted teacher.
I would also suggest making it a point to include places like the various Abraham Lincoln related sites in Springfield, Illinois, Henry’s Rabbit Ranch, the Wigwam Motels, and a couple of Route 66 museums. Include picnics at places like the Marsh Creek Bridge in Kansas, and be sure to seek the interesting personalities onthe road like “Crazy Legs.”
I have one final bit of advise for todays’ post, Route 66 is in a constant state of flux. It is also like the Grand Canyon or Monticello, words and pictures will always fall short as it must be experienced. So, drive it all or in segments as the budget and time constraints allow but experience it for yourself.
