IN ANSWER TO YOUR QUESTION

by jimhinckleysamerica | Oct 27, 2011 | Uncategorized

On occasion I have a somewhat brilliant idea, at least one that seems brilliant from my corner of the world. This post is a manifestation of one of those ideas.
In the months since the release of Ghost Towns of Route 66, there has been a marked increase in the inquiries for Route 66 related information, as well as requests for information about ordering books as gifts, or for wholesale purchase. I derive a great deal of pleasure in personally answering questions, encouraging folks to take road trips, and helping them get the most from their adventure but the idea occurred to me that if some of these questions were answered through a posting on the blog, it might be possible to provide answers to people who have yet to ask the questions. 
So, …
Is it possible to drive Route 66 from end to end and avoid chain motels?
Maybe. The first place to begin this type of planning is with the purchase of the Route 66 Dining & Lodging Guide  published by the National Route 66 Federation. I can also recommend the website, Route 66 Motels, established by Emily Priddy.
My personal experience is that it would be quite difficult to make the journey and not spend a night or two in one of the chains as historic lodging choices are limited Few towns are as fortunate as Tucumcari to have two very good, very clean vintage motels (the Blue Swallow and Motel Safari).
Now, from personal experience I can offer a couple of recommendations. These include the Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Missouri, and the Munger Moss Motel in Lebanon, Missouri, both of which transcend being just a place to lay your head. These are destinations in themselves.
I would also strongly suggest the Wigwam Motel in Rialto, California. Its counterpart in Holbrook might not be for everyone as it is more of a true time capsule – clean, but very dated.
Can you recommend a true ghost town of route 66 that we should visit?
I can strongly suggest two, Glenrio in Texas and Endee in New Mexico. The former is very easily accessed from the interstate and the later is immediately to the west on a gravel road that is maintained fairly often.
May I order a personalized copy of your new book?
Yes, in the right column I have a link for ordering Ghost Towns of Route 66. The book is discounted $5.00 from resale to keep the cost down as there is sales tax and shipping charges.
You may also order a package that includes four of my travel guides Ghost Towns of Route 66, Ghost Towns of the Southwest, Backroads of Arizona, and Route 66 Backroads. This link is also in the right column. As a bonus I will include a Route 66 print suitable for framing at no additional charge.
I should note that if you are ordering for the holidays as a gift, it might be best to order soon. After December 1 it may be difficult to get books to you on time as a result of media mail delivery times and my travel schedule.
My books, some autographed, are available at numerous Route 66 locations. These include the Blue Swallow Motel, Connie’s Shoppe at the Wagon Wheel Motel, the National Route 66 Museum in Elk City, the 66 to Cali shop on Santa Monica Pier, and at the Wigwam Motel in Rialto.
May I purchase books in wholesale quantities?
Yes, I sell autographed copies in cases of 18 for $20.00 each, which includes domestic shipping. For deeper discounts, and a generous return policy, you may order direct from the publisher but these are not signed copies.
Brenda Lunsman

Quayside Publishing Group
Voyageur/MBI/Quarry/CPI/Fairwinds/Cool Springs Press
400 First Ave N Suite 300
Minneapolis, MN 55401
blunsman@quaysidepub.com
P-612 344 8179 – direct
F- 612 344 8692 
Are you available if we wish to hire a guide?
To be honest, I never really considered this, until recently when I began receiving a fair number of inquiries. So, the answer is maybe.
It would be at least January before the feasibility of this can be evaluated. We are looking into making this service available at least in western Arizona. To perform this service along the entire route is possible but unlikely, at least at this time.
Another idea we have considered is offering assistance in regard to trip planning, sort of like the service offered by AAA.
If any of these are of interest please feel free to contact me. I am most definitely interested in being of assistance in this capacity.
When is the best time for a trip on Route 66?
Most of the major attractions are open at least from May through October. May and October are also a great time for beating the summer heat of the Mojave Desert even though there are rare occasions when the temperatures can still exceed 100 degrees.
I prefer early to mid October. The weather is usually relatively mild and there is the bonus of fall colors in Illinois, the Ozarks, and the mountains of New Mexico and Arizona.
Planning your travel to coincide with one of the big festivals, such as the Route 66 Fun Run in Kingman held on the first weekend in May, will greatly enhance the overall adventure. The majority of these events take place in the summer, and information is usually available months in advance through the respective Route 66 association in each state.
Okay, have I answered your questions? If not, please let me know and I will try to provide some answers.
See you on the road.