Jim Hinckley’s America recommendations and reviews aren’t as well-known as those posted on Trip Advisor. But telling people where to go is our stock in trade. So, it has become a tradition for fans of the great American road trip to eagerly await the reports after our annual fall tour.

This year the trip didn’t exactly go as planned or expected. We encountered tornadoes, blizzards, and torrential rains as well as construction and flooding which caused detours.

So, we missed a few of our planned stops. We also discovered some unexpected gems and treasures.

With that as an introduction, let’s get this show on the road. In this blog post I will share a few of my recommendations, and a few places that you might want to avoid.

The Americana Motor Hotel

Let’s start with one of my favorite discoveries. The Americana Motor Hotel is more than just a place to rest. It is a slice of roadside Americana wrapped in a colorful veneer that provides modern amenities as well as a funky 1960s vibe.

Built in the early 1960s this expansive complex of more than 70 rooms was the pride of Flagstaff. But times change. Route 66 was replaced with I-40. As business slowed maintenance was deferred. The downward spiral picked up speed by the turn of the century.

Investors with vision stepped in and the transformation is amazing. This tarnished gem is now a crown jewel along Route 66 in Arizona.

It is a perfect blend of classic motel and modern. Bicycles are available in the lobby for exploring Flagstaff on two wheels. And this is a dark sky city, so telescopes are also available.

The Americana Motor Hotel aligns seamlessly with the essence of Jim Hinckley’s America. The owners and managers are dedicated to making this overlooked roadside treasure relevant for a new generation of travelers. This is highly recommended stop that gets the Jim Hinckley’s America seal of approval.

Route 66 Miles of Possibility Conference

Since 2015 the focal point of the Jim Hinckley’s fall tour has been attendance of the annual Route 66 Miles of Possibility Conference. This is the only event that is focused on the business of Route 66.

It brings together enthusiasts, historians, CVB and tourism directors, tour company owners, preservationists, authors, artists, and travelers. Dates for the 2025 conference have not been announced. But the event takes place every October. And for this conference the host city will be Joliet, Illinois.

Recommended Motels and Restaurants

Jim Hinckley’s America is not just about destinations. It’s about the experiences that make each journey memorable. So, based on our recent adventure, here are some recommended motels and restaurants that you should consider adding to your travel itinerary:

• Scrambled Sams in Lyons, Kansas: A delightful spot for breakfast, known for its hearty portions and friendly atmosphere.
• Twisted Biscuit in Edwardsville, Illinois: Offering a unique twist on classic breakfast favorites. As an example, Tipsy French Toast – thick sliced sweetbread soaked in Kentucky Bourbon sauce. My selection was the hearty, if a bit unusual, Happy Trails Power Bowl.
• Country Hearth Hotel in Edwardsville, Illinois: A cozy and comfortable stay with excellent amenities. One morning there was a surprise that transformed the usual “continental breakfast” fare. The desk clerk had baked a huge cherry cobbler!
• Wagon Wheel Motel and Weir on 66 in Cuba, Missouri. We are never disappointed with our stay at one of the oldest continuously operated motels on Route 66. Connie Echols and her team have done a masterful job of blending the past with the present. And Weir on 66 at the junction with highway 19, well, it has to be experienced. Pick anything on the menu, and it will be delicious. And the setting is unique as in the 1930s this was a service station and garage.
• Western Motel and Grif’s Steakhouse in Shamrock, Texas: A perfect combination of restful accommodation and a delicious steak dinner. As a bonus, the iconic U Drop Inn with its world-famous lights is across the street.
• Roadrunner Lodge Motel and Del’s in Tucumcari, New Mexico: A retro motel that transports you to the 1960s. Ask David for a tiki room to really set the mood. Across Route 66, a classic restaurant that serves hearty dishes and tasty regional favorites.
• Comet II in Santa Rosa, New Mexico: A Route 66 time capsule that is well known for its authentic New Mexican cuisine. My recommendation is to try the huevos rancheros.
• Earl’s Restaurant in Gallup, New Mexico. Established in 1947, this is a living time capsule. It is not touristy and hasn’t been updated to give the appearance of a classic roadside diner, this is the real deal. In addition to delicious meals at a reasonable price, there is another link to the glory days of Route 66. Navajo and Zuni artisans are allowed to see their crafts on the property.
• Swinging Bridge Café in Moline, Kansas: A quaint café that offers a taste of small-town charm. On a cold and rainy afternoon, we enjoyed friendly conversation with a smiling waitress that was sporting a championship rodeo belt buckle, delicious beef stew, home made cherry pie, and piping hot black coffee. Perfect!
• Olivia’s Restaurant in Las Vegas, New Mexico. You can’t go wrong with a restaurant that has been popular with the locals for generations. If you are there for breakfast, try the atole.

Each of these locations is a reflection of Jim Hinckley’s America. They offer the traveler a chance to experience the stories, flavors, and landscapes that make America unique.

We have more recommendations. That is another blog post. Now, I need to note a couple of near misses. These are places that are passable. But I can’t provide a recommendation.

First, is the Super 8 Motel in Dodge City, Kansas. Tired is a brief description. Even worse, indifference to problems and issues. A port in the storm, nothing more and nothing less.

East of the motel on Wyatt Earp Boulevard, Thai Garden can be described in the same way. The food was marginally okay. But it was hard not to think about the possibility of ptomaine. This place has seen better days. And the neighborhood made me a bit uneasy after dark.

Jim Hinckley’s America Recommendations

I hope that these recommendations will come to mind as you plan your next road trip. Your support will help keep their doors open. And each of our recommended locations is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the American experience.

Become a follower of Jim Hinckley’s America, and Coffee With Jim, our weekly podcast. Road trip inspiration is a specialty of ours. Join us for shared adventures and let the road lead you to unforgettable experiences and cherished memories. Safe travels!