Which Route 66 is the question that I often ask audiences after a presentation when the Q & A session turns toward planning a Route 66 adventure. And when asked how much time is needed to see Route 66 my answer may seem just as flippant. “I don’t know.”

I am not being sarcastic. And it is not my intent to make it seem that such questions shouldn’t be taken seriously. I am simply beng honest and trying to sharpen the focus on the diverse nature of legendary Route 66.

Before 1938 in New Mexico the highway made a big loop from Santa Rosa, through Santa Fe and then into Albuquerque. After this date the highway was shortened by many miles as the entire loop through Santa Fe was eliminated.

As to how much time is needed to travel Route 66, I don’t know. I have been traveling this road since the summer of 1959 and have yet to see it all. There are old alignments that I have yet to fully explore. And there are new businesses, new old businesses, and new attractions that open every year all along the storied old highway.

Main Street of America

An adventure along this highway that has been promoted as the Main Street of America for nearly 100 years is sort of like eating an elephant. The size can be daunting. So, just focus on one bite at a time.

If you live in Illinois, and only have a three day weekend, I suggest spending the time in Pontiac, Illinois. And on the next three day weekend spend it around Carlinville.

Don’t fret over what you are missing. Focus on what you can see, and make time for the people met along the way. After all, conversations with the business owners, museum docents, and fellow travelers are where the magic happens.

Which Route 66

Counted among the many things that fascinate me about this old highway is how a road trip seems to blur the line between past and present. Tin Can Alley on 66 in Kingman, Arizona seems to be a 1950s time capsule. But it is actually something new, a lodging option for the traveler wanting to experience Route 66 as it was with out the sacrifice of modern amenities.

A block to the west is an old powerhouse built in 1908 that serves as the offices for the city’s tourism department, the headquarters for the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona, and an acclaimed Route 66 museum. There is even an embryonic EV museum.

In a nutshell this encapsulates a road trip along the highway during the year of Route 66 centennial celebrations. There is a sense of timelessness in every mile.

Sharing America’s Story

Sharing America’s story, and telling people where to go, is what we do at Jim Hinckley’s America. So, many of our programs this year focus on the evolution of the American road trip, the Route 66 centennial, and associated colorful characters

Currently I am scheduled to speak at Sharlot Hall Museum in Prescott, Arizona and the AAA Route 66 Road Fest in Tulsa. Simmering on the back burner is a program in Flagstaff, Arizona, Springfield, Illinois, and Twenty Nine Palms, California.

Then there are a few writing projects. Currently I am writing historical features for the River 250. This is “a six-month, cross-river celebration honoring America’s 250th birthday, uniting Laughlin, Nevada and Bullhead City, Arizona through history, community, and good old-fashioned fun.” 

I have also written a series of centennial features for the Missouri Press Association. These focus on historic chapters in the US 66 story in Missouri.

The Really Big Deal

The really big deal is slowly developing. It was inspired by a swift kick in the pants delivered by Podbean. This is the hosting platform for Coffee With Jim, our weekly podcast.

First, is ongoing work to find a new home for the podcast. That includes adding some zest. So, I am currently evaluating options for including video and photos.

Linked with this is development of a plan for regualry scheduled virtual programs. As envisioned this would allow us to take presentations such as the one recently made in Lake Elsinore virtually.

As we promote our network is a shared adventure, we would like to hear your thoughts?