Route 66 is where the past meets the future, and the line between the two points in time is blurred. The San José de la Laguna Mission was established in 1699. But there are oral traditions as well as archeological evidence that indicate that the Laguna homelands were being farmed in the area as early as 3000 B.C.

A few hundred miles to the west is Kingman, Arizona was established in late 1881 as a railroad construction camp. The Beale Road, the first federally funded road in the southwest crossed the Hualapai Valley and the future townsite in the late 1850s. Before that there were a succession of explorers that followed a centuries old trade route that was the foundation for Beale’s Road and the railroad.

And now the Historic Electric Vehicle Foundation is writing a new chapter in Kingman’s story. This organization is establishing the world’s first EV museum that will also be an educational center.

Connecting the Laguna Pueblo and Kingman is iconic Route 66, a highway that blurs the line between past and present.

Blurring The Line

If a road trip along Route 66 is a blurring of the line between past, present and future, it is only fitting that marketing and travel planning tools do the same. The number of travelers that recall the tribulations associated with folding a gas station map on a windy day are no longer the majority. But most travelers today are familiar with smart phones, Google maps, and Wayze.

The Route 66 traveler has a passion for nostalgia. Hence the popularity of the EZ 66 Guide For Travelers by Jerry McClanahan. But the modern road trip enthusiast also depends on tech. And that is why the Route 66 Navigation app developed by Touch Media is fast becoming a valued resource for the Route 66 adventurer.

Painstaking attention to detail has transformed the Roadrunner Lodge Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico into a mid 1960s time capsule. But it is the modern amenities like Wi-Fi that blur the line between past and present. And it is that blurring which makes this gem one of the most popular motels on Route 66.

Plan That Trip

Topping my list for best return on investment is the great American road trip. And the best road trip is on legendary Route 66.

But how does a person plan their first Route 66 road trip? After all, the highway was decommissioned more than forty years ago. And between 1926 and 1985 there were several major realignments. What about motels, restaurants, and attractions?

Travel planning may be a bit easier for the seasoned road trip adventurer. But all along the highway things are in a state of flux. Restaurants close and others open. Motels are refurbished and reopened for the first time in decades. Neon signs are relit and others go dark.

Past Meets Future

First trip along Route 66 or the tenth, my recommendation is buy of a copy of the EZ Guide For Travelers and purchase a subscription to the Route 66 Navigation app. Next, join the Historic 66 Facebook group, the largest Route 66 clearing house for information in the world.

The Route 66 centennial has resulted in a plethora of books being published within the past 18 months. As might be expected, many of them, especially self-published books, have obviously been rushed to print. A lack of fact checking and glaring grammatical errors indicate that they were written solely for profit.

Several well researched, well written books by established authors have also been published. If you are looking for a book that blends travel tips with lots of well researched history, I can recommend Route 66: First 100 Years by Jim Ross and Shellee Graham.

This is a bit of shameless self promotion but I also recommend the centennial anthology, Route 66: 100 Years from Quarto Publishing. It chronicles the highways prehistory, its evolution, and offers a glimpse of its future. It will also pique the imagination and inspire a stop or two.

How Do You Eat An Elephant?

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. If you look at the size of the elephant the task becomes overwhelming.

Route 66 is no different. It is impossible to see everything with one trip, or ten. So, do a bit of planning and take time to talk with folks met along the way. And just enjoy the ride.

On the Historic 66 page ask questions. Seek out well designed and user friendly local and regional websties. As examples, check out the Visit Kingman and Kingman Tours websites. These multifaceted sites are all that you will need to plan the Kingman area leg of the trip.

A free Route 66 travel planning guide in several languages is available on the Route 66 Navigation website. The Connect66 initiative has an interesting website filled with a diverse array of information.

What Are You Waiting For?

So, what are you waiting for? Fall is the ideal time for a Route 66 adventure. And a fall adventure in the year of the highways centennial is even better.

Need additional incentive? Well, you have come to the right place. Inspiring road trips, sharing America’s story and telling people where to go. It’s what we do at Jim Hinckley’s America!