Some friends, a mustang and big smiles. That's everything you'll need in your journey along the Mother Road of America.
Route 66, also known as the Mother Road, is one of the most famous and historically important roads in all of America. The road was the first road to cross the country diagonally, as of now, the road passes through 8 states. The route was first started in 1926 when the Bureau of Public Roads launched the nation's first Federal Highway System.
The route has gone through a lot of renovations and remapping over the years. In 1965, it was officially removed from the National Highway Systems.
Even after 5 decades the route still attracts tourists and citizens alike. The main route of America is famous among all age groups whether it be college students looking for a fun road trip, families looking for a peaceful vacation or our grandparents wanting to visit the Good Ol’ Days. The main reason for the overwhelming admiration Route 66 gets is the fact that even though the world has moved on when you are travelling that road you feel as if taking a dip in the 50s and 60s.
The correct way to travel the main route of America is by following the signs present on the road and by asking the locals for directions. If you plan on relying on your phone or GPS system to guide you through the beautiful journey, then chances are you will be lost within a few hours of your trip. The route has been remapped and changed over the years, modern technology does not offer the best insight into guiding these roads.
Route 66 is lined with neon signs, retro billboards and family-run businesses. The friendly motels and diners serve recipes that they have perfected over the years.
- Lou Mitchell's, also known as “the first stop on the Mother Road” is situated in Chicago. It specialises in breakfast, serving “the world's finest coffee” The cute bakery and cafe is also said to have handed out free doughnut holes for all and free milk duds for women and children since 1958. A tradition that they are very set on keeping!
- Crown Candy Kitchen is a classic soda foundation in Missouri. This is the perfect example of a family-run business, this soda foundation is still owned and run by the same family that started it over 100 years ago. This little place has a famous 5 Malt Challenge. In this you have to drink 5 malts or shakes in 30 minutes, if you do then the milkshakes are free, plus you get a free t-shirt. But if you end up getting sick, you'll sadly have to clean it up yourself.
- If you are a fan of Pixar's Cars then the rock cafe in Oklahoma is for you! Sally from Cars was actually based on the owners of the cafe. The place is filled with memorabilia and gifts that the Cars crew gifted the cafe.
- Visiting The Big Texan definitely gives you an understanding of Texas and its people. With walls of animal heads and a challenge that shocks the likes of us all, the big Texan is a complete vibe in itself. It is most famous for the 72 oz steak challenge. In this challenge, a person must consume 4.5 pounds of steak, a roll, a baked potato, a shrimp cocktail, and a salad in under an hour. If they succeed then their entire meal will have been free, if not then it is $72, hence the name of the challenge.
All this and so much more, finding finger-lickin' food along the trip will definitely not be a problem for anyone.
With a happy belly and the numerous sites, Route 66 has to offer you will truly enjoy your entire trip.
The route starts with an Abraham lincoln fest, with his grave being present in Illinois, every year many tourists and Americans stop by his grave and pay their respects. The grave is the 2nd most visited grave in the country. The state also offers a museum, gift shops, war memorabilia and statues dedicated to the 16th president of America.
Your beautiful tour will also include cosy drive-in theatres, beautiful scenic routes and views including the grand canyon, and artsy motels. And for those of you who are fans of horror, Route 66 also offers a huge selection of its very own ghost towns.
Route 66 is also pretty famous in popular culture. A look at this route will show you how Pixar based Cars on Route 66, you will also find many details along the road that are strikingly similar to the movies. In fact “Route 66” was a working title before Cars was finalised. Cars was finalised to avoid the famous TV sitcom Route 66. Not only this Route 66 is also the name of a famous Bobby Troup song, which was later covered by various artists like Chuck Berry and Glenn Frey, John Mayer and Brian Setzer, as well as the Rolling Stones.
Even the name Mother Road comes to Route 66 from a book called Grapes of Wrath, this novel preserves the importance of Route 66 over the years.
Not only this, but in the literary world poets and authors have written and drawn inspiration from this extremely magnificent road over the years.
Route 66 remains popular, whether it be because of its illustration of America's history, the portrayal of simpler times or the countless attractions. One thing which everyone can agree on is that Route 66 is one of a kind!
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