Take the legendary road trip to Route 66
Route 66 is, without a doubt, one of the most famous highways in the United States. From some of the most picturesque vistas in the United States to its distinctive diagonal angle that stretches between Chicago and Los Angeles, Route 66 has all the elements that continue to captivate US road trippers. the ride and find out why the road trip has legendary proportions!
How it all began:
Route 66 is a highway built in the mid-1920s to respond to the demands of the rapidly changing American economy at the time. Route 66 differs from other highways of that time, such as Lincoln and Dixie, because it did not follow the conventional linear path. Instead, it spread diagonally to connect the rural communities of Illinois, Missouri, and Kansas with the cities of Chicago. There is so much to see in these towns that they should be part of any road trip. Take a look at the city of Galena, which is located in the far northwest of Illinois. There are several museums and historic homes there for a true “walk down history lane” experience.
Route 66 was originally built to allow the transportation of agricultural products along the road. This was very difficult to achieve before creation. Farmers weren’t the only ones who benefited from the highway, it also served thousands of truckers. Offering a considerably milder climate compared to the harsher climate found along the highways to the north, Route 66 proved to be a better choice for many truck drivers.
The evolution:
During the years before and after World War II, it prospered with establishments built along the road. There were inns and motels, gas stations and every kind of coffee shop you can think of. Tourists flocked to the highway just for the thrill of being there and experiencing what was then considered “America’s Main Street.”
During the Great Depression, Route 66 witnessed the migration of thousands of people from the Industrial East to the more up-and-coming suburban cities of Southern California (San Diego, Hollywood, Los Angeles, etc.). The highway became a symbol of hope. The road trip tells a unique American story.
You can go for a full adventure or break it up into bites, like visiting the Albuquerque section. Plan your trip around Attractions, Hotels and Restaurants that include Route 66 in their offers. There is so much to see that you will never run out of things to explore. The names alone are intriguing: restaurants like Artichoke Cafe and Left at Albuquerque, or hotels like the Route 66 Inn, and attractions like the Drive-In Theatre, the National Route 66 Museum, and the International Mother Road Festival.
Your next big adventure is just an interstate away!