Road Trip on Route 66: Where to turn for your travel fun

Mar 17

Route 66. We've all heard about it. Read about it. Even fell in love with animated cars. People around the globe are attracted to this highway, including fans in Australia who have their own Route 66 Fan Club and touring packages; https://www.ozroute66association.com/

The lure of Route 66 seems to be a constant and without regard to age, sex, race or cultural heritage. However, driving this historic highway can be a daunting experience, especially if you're not well prepared and loaded with patience. Route 66 traverses' over 2,400 miles through eight states, urban and rural areas, and a seemingly endless variety of diverse landscapes.

Furthermore, what's a road trip without the opportunity to test your navigation skills? You'll find Route 66 is not well marked. Its historic signs have been removed, mostly by souvenir hunters. The regional interstates also add to your adventure, as these interstates don't provide consistent directions for exits, even though Route 66 parallels and crosses these interstates over much of its distance.

But fear not, these navigation challenges are not obstacles. These navigational challenges provide a fabulous opportunity and almost force you to slow down to take in the sights and sounds (and tastes) along the highway. It's like an unplanned outcome of the drive. Otherwise, you could be driving along, feeling confident of your direction and schedule, then driving through Galena, KS and missing the inspiration for Tow Mater; http://www.kansastravel.org/route66.htm Or perhaps even worse, miss Ted Drewes Frozen Custard; http:// www.teddrewes.com. However, have no fear, there is help before you start the journey. This help is not in short supply and includes well established Route 66 Associations.

On October 13, 1984, when Interstate 40 officially opened, the small town of Williams, AZ, earned the distinction of being the last Route 66 town bypassed by the new Interstate. Even before this date and the future of Williams, AZ changed; local, city, and state agency representatives from various cities and towns along Route 66 began to meet. They started to form organizations and alliances of Route 66. With a common goal; to preserve, educate, and promote the heritage of The Mother Road.

In February of 1987, The Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona was formed by a small group of residences from Arizona Route 66 communities. Later that year, as a direct result of the efforts of these residences', the State of Arizona dedicated Route 66 from Seligman, AZ, to Kingman, AZ as "Historic Route 66." This Historic designation was later bestowed upon all of Arizona's (old) U.S. Route 66 corridor. http://www.azrt66.com.

The Route 66 Association of Illinois was formed in February of 1989. Like others, its purpose is to preserve, educate and promote Route 66 - while enjoying the past and present Route 66. Expanding beyond the state borders, the association takes part in cooperative national efforts which support the highway's interests; including preservation efforts, fairs and other public events along the historic corridor; http://www.il66assoc.org

Today each of the eight states along Route 66 has associations - each having their unique set of goals and objectives. However, they all share a shared love of the corridor and a joint mission.

When planning your 66 road trip, be it for a day though Illinois, or taking a week to drive the distance, you'll want to check out these associations. They contain a wealth of information about the highway as a whole, and especially about their state. These sites provide map information, where to eat, sleep, and what to see. Events, festivals, car shows, and more are listed. And many include links to local and regional chambers for even more information.

In short, these Route 66 associations are your starting point. Then once your journey begins, be sure to unplug. Take in the scenery, enjoy the food and sights of this historic highway, and create your history. Everything else can wait. Because, as you know, we at American Open Roads Media believe to experience Route 66, one must drive Route 66.

Here’s a list of predominate Route 66 associations:

The Route 66 Alliance http://www.route66alliance.org

National Historic Route 66 Federation http://www.national66.org

Historic Route 66 http://www.historic66.com

Route 66 University http://www.route66university.com

Route 66 Chamber of Commerce http://route66chamberofcommerce.homestead.com

Route 66 News http://route66news.com

Project Route 66 http://www.projectroute66.com

Route 66 Association of Illinois http://www.il66assoc.org

Route 66 Association of Missouri http://missouri66.wordpress.com

Route 66 Association of Kansas/facebook https://www.facebook.com/KansasRoute66Association/info

Route 66 Association of Kansas http://kansastravel.org/route66.htm