Get your kicks on Route 66!

Route 66 is a truly legendary highway known all over the world! Movies have been made about it, songs have been composed, and countless cafes, hotels, and shops have been named after it. The paved highway, stretching for almost 4,000 km from Chicago to Los Angeles, is called the "mother of American roads" because it united the different ends of the country and seriously influenced the economic and social development of the United States. In the article we will tell you whether it is worth going on a trip along the most famous road in the world.

Bit of history

1926 is considered the birth year of the highway. At that time, production was actively developing in the country, and more and more citizens could afford cars. This was made possible largely thanks to Henry Ford, who organized the mass production of cars.

Americans demanded quality roads, whether for simple travel or seeking a better life in other cities. The construction of Route 66 took more than a decade before an acceptable paved road was created.

The Great Depression also had an impact on highway development. Americans were ready to cross the whole country in search of employment opportunities. Many believed that luck awaits them in California - the poorest segments of the population aspired there, hoping to earn at least a couple of dollars. They drove desperately along this road, which, in fact, became a symbol of change.

After the end of World War II, the decision was made to abandon the use of Route 66. President Eisenhower set out to modernize American roads, focusing on German standards, and turn them into multi-lane freeways. The Federal Highway Construction Act was disastrous for Route 66 - the highway gradually became abandoned.

Nevertheless, the road continues to exist thanks to the efforts of residents of cities located along the highway. Many of them perceived the new law as a betrayal of Route 66, which has made so much contribution to the life of Americans. Failing to adapt to the modern life of the country, the highway turned into a historical route. In some places, 66th is an auxiliary road, along which it is best to get to some town, in others it is abandoned wastelands overgrown with weeds. However, the main route of 66th has remained intact, and every day cars and motorcycles with tourists who want to learn about the history of the country during their exciting or romantic trip pass through it.

What's on the highway now

Route 66 embodies the stories of thousands of Americans who have chosen to stay in the small towns along this route. Residents of each of these cities associate themselves with the legendary route and sell countless Route 66 souvenirs. Locals are happy to organize a variety of events, including parties, dances and concerts.

These small towns are living monuments to America in the 1950s and 60s, the nostalgic Golden Era. Many travelers, passing by such towns, do not understand how people continue to live in such a wilderness. But they live here and are not going to move - it has its own atmosphere, which today can only be seen in the cinema. One- and two-storey buildings, cozy cafes, small shops, dogs and donkeys walk serenely through the streets, and all the neighbors warmly communicate with each other.

These cities are mainly supported by tourists - today Highway 66 attracts travelers from all over the world thanks to its numerous songs and road movies. Here, any everyday item can be presented as a souvenir - from a simple can opener to a refrigerator. This way of life is somewhat reminiscent of the resort towns that thrive during the peak tourist season.

Attractions along the way

Residents of small towns along the highway show miracles of ingenuity, trying to make money on anything. Tourists are happy to spend dollars on small things to bring home souvenirs that remind them of their big trip. As a result, you can find Route 66 museums in almost every town. In shops, they sell canned soda, books, photographs, records, license plates, badges, canisters, and even jukeboxes. Don't be surprised if you meet an old man who tells the story of meeting Paul McCartney and offers to buy his autograph. Yes, Sir Paul did travel on Highway 66, but there is no guarantee that the autograph on this old man's paper is real.

The old gas station, built in 1926, is one of the most famous places on the highway. This gas station has become a kind of shrine for motorists. Soulsby's Shell Gas Station, located in Mount Olive, Illinois, certainly has seen a lot in its long history, but it probably didn't expect to become a place of pilgrimage among travelers.

Local nature here is really amazing though. Not all travelers pay attention to it, but the landscapes along Route 66 are simply breathtaking - mountains, forests and deserts follow each other. Some sections have remained untouched since the 1930s, when construction of the road began. From time to time there is a desire to study each rock closer or take a walk through the forest, but in this case, the journey along Route 66 will take not a week, but will stretch for several months.

But one place is definitely worth a visit. Turn into the caves of the Grand Canyon, especially since it will not take much time, as they are located in close proximity to the highway. Surreal views and incredible curves of numerous rocks below ground level will be remembered for a lifetime. These caves are the largest dry underground caves in the USA. There are rumors that the American government planned to use them as a shelter in case of a nuclear war, so food supplies can be found here. In these caves, archaeologists also found the remains of ancient animals that were very similar to saber-toothed tigers.

Where to live and what to eat

When traveling, you will not have any problems where to stay overnight - in almost every town there are numerous motels. You can travel back in time and not book anything online in advance, because there are always free rooms. You will not find any luxury here, but the atmosphere in roadside motels itself is incredible! You will have the opportunity to go back 60 years and see how America lived in those years. By the way, prices in such hotels are usually very affordable due to the constant flow of tourists; you can stay overnight for 30–50 dollars.

The price usually includes a classic American breakfast - so high-calorie that you have enough energy to rush straight to Los Angeles. But if you don’t feel like eating in a motel, then you can always stop at one of the roadside cafes, in each of which you will recognize “this very diner” from any American movie. The bar counter, the jukebox, the waitress in an apron pouring fresh coffee from the kettle, and pancakes with maple syrup are classics of the genre.

On Route 66 you will definitely not go hungry, there are many cafes here and all of them can offer you something new. It can be either chili potatoes, or generous portions of meat or fish pies, or even creamy desserts and cakes, or fried chicken. Although all cafes serve ordinary American food, each diner claims the originality of a particular recipe. Even an ordinary hamburger will taste different everywhere, let alone steaks, which can be cooked and served in dozens of different ways.

Historic Route 66 definitely deserves to be driven by every traveler at least once in a lifetime. Embark on your ultimate American road trip and don't forget to connect your United States fedafone bundle so you don't accidentally lose your way.