RVing
Route 66, by Jaimie
Hall
Last summer my husband and I had the opportunity
to travel one of our most famous historic highways—Route
66—with the Route
66 Caravan. As we traveled in our RVs, we got an insider's
look at this historic route, much of which can still be driven.
It was a lesson in history on the effects of the Interstate
system: entire towns turned to ghosts while nearby towns thrived.
We could imagine ourselves motoring along two-lane sections
through the countryside when this was the major route between
Chicago and Los Angeles. We treasured the abandoned gas stations,
motels, and motorcourts. We saw historic establishments still
luring the tourist in.
It's hard to single out our favorites,
but some stick in our memory:
UNIQUE ATTRACTIONS
Tucumcari, New Mexico: Classic neon signs still light
up old Route 66.
Erick, Oklahoma: Harley and Annabelle,
the Mediocre Musicians, put on a good show and baloney spread
at Sandhills Curiosity Shop.
Blue Whale: A giant blue whale in a pond
induced many traveling through Catoosa, Oklahoma, to stop
for a swim and a picnic.
Coleman Theatre: Stop to hear the Wurlitzer
organ at this beautiful Spanish Revival style theatre in Miami,
Oklahoma.
Chain of Rocks Bridge: Hikers and bikers
can still cross the Mississippi River on this bridge at St.
Louis, Missouri.
Funk's Grove, Illinois: Enjoy old-growth
maples and maple syrup just outside of Bloomington.
In Oklahoma, drive a 9-foot wide stretch of
highway through the countryside, while a section of
brick highway winds through Illinois cornfields.
FOOD
Adrian, Texas: Pull off the Interstate for delicious
homemade pie at Mid Point Café, midpoint of the Route.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: Enjoy classic
décor while feasting on fried tomatoes and fried peaches
at Ann's Chicken Fry House.
St. Louis, Missouri: Ted
Drewe's Frozen Custard offers the perfect summer treat:
"concretes" that stay in the cup even when turned
upside down.
Springfield, Illinois: We recommend the
pancakes at The Cozy Dog restaurant.
Litchfield, Illinois: Ariston's Café
has deserts to-die-for.
MUSEUMS
McLean, Texas: Devil's Rope Museum explores the
history of barbed wire.
Clinton, Oklahoma: With a room for each
decade with exhibits and appropriate music, the Route 66
Museum is a must-see on the history of the route.
How much of old Route 66 you want to drive
will depend on your time and the size of your rig. Some roads
are rougher for larger RVs, but anyone with extra time can
get off the Interstate to see classic Route 66 icons and dine
at unique eateries. A map is essential. While you can often
pick up free maps at state visitor centers, to make the trip
more meaningful, purchase one or more maps or books on each
state. Do short sections as you have a chance, or take a month
or more to really explore.
Jaimie
Hall
April 11, 2004
More
"RVing with Alice & Jaimie"
|
Alice
Zyetz and Jaimie Hall have
been RVing fulltime with their husbands
for more than ten years each. Together
they have published two books on the
RV Lifestyle: 
Lonely
Planet Road Trip: Route 66
Route
66 Adventure Handbook