Painted Desert, Petrified Forest National Park. Photo: Donna Adinolfi
My Route 66 journey began thirty years ago when I moved from Arizona to Virginia. I remember it quite vividly as the drive from Flagstaff, AZ to Albuquerque, NM took me through Winslow, the Painted Desert, and ultimately Old Town Albuquerque to spend time with a dear friend and her daughter.
I’m grateful to have driven most of the route since then with several solo cross-country road trips from east to west and back again. I’ve covered some of my favorite stops here and many have been repeated with some new stops along the way.
The neon signs at the old motels in Tucumcari, NM. The old rusty cars, trucks, and fuel pumps along the way. The dust behind you as you go through the desert.
I can’t wait to discover more quirky and memorable stops along Route 66 as I kick up more dust on my next drive.
Springfield, MO – The Birthplace of Route 66
Springfield, MO – Route 66 Birthplace. Photo: Donna Adinolfi
History shows us that Route 66 became official on November 11, 1926 and this year, as we know, we’ll celebrate its 100 year anniversary. The 2400 mile route covers eight states between Chicago, IL and Santa Monica, CA.
Let’s go back to April 1926 though when Cyrus Avery, a Highway Official, wanted to use Highway 60 from Chicago to Los Angeles and another official wanted to use 60 from Virginia to Missouri. Although Route 62 was another option it was Route 66 that was agreed upon and a telegram was sent to Washington D.C. to make it official.
It was the April 1926 telegram where Springfield, MO became known as the birthplace of Route 66.
If you’d like to start at the official beginning, you can travel Route 66 from Chicago through Joliet, St. Louis, and other points passing vintage fuel pumps, diners, and Route 66 museums making your way to Springfield, MO.
It’s a fun spot and they celebrate the birthplace in early August every year with festivals and events. This year the ‘Birthplace of Route 66 Festival‘ will be held on August 7 and 8.
I have to say that I continue to return to Clinton, OK when on Route 66. There’s something alluring about that stop – maybe it’s the amazing Museum and the “hippy” vibe. They do it right and you can explore everything about the Mother Road from this stop.
Go back in time and visit Oklahoma’s Route 66 Museum. Take the Tour! Photo: Donna AdinolfiLunch at Lucille’s Roadhouse in Clinton, OK. Photo credit: Donna Adinolfi
Shamrock, TX – May the Road Rise Up to Meet You (Irish Blessing)
Rusty’s – stop for a cold one and dinner! A fun stop in Shamrock. Photo credit: Donna Adinolfi
Shamrock, TX was a new to me stop on my latest Route 66 journey and it was so much fun. Add Shamrock to your road trip and be sure to stop at the iconic Art Deco building housing the U-Drop Inn Cafe. It brings the movie CARS to life. Nostalgic with a friendly staff, and great food. Have a slice of pie!
Conoco Station and U-Drop Inn Cafe. Don’t miss this stop! Photo credit: Donna Adinolfi
Shamrock was a great stop – take time to go into town for their Irish heritage, roadside stops, and Loretta’s Loot for a little shopping.
Shamrock, TX – make the stop! Photo credit: Donna Adinolfi
From the Clinton, OK museum. Where to next? You decide…it’s your journey!
As you continue west you’ll want to take time to stop in Amarillo, TX, Cadillac Ranch, The Big Texan (a photo op for me vs eating a huge steak),
Tucumcari, NM – Neon lights and warm nights!
I stop here on every Route 66 road trip. The last time compared to the first time was quite different, so please stop in Tucumcari. The neon signs along Route 66, the vintage motels, the friendly people, and the vibe is to be rediscovered.
There are a number of motels, curio shops, and restaurants. One of my favorite places to stay is Motel Safari. Clean rooms, great vibe, and close to everything you’ll want to do.
Hotel El Rancho, Gallup, NM – An (Authentic) Western Movie Vibe. Photo credit: Donna Adinolfi
Cruise along Route 66 through Gallup and stop for the evening at Hotel El Rancho. This was a memorable stop on my drive.
My love for New Mexico runs deep, so I stop at as many Route 66 locations as possible and this one had much more to offer than I imagined. From nearby antiques and shops, like Richardson’s Trading Post, restaurants, and all that’s uniquely New Mexico. The nearby trains roll through and you can stop at the Route 66 Railway Cafe.
Back to El Rancho….many of the rooms in the main hotel are themed rooms and I had the Laraine Day room as she stayed at the hotel back in 1941 with the filming of ‘The Bad Man’ with Ronald Reagan and Lionel Barrymore.
A cozy western vibe, of course, with Hollywood memorabilia throughout. You can just imagine John Wayne, Kirk Douglas, or Katherine Hepburn at the 49er Lounge. I loved everything about this hotel and it’s one for your list of places to stay. It’s not just a bed for the night – it’s an experience and one that you’ll remember long after you leave.
Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway.”
Bonus: Head over to Santa Rosa, NM and stop at the Blue Hole. Photo credit: Donna AdinolfiBonus: The Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, AZ. Photo credit: Donna Adinolfi
Where to Next?
Well…these are older road trip updates and I thought they’d fit here as the 2nd one is still on my mind all these years later.
just drove this it’s a great way to see America!
Just did this it’s a great way to see America!
So glad you did the drive! There’s so much to explore. Welcome back.