The Allure of Route 66

Route 66 was created and built in 1926 and became one of the first highway routes connecting the Midwest to the West coast of the United States of America. It was a vital corridor for migrants escaping the Dust Bowl, a lifeline for truckers and a playground for road trippers postwar. Though it was officially retired in 1985, the road has lived on, preserved in its quirky roadside attractions, historic diners and vintage motels. For today's road-trippers, Route 66 offers a chance to step back in time and experience vintage America.

Starting in Chicago

Chicago, the Windy City, famous for its great architecture, thick-crust pizza and lively culture. Before you hit the road, though, make sure to get your picture at the “Begin Route 66” sign on Adams Street. Head southwest, and the cityscape gives way to the rolling plains of Illinois, where you'll find small towns like Pontiac and Springfield and some delightful, nostalgic glimpses into the past. Do remember to the Hall of Fame Museum of Pontiac and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library of Springfield.

Through the Heartland

This road winds its way to Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma, crosses the middle land of USA. And the town of Carthage, Mo., has beautiful historic buildings in a row, while Galena, Kan., has “Cars on the Route,” a real stop on the byway inspired by the Disney movie Cars.

The best-preserved patches of Route 66 can be found in Oklahoma, with major attractions like the Blue Whale of Catoosa and the Round Barn in Arcadia. The Route 66 Museum in Oklahoma City is a deep dive on the drive, and the Pops diner in Arcadia should not be missed, both for its nostalgic vibe and for its wide selection of fudge and sodas.

The Southwest and Beyond

Then the land will be rough and dry, because you are just coming into Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. Amarillo, Texas, the quirky Cadillac Ranch, where 10 half-in-ground Cadillacs serve as a canvas for graffiti artists. Other stops in New Mexico are Albuquerque, a mashup of Native American influences and Route 66 nostalgia, and Gallup, the El Rancho Hotel of which captures the silver screen's golden age.

Some of the most emblematic stops on Route 66 are in Arizona, including the Petrified Forest National Park and the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, where you can stay overnight in a teepee-shaped room. The Grand Canyon may not be directly on Route 66, but a short detour leads to this spectacular landmark.

The Last Leg to California

The trip ends in California, where winding roads weave through the Mojave Desert and quirky towns such as Barstow and San Bernardino. The last stop is Santa Monica, where the “End of the Trail” sign signifies the official end of Route 66. As a reward for your hard work, take a walk down the Santa Monica Pier with the Pacific Ocean in the background.

Driving the road isn't just an act of propulsion; it's an act of engagement, with the stories, the people, the landscapes that every mile, every turn, every stop, bring forth an America that feels, sometimes, long lost. From classic motel neon signs to the warmth of small-town diners, it's something new every mile. Route 66 is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience regardless if you're a history lover, or a photography buff, or just someone looking for a new adventure. So, pack your bags, get on the road and let the Mother Road take you through the very heart of America.