Route 66, the legendary road affectionately called “Mother Road” by Americans, was built in 1926 and completed in 1938. It starts in Chicago, Illinois, passes through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, and runs diagonally across the United States, extending all the way to Los Angeles, California (later even to Santa Monica), across eight states, three time zones, and a total length of 2,450 miles, or about 3,943 kilometers.
In the 1920s, the number of cars owned in the United States gradually increased, and people’s demand for convenient long-distance roads became more urgent. At that time, the conditions of roads across the United States were uneven, and many roads were narrow and in poor condition. The construction of Route 66 was like a clear vein sorted out in chaos. Its appearance closely connected the originally scattered towns and regions, providing great convenience for people’s travel and cargo transportation.
1.Must-see attractions
Along Route 66, you will see breathtaking natural and cultural landscapes all along the way. Each of them exudes a unique charm, attracting countless tourists to explore.
(1) St. Louis Arch
The St. Louis Arch in Missouri is a symbol of the United States’ westward development. This magnificent stainless steel catenary building, 192 meters high, was started in 1964 and completed in just one year. Its unique shape is like a long rainbow across the earth, shining with metallic luster under the sun.
There is an elevator at the bottom of the arch, which can take you directly to the top floor. Standing on the top floor, you can see the whole picture of St. Louis, the Mississippi River winding like a ribbon, and the city and natural landscape in the distance blending into each other, forming a magnificent picture. This arch is not only an architectural wonder, but also carries the historical memory of the American westward movement. Starting from here, you can feel the pioneers’ spirit of forging ahead and officially start a journey to the west full of unknowns and challenges.
(2) Canvas Desert
The Canvas Desert in Arizona is amazing for its colorful and unique landscape. This desert has undergone millions of years of geological changes to form the dreamlike scenery it has today.
Stepping into the Canvas Desert is like walking into a colorful fairy tale world. Rocks and sand dunes of various colors such as yellow, purple, red, and orange are intertwined, presenting a dazzling visual effect under the reflection of the sun. Those colorful rocks seem to be a carefully painted scroll by nature, and each texture tells the vicissitudes of time. In this desert, there are also many stone pillars of various shapes. They stand tall, as if they are the guardians of the desert, witnessing the passage of time. Walking in it, it feels like being on an alien planet, and people can’t help but sigh at the ingenuity of nature.
(3) Grand Canyon National Park, USA
The Grand Canyon National Park, USA, is one of the natural wonders of the world. After millions of years of erosion, the Colorado River cut out this magnificent canyon in the land of Arizona. The canyon is 460 kilometers long, with an average depth of 1,600 meters and a width of 762 meters at the bottom. Its magnificence is beyond words.
The Grand Canyon is divided into three parts: the South Canyon, the North Canyon and the West Canyon. The South Canyon is steep and magnificent, with a bottomless canyon that retains its original appearance. It is the most visited route by tourists. The self-driving highway here is well built, with many viewing points along the way. Tourists can stop and enjoy the magnificent scenery of the canyon. The North Canyon is more than 300 meters higher than the South Canyon and is more remote. It is closed in winter due to ice and snow. It is only open from mid-May to mid-October each year. However, there are relatively few tourists here, and the scenery is more tranquil, suitable for those who like to enjoy the beautiful scenery in tranquility. West Canyon is famous for its suspended transparent glass viewing bridge, where visitors can stand on the bridge and overlook the stunning views of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River. However, West Canyon does not belong to the Grand Canyon National Park, but to the Hualapai Indian Reservation. Because it is close to Las Vegas and has convenient transportation, it attracts many tourists to come and experience it.
(4) Nashville, the capital of country music
Nashville, a city in Tennessee, is known as the “capital of country music.” It is the birthplace of American country music and a paradise for music lovers.
Walking on the streets of Nashville, you can see music-related elements everywhere. The walls on both sides of the road are painted with murals of various music themes, and the shops on the street are filled with various musical instruments and music souvenirs. The air here seems to be filled with the atmosphere of music, which makes people immersed in it involuntarily. At night, the bars in Nashville become lively. Every bar has a live band playing, ranging from traditional country music to modern pop music. Find a favorite bar, sit down, order a glass of fine wine, sway gently to the rhythm of the music, and feel the joy and relaxation brought by music. In this city full of music atmosphere, everyone can find their own music rhythm.
(5) National Cowboy Hall of Fame
The National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma is an important place to understand the culture of the cowboys. This hall of fame houses a rich collection of cowboy culture collections, from cowboys’ clothing and equipment to their daily utensils.
Entering the Hall of Fame, it is as if you have traveled back to the legendary cowboy era. The hall displays exquisite cowboy hats, handsome cowboy boots, practical saddles and other items, each of which carries the cowboys’ life memories. Through these exhibits, people can understand the cowboys’ daily work, lifestyle and the spirit they uphold. In addition, the Hall of Fame also vividly displays the history and culture of the cowboys through pictures, texts and multimedia displays. Here, visitors can deeply understand the contributions made by cowboys in the process of opening up the West and feel their bravery, tenacity and freedom.
2.Specialty Food
During the trip on Route 66, you can not only enjoy the beautiful scenery, but also taste the unique local food. Every bite can make your taste buds immersed in a wonderful feast.
(1) Chicago Juicy Hot Dogs
In Chicago, you must try the juicy hot dogs from Portillo’s Hot Dogs. This shop originated from a small trailer selling hot dogs in a parking lot, and now it has developed into a large-scale restaurant. Chicago-style hot dogs have unique “rules” and must not be added with ketchup. Its hot dogs are steamed and have a fresh and juicy taste. With side dishes such as pickles, diced onions, and pickled peppers, every bite is full of rich layers. When you take a bite, the juice of the hot dog instantly bursts in your mouth, and the taste of various side dishes blends perfectly, making you unable to stop.
(2) St. Louis Internet celebrity ice cream
In St. Louis, Missouri, there is a Ted Drewes ice cream shop that has been open for more than 80 years. It can be called the originator of Internet celebrity desserts. Business here is still booming, and it often takes half an hour to queue up to get a taste. Its signature vanilla custard ice cream has a rich milky aroma and a smooth texture. Compared with ordinary ice cream, it has a unique flavor. Paired with refreshing fruits or crispy nuts, it is the icing on the cake. The Hawaiian flavor is its signature, with the fragrance of pineapple and banana intertwined, giving people a sweet experience of tropical style.
(3) Cuba Town Barbecue Ribs
The town of Cuba, Missouri, is filled with mouth-watering meaty aroma. Walking into Hick BBQ is like entering a paradise for meat lovers. The barbecued ribs and grilled beef brisket here are super large, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The barbecued ribs are carefully marinated, the meat is tender and juicy, and the bones separate from the meat with a light bite. The charred part on the surface adds a unique charred flavor. The grilled beef brisket has clear textures, and every strand of meat is full of rich meaty aroma. Take a big bite, and the sense of happiness will burst instantly.
(4) El Reno Burger
El Reno, Oklahoma, is a great place to experience the rough and authentic American cuisine. At Sid’s Diner, you can enjoy a super satisfying big burger. The burgers here are made of fresh ground beef and fried on a grill with raw onions. The beef gravy is firmly locked in, forming an attractive charred crust. One burger is large enough to fill you up and experience the purest American fast food flavor.
3.Travel tips
Self-driving planning
Self-driving is undoubtedly the best way to appreciate the charm of Route 66. A reasonable route planning can make your journey smoother and more colorful. The following is a classic 9-day itinerary for you:
Day 1: Start from Chicago and drive all the way to St. Louis, a total of about 450 kilometers. After arriving, visit the iconic St. Louis Arch and experience the unique charm of this city.
Day 2: St. Louis to Springfield, a distance of about 350 kilometers. Enjoy the natural scenery along the way, and take a good rest after arriving to recharge your energy for the subsequent journey.
Day 3: Springfield to Oklahoma City, about 450 kilometers away. After arriving, you can visit local museums to learn more about the history and culture of the city.
Day 4: Oklahoma City to Amarillo, about 450 kilometers away. Enjoy the vast plains along the way, and experience the local specialties after arriving.
Day 5: Amarillo to Santa Fe, about 450 kilometers away. Santa Fe is full of strong Spanish style, ancient buildings and unique culture waiting for you to explore.
Day 6: Santa Fe drives to Albuquerque, about 450 kilometers away. There are many beautiful parks and squares here, strolling through them and feeling the leisurely city atmosphere.
Day 7: Albuquerque to Flagstaff, about 550 kilometers away. You can enjoy the magnificent mountain scenery on the way and visit local historical sites after arriving.
Day 8: From Flagstaff to Las Vegas, a journey of about 400 kilometers. Las Vegas is famous for its bustling casinos and wonderful performances. Enjoy the charm of this city that never sleeps.
Day 9: From Las Vegas, head to the end of this journey – Los Angeles, a total of about 450 kilometers. In Los Angeles, you can visit famous attractions such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Beverly Hills to bring this Route 66 trip to a successful conclusion.
When planning the route, you must fully consider the distance between the attractions, traffic conditions, your own physical strength and time arrangements, understand the opening hours and ticket information of each attraction in advance, and arrange your daily itinerary reasonably, so as to ensure that you can appreciate the beauty and style of Route 66 to the greatest extent within a limited time.
4.Traffic and driving precautions
Self-driving is the most popular way to travel to Route 66. You can freely control the itinerary and stop at any time to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the road. Of course, if you don’t want to drive yourself, you can also choose a chartered car service and let a professional driver take you to appreciate the scenery along the way.
There are many things to pay attention to when driving in the United States. First of all, you must wear your seat belt. This is a basic measure to ensure safety. Both front and back passengers must strictly abide by it. In some states in the United States, not wearing a seat belt in the back seat will also be fined. Always pay attention to road conditions and traffic signs. The traffic rules in the United States are somewhat different from those in China. For example, when you encounter a “Stop” sign, you must stop completely, observe the situation on the left and right, and confirm that it is safe before continuing to drive.
When driving on the highway, you must maintain a safe speed and distance, and pay attention to the right-hand traffic principle. When you encounter a school bus with a “STOP” sign, you must stop and wait until the sign is retracted. In addition, you must pay special attention to local traffic regulations. For example, some areas do not allow right turns at red lights, and in places where you can turn right, you also need to stop and observe first to ensure safety before turning right.
If you also desire freedom and yearn for exploration, then you might as well embark on a trip to Route 66. Drive along this legendary route, feel the caress of the wind, and listen to the echoes of history. During the journey, you will meet different people, hear different stories, and gain your own unique experience. Whether it is the magnificent natural scenery or the rich cultural history, they will become precious wealth in your life.
