Route 66 spots

Ed's Camp, Oatman Rd. (AZ)

2007-03-15T14:23:00.000+01:00

pic of the Ed's camp, an old gas station and business closed 'til 1992 and now private property, located on the road to the Sitgreaves Pass and the town of Oatman.

De Soto's beauty & Barber Shop, Ash Fork (AZ)

2007-03-14T10:04:00.000+01:00

pic of a business located on old Route 66 (Lewis Ave.) in downtown Ash Fork. The De Soto that stands on the roof of the shop is dated from the 60's.

Old Chain of Rocks Bridge (IL-MO)

2007-03-13T12:37:00.000+01:00

Two Pics (view from the Illinois side) of the old Chain of Rocks Bridge (now only opened for cyclists and pedestrians) over the Mississippi River. This is the most famous bridge on Route 66. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006.

To learn more about this spot, click on this link :

http://www.rollanet.org/~conorw/cwome/article4.htm

"road ends" sign, Lincoln (IL)

2007-03-12T10:39:00.000+01:00

Here is a pic of a "road ends" sign, one can find on an old alignment of the Mother Road located in a cemetary at the south-end of Lincoln.

General Store, Hackberry (AZ)

2007-03-09T09:07:00.000+01:00

On the road to Kingman, one can find this well maintained General Store located on old Route 66 in the small town of Hackberry.

"Root Beer"

2007-02-28T11:30:00.000+01:00

aaahh...refreshing time! tasting the "root beer" was a real surprise...

this pic was shot at the Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket in Willowbrook (IL).

Pine Breeze Inn, Bellemont (AZ)

2007-02-09T10:03:00.000+01:00

Here is a pic for the Easy Rider movie fans. This old service station (now closed) has been used to shoot a scene one can find at the beginning of the film.

Whiting Bros. Station, Milan (NM)

2007-02-08T14:29:00.000+01:00

Abandoned Whiting Bros. station located somewhere on the Mother Road near the town of Milan.

First/Last Motel in Texas, Glenrio (TX)

2007-02-07T11:08:00.000+01:00

Here is a pic of the abandoned "first/last" motel in texas, located near the New-Mexico border.

Historic Rock Creek Bridge on Ozark Trail (OK)

2007-01-30T09:32:00.000+01:00

Pic of the Historic Rock Creek Bridge (view looking east) at the entrance of the Ozark Trail, one of the most "out of time" alignment of the Mother Road located between Sapulpa and Kellyville.

Gateway Arch, Saint-Louis (MO)

2007-01-29T17:40:00.000+01:00

Here is a pic of the famous Gateway Arch. (view from downtown Saint-Louis)

Pig Hip Restaurant (Museum), Broadwell, IL

2007-01-26T08:15:00.000+01:00

Back for a bunch of updates by now and it begins with these pics of this old restaurant converted in a museum located in the small town of Broadwell. Ernie Edwards and his wife owned and operated the restaurant from 1937 to 1991. Now, it is turned in a museum since 2003.

Special Update

2006-12-27T09:24:00.000+01:00

Today I'm posting a special update. Here after you will find the complete itinerary for the trip I've done last July. The overnight stops and some dining places are evaluated with "stars".

07/13 : landed in Chicago. Motel : Econo Lodge Northlake (**)
07/14 : visit of downtown Chicago and first miles on Route 66. Motel : Red Roof Inn Willowbrook (***) on IL-83 located next to the Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket (****)
07/15 : Willowbrook to Lincoln (IL) Motel : Super 8 (***)
07/16 : Lincoln to Saint-Louis (MO) Motel : Econo Lodge Riverfront
in downtown Saint-Louis (**) caution : this motel is located on the border of unsafe block. The motel was ok but not the area.
07/17 : Saint-Louis to Lebanon (MO) Motel : Munger Moss (*****) a route 66 icon (subject of a previous post)
07/18 : Lebanon to Claremore (OK) Motel : Claremore Motor Inn (****) very friendly staff and great rooms!
07/19 : Claremore to Weatherford (OK) Motel : Best Western Mark Motor Hotel (***)
07/20 : Weatherford to Amarillo (TX) Motel : Big Texan (***) don't miss a great steak at the restaurant (*****)
07/21 : Amarillo to Tucumcari (NM) Motel : Blue Swallow (*****) for sure, my favourite motel on the Mother Road!
07/22 : Tucumcari to Santa Fe (NM) Motel : Travelodge on Cerrillos Blvd. (***)
07/23 : Santa Fe to Gallup (NM) Motel : Super 8 (***)
07/24 : Gallup to Holbrook (AZ) Motel : Wigwam motel (****) vintage motel. Don't miss this chance to sleep in a tee-pee ;) !
07/25 : Holbrook to Williams (AZ) Motel : Route 66 motel (***)
07/26 : Williams. Motel : Route 66 motel again (***) visit of the Grand Canyon NP.
07/27 : Williams to Needles (CA) Motel : motel 6 (***)
07/28 : Needles to Yucca Valley (CA) Motel : Super 8 (***) side-trip to the Joshua Tree NP.
07/29 : Yucca Valley to Barstow (CA) Motel : Econo Lodge (***)
07/30 : Barstow to Santa Monica (CA) Motel : Bayside Hotel (****) reasonable price motel located near the pier. A must for budget travelers.
07/31 : back to belgium

Mojave desert (CA)

2006-12-26T13:57:00.000+01:00

Looking west on Route 66 as it goes through the Mojave desert in California.

Sitgreaves Pass (AZ)

2006-12-11T10:03:00.000+01:00

Here are two pics of the Sitgreaves pass where Route 66 offers one of its most beautiful sight.
As you can see on the second pic, the elevation is 3550 Ft. at the top of the pass. The first one shows the beginning of the descent that leads to the town of Oatman.

Old Route 66 between Correo and Mesita (NM)

2006-12-08T08:36:00.000+01:00

This is one of my favorite pics looking west on this 11 miles stretch of the road between 2 little towns in New-Mexico.

Jericho Cemetery (TX)

2006-12-07T10:24:00.000+01:00

This Cemetary is part of the Jericho Gap. You can access this place by taking the Exit 124 of I-40. Caution : some parts of the gap are now private property.

If you want to learn why the Jericho gap was Infamous in the early days of Route 66, click on this link :
http://www.texasescapes.com/TexasPanhandleTowns/Jericho-Texas.htm

Route 66 in Miami (OK)

2006-12-06T09:53:00.000+01:00

Old graveled segment of the Mother Road.

Route 66 marker, Galena (KS)

2006-12-01T17:07:00.000+01:00

Route 66 marker on the Mother road.

Meramec Caverns, Stanton (MO)

2006-11-30T14:23:00.000+01:00

Time for a short sidetrip today with this look at the entrance of the Meramec Caverns known as the Jesse James hideout.
This attraction is not located right on Route 66. You have to go for about 4 miles to the south on Highway W when you're in Stanton to see them.

Here is the link for the official site of the caverns :
www.americascave.com

Polk-a-Dot Drive-In, Braidwood (IL)

2006-11-29T12:47:00.000+01:00

Two pics today to introduce the Polk-a-Dot, another landmark of the Mother Road in Illinois. This Drive-in is located on old Route 66 (Front St.) as you enter the small town of Braidwood.

Here is the official Link of the Polk-a-Dot :
http://www.polk-a-dot.com/

Bagdad (CA)

2006-11-28T10:45:00.000+01:00

This is such a strange pic. Apart of the railroad tracks, a lone tree is all that remains of the town of Bagdad that used to be located right in the middle of the Mojave desert before being totally abandoned and demolished. On this stretch of the road, you can still feel the sensation of being the last man on earth...

Route 66 is definitely full of surprise...

Twin Arrows Trading Post (AZ)

2006-11-27T13:04:00.001+01:00

Long closed Trading post located next to the I-40 (exit 219) on an old alignment of the Mother Road.
The arrows are in bad state of repair, and could soon disappear...

Route 66 Mural, Tucumcari (NM)

2006-11-24T10:23:00.000+01:00

This is the first pic of a Route 66 mural posted on this blog. This one is located in downtown Tucumcari. Numerous murals like this one can be found along the Mother Road. I'll post other ones in some next updates.

Phillips Route 66 Station, McLean (TX)

2006-11-23T09:11:00.000+01:00

I'm back with some updates by now and it begins with this pic of the first Phillips Route 66 Station located in the town of McLean. Constructed in 1928.

To learn more about this vintage spot of the Mother Road, click on this link :
http://www.texasescapes.com/TexasGasStations/Route66-Phillips66-Service-Station-McLean-Texas.htm

Rock Cafe, Stroud (OK)

2006-11-02T08:42:00.000+01:00

Two pics in one today with this look at the Rock Cafe located on Route 66 in the town of Stroud. When I was there in July, the front of the Cafe was decorated with some "Cars" movie items.

Here is the link for the official website of the Rock Cafe :

http://www.rockcaferoute66.com/

Munger Moss Motel, Lebanon (MO)

2006-11-01T09:10:00.000+01:00

This motel is a must overnight stop for all Mother road travelers. Some rooms are decorated with Route 66 memorabilia.

Here is the official link of the Munger Moss :

http://www.mungermoss.com/index.htm

Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket, Willowbrook (IL)

2006-10-31T08:08:00.000+01:00

Here is a pic of the neon sign of this famous restaurant located in the suburbs of Chicago. It is located on a dead-end alignment of the Mother Road known today as Joliet Road in Willowbrook.

Here is the link for the official webiste of the Chicken Basket :

http://www.chickenbasket.com/index.html

Will rogers Plaque, Santa Monica (CA)

2006-10-30T10:47:00.000+01:00

This commemorative plaque is dedicated to Will Rogers and marks the end of the Mother Road on the Pacific Coast. It is located at the intersection of Ocean Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard.

Painted Desert Trading Post (AZ)

2006-09-22T13:55:00.000+02:00

Today, let's take a look at the old and abandoned Painted Desert trading post. One can find this remnant of the Mother Road on an old stretch of Route 66 that leads to the border of the Painted Desert NP. This old alignment of Route 66 can be found by taking the "Pinta Road" exit of the I-40.

This place is one of the most spectacular spot on the entire road. Don't miss it future travelers!

El Rancho Hotel, Gallup (NM)

2006-09-21T14:36:00.000+02:00

Here is a pic of the El Rancho Hotel in Gallup. This historic place is known as the home of the stars as a lot of them have spent the night there.

Fore more information about this must stop :

www.elranchohotel.com

U-Drop Inn, Shamrock (TX)

2006-09-20T10:30:00.000+02:00

Here is a pic of the famous U-drop Inn. This Building is located in the town of Shamrock, founded by Irish emigrants. Both Restaurant and gas station was built in an Art-Deco Style that was popular in the 20's.

To learn more about this Icon of the Mother Road, click on this link :

http://www.shamrocktx.net/udropinn.html

Old Route 66 between Miami and Afton (OK)

2006-09-19T12:47:00.000+02:00

9 feet large old section of Route 66 situated between the towns of Miami and Afton on the Northeast Corner of Oklahoma. This alignment of the Mother Road is dated from 1926 and is still driveable at slow speed.

Wagon Wheel Motel, Cuba (MO)

2006-09-18T10:38:00.000+02:00

Built in 1934 of Ozark native stone and called the Wagon Wheel Cabins. In 1946, it was Expanded from 9 to 14 units.

Launching Pad Drive-In, Wilmington (IL)

2006-09-15T09:29:00.000+02:00

Famous for its muffler man "the Gemini Giant", the Launching Pad Drive-In is located On Route 66 as you enter the town of Wilmington. This Restaurant is one of the first "Mother Road Icon" one can discover when travelling west on Route 66.

Here is the link for the official website of the Launching Pad :

http://www.launchingpadrt66.com/

Abandoned gas station, Helendale (CA)

2006-09-14T08:53:00.000+02:00

Here is a pic of an old and abandoned gas station In Helendale, a town situated on Route 66 between Barstow and Victorville.

On this stretch of the road, one can find plenty of old and abandoned businesses...

Next update : famous drive-in in Illinois...

Ella's Frontier, Joseph City (AZ)

2006-09-12T14:06:00.000+02:00

Old and abandonned Ella's Frontier Trading Post, located in the town of Joseph City (founded as the first Mormon community in the USA) . This trading post was one of the first of that kind that opened its door on Route 66.

Let's take a look at an old gas station in California tomorrow...

Old Route 66 (NM)

2006-09-11T11:10:00.000+02:00

From now, please notice that I will post update only on weekdays.

On this pic you can see an old alignment of Route 66 that goes out of the town of Glenrio situated at the Texas border. At this point, we're entering New Mexico and by taking the left road, you're following an old alignment that winds through the tiny towns of Bard and Endee.

Let's take a look at an old trading post in Arizona tomorrow...

Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo (TX)

2006-09-08T14:10:00.000+02:00

Here is such a strange pic. Some cars half-buried in the ground... know as the Cadillac Ranch.
If you want to know the complete Story about this pop-art work created by Stanley March III, click on the link below :

http://www.libertysoftware.be/cml/cadillacranch/ranch/crabtr.htm

Back to some old alignment tomorrow in New Mexico...

Lucille's Gas Station, Hydro (OK)

2006-09-07T15:16:00.000+02:00

Here is the Gas Station that has been operated by Lucille Hamon from 1941 to the year 2000. Lucille was known as the Mother of The Mother Road. For years, Lucille helped the Mother Road to take care of its travelers...

Back to the Lone Star State tomorrow with a look at some particular ranch...

66 Drive-In, Carthage (MO)

2006-09-06T08:52:00.000+02:00

Today, let's find a pic of the 66 Drive-In located in the town of Carthage, Missouri. This is one of the latest drive-in on the Mother Road that is still open. The day I was There, they were playing "Superman Returns"....
Anyway, this Drive-In is one of the most representative remnant of what was Route 66 in its golden years...

Let's jump right to Oklahoma tomorrow...where we'll pay tribute to the Mother of the Mother Road

Antique Country Store, Funks Grove (IL)

2006-09-05T10:01:00.000+02:00

In Funks Grove, you can find some delicious pure maple sirup but also this old country store thas was closed for a long time. The day I was there, this was the first day of the grand re-opening! (15th of July 2006). You can find plenty of antique things in this store and a good job has been done to give an attractive look at this nice place.

Show you Missouri again tomorrow... Want a clue for the spot ? ok, we'll take a look at an old open-air attraction... Be there!

Roy's, Amboy (CA)

2006-09-04T09:33:00.000+02:00

First of all, let me be sorry for the lack of update on the last two days...

Today, let's find a pic of the old Roy's Motel and Cafe situated in the tiny little town of Amboy, California. At this location, we're right in the middle of the Mojave Desert. The Roy's has been purchased recently and its new owner has plans to re-open it soon.

You know where we'll be tomorrow... You bet it's Illinois, don't you? You're right...

Wigwam Motel, Holbrook (AZ)

2006-09-01T11:38:00.000+02:00

Such as the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook (represented on this pic) has won its statute of Icon of the Mother road. This motel is a must see on Route 66.

Please visit their website to have a better idea of this particular overnight stop :

www.galerie-kokopelli.com/wigwam

Sadly, there will be no update tomorrow but be there this Sunday. We'll take a look at a spot in the Mojave Desert...

Old Route 66 (NM)

2006-08-31T08:38:00.000+02:00

Today, let's take a look at a very old section of the Mother Road. The one you can see on this pic is the old alignment that goes from Cuervo and joins the NM 156 to Santa Rosa. You need a high clearance vehicle to ride on this part of Old 66. Don't miss it if you can do it! This section is one of the most adventurous and "out of time" stretch of the entire Road !

Back to Arizona tomorrow...with a must stop in a particular motel...

Old Route 66, Mc Lean (TX)

2006-08-30T11:30:00.000+02:00

here is an old (closed) segment of Route 66 that goes out of Mc Lean. This pic was taken looking east. This old alignment of the road joins the one that goes to Alanreed. At this location, we are at the border of the I-40.

Let's stay on old road tomorrow... that's too exciting!

Round Barn, Arcadia (OK)

2006-08-29T10:42:00.000+02:00

Here is a pic of the Round Barn in Arcadia, the only one of that kind that is situated along Route 66. You can visit their own website to learn much about this particular place at this adress :

www.arcadiaroundbarn.org

Let's try to find some old alignment of the Mother Road tomorrow in Texas...

Galena Museum (KS)

2006-08-28T12:53:00.000+02:00

Here is a pic of the Galena Museum in Kansas. This place located in an old railroad depot is filled with Route 66 and Galena Mining memorabilia.

Let's take a look at a barn known for its shape tomorrow in Oklahoma...

John's Modern Cabins (MO)

2006-08-27T10:33:00.000+02:00

Here are the abandoned John's Modern Cabins. Located on an old alignment of Route 66 known as Sugartree Outer Road (dead-end) between Doolittle and Hooker in the Ozarks . The cabins sits near the Vernell's Motel.

These "modern cabins" are a very interesting remnant of what was The Moter Road in it's heyday.

Right Through kansas tomorrow with a look at some museum...

Lou Mitchell's (IL)

2006-08-25T10:20:00.000+02:00

This is Lou Mitchell's restaurant. Located on Jackson Blvd in downtown Chicago. This is the perfect place for having breakfast before hitting the road. They're making their own Bakery and it is known as one of the best breakfast restaurant in the states.

Let's take a look at some abandoned "modern place" tomorrow in Missouri...

Bagdad Cafe (CA)

2006-08-24T09:46:00.000+02:00

This is Bagdad Cafe where the film of the same name has been shot int he 80's. The Cafe is not located in Bagdad (where is nothing left than a tree beside the railroad tracks) but is situated along Route 66 in The town of Newberry Springs.

Don't hesitate to have lunch in this "out of time" place. Good food and friendly staff!

Tommorow, back to the beginning of the Mother Road with a look at a famous establishment in Chicago...

Old Route 66 (AZ)

2006-08-23T10:30:00.000+02:00

Old alignment of Route 66 that winds to the limit of the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Park. The pic (looking west) was taken after the crossing of the bridge of the Dead River where is situated the Old Painted Desert Trading Post that will be the subject of a post soon on this blog.

This old alignment can be found on the "Pinta Road" exit of the I-40.

Want to be a movie star ? Ok, we'll take a look at a famous movie place tommorow...

Blue Swallow Motel (NM)

2006-08-22T07:55:00.000+02:00

To celebrate the first neon sign posted on this blog, what else could be better than the one of the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari ?

This motel built in the late 30's is perfectly maintained by Bill Kinder and Terry Johnson.

A Route 66 trip could not be complete without a overnight stop in this Mother Road icon.

Here is the Hotel website : www.blueswallowmotel.com

Tommorow, We'll take a old alignment of Route 66 in Arizona... don't get lost 'til that.

The Big Texan (TX)

2006-08-21T11:10:00.000+02:00

Are you feeling very very hungry today?

Well, if it's the case, you can try to eat this 72 oz. steak at the famous Big Texan Restaurant in Amarillo. If you can eat it in an hour, you get it for free!

Oh, and no, ...I didn't try it...

Humm... I suppose you can say we'll be in New Mexico on Tuesday where we'll take a look at one of the most interesting motel on Route 66.

Blue Whale (OK)

2006-08-20T21:42:00.000+02:00

Today, let's take a look at the Blue Whale located in the City of Catoosa. This was an attraction that was part of a recreation area now closed. This Whale was, at the origin, a birthday gift created by a man for his wife who collected whale figures in the early 70's.

The Blue Whale of Catoosa became an icon of Route 66.

Tomorrow, we'll take a look at something big in Texas...

Rainbow Bridge (KS)

2006-08-19T08:50:00.000+02:00

Altough Kansas owns only 13 miles of the Mother Road, this State has one of the most well preserved bridge of Route 66.

Here is the Rainbow bridge, built in 1923 and preserved by the Kansas Route 66 Association.

Tommorow, we'll be in Oklahoma with something blue (no, not the moon...)

Devil's Elbow (MO)

2006-08-18T10:22:00.000+02:00

Today, we have a pic from the old steel truss bridge of Devil's elbow that crosses the Big Piney River. The bridge is dated from the early days of Route 66. It's location is in the Ozarks.

You like bridges ? ok, let's take a look at another one in Kansas tomorrow...

Odell Station (IL)

2006-08-17T11:14:00.000+02:00

So here is the first pic :

Standard Oil Station in Odell (IL). Built in 1932, closed in 1975. Preserved by the Route 66 Association of Illinois.

Be there tomorrow for a pic taken somewhere in Missouri...

welcome !

2006-08-17T11:07:00.000+02:00

Welcome to my brand new Route 66 website dedicated to the trip I made last July on the entire road. On this site you will find one new pic posted per day...

Hope you'll enjoy it you 66 travellers and others too...

Syskia