Route 66?

[MissMichigan]

DB and I are road tripping from south-east Michigan back here to Tucson next week and are really interested in "getting our kicks on route 66", lol. So, we'll be going along most of it..Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona.

We want to see more of the "heyday" type things, classic sights and tourist traps. We don't have a lot of time, so we're looking for quick stops, photo ops, that sort of thing. We're willing to detour a little, but not much. We're stuck with his military schedule, so we can't just add a day or anything.

Any suggestions on the must see's of 66?

So far I know I want to see Cadillac Ranch, Tucumcari, and The Rock Cafe.

 

[StageTek]

In Missouri check out Munger Moss Motel. Gotta stay at the Wigwam Motel in Arizona. Near Shamrock Texas you'll recognize the U-Drop-Inn Restaurant and Filling station from "Cars". In Alanreed there is the oldest cemetery on Route 66 and the remains of the Reptile Ranch.

 

[FreeTime]

My kids loved Kingman which supposedly had scenery that was in Cars.

 

[Huff]

In Arizona stop for a break in Oatman. A few small shops, diner and wild mules wander that wander through the town. It's on old route 66 although some maps show it as 10. 66 between Kingman and Oatman is rather winding but short and scenic. There are easier roads into Oatman if desired but that defeats the purpose!

The longest section of 66 that still exists runs from Kingman to Ash Fork. Grand Canyon Caverns is along this section if you have time to stop there. Along this section they broadcast old 50's tunes on the radio, watch for signs for frequencies.

 

[MissMichigan]

So far, our plan looks like this:

Wednesday- leave my parents house in south-east Michigan. Stop at the Lincoln Tomb in Springfield, IL. Then on to the Gateway Arch in STL. One last stop at the Route 66 Rocking Chair in Fanning, MO. Planning to push through to Tulsa for the night (insane!) since we can stay with DB's dad for free.

Thursday- Leave Tulsa, first stop is the Rock Cafe in Clinton, OK. Then on to the Route 66 Museum in Elk City, OK. Then Cadillac Ranch and the Big Texan Steakhouse in Amarillo, TX. One last stop to check out Tucumcari, NM before stopping for the night in Albuquerque.

Friday- First stop will be Petrified Forest National Park, planning on spending an hour or two here. Then on to the Jack Rabbit Trading Post in Joseph City, AZ. Last stop for the day is the Grand Canyon, where we plan to spend a few hours. Then get back to Tucson late.

We really can't add anything on to the first day, because it's already pressed to it's limits and we may not make it all the way to Tulsa as it is. But, the other two days have a little wiggle room, if there is anything near where we are planning on stopping. It's looking like most of our trip will be driving on the 40, and pulling off for the stops.

Is there anything we're planning on seeing that isn't worth the stop? Things we should replace them with?

Also, if anyone knows anything about Albuquerque, is there anything special or "romantic" we could do that night? We usually get into the city from Tulsa around 6 or 7 pm, so a little later this time, but we'll still have time to kill after we stop. Or is there a better place to stop closer to the AZ border if we decide to keep driving?

 

[Huff]

Last stop for the day is the Grand Canyon, where we plan to spend a few hours. Then get back to Tucson late.

If you're planning on seeing the Grand Canyon and then driving to Tucson you won't have time for much. Thats a good 5 1/2 hour drive.

If somehow you do have time on the drive south then an absolute must do is a slight detour from Flagstaff south thru Oak Creek Canyon and Sedona. If its still light out the scenery you'll pass is spectacular. The detour itself won't add much to the drive, maybe 30-45 minutes but its well worth it. There is a lookout vista stop on the top of oak creek canyon just before the highway heads down into the canyon and on to Sedona. At the vista there are normally local Indians selling their crafts.

Oak Creek Canyon is the 2nd most visited place in AZ after the Grand Canyon.

 

[clm10308]

Make sure to bring some spray paint for the Cadilac Ranch. My son was disappointed when we stopped because we didn't know to bring some.

 

[Huff]

My kids loved Kingman which supposedly had scenery that was in Cars.

Not much in Kingman itself but Cars was loosely themed after the stretch of route 66 from Kingman to Ash Fork. Radiator Springs was patterned after Peach Springs although theres only a few buildings there today.

 

[mgrace79]

In Joseph city/Holbrook look out for the wigwam motel it's what the cozy cones are based off if in cars