Route 66

Arguably the most famous route to drive in the world, and one that appears on many bucket lists. This iconic fly drive holiday has so much to offer and is the ultimate American road trip.

Route 66 runs 2,400 miles between Chicago and Los Angeles, and while part of the historical Route 66 is no longer drivable, the new route takes you along the same direction and you can encompass many of the same sights. It is recommended that you take a minimum of two weeks to travel Route 66, but if you can manage longer, that is even better. Some people start out by renting a car and stopping at hotels and motels along the way, while others rent an RV and use it as a base.

Chicago – Springfield, Illinois

The journey begins in Chicago, where you may want to spend a few days exploring before taking off. There are plenty of things to see and do in the windy city, and it offers a rich culinary culture, so if you are a foodie you might want to sample some of the amazing restaurants, and of course work in an opportunity to try an authentic Chicago deep dish pizza! Sears Tower is a must see when in Chicago, and if you are interested in the history of the city then a visit to Chicago History Museum should be on your list. Chicago is also home to the Cubs (Baseball) and the Bulls (Basketball), so if sport is your thing, you should check out their schedule and see if you can catch a game.

Along this 186 mile stretch you will come across the iconic Castle Car Wash, which dates back to 1925, plus some vintage Route 66 motels and signs, such as the neon sign at Henry’s Drive-in.

You’ll want to stop and visit the Route 66 Hall of Fame Museum in Pontiac. This is a good town to explore and there are lots of murals and a few other museums here including the Pontiac-Oakland Auto Museum, International Walldog Mural & Sign Art Museum, and the Livingston County War Museum.

Read more in the June issue…