I rode this route backwards – beginning in Los Angeles at the Santa Monica Pier and ending in Tucumcari, New Mexico in 2017. That was almost half way, but my brother and I were tired, so we stopped there. Halfway is actually in Adrian, Texas. My friend Debbie (who has moved to New Mexico) was the prefect choice to finish Route 66 with me – the best part being that she actually was excited to do this. She prepared a daily road agenda for us, and it was right on the button as to our historic stops on the way, and in which city we would spend the night.

If I explained every stop, this post would be a novel, so I am posting some pictures, and my followers can maybe look up anything that looks interesting to them. In Texas, there was Cadillac Ranch and the The Big Texan in Amarillo, Leaning Tower in Groom. The U-Drop In and Tower Service Station was in Shamrock where we stayed the night at the Holiday Inn Express.

Second day in Oklahoma, Route 66 Museum, Milk Bottle Grocery, Pops (thousands of soda bottles in every flavor imaginable), Arcadia Round Barn. We ate at Rock Cafe in Stroud, where we spent the night. All these stops were actually on the old route 66.

On day 3, we took the Turner Turnpike from Stroud to Catoosa on 66. $2.50 per day. The Blue Whale, Totem Pole Park, Route 66 walkable sidewalk highway, Hole in the Wall Conoco Station in Commerce, (Mickey Mantle’s hometown). Highlight was the Cherokee Cultural and Welcome Center in Vinita, Oklahoma. Debbie’s great grandmother was half Cherokee, and the lovely Cherokee lady volunteers gave her info on tracing her roots.

Brush Creek Bridge in Galena, Kansas and the 66 Drive-In in Carthage Missouri. We spent the night in Carthage at Boots Court (our favorite sleep night stop). 50s decor, art deco bathroom. Dinner at Bam-Boo Garden.

The beginning of the fourth day was historically interesting and heartbreaking. We walked about 3/4 of a mile on the Trail of Tears in Springfield, Missouri. This part was about 133 miles from the end in Westville, Oklahoma.

Gillioz Theater in Springfield opened in 1926. Munger Moss Motel is still in operation in Lebanon, Missouri. Then Devils Elbow Bridge, Mural City in Cuba. Meramec Caverns (Jesse James hideout) was a no-no for my claustrophobia, but Debbie said it was awesome. Stayed overnight in Eureka.

Day 5 first stop was Ted Drewers Frozen Yogurt in St. Louis. It was closed – probably a good thing. The Gateway Arch is a landmark everyone recognizes.

Day 5 and we’re in Illinois. At the Chain of Rock Bridge in Granite City, we got a view of the Mississippi River. Then Weezy’s Route 66 Bar and Grill in Hamel for a patty melt and apple pie! Soulsby Service Station, Ariston Cafe (celebrating 100 years in 2024), Auburn Brick Road original Route 66, Cozy Dog Drive-In for the original corn dog (had to have one). Overnight in Springfield.

Day 6 and last stops before arriving in Chicago. Funks Grove Pure Maple Sirup in McLean was closed and internet said no sirup until March. As we were taking pictures, the owner came by and unlocked the door. He sold us all he had left – 4 3-0z jugs. Route 66 Memory Lane where we could walk the original road, Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum and Old Log Cabin Restaurant in Pontiac, Gemini Giant at the Launching Pad, and Del Rhea’s Chicken Basket for some fried chicken.

CHICAGO at last – the end (or to most, the beginning) of the road!! Three days of getting reacquainted with a city I had not seen since the 80s. The Magnificent Mile, Willis (Sears) Tower sky walk, breakfast at Lou MItchell’s, a Cubs game at Wrigley Field and ribeye with all the trimmings at Remington’s. The popular sculpture The Bean was fenced off due to some construction, but I managed to get a shot or 2.

The Other Thing – I guess it turned out to be a novel after all. Thank you Debbie for driving and being a great traveling companion — and the best sport!!