The Rebel Housewife - Kicks on Route 66

Camp Mommy hits the road this summer!

As new Urban Pioneers, happily ensconced in our midtown Atlanta hi-rise tower, it seems imperative that we escape the 'mean streets' and heat of the concrete jungle, at least for a couple of weeks, and get out on the open road: ROAD TRIP!! (The PG version...)

We (the kids & I) are organizing our Family Fun Road Trip Adventure in June on the infamous Route 66: "The Mother Road" of legend and of recent renewed interest as almost-a-character-in-itself in the animated feature CARS, now out on DVD.
[LOVE the movie, by the way: a GREAT Christmas present!]

We can hardly wait!

We will set out from Atlanta in early June, as soon as school is out -- not sure yet if we'll go in the car or in an RV. We'll be driving Route 66 from St. Louis, MO to Flagstaff, AZ and then jump off (no, not literally!) to see The Grand Canyon: 2003 miles out, including the leg from Atlanta to St. Louis. We'll be haulin' back to Atlanta on the return trip because, unfortunately, some of us -- well, one of us -- have to show up at the office on a fairly regular basis to make all this high livin' possible...

If you have any comments, suggestions, experience, reference information, or anything at all to share about Route 66 or family road tripping, I'd love to hear it!
Of course, I always love to hear from you-all anyway--
Email: sherri@rebelhousewife.com.

Comments

[Sherri Caldwell]

I came across a terrific online website about Route 66 that has been so helpful in the early stages of planning our adventure, with pictures, history and detailed information for traveling Route 66, state by state. I wanted to send a shout out and a Thank You! to The Road Wanderer at http://www.theroadwanderer.net/route66.htm. There are some other very interesting trips and travelogues on The Road Wanderer's website as well -- check it out! -- Sherri

[Ron W.]

I have a Web site that you can surf around at www.route66news.org. It has separate pages on attractions, restaurants, lodging, campgrounds and events that ought to be helpful.

[Sherri Caldwell]

Ron W., Thanks so much for sharing your website and info -- www.route66news.org is fabulous, with a ton of very helpful information, very well organized. I am going to post separately about your "Route 66 Guide to the CARS Movie," to make sure everybody sees that: WOW! Warm Regards, Sherri

[Scott Piotrowski]

I won't be a ton of help regarding the old road for your trip, as my area of expertise is California in general and Los Angeles in particular, but if you have any questions, feel free to ask.

I'd recommend checking out www.route66guidebooks.com to see if there are any books to help you on your way. Despite the old road's popularity, signage is not great for the entire stretch of the road. You will want a good book to help you find your way, and the locations worth seeing.

[Sherri Caldwell]

Hi Scott,

Thanks for your note! I'm originally a California girl, born in Oceanside (Camp Pendleton) in 1967, so I'm kinda bummed that we won't be able to make it all the way to California on this trip. It still seems strange to me, after 15 years on the East Coast, that the sun sets on the wrong side of the water out here -- and my three little Southerners (born & raised (so far) in Atlanta) think that is normal!

I have ordered two books for our Route 66 adventure, beyond the more general ROAD TRIP USA by Jamie Jensen:
ROUTE 66: EZ66 Guide for Travelers by Jerry McClanahan
ROUTE 66: The Mother Road 75th Anniversary Edition
by Michael Wallis

I'm also so impressed by The Road Wanderer's comprehensive online travelogue of Route 66 state-by-state, and Ron W.'s blog info, especially his CARS/Route 66 comparison. That is going to be so much fun to reference on our trip!

I'll email you privately about a map I am trying to track down, you just might be able to help...
Thanks again, Sherri

[Sherri Caldwell]

Email from Guy Randall, The Road Wanderer (mentioned above) -- Guy sure brings up a great point about interstate travel:

"Thanks for your kind words and the web exposure for The Road Wanderer. I checked your web site out. Way cool I must say. I noticed two of my friends, Scott and Ron responded too. If you want to know about the Mother Road - those two couldn't be a better resource! I think all of us in the Route 66 community have seen an increase in interest in the Mother Road because of the movie "Cars". I love it! I'm really happy about the prospect of introducing new travelers to the joy of getting off the Interstates and really seeing what this country is all about. This applies not only to Route 66 but all the old two-lane highways. America is losing its individuality and becoming so generic with all the big-box stores and chains. On the Interstate, one off-ramp is pretty much like the off-ramp miles ahead or miles behind. There's no individuality. That's why I like the "Mom and Pops" and try to do business with them whenever I can. I hope there is an increase in business for my Route 66 friends who own establishments along Route 66 - much like in the movie "Cars" - these folks are the real heroes of the highway.

If you need any help please feel free to ask. If I don't know the answer I'll just make one up - NO, just joking :-) but I bet I could steer you in the right direction. Keep me posted on your trip plans; what a great way to bond with your kids and do something special too.

Have a wonderful day, a great Christmas and happy New Year.

Guy Randall
http://www.theroadwanderer.net

To check out some of the businesses along Route 66:
http://www.cart66pf.org/66caravan/

[Southern California RV Parks]

Thanks for this great share. This site is a fantastic resource. Keep up the great work here at Sprint Connection! Many thanks.