Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar

Jason Aldean wants to show you “One Hell of a Night” at his Broadway Street bar. With some great country cooking and live music on the roof, you can party while having a great view of Nashville’s most lively street.

Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row

Not far from Aldean’s establishment on Broadway is Dierks Bently’s bar, where you can also find live music, hip drinks and delicious food. Mondays are family nights, when kids eat free, while Sideways Fridays have $7 Truly infused cocktails on offer between 5pm and 9pm.

Luke Bryan’s 32 Bridge

A good place for country girls to shake it is Luke Bryan’s establishment across the street from his good buddy Dierks’ place. With 4 different band stages and a rooftop bar, there’s something for everyone here.

FGL House

While not directly located on Broadway Street, the Florida Georgia Line boys opened their place just off it, not far from Luke Bryan’s joint. Tyler and BK have taken it one step forward, launching their own whiskey brand called Old Camp Whiskey. You can drink it at their bar, but not just!

Redneck Riviera

FGL are not alone in the whiskey-makin’ business! John Rich, one half of the “Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy” country duo Big & Rich, serves his own brand of whiskey, Redneck Riviera Whiskey, at his establishment of the same name on Nashville’s Broadway Street. His Granny Rich approves!

Ole Red

Another country superstar who is putting down roots in the Nashville nightlife scene is Blake Shelton, who much like the other bars offers live music and drinks with the added bonus of hot chicken!

AJ’s Good Time Bar

These young country stars are not the only ones having a good time on Broadway, as country legend Alan Jackson joined the fun when he opened AJ’s Good Time Bar. This honky tonk also includes a karaoke bar!

The post Have a Drink With Country Music Stars at Their Nashville Bars appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmlgVn8BuPb/?tagged=jessepinkman

Los Pollos Hermanos

Los Pollos Hermanos, Gustavo Fring’s chicken restaurant/front for his drugs business, exists, except in reality it’s a Mexican restaurant called Twisters.

The restaurant is quite proud of its Breaking Bad past, and you can still find the Los Pollos Hermanos sign on the wall as well as the booth Walter White sat in!

Visit the restaurant at: 4257 Isleta Blvd SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105

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Saul Goodman’s Office

Another famous Breaking Bad site is the law office of Saul Goodman, Walter and Jesse’s lawyer. It’s the home of a store called Hooligans, but you can still find the door to Saul’s office there as an ode to the show.

Find it at: 9800 Montgomery Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111

The Car Wash

Need to get your car washed? Why don’t you do it at the Whites’ A1 car wash?

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfEtTtAAmTv/?tagged=breakingbadcarwash

Find it at: 9516 Snowheights Cir NE (Menaul & Eubank), Albuquerque, NM 87112

Walter White’s House

The current owners of the White residence don’t appreciate having pizzas thrown on their roof, like Walter did in one episode. So if you choose to visit Walter’s house, please be respectful of the people who live there and keep your distance.

Find it at: 3828 Piermont Dr NE Albuquerque, NM 87111

Jesse Pinkman’s House

The house went through some renovations and doesn’t quite look like it did on the show anymore. So keep that in mind as you look for it. Here, too, please be respectful of the residents!

https://www.instagram.com/p/tJHn-OA_mO/?tagged=jessepinkmanhouse

Find it at: 322 16th St SW Albuquerque, NM 8710

Gustavo Fring’s Laundry Business & Meth Lab

In real life, it’s a business called Delta Uniform & Linens, but we all know what’s going on in there, don’t we?

https://www.instagram.com/p/si8C5gqEwm/?taken-at=59491255

Find it at: 1617 Candelaria Road Northeast Albuquerque, NM 87107

Buy some “blue meth”

Several businesses in the city have decided to embrace their Breaking Bad fame and are selling candy that looks like the blue meth Walter and Jesse cook on the show.

Visit The Candy Lady (24 Romero Street Northwest Albuquerque, NM 87104) to “cook” some blue meth with Walter and Jesse and try out the candy. They also have a selection of exclusive T-shirt designs.

You can also find some “meth donuts” at Rebel Donut (400 Gold Ave. SW Albuquerque NM 87102). Aaron Paul, aka Jesse, sure seems stoked about them!

The post Visit “Breaking Bad” Filming Sites in Albuquerque appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

Glenrio, NM

Right as you cross over the state line, you’ll drive past Glenrio, which is half in Texas and half in New Mexico. But that’s not the only interesting thing about it.

At Russell’s Truck & Travel Center (I-49, exit 369) you’ll find a hidden gem: a free, unofficial auto museum. It is a rather impressive private collection of cars and memorabilia that’ll make you feeling nostalgic. There’s a donation box at the entrance for you to show your appreciation, with 100% of the money going to help feed the poor.

Santa Rosa, NM

If you can’t make it to Russell’s, there’s a Route 66 Auto Museum in Santa Rosa as well. Not only can you check out a bunch of gorgeous classic cars, you can also hang out with Mater from the movie Cars!

Need to cool off from the hot New Mexico weather? Take a dive into the Santa Rosa Blue Hole.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BiSswFTgtkn/?tagged=santarosabluehole

Tucumcari, NM

Tucumcari has really embraced its Route 66 heritage and has quite a few things to offer, including a rather cool monument in front of the Tucumcari Convention Center.

The city is also home to a Route 66 Museum, which focuses on the Mother Road’s history in the state of New Mexico.

The Blue Swallow Motel is one of the most photographed spots on Route 66. With its neon sign and groovy design, you can certainly see why!

Tee Pee Curios used to be a gas station back in the hayday of Route 66. Now it’s mostly selling Route 66 keepsakes. It’s also a great photo op spot!

Who doesn’t like dinosaurs? At the Mesalands Dinosaur Museum you can find 10,000 square foot of dinosaur skeletons alongside many other exhibits!

Albuquerque, NM

No trip to New Mexico is complete without a visit to the ABQ. If you spend the night in the city, make sure you take a tour History & Ghost Tours of Old Town, a story-telling 90 minute walk around the main square and dark alleys of Old Town.

If you’re too much of a scaredy cat, there are other ways to spend your evening in Albuquerque. You can catch a show at the old KiMo theater, which was built in 1927 and to this day offers some of the best entertainment in town, from theater shows to film screenings, concerts and even backstage tours. Though we must warn you, there have been reported ghost hauntings in the building, though those have been “disproven” so far.

Feeling hungry? Visit the 66 Diner, a classic diner with good ol’ American food.

If you’ve enjoyed all of the neon signs on the Route 66 businesses in the city, go straight to the source: Absolutely Neon.

Gallup, NM

Shortly before leaving New Mexico, you’ll be driving through Gallup. The shopaholics among you can go rummaging for treasure at Richardson’s Trading Post. It has been operating as a trader with the nearby reservation since 1913, offering a massive selection of Native American gems, including some gorgeous rugs and jewelry.

If you’re looking for a place to stay the night, look no further than the El Rancho Hotel. Other than the Wild West hunting lodge feel it has going on, the hotel, built in 1937, played host to Hollywood elite – including Ronald Reagan, Katharine Hepburn, and John Wayne – as they were filming in the area.

As we bid farewell to the Land of Enchantment, we prepare to cross over to Arizona, where more adventure awaits!

The post Get Your Kicks on Route 66: New Mexico appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

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Amarillo, TX

Are you hungry like the wolf? The Big Texan Ranch has got you covered! You can get a 72oz steak there!!… But can you finish it?

Right outside Amarillo, you’ll find the Cadillac Ranch. What’s not to like about an art installation in the middle of the desert of a bunch of cadillacs sprouting front-up out of the ground? To top it off, the cars are covered in graffiti done by all of the previous visitors to the site, and you too can bring a can of spray and get creative!

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Conway, TX

The Bug Ranch, much like the Cadillac Ranch, includes cars coming out of the earth, this time with their back ends up in the sky.

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Shamrock, TX

If you’re a fan of the movie Cars, you can check out the U-Drop Inn service station in Shamrock, which inspired Ramone’s garage.

McLean, TX

If you somehow missed the Route 66 Museum in Oklahoma, you have a chance for a do-over in McLean, TX. In the same building, you’ll also find the Devil’s Rope, which will tell you everything you need to know about barbed-wire.

Groom, TX

From a Giant Cross to a leaning water tower… Groom has something for everyone!

Adrian, TX

Congratulations, you’ve halfway through Route 66! Celebrate it with the Ugly Crust Pie at the Midpoint Cafe!

Our road trip is almost over, with only three more states to go! Join us next week as we drive into New Mexico.

The post Get Your Kicks on Route 66: Texas appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

Catoosa, OK

Any good road trip includes roadside attractions, and more specifically – curiosities. Weird things you’re not quite sure WHY they exist, but delighted that they exist nevertheless.

Catoosa has one such curiosity. More particularly, a big blue whale wearing a tiny baseball hat. You can find him grinning at you at the local swimming hole.

Tulsa, OK

And speaking of curiosities, Tulsa is home to several of them.

The Center of the Universe may not technically be on the Mother Road, but it’s worth the quick detour. If you stand in the middle of the circle and talk, you’ll be able to hear an echo of your own voice. Anyone standing nearby will not hear the echo. How does that happen? We don’t know. But it sure is cool.

You can also find the Golden Driller and the Milk Bottle Grocery — both of which are more of a photo op stops than anything else.

Chelsea, OK

In the United States, bigger is better, and many of the Route 66 curiosities boast the title of “World’s Largest…” So why not visit the World’s Largest Concrete Totem Pole at the  Ed Galloway Totem Pole Park? Plus there are a whole lot of other colorful and fun totem poles.

Clinton, OK

If you want to learn more about Route 66 and its history, look no further than the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, which in addition to being educational, it’s also a lot of fun! They have everything from old side-of-the-road diners to the cars that cruised on Route 66 in its hayday.

Chandler, OK

For a more sensory-based experience of Route 66, check out the Chandler Route 66 Interpretive Center. It uses visuals and sounds to create a unique experience for each visitor, helping you FEEL what Route 66 felt like back in its glory days.

Warwick, OK

Got a need for speed? Check out the Seaba Station Motorcycle Museum. Located at the old Seaba Filling Station, the museum has over 65 vintage motorcycles on display, from 1908 to present day.

Miami, OK

Feeling peckish? Waylan’s Ku-Ku Burger used to be a chain restaurant in the 1960s, but now the only location left is the one on the Mother Road, in Miami, OK. Other than a great burger, there’s also a yellow bird involved.

Texola, OK

Texola is technically defined as a ghost town, and it is essentially abandoned. There’s something eerily fascinating in abandoned towns, as structures give way to the forces of nature. Don’t forget to check out the jail cell!

Hydro, OK

But not all old buildings on Route 66 have fallen into disrepair. Many are still standing, waiting for you to come and have a look at a piece of history. Lucille’s Service Station, a gas station first built in 1929, was run by the Hamons family for 60 years starting in the 1940s. Lucille Hamons, after whom the station was named, was well known for her friendly assistance to drivers on Route 66, earning her the title “The Mother of the Mother Road.”

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Next time, we drive in the great state of Texas for a short, but awesome, stay!

The post Get Your Kicks on Route 66: Oklahoma appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

Galena, KS

The first of the three towns on the old Mother Road in Kansas is probably the most interesting one. Make a pit stop at Cars on the Route, an old Kan-O-Tex service station, which is also home to “Tow Tater,” who inspired the character of “Tow Mater” on Pixar’s Cars.

On your way out of Galena, you’ll see an old Missouri-Kansas-Texas railroad depot, the home of the Galena Mining & Historical Museum. It’s a rather cool stop along the way, with plenty of awesome photo ops!

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Riverton, KS

The Eisler Brothers Old Riverton Store, which serves as the Route 66 Association of Kansas, has been there since 1925, a year before Route 66 was even designated. It is one of the most authentic, still operating 75-year-old stores of its kind. Buy some groceries or grab a sandwich at the old-time deli, and even buy some Route 66 memorabilia.

Baxter Springs, KS

On your way into Baxter Spring, you’ll be driving on the Brush Creek Bridge, also known as the Rainbow Bridge. It is the last bridge of its type on Route 66, and its been there since 1923.

Feeling peckish? It must be time for lunch! Make a stop at Angels on the Route, a building that has gone through many reincarnations, from a dry goods store to a drug store, treasure shop and a donut shop. Now it’s a restaurant with some awesome food. If you find yourself there on Friday or Saturday, you’re in luck! They offer live music.

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After you filled your belly, fill your tank at the Baxter Springs Independent Oil and Gas Service Station.

Finally, learn something new at the Baxter Springs Heritage Center and Museum, with 20,000 square feet on exhibits on the history of the city – from Native Americans through the Civil War, both World Wars, the history of Route 66 and more.

The post Get Your Kicks on Route 66: Kansas appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

St. Louis, MO

Did you know you can get to the top of the St. Louis Gateway Arch in a tiny tram that goes sideways? At the bottom of the arch, you’ll find the brand new museum and visitor center, as well as a renovated 100 acres park.

Also, St. Louis has one of the best zoos in America!

Finally, don’t forget to get some delicious frozen custard at Ted Drewes before you head out!

Meramec Caverns

In Stanton, you’ll find the Meramec Caverns, which were apparently used as a hideout for the notorious Jesse James. They contains five floors of unusual limestone formations millions of years in the making, and a beautiful light show on the walls of the cave.

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Cuba, MO

This small little town has gorgeous murals painted on the walls of its buildings and, for some reason, what used to be the world’s largest rocking chair (though it lost its glory to its contender in Casey, Illinois)! Worth a drive through.

Looking for a place to stay while on the road? The Munger-Moss Motel is a Route 66 favorite in Lebanon, MO, as is the Boots Motel in Carthage, MO. Other than being Route 66 staples, they also provide great photo opportunities!

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The post Get Your Kicks on Route 66: Missouri appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

It brings together all things Americana, transporting the travelers on it back to simpler times. Often, you’ll find yourself driving down Main Street of many different towns along the way, where time appears to be standing still, with the still-family-owned businesses lining the street.

Starting in Chicago, IL and concluding in Santa Monica, CA, Route 66 is made up of 2,448 miles and crosses seven different states. It is the ultimate road trip.

While the original Route 66 has been abandoned over the years in favor of newer, wider superhighways, the old road is still there in most places and the sites along the way are just waiting for you to come and explore.

We’ve gathered all of the best sites and activities along Route 66, which will appear in six article, each featuring one of the states the route crosses (with the exception of Kansas, as only a small section of the road goes through there).

Chicago, IL

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The windy city has a lot to offer. From deep-dish pizza to great art both inside the Art Institute of Chicago and out in Millennium Park, vibrant nightlife and chilled out cruises on Lake Michigan or on the Chicago River.

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Wilmington, IL

Route 66 is known for its many curiosities. One of them is the Gemini Giant in Wilmington. The 30 foot tall statue, named after the Gemini space program, holds a silver “rocket ship” in his hands.

Pontiac, IL

A drive on Route 66 means a visit to all sorts of unique museums, and Illinois has one in Pontiac. Visit the Route 66 Association Hall of Fame & Museum, where you can learn about Route 66 legend Bob Waldmire.

Atlanta, IL

If the Gemini Giant was your kind of thing, why not visit Atlanta, IL for another roadside curiosity in the form of a giant Paul Bunyan inexplicably holding a giant hotdog?

Lincoln, IL

Something else Route 66 is famous for is a bunch of “World’s Largest…” Lincoln, IL has the World’s Largest Covered Wagon, driven by none other than Honest Abe himself!

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Springfield, IL

The birthplace of America’s 16th President Abraham Lincoln! Visit Lincoln’s final resting place, as well as his home.

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Meanwhile, the Cozy Dog Drive-In offers a super secret special recipe corn dogs, and amazing Route 66 memorabilia.

Auburn, IL

Follow the red brick road in Auburn, IL, a 1.4 mile long piece of restored hand-laid brick road done in 1931 and placed over a concrete roadbed.

The post Get Your Kicks on Route 66: Illinois appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar

Jason Aldean wants to show you “One Hell of a Night” at his Broadway Street bar. With some great country cooking and live music on the roof, you can party while having a great view of Nashville’s most lively street.

Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row

Not far from Aldean’s establishment on Broadway is Dierks Bently’s bar, where you can also find live music, hip drinks and delicious food. Mondays are family nights, when kids eat free, while Sideways Fridays have $7 Truly infused cocktails on offer between 5pm and 9pm.

Luke Bryan’s 32 Bridge

A good place for country girls to shake it is Luke Bryan’s establishment across the street from his good buddy Dierks’ place. With 4 different band stages and a rooftop bar, there’s something for everyone here.

FGL House

While not directly located on Broadway Street, the Florida Georgia Line boys opened their place just off it, not far from Luke Bryan’s joint. Tyler and BK have taken it one step forward, launching their own whiskey brand called Old Camp Whiskey. You can drink it at their bar, but not just!

Redneck Riviera

FGL are not alone in the whiskey-makin’ business! John Rich, one half of the “Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy” country duo Big & Rich, serves his own brand of whiskey, Redneck Riviera Whiskey, at his establishment of the same name on Nashville’s Broadway Street. His Granny Rich approves!

Ole Red

Another country superstar who is putting down roots in the Nashville nightlife scene is Blake Shelton, who much like the other bars offers live music and drinks with the added bonus of hot chicken!

AJ’s Good Time Bar

These young country stars are not the only ones having a good time on Broadway, as country legend Alan Jackson joined the fun when he opened AJ’s Good Time Bar. This honky tonk also includes a karaoke bar!

The post Have a Drink With Country Music Stars at Their Nashville Bars appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmlgVn8BuPb/?tagged=jessepinkman

Los Pollos Hermanos

Los Pollos Hermanos, Gustavo Fring’s chicken restaurant/front for his drugs business, exists, except in reality it’s a Mexican restaurant called Twisters.

The restaurant is quite proud of its Breaking Bad past, and you can still find the Los Pollos Hermanos sign on the wall as well as the booth Walter White sat in!

Visit the restaurant at: 4257 Isleta Blvd SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105

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Saul Goodman’s Office

Another famous Breaking Bad site is the law office of Saul Goodman, Walter and Jesse’s lawyer. It’s the home of a store called Hooligans, but you can still find the door to Saul’s office there as an ode to the show.

Find it at: 9800 Montgomery Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111

The Car Wash

Need to get your car washed? Why don’t you do it at the Whites’ A1 car wash?

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfEtTtAAmTv/?tagged=breakingbadcarwash

Find it at: 9516 Snowheights Cir NE (Menaul & Eubank), Albuquerque, NM 87112

Walter White’s House

The current owners of the White residence don’t appreciate having pizzas thrown on their roof, like Walter did in one episode. So if you choose to visit Walter’s house, please be respectful of the people who live there and keep your distance.

Find it at: 3828 Piermont Dr NE Albuquerque, NM 87111

Jesse Pinkman’s House

The house went through some renovations and doesn’t quite look like it did on the show anymore. So keep that in mind as you look for it. Here, too, please be respectful of the residents!

https://www.instagram.com/p/tJHn-OA_mO/?tagged=jessepinkmanhouse

Find it at: 322 16th St SW Albuquerque, NM 8710

Gustavo Fring’s Laundry Business & Meth Lab

In real life, it’s a business called Delta Uniform & Linens, but we all know what’s going on in there, don’t we?

https://www.instagram.com/p/si8C5gqEwm/?taken-at=59491255

Find it at: 1617 Candelaria Road Northeast Albuquerque, NM 87107

Buy some “blue meth”

Several businesses in the city have decided to embrace their Breaking Bad fame and are selling candy that looks like the blue meth Walter and Jesse cook on the show.

Visit The Candy Lady (24 Romero Street Northwest Albuquerque, NM 87104) to “cook” some blue meth with Walter and Jesse and try out the candy. They also have a selection of exclusive T-shirt designs.

You can also find some “meth donuts” at Rebel Donut (400 Gold Ave. SW Albuquerque NM 87102). Aaron Paul, aka Jesse, sure seems stoked about them!

The post Visit “Breaking Bad” Filming Sites in Albuquerque appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

Glenrio, NM

Right as you cross over the state line, you’ll drive past Glenrio, which is half in Texas and half in New Mexico. But that’s not the only interesting thing about it.

At Russell’s Truck & Travel Center (I-49, exit 369) you’ll find a hidden gem: a free, unofficial auto museum. It is a rather impressive private collection of cars and memorabilia that’ll make you feeling nostalgic. There’s a donation box at the entrance for you to show your appreciation, with 100% of the money going to help feed the poor.

Santa Rosa, NM

If you can’t make it to Russell’s, there’s a Route 66 Auto Museum in Santa Rosa as well. Not only can you check out a bunch of gorgeous classic cars, you can also hang out with Mater from the movie Cars!

Need to cool off from the hot New Mexico weather? Take a dive into the Santa Rosa Blue Hole.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BiSswFTgtkn/?tagged=santarosabluehole

Tucumcari, NM

Tucumcari has really embraced its Route 66 heritage and has quite a few things to offer, including a rather cool monument in front of the Tucumcari Convention Center.

The city is also home to a Route 66 Museum, which focuses on the Mother Road’s history in the state of New Mexico.

The Blue Swallow Motel is one of the most photographed spots on Route 66. With its neon sign and groovy design, you can certainly see why!

Tee Pee Curios used to be a gas station back in the hayday of Route 66. Now it’s mostly selling Route 66 keepsakes. It’s also a great photo op spot!

Who doesn’t like dinosaurs? At the Mesalands Dinosaur Museum you can find 10,000 square foot of dinosaur skeletons alongside many other exhibits!

Albuquerque, NM

No trip to New Mexico is complete without a visit to the ABQ. If you spend the night in the city, make sure you take a tour History & Ghost Tours of Old Town, a story-telling 90 minute walk around the main square and dark alleys of Old Town.

If you’re too much of a scaredy cat, there are other ways to spend your evening in Albuquerque. You can catch a show at the old KiMo theater, which was built in 1927 and to this day offers some of the best entertainment in town, from theater shows to film screenings, concerts and even backstage tours. Though we must warn you, there have been reported ghost hauntings in the building, though those have been “disproven” so far.

Feeling hungry? Visit the 66 Diner, a classic diner with good ol’ American food.

If you’ve enjoyed all of the neon signs on the Route 66 businesses in the city, go straight to the source: Absolutely Neon.

Gallup, NM

Shortly before leaving New Mexico, you’ll be driving through Gallup. The shopaholics among you can go rummaging for treasure at Richardson’s Trading Post. It has been operating as a trader with the nearby reservation since 1913, offering a massive selection of Native American gems, including some gorgeous rugs and jewelry.

If you’re looking for a place to stay the night, look no further than the El Rancho Hotel. Other than the Wild West hunting lodge feel it has going on, the hotel, built in 1937, played host to Hollywood elite – including Ronald Reagan, Katharine Hepburn, and John Wayne – as they were filming in the area.

As we bid farewell to the Land of Enchantment, we prepare to cross over to Arizona, where more adventure awaits!

The post Get Your Kicks on Route 66: New Mexico appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BamnPZLF6ES/?tagged=route66texas

Amarillo, TX

Are you hungry like the wolf? The Big Texan Ranch has got you covered! You can get a 72oz steak there!!… But can you finish it?

Right outside Amarillo, you’ll find the Cadillac Ranch. What’s not to like about an art installation in the middle of the desert of a bunch of cadillacs sprouting front-up out of the ground? To top it off, the cars are covered in graffiti done by all of the previous visitors to the site, and you too can bring a can of spray and get creative!

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Conway, TX

The Bug Ranch, much like the Cadillac Ranch, includes cars coming out of the earth, this time with their back ends up in the sky.

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Shamrock, TX

If you’re a fan of the movie Cars, you can check out the U-Drop Inn service station in Shamrock, which inspired Ramone’s garage.

McLean, TX

If you somehow missed the Route 66 Museum in Oklahoma, you have a chance for a do-over in McLean, TX. In the same building, you’ll also find the Devil’s Rope, which will tell you everything you need to know about barbed-wire.

Groom, TX

From a Giant Cross to a leaning water tower… Groom has something for everyone!

Adrian, TX

Congratulations, you’ve halfway through Route 66! Celebrate it with the Ugly Crust Pie at the Midpoint Cafe!

Our road trip is almost over, with only three more states to go! Join us next week as we drive into New Mexico.

The post Get Your Kicks on Route 66: Texas appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

Catoosa, OK

Any good road trip includes roadside attractions, and more specifically – curiosities. Weird things you’re not quite sure WHY they exist, but delighted that they exist nevertheless.

Catoosa has one such curiosity. More particularly, a big blue whale wearing a tiny baseball hat. You can find him grinning at you at the local swimming hole.

Tulsa, OK

And speaking of curiosities, Tulsa is home to several of them.

The Center of the Universe may not technically be on the Mother Road, but it’s worth the quick detour. If you stand in the middle of the circle and talk, you’ll be able to hear an echo of your own voice. Anyone standing nearby will not hear the echo. How does that happen? We don’t know. But it sure is cool.

You can also find the Golden Driller and the Milk Bottle Grocery — both of which are more of a photo op stops than anything else.

Chelsea, OK

In the United States, bigger is better, and many of the Route 66 curiosities boast the title of “World’s Largest…” So why not visit the World’s Largest Concrete Totem Pole at the  Ed Galloway Totem Pole Park? Plus there are a whole lot of other colorful and fun totem poles.

Clinton, OK

If you want to learn more about Route 66 and its history, look no further than the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, which in addition to being educational, it’s also a lot of fun! They have everything from old side-of-the-road diners to the cars that cruised on Route 66 in its hayday.

Chandler, OK

For a more sensory-based experience of Route 66, check out the Chandler Route 66 Interpretive Center. It uses visuals and sounds to create a unique experience for each visitor, helping you FEEL what Route 66 felt like back in its glory days.

Warwick, OK

Got a need for speed? Check out the Seaba Station Motorcycle Museum. Located at the old Seaba Filling Station, the museum has over 65 vintage motorcycles on display, from 1908 to present day.

Miami, OK

Feeling peckish? Waylan’s Ku-Ku Burger used to be a chain restaurant in the 1960s, but now the only location left is the one on the Mother Road, in Miami, OK. Other than a great burger, there’s also a yellow bird involved.

Texola, OK

Texola is technically defined as a ghost town, and it is essentially abandoned. There’s something eerily fascinating in abandoned towns, as structures give way to the forces of nature. Don’t forget to check out the jail cell!

Hydro, OK

But not all old buildings on Route 66 have fallen into disrepair. Many are still standing, waiting for you to come and have a look at a piece of history. Lucille’s Service Station, a gas station first built in 1929, was run by the Hamons family for 60 years starting in the 1940s. Lucille Hamons, after whom the station was named, was well known for her friendly assistance to drivers on Route 66, earning her the title “The Mother of the Mother Road.”

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Next time, we drive in the great state of Texas for a short, but awesome, stay!

The post Get Your Kicks on Route 66: Oklahoma appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

Galena, KS

The first of the three towns on the old Mother Road in Kansas is probably the most interesting one. Make a pit stop at Cars on the Route, an old Kan-O-Tex service station, which is also home to “Tow Tater,” who inspired the character of “Tow Mater” on Pixar’s Cars.

On your way out of Galena, you’ll see an old Missouri-Kansas-Texas railroad depot, the home of the Galena Mining & Historical Museum. It’s a rather cool stop along the way, with plenty of awesome photo ops!

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Riverton, KS

The Eisler Brothers Old Riverton Store, which serves as the Route 66 Association of Kansas, has been there since 1925, a year before Route 66 was even designated. It is one of the most authentic, still operating 75-year-old stores of its kind. Buy some groceries or grab a sandwich at the old-time deli, and even buy some Route 66 memorabilia.

Baxter Springs, KS

On your way into Baxter Spring, you’ll be driving on the Brush Creek Bridge, also known as the Rainbow Bridge. It is the last bridge of its type on Route 66, and its been there since 1923.

Feeling peckish? It must be time for lunch! Make a stop at Angels on the Route, a building that has gone through many reincarnations, from a dry goods store to a drug store, treasure shop and a donut shop. Now it’s a restaurant with some awesome food. If you find yourself there on Friday or Saturday, you’re in luck! They offer live music.

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After you filled your belly, fill your tank at the Baxter Springs Independent Oil and Gas Service Station.

Finally, learn something new at the Baxter Springs Heritage Center and Museum, with 20,000 square feet on exhibits on the history of the city – from Native Americans through the Civil War, both World Wars, the history of Route 66 and more.

The post Get Your Kicks on Route 66: Kansas appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

St. Louis, MO

Did you know you can get to the top of the St. Louis Gateway Arch in a tiny tram that goes sideways? At the bottom of the arch, you’ll find the brand new museum and visitor center, as well as a renovated 100 acres park.

Also, St. Louis has one of the best zoos in America!

Finally, don’t forget to get some delicious frozen custard at Ted Drewes before you head out!

Meramec Caverns

In Stanton, you’ll find the Meramec Caverns, which were apparently used as a hideout for the notorious Jesse James. They contains five floors of unusual limestone formations millions of years in the making, and a beautiful light show on the walls of the cave.

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Cuba, MO

This small little town has gorgeous murals painted on the walls of its buildings and, for some reason, what used to be the world’s largest rocking chair (though it lost its glory to its contender in Casey, Illinois)! Worth a drive through.

Looking for a place to stay while on the road? The Munger-Moss Motel is a Route 66 favorite in Lebanon, MO, as is the Boots Motel in Carthage, MO. Other than being Route 66 staples, they also provide great photo opportunities!

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It brings together all things Americana, transporting the travelers on it back to simpler times. Often, you’ll find yourself driving down Main Street of many different towns along the way, where time appears to be standing still, with the still-family-owned businesses lining the street.

Starting in Chicago, IL and concluding in Santa Monica, CA, Route 66 is made up of 2,448 miles and crosses seven different states. It is the ultimate road trip.

While the original Route 66 has been abandoned over the years in favor of newer, wider superhighways, the old road is still there in most places and the sites along the way are just waiting for you to come and explore.

We’ve gathered all of the best sites and activities along Route 66, which will appear in six article, each featuring one of the states the route crosses (with the exception of Kansas, as only a small section of the road goes through there).

Chicago, IL

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The windy city has a lot to offer. From deep-dish pizza to great art both inside the Art Institute of Chicago and out in Millennium Park, vibrant nightlife and chilled out cruises on Lake Michigan or on the Chicago River.

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Wilmington, IL

Route 66 is known for its many curiosities. One of them is the Gemini Giant in Wilmington. The 30 foot tall statue, named after the Gemini space program, holds a silver “rocket ship” in his hands.

Pontiac, IL

A drive on Route 66 means a visit to all sorts of unique museums, and Illinois has one in Pontiac. Visit the Route 66 Association Hall of Fame & Museum, where you can learn about Route 66 legend Bob Waldmire.

Atlanta, IL

If the Gemini Giant was your kind of thing, why not visit Atlanta, IL for another roadside curiosity in the form of a giant Paul Bunyan inexplicably holding a giant hotdog?

Lincoln, IL

Something else Route 66 is famous for is a bunch of “World’s Largest…” Lincoln, IL has the World’s Largest Covered Wagon, driven by none other than Honest Abe himself!

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Springfield, IL

The birthplace of America’s 16th President Abraham Lincoln! Visit Lincoln’s final resting place, as well as his home.

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Meanwhile, the Cozy Dog Drive-In offers a super secret special recipe corn dogs, and amazing Route 66 memorabilia.

Auburn, IL

Follow the red brick road in Auburn, IL, a 1.4 mile long piece of restored hand-laid brick road done in 1931 and placed over a concrete roadbed.

The post Get Your Kicks on Route 66: Illinois appeared first on Traveler Dreams.