If you’ve read my column for a while, you may know that I’ve had a desire to travel Route 66 and I have written about books on the topic before. Since this year is the 100th anniversary of the Mother Road, it seems like a good time to revisit and share my personal update on the subject.
Last October, my husband and I finally completed part of the route! Since experienced 66ers suggest taking three to four weeks to see it thoroughly—and since we have jobs, we’ve decided to break it into sections. Last year we completed Arizona and New Mexico. We completely agree with planning for a slow trip to see the sights, which averages about 100 miles per day.
I was pleasantly surprised by the number of restored and preserved buildings on the route. State and local organizations have also done a good job of marking the route so you know how to keep to the original road. Of course, some of it is underneath other highways now, and parts have been lost to sagebrush and flooding. But, a remarkable adventure, with finds from period diners and neon lights to classic bridges and amazing scenery, awaits. I can’t wait to experience more. In the meantime, here are some books and films for a bit of armchair travel.
~Janet
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