Will you get your kicks on Route 66?

A decade ago my sister and our Dad, then 70 years old, drove the Great Race on Route 66 from Missouri to California in his 1941 Mercury.

Based on the lottery system, they had applied for a spot in the Race several times and finally were awarded an entry.  Dad, a classic car collector and virtuoso in all things mechanical, got busy preparing his car for the tour. My sister researched her role as navigator and Dad was the driver and mechanic. (They are pictured above.) In June the whole family was in St. Louis to wish them well on their ride. Nieces, nephews, and Mom tagged along as the sag wagon.

They had many stories to tell from their adventures along the Route to Santa Monica, California. An overarching theme was how physically and mentally challenging it was for both, but in the end it was a special time together experiencing the beauty of this slice of the USA.

This is the centennial year for Route 66 and perhaps you’ve noticed promotional campaigns such as the one in my home state of Missouri, the birthplace of Route 66. Many will take advantage of road tripping this slice of Americana, “The Mother Road”, where one can still find mom and pop stores, hotels, and restaurants, unique attractions such as the Uranus Fudge Factory, and a Neon Sign Park featuring restored neon signs from Route 66 businesses. There are countless beautiful sites to see and recreation including state parks, hiking and biking trails, museums, and Missouri wine country. If seeing farm country is on your list you would definitely get your fill along the way.

While you’re making your travel plans, perhaps you might consider taking an all-American road trip to celebrate 100 years of Route 66.

Trinity Trump Davis is from Kahoka, Missouri.