Questions From a Brit About Driving Route 66

Phil Jun 18th, 2004 Link

I would love to see the results of what he comes up with . . Hadnt heard of the road but am now interested in it . . .

MINIDryvr.Textamerica.Com

Reply

Chris Jun 18th, 2004 Link

check out http://www.historic66.com. There are several guidebooks as well that I've seen at Barnes & Noble, etc. National Geographic did a neat story a few years back as well.

A Google search also turns up a wealth of info…

Reply

sbgobig Jun 18th, 2004 Link

I've done the portion from Dallas to Santa Barbara. Texas is huge, you will spend at least 2 days in Texas alone and there is not much to sse. NM and AZ get a lot better, espically Sedona and Jerome via 89a which is a twisty road perfect for the MINI.

However you may want to head North and see the Grand Canyon and maybe Las Vegas.

Reply

Vahan Jun 18th, 2004 Link

I just did the drive about a month ago, but took only about 5 days to do it. It was a lot of fun, but next time I'll definitely need more time. Here's a little description of the trip: http://blog.vahan.com/nucleus/index.php?itemid=62 and some pictures: http://www.vahan.com/gallery/viewalbum.php?setalbumName=My-Route-66-Trip-New-MINI

email me for questions :)

Cheers! :)

Reply

R Jun 18th, 2004 Link

Phil, Hadn't heard fo Route 66?! Are you from the US or just really young?

The Super hiways pretty much did 66 in but there are parts that are still fun.

In Santa Barbara eats:

Sambo's (funky and decent the original Sambo's $)

Longboards Grill at Stearns Wharf (Great view and good food..lunch $$)

Pane a Vino in Montecito ( like being in Italy$$$)

Lucky's in Montecito ( up graded American, great drinks $$$)

Brown Pelican (right on the beach, good food $$)

Santa Barbara Brewing Co. (fun, good bear & food $$)

Olio e Limone (special place)

La Super Rica, Taqueria ( J. Child eats here when in town, long lines at lunch $)

Cava in Motecito ( great outside tables and spanish style food, kick ass Margaritas $$$)

The Palace ( cajun $$)

Cafe Buenos Aires ( best Mojitos, good lunch, stay away at diner!!! $$)

Enjoy…R

Reply

Vanwall Jun 18th, 2004 Link

Tony Alderton from Canada did it last year, and we met him down here in San diego for special run when he got in:

http://www.magma.ca/~alderton/route66/

He had fun!

 BCNU,
Rob in Dago

Reply

R Jun 18th, 2004 Link

Whoops, nearly forgot Cold Spring Tavern. It's out of SB a ways on Hiway 154. Ask a local, worth the drive. Lots of bikers, yuppies, hippies, surfers Etc.

Have lunch and then head out to the wine country and enjoy the twisties. Watch out for the CHP!!!

In most states radar detectors are legal, I'd get one. I got my Escort/Passport 8500 on ebay for a song…R

Reply

Dustin Jun 18th, 2004 Link

Well… Route 66 does NOT go through Dallas (or anywhere near it). The road only goes through the Texas Panhandle which has absolutely nothing in it and nothing really worth stopping for. That leg shouldn't take more than a couple of hours… TOPS!

Enjoy.

Reply

R Jun 18th, 2004 Link

GOTTA SEE VEGAS, PERIOD!!! You will never see anything like it anywhere. I don't gamble or smoke but at least every 5 years my wife and go there just to see it. Hard Rock is where I would stay…R

Reply

R Jun 18th, 2004 Link

I think Spring is best or early Fall. Summer can be brutal if not used to some heat…R

Reply

Richard Jun 18th, 2004 Link

In the US, you won't be able to rent a MINI. Your best best bet is to do it in the late autumn (so that it's not too hot) and rent a convertible like a Sebring or a Mustang. It will be quite warm for most of the drive and a top down experience will make it even more fun. Both the Sebring and the Mustang convertibles are miserable cars to own, but they are great for short periods and they are cheap to rent.

Reply

Gabe Jun 18th, 2004 Link

Actually there is a place in Chicago that's rents several MINIs that would be ideal for the start of your trip!

Reply

R Jun 18th, 2004 Link

Current maps do not include old Route 66.

Route 66 is 2448 miles long. (about 4000 km)

Route 66 was commissioned in 1926, picking up as many as possible bits and pieces of existing road.

Route 66 crosses 8 states and 3 time zones.

Route 66 starts in Chicago, and ends in L.A. (Santa Monica). Some people think driving it in the opposite direction is historically wrong, but it's mainly a lot harder as all available documentation goes the “right” way.

In 1926 only 800 miles of Route 66 were paved. Only in 1937 Route 66 got paved end-to-end.

You can only drive parts of Route 66 these days… it has been replaced by the interstate highways I-55, I-44, I-40, I-15 and I-10, but still a surprisingly high amount of old road is waiting to be found by the more adventurous traveler.

Route 66 is also know as “The Mother Road”, “The Main Street of America” and “The Will Rogers Highway”.

During all of its life, Route 66 continued to evolve, leaving many abandoned stretches of concrete, still waiting to be found by the more adventurous traveler.

Route 66 was also the title of a TV series playing from 1960 till 1964

Cyrus Stevens Avery from Tulsa Oklahoma can be called the father of Route 66

In 1985 Route 66 was officially decommissioned, but for daily use it was replaced far earlier by the Interstates.

R

Reply

sbgobig Jun 18th, 2004 Link

Dustin, my bad, my trip started in Dallas but I caught I40 (66) in Amarillo. I believe that is where there's a resturant called the 'Big Texas Steak House' where you can order a 72oz. porterhouse.

Reply

Phil Jun 18th, 2004 Link

R, I have lived here my whole life but am only 21 and although I lived in CA for 2 years I havnt been able to see most of that side of the country . . . Roadtrip definitly in the works now. Its wierd how I dont hear about things for ever . . . almost like I live in a box or somthing . . . Just learned about the alamo the other day . . Shitty FL public schools .

MINIDryvr.Textamerica.Com

Reply

Spookyfish Jun 18th, 2004 Link

Did someone mention http://www.route66.com yet?

Reply

Mark Jun 18th, 2004 Link

During the Oklahoma portion of the trip, you must stop at a Love's Country Store and pick up a pound of Robertson's Beef Jerky…it's like trying to chew tree bark, but that's the way good beef jerky is!

Reply

Frank Jun 18th, 2004 Link

A member of the Ottawa (Canada)MINI club did the entire Route 66 drive from Canada to San Francisco. Here is a link to his website, chock full of information about the trip on his MCS:

http://www.magma.ca/~alderton/route66/index.htm

Enjoy!

Reply

James Jun 18th, 2004 Link

So you rent a Mini in Chicago, drive for days, and see some awesome country.

My question is…now that you're peacefully looking out over the Pacific Ocean glowing with the memories you've just created…

…how the heck are you going to get the car back to Chicago?

Reply

R Jun 18th, 2004 Link

Route 66 for Canada to San Francisco??? HUH? It goes from Chi town to Santa Monica. They need to stay of the mushrooms…R

Reply

Frank Jun 18th, 2004 Link

Actually he drove 789 miles south from Ottawa to Chicago, then took on Route 66 all the way to Santa Monica, CA. His trip ended in L.A.

Read his website, its all in there.

Reply

Frank Jun 18th, 2004 Link

Drive back on regular interstate or fly…

Reply

cj Jun 18th, 2004 Link

Matter of fact I did “Route 66″ when I purchased my MCS and had to drive it back to California. It was an absolute blast! Even got to drive on the original Pink concrete!!! Only did minimal Freeway and got lost a few times, but met the nicest people and had some real great “greasy spoon” diner food!!! What a fantastic route to take in a MINI!

Reply

pete Jun 18th, 2004 Link

i must add that if you like seafood, you've gotta go to the enterprise seafood resturant, its right by the beach, and the food is excellent

Reply

anne Jun 18th, 2004 Link

In New Mexico go up to Santa Fe from Albuquerque, it's only an hour drive and well worth the extra time. You have to hit the old town part of Albuquerque, and go to Sadie's for some green chili enchiladas and a pitcher of margaritas. Nothing is more New Mexico.

Reply

RB Jun 19th, 2004 Link

Eats in Santa Monica:

Chez J ( very funky, funky, funky, along the Tom Waits tradition, ask locals, very good $)

Cha Cha Chicken ( Puck eats here sometimes, the girls are fun $)

Hot Dog on a Stick ( self explanitory)

World Cafe ( very eclectic $$)

Border Grill ( the best South American food around as good as Frontera Grill in Chicago $$$)

And of course the big splurge but amazing food,

Puck's, Chinois on Main (amazing $$$)

…RB

Reply

Matt Jun 19th, 2004 Link

I dare you not to eat fast food once. Just because you are in American does not mean you must do as we do. Good luck! ;)

Reply

Tony Alderton Jun 19th, 2004 Link

Gee, glad to see I'm famous!

I did the whole trip from 12-24 Aug 2003 — after driving from Ottawa to Chicago. Had a great time and even feel like doing it again…

See the link to my web page to see the books and maps I found useful. And don't forget a compass :~)

Met some great MINI people along the way – especially the San Diego group where I was headed on business.

Off to San Diego again in July but I'm flying the friendly skies this time – bummer.

Tony

Reply

Stuart Jun 19th, 2004 Link

Brilliant stuff folks, the dream is about to unfold and become reality. Just so happy to read all your posts, Spring next year will become a very memorable part of my life. Hope to meet some of you along the way. Thanks to everyone, and keep it coming, this is one piece of US history that needs to be kept alive.

Stuart (aka Goonery on MINI2.com)

Reply

RB Jun 19th, 2004 Link

Hey Stuart, Almost forgot…You HAVE to eat at a IN-N-OUT Burger while in CA or NV, Don't want to start a burger war but it's the BEST. Hope to see ya if stop in Pasadena, CA…RB…was…R

Reply

In & Out Jun 20th, 2004 Link

Something wrong with the in-N-out burgers in AZ? Why only eat at the ones in CA or NV?

Reply

RB Jun 20th, 2004 Link

Sorry I did not know there was any in AZ…NO slight intended..They're all great! ANIMAL STYLE FOREVER!!!..RB

Reply

RB Jun 20th, 2004 Link

Been going to since 1963 to the Pasadena In-N-Out. I think it is the 3rd or 4th built. I've been to a lot of the other contenders across the USA and must say I prefer it to all but I'm predjucice, of course, it's part of my growing up as a teen in Pasadena.

Me in my MCS driving tru…only thing better would be driving tru in a '52 Ford Woodie or '34 Ford High Boy. I always get the thumbs up and the “Nice Car” from the In & out folks..RB

Reply

dotBob Jun 20th, 2004 Link

That big 72oz steak is available in Amarillo, the same city that the American Quarterhorse Museum is located.

Reply

Greg Wenzlick Jun 20th, 2004 Link

Come on you guys in USA. Even way down-under in New Zealand (home of Lord of the RIngs) we know of Route 66. How about getting Natalie Cole's CD and listening to “get your kicks on Route 66″ and getting a geography lesson. I've been to both ends at downtown Chicago and Santa Monica pier. Wish I could do the drive one day. Greg Wenzlick. (have relations in St Louis, Michigan, SF, and LA.)

Reply

RB Jun 20th, 2004 Link

Hey Greg, most of us do know…

Song witten and performed by Bobby Troup and sang by the amazingly beautiful Julie London.

RB

Reply

Matt Jun 21st, 2004 Link

i suggest Lou Mitchell's for breakfast before you leave.

http://www.visit-springfieldillinois.com/grouptours/i-route66.htm

[quote]Lou Mitchell's – Before you embark on your trip,load up on an all-American breakfast at Lou Mitchell's legendary Route 66 café on Jackson Boulevard in Chicago.Then, take Route 66 out of Chicago to Wilmington, Illinois for your first photo opportunity, the Gemini Giant. Meandering along Route 66, you'll stop at some delightful all-American haunts including the Polka Dot Café in Braidwood and the Old Log Cabin in Pontiac, a great place for lunch with the local farmers[/quote]

Reply

Deborah Jun 22nd, 2004 Link

I have to say that despite being a midwesterner at heart, In-N-Out does have the best burgers. Ever. No offense to the LA folks, but I feel it was one of the only redeeming factors back when I was routinely sent to LA on business. I wish they'd open up stores out east. Route 66 is a blast. Check out Amazon.com for lots of guide books on the road. You can even get taped guides to listen to as you drive through various parts.

My other comments would be that if you've never come to American and driven on the right, give yourself some time to adjust. We also are known to drive distances that astound foreigners. I think 400 miles (roughly 650 kilometers) is an easy drive, 700 miles (1,125 kilometers) a normal “long” drive 12-14 hours like from home to my Dad's and I usually do it in one day. I've also done as much a 1000 miles in a day (1,600 kilometers) in the MINI no less, but I'll fully admit that was too far. I would plan on no more than 250-300 miles (400-500 kilometers) per day if you're really trying to enjoy the drive and see the sights as that's roughly six hours of real driving per day.

I'll be jealous… a cool trip to do. It's on my “someday” list.

Deb

Reply

Stuart Jun 22nd, 2004 Link

And the (b)eat goes on, I 'll certainly not go hungry by the look of whats on offer, now need a way to keep the weight off on route, any suggestions?, its looking like a driving and eating tour at the moment.

Thanks for the info so far. Stuart

Reply

RB Jun 22nd, 2004 Link

Stuart, there are lots of things to stop and see along the way. The hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon will get off soma dat fat.

Check on line and you'll find an amazing amount of info.

Deborah…

The thing that most miss when refering to “LA” is the most amazing thing about the place… You can go to the beach or the desert or the mountains or Mexico (Baja) all in one day if you wish. We have an amazing cross ethnic population and very mild winters.

I'm glad you feel that way about where you live as I wish more people would stay away from here. I grew up in Pasadena and have seen the population triple in my 58 years. Keep the bad press coming we need more of it.

When I worked at Selbert Perkins Design in Santa Monica I asked every intern from the Cincinatti School of Design and other eastern schools when are you going back home…Answer…90%…”You got to be kidding!”

Just a thought…

I think it's a shame that people have to “diss” other states or cities, this is such a great country why not just enjoy all we have?!…RB

Reply

Deborah Jun 24th, 2004 Link

RB…

I had no intention to “diss” LA (as I said, no offense intended). I'm sorry if it came off that way. Ask Gabe or any of my friends — I'm just not the city type. I grew up in the country (real country as in the nearest neighbor was a couple of miles down the road) and later in far suburban small towns. I don't really like any big city, though I'm fond of Chicago in limited doses.

I'm not the LA type, but many find the climate and variety of both geography and people to their liking. I'd rather find a really small college town in Wyoming, Montana or maybe even Wisconsin to live in. I like all four seasons and don't need to have a beach, desert, mountain or foreign country closer than an airplane ride. In fact, I like my summers cool and my winters snowy. I've been to LA many times and I can't take the heat. I'm in DC these days and I hate the heat here too. Summer seems to last six months here. In LA, I think it lasts 11 months! I have asthma and allergies that are worse in the summer and the smog in LA made me miserable 24/7, but the pollution has also gotten me in NY, DC and Chicago so it's a big city thing for me, not an “I hate LA” thing.

I truly didn't mean to offend. We all love our MINIs here, but we're all very different people too. I'm a country girl and you aren't. That's fine. Route 66 will show our friend from the other side of the puddle many of the joys that America has in store for those with the spirit to motor…

Reply

RB Jun 24th, 2004 Link

It's true I'm not a Country Girl!

You forgot to mention the SMOG…remember bad press…we need more bad press…come on help us.

Next time in Pasadena we'll have to find a pasture for ya…(joke).

RB

Reply

Greg Jun 24th, 2004 Link

Everyone has not talked about PCH. After hitting Santa Monica you will go north to Santa Barbara using the PCH Highway. Awesome drive (Has its share of turns)from Malibu to Oxnard (AKA Roxnard). You will have to stop at Neptunes Net with all the bikers and show them the really way to travel. After that take your time driving past Ventura. That is known as the Rincon. A couple of small beach towns, but awesome ocean views. Stay out of the speedy drivers (AKA Locals), they see this view everyday and twice on Tuesdays. As for your trip back. Take I-15(thou Vegas) to I-70 and see the Rockies in a Mini. Stop in at Glennwood Springs for the hot springs pool and then stop at Vail and Breckenridge(just off I-70). The Micro-beers are heaven at Gleenwoodsprings and Breckenridge. That's Fresh off the tap not in bottles.

Reply

RB Jun 24th, 2004 Link

Rincon is Rincon Point, which is just up PCH (Hwy 1 / 101) from Carpinteria and Ventura is farther south from Carpinteria. Ricon one of my fav surfing spots when it's running…RB

Reply

pete Jun 26th, 2004 Link

well the in & out hamburger resturaunts in california are original since they were started in here and the food is all made to a specific standard. the ones in arizona and other places are just franchises, and not family owned, they are not originals

Reply

RB Jun 26th, 2004 Link

From the company website…

“In-N-Out remains privately owned and the Snyder family has no plans to take the company public or franchise any units”

Check your facts…RB

Reply

Stuart Jun 28th, 2004 Link

Fantastic stuff everyone, keep it coming, even got 'arguments' and serious debate. I love it !

Reply

Sal Jun 28th, 2004 Link

Check out Lonley Planet's “Road Trip – Route 66″ … compact but cool little thing. Even lists radio station frequencies en route and phone no. of music store in California where you can get cds made up with fav. tunes for the R66 trip (60s & 70s stuff if you're really old).. Easy, rider!!!

Reply

RB Jun 28th, 2004 Link

I used to use the Lonely Planet guide religiously until we ate at a restaurant highly recommended by them on Naxos Island in Greece. Whoa BAD, but we all got drunk and still had a good-time.

Usually great reference don't know what happen that time.

RB

Reply

Bill Gledhill Aug 21st, 2005 Link

Interesting stuff – well most of it. Wife and I are planning to do 66 next autumn. We plan to fly to NY (from Sussex, England) pick up a car and drive to Chicago then use The Complete Guidebook to Route 66 (by Bob Moore & Rich Cunningham a ‘Route 66 Magazine’ publication and well worth the money. Not sure how we’ll cope but sounds like there will be others on the route and if needed help will hopefully be on hand for much of the journey. If and when we get to LA we will have fulfilled an ambition to drive across the USA from coast to coast. Have set aside 2 months for the trip. Hope that’s enough.

Reply

Tony Alderton Jun 19th, 2008 Link

I just stumbles across this old post and thought I’d update the link to my Route 66 web page.

Do it! You’ll like it!

Route 66 Link

Photos Link

Reply