"Rock Star" road tripper checking in! Self-proclaimed anyway! Road trips and visits to all 50 states are my game. Find your next road trip destinations here. Fill your bucket list with fantastic US journeys. I love road trips and spare no effort in making my travels and experiences inviting for members of the road-tripping family! Pick a trip you want to take, or get inspired to plan your own. - - The Driveby Tourist (or call me Stan!)
Have I ever told you about Route 66!! 😄😄
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I know, I keep talking about it!! Celebrating 100 Years of Route 66! 🚗🎉 And 250 years of America! Next year marks a major milestone—the 100th anniversary of the legendary Route 66, also known as the "Main Street of America" or the "Mother Road." Established in 1926, Route 66 originally stretched over 2,400 miles, connecting Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, and became an iconic symbol of freedom, adventure, and the American road trip spirit. 🛣️🌟 Over the last 40 years, Route 66 has captured the hearts of travelers with its quirky roadside attractions, vintage diners, classic motels, and stunning landscapes across eight states. From the neon lights of neon-lit towns to historic landmarks and small-town charm, the route offers a nostalgic journey through America’s past. 🍔🏜️ Communities along Route 66 are coming together to celebrate this centennial with festivals, car shows, guided tours, and special events that honor the road’s cultural impact and enduring legacy. Whether you’re a history buff, a classic car enthusiast, or simply someone who loves a good adventure, there’s no better time to explore Route 66. 🚙✨ So pack your bags, fuel up your tank, and hit the road to experience the magic of Route 66—100 years strong and still going! 🎊🛤️ Note: I drove the full length of Route 66 in 2018. In 2025, I drove through large parts of it again. Next year, I plan to drive the entire Illinois portion from Chicago to St. Louis. I want to do the whole road again, but “So many road trips, so little time!” “The road goes on forever, and the party never ends.” Classic Rock song: "Get Your Kicks on Route 66” by Nat King Cole and many others. When I visited the Santa Monica Pier in 2018, I spoke with a photographer and historian who had traveled the road and knew many of the people on it. He called it “America’s Longest Small Town!” Please email me about your Route 66 experiences or your “wanna be” experiences! Here is the Premium Subscription page: You will receive early access to new blog posts, an additional weekly newsletter, and a view of all past published newsletters. And occasionally, I'll ask for votes on content! Until next time..... Stan Featured Post: Here’s the gateway (link) to a complete set of Route 66 posts and suggestions of what to see if you return east by another route. |
Stan Wiebe
"Rock Star" road tripper checking in! Self-proclaimed anyway! Road trips and visits to all 50 states are my game. Find your next road trip destinations here. Fill your bucket list with fantastic US journeys. I love road trips and spare no effort in making my travels and experiences inviting for members of the road-tripping family! Pick a trip you want to take, or get inspired to plan your own. - - The Driveby Tourist (or call me Stan!)
Visiting all 50 states was a goal of mine that I reached years ago. I enjoyed it so much that I did it again starting in 2014. I've learned through several travel sources that North Dakota is, for many people, their 50th state. Several years ago, the Fargo-Moorhead Visitor Center installed a large wall plaque in the lobby to welcome those who "Saved the Best for Last!" They will give you a T-shirt and a certificate to recognize that momentous time in your life! I did research and created a...
A a America’s coolest towns are where the magic happens! Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, full of creative energy, and constantly changing with the people who live and visit, these spots truly showcase what makes the U.S. so unique and exciting. Whether you’re exploring or settling down, there’s something special waiting around every corner. Whether you plan to visit more states or are just on a road trip, here’s the top 10 as presented by CNN Travel Writers. I added a short phrase about...
Travel and novels get you into American history. While driving Route 66, some of the museums you visit along the way display scenes that may represent The Grapes of Wrath. It’s about a family in Oklahoma who lose everything. The Dust Bowl of the 1930s yielded little to no crops. They lose their land. The family reads about “the land of plenty” in California. They, along with thousands of others, go west. The book details their struggles along the way with no money, deaths, auto breakdowns,...