Here is a little video we put together to show some photos of the road. The video is to the Rolling Stones version of “Get Your Kicks On Route 66″.
I hope you enjoy.
Steve
<object width=”425″ height=”355″><param name=”movie” value=”http://www.youtube.com/v/rlbZMwe4pXE&hl=en”></param><param name=”wmode” value=”transparent”></param><embed src=”http://www.youtube.com/v/rlbZMwe4pXE&hl=en” type=”application/x-shockwave-flash” wmode=”transparent” width=”425″ height=”355″></embed></object>
If you are looking for a first rate Route 66 experience, I suggest the MidPoint Cafe in Adrian Texas. It was one of the highlights of our Texas Route 66 journey. We try to shy away from franchise and chain resturants and sample the local cusine. This logic typicaly rewards us with a great experience and the MidPoint Cafe did not let us down. They are known as the home of “The Ugly Crust Pie” that is well worth the stop all on its own, but the real draw here is the staff. It is nice to know your business is appreciated and they made that crystal clear to us on our visit.
Nestled in the geographical center of of Route 66 (1,139 miles from both Chicago and Los Angeles), the MidPoint was the inspiration for “Flo’s V8 Cafe” in the Pixar movie “Cars”. The MidPoint also plays host to travelers from all over the globe. Along with a young couple from California, we where the only other American travelers in the cafe that day. Cafe owner Fran Houser’s Ole’ Ford truck “Gus” stands as a testament to the international appeal of the old road. Patrons of the MidPoint are encouraged to autograph “Gus” before continuing their journey down the road. Signatures from travelers from all over the world cover Fran’s daily driver.
Beginning with it’s inception in 1926, Route 66 typified the American pioneer spirit. Nearly 2400 miles of asphalt reached across eight states connecting the heartland to the west coast. The Mother Road provided travelers with a true look into the communities it passed through. Primarily family owned Mom and Pop motels, restaurants, and roadside attractions greeted those travelers with a unique experience and adventure around every turn. Businesses and communities prospered with the new passageway.
In the year 1956 Route 66 was dealt a death blow with the passage of the Interstate Highway Act marking the end of federal funding and thus, the end of this historic piece of two lane blacktop. With an increasing number of travelers opting for the speed and convenience of the new Interstates, many of the small businesses and communities catering to tourists were not able to survive. The final nail in the coffin came with the last stretch of Route 66 being de-commissioned in 1984.
In the 24 years that have passed since the official “death” of the road, many of the communities and businesses live on today. Along with the many ghost towns that the new Interstates left in their wake, surviving businesses have been making a comeback in the past several years. The survival and subsequent resurgence of the road is due to many factors. European and Asian travelers in ever increasing numbers are regulars on the road and The Disney - Pixar movie “Cars” put Route 66 back into our public consciousness. The film was a motivating factor for Americans to hit the road and relive their childhood vacations or experience a true piece of living history for themselves.
I got my start documenting Route 66 in the spring of 2006. I have immensely enjoyed my time traveling the old road. It is always a pleasure to journey back and visit the places and people I have met and to see what else is new on the road. New and exciting things are happening all the time. Family friendly events from festivals and car cruises, as well as new businesses and attractions abound, the Mother Road is alive and well!
It is one mans opinion that America is losing her culture. The individuality and character that makes each place unique is disappearing. Every town has begun to look the same. You have the typical strip mall consisting of the same chain restaurants, electronic stores, bookstores, and coffee shops, in every city. It is increasingly difficult to tell one town from the next. I encourage everyone with a sense of adventure to take the road less traveled and see the real America.
Go out and get a true feel of the heart and soul of a town. Sample the local flavor. Some of the best meals and experiences are to be had at your locally owned establishments. They represent the individuality and entrepreneurial spirit that makes our country great. How America was and still should be.
