EZ 66 Guide for Travelers: A Comprehensive Plan
The EZ 66 Guide, published by the National Historic Route 66 Federation, offers detailed turn-by-turn directions for both eastbound and westbound travel․
This 218-page, 5 ½ x 8 ½ paperback includes maps, attractions, games, and historical details, alongside free online updates for current information․
It’s an excellent resource, complemented by the Here It Is Route66 map series, providing eight foldable maps for a comprehensive journey along the Mother Road․
Route 66, often called the “Main Street of America” or the “Mother Road,” holds a significant place in American history and culture․ Originally established in 1926, it spanned over 2,400 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, connecting the Midwest to the West Coast․
For decades, Route 66 served as a vital transportation artery, fostering economic growth and facilitating migration․ It became a symbol of freedom, adventure, and the open road, attracting travelers from all walks of life․ The EZ 66 Guide aims to recapture that spirit, providing modern explorers with the tools to experience the authentic Route 66․
The guide isn’t just about directions; it’s about immersing yourself in the history, the quirky roadside attractions, and the charming “mom and pop” establishments that define Route 66․ It’s a journey through time, offering glimpses into a bygone era and celebrating the enduring legacy of this iconic highway․ Prepare to discover abandoned places, historic motels, and unforgettable landmarks!
What is the EZ 66 Guide?
The EZ 66 Guide is a comprehensive travel companion meticulously crafted by Route 66 expert, Jerry McClanahan, and published by the National Historic Route 66 Federation․ It’s designed to simplify navigating the historic highway, offering detailed turn-by-turn directions for both eastbound and westbound travelers․
This isn’t simply a list of roads; it’s a 218-page, 5 ½ x 8 ½ inch paperback packed with invaluable information․ The guide includes EZ-to-use maps, recommendations for select “mom and pop” motels and cafes, and fascinating historical details․ It also features engaging games to enhance your journey․
Furthermore, the EZ 66 Guide is a living document, with free online updates ensuring you have the most current information regarding road closures and changes; It’s an essential resource for anyone seeking an authentic and well-planned Route 66 adventure, complemented by resources like the Route66 Passport․
Jerry McClanahan and the National Historic Route 66 Federation
Jerry McClanahan, a noted Route 66 author, artist, and historian, is the driving force behind the EZ 66 Guide․ His lifelong passion for the “Mother Road” began during family vacations in the 1960s, sketching crude maps from the backseat of his family’s Ford․
McClanahan’s dedication extends beyond mapmaking; he personally travels Route 66 in both directions to verify information and revise the guidebook, ensuring accuracy and relevance․ He actively shares updates via platforms like Facebook, highlighting recent road reopenings, such as those in the Mojave Desert․
The National Historic Route 66 Federation publishes the guide, supporting the preservation and promotion of this iconic American highway․ Their collaboration with McClanahan ensures the EZ 66 Guide remains a trusted and authoritative resource for travelers, offering a blend of historical context and practical navigation․
Planning Your Route 66 Trip
Effective Route 66 trip planning hinges on utilizing comprehensive resources․ Begin by acquiring the EZ 66 Guide by Jerry McClanahan, alongside the Here It Is Route66 map series – eight foldable maps offering detailed coverage․ Consider downloading the Route66 app for digital navigation and supplemental information․
Don’t forget the Route 66 Passport; collecting stamps at various locations adds a fun, interactive element to your journey․ Prioritize booking accommodations at mom and pop motels and cafes for an authentic experience․ Be prepared for potential road closures and detours, like those recently encountered in the Mojave Desert, and utilize the guide’s free online updates․
Remember to factor in time for exploring historic landmarks and roadside attractions, and embrace the spontaneity of the open road!
Essential Resources Before You Go
To fully prepare for your Route 66 adventure, several resources are invaluable․ The cornerstone is Jerry McClanahan’s EZ 66 Guide, offering detailed, updated turn-by-turn directions for both travel directions․ Supplement this with the Here It Is Route66 map series, providing eight foldable maps for granular detail․
Digitally, the Route66 app offers convenient navigation and information․ For a unique experience, obtain a Route 66 Passport to collect stamps at locations along the way․ Regularly check for free online updates to the guide, addressing recent changes like road reopenings in the Mojave Desert․
Exploring websites like Route 66 Road Relics can inspire your itinerary and highlight abandoned places and ghost towns;
The Route 66 Passport & Stamp Collection
Enhance your Route 66 journey with the official Route 66 Passport! This unique souvenir allows you to document your travels by collecting stamps at various locations along the historic highway․ Many historic motels, cafes, and roadside attractions participate, offering a tangible record of your experiences․
The Passport isn’t just a memento; it encourages exploration and interaction with local businesses․ It complements resources like Jerry McClanahan’s EZ 66 Guide, which details many stamp locations․ The latest edition of the guide even includes 14 additional pages specifically for maps and stamps!
Collecting stamps transforms your trip into a fun, interactive adventure, creating a personalized keepsake of your Route 66 memories․ It’s a fantastic way to support the preservation of this iconic American road․
Route 66 Apps and Digital Maps
Modern technology complements traditional guides like the EZ 66 Guide, offering travelers convenient digital resources․ Several Route 66 apps are available for tablets and smartphones, providing interactive maps and points of interest․ These apps often include user reviews and photos, enhancing your planning and on-the-road experience․
Many apps offer paid map options for offline access, crucial in areas with limited cell service․ While digital tools are valuable, they shouldn’t replace a physical guide entirely․ The EZ 66 Guide provides detailed, verified information, especially regarding recent road changes, like those in the Mojave Desert․
Combining the convenience of apps with the comprehensive detail of a guidebook ensures a well-prepared and enjoyable Route 66 adventure․ Digital maps are a great supplement, but the EZ 66 Guide remains a trusted companion․
Here It Is Route66 Map Series
The Here It Is Route66 map series serves as an excellent companion to the EZ 66 Guide, offering a visual and detailed breakdown of the historic highway․ This series consists of eight foldable maps, providing a segmented view of Route 66, making navigation and planning significantly easier․
These maps are designed to work in tandem with the guidebook, offering a broader geographical context and highlighting key attractions along each section of the route․ They are particularly useful for visualizing the overall journey and identifying potential side trips or points of interest․
Travelers often utilize both the EZ 66 Guide and the Here It Is maps for a comprehensive experience, benefiting from the guidebook’s detailed directions and the maps’ visual representation of the route․ This combination ensures a well-informed and enjoyable exploration of Route 66․
Navigating Route 66 with the EZ 66 Guide
The EZ 66 Guide simplifies traversing the Mother Road with its focus on practical navigation․ It provides turn-by-turn directions, catering to travelers heading eastbound or westbound, ensuring a smooth journey regardless of direction․ The guide’s strength lies in its detailed instructions, making it easy to follow even through complex city sections․
Jerry McClanahan personally verified these directions by traveling Route 66 in both directions, incorporating recent road changes, like the reopening of portions in the Mojave Desert․ This dedication to accuracy ensures travelers have the most up-to-date information․
Combined with the included maps and free online updates, the EZ 66 Guide empowers travelers to confidently navigate Route 66, maximizing their experience and minimizing potential detours or confusion․
Eastbound vs․ Westbound Directions
The EZ 66 Guide distinguishes itself by offering meticulously crafted directions for both eastbound and westbound travelers․ Recognizing that the Route 66 experience differs depending on travel direction, the guide provides tailored instructions for each․ This dual approach ensures clarity and ease of use, regardless of your starting point or destination․
Jerry McClanahan’s personal verification of the route, traveling in both directions, was crucial in refining these instructions․ He reworked side trips and options to be more easily followed, particularly within urban areas, acknowledging the unique navigational challenges each direction presents․
The guide’s comprehensive coverage, combined with free online updates addressing recent road changes, guarantees travelers have accurate and reliable directions, whether embarking on a classic westward adventure or an eastward exploration of the Mother Road․
Turn-by-Turn Navigation
A core feature of the EZ 66 Guide is its detailed turn-by-turn navigation system․ This isn’t simply a list of highways; it’s a carefully curated set of instructions designed to guide travelers through the intricacies of Route 66, ensuring they experience the authentic roadside attractions and historic landmarks․
The guide’s effectiveness stems from Jerry McClanahan’s dedication to verifying the route, traveling its entire length to confirm accuracy․ He specifically focused on simplifying navigation, especially in cities where Route 66’s path can be less obvious․
Combined with the EZ to use maps, these instructions provide a seamless experience; Recent road reopenings in the Mojave Desert, for example, have been incorporated through free online updates, guaranteeing travelers receive the most current and reliable guidance․
Understanding the Guide’s Maps
The EZ 66 Guide prioritizes clear and accessible cartography․ The guidebook itself boasts expanded map sections – 14 additional pages dedicated to detailed route visualizations․ These aren’t just standard road maps; they’re designed to highlight key points of interest, historic alignments, and potential detours․
For those seeking even greater detail, the companion Here It Is Route66 map series offers eight foldable maps, providing an incredibly granular view of specific sections of the Mother Road․ These maps work in tandem with the turn-by-turn directions, allowing travelers to easily correlate their location with the broader route․
McClanahan’s revisions ensure the maps are user-friendly, especially when navigating urban areas․ The guide’s format, a convenient 5 ½ x 8 ½ size, makes referencing the maps while traveling straightforward and efficient․
Key Attractions Along Route 66
The EZ 66 Guide doesn’t just provide directions; it unlocks the heart of Route 66’s unique charm․ It highlights historic motels and cafes, offering a taste of the road’s golden age․ Beyond the well-known landmarks, the guide delves into the allure of abandoned places and ghost towns, revealing stories of bygone eras․
Travelers will discover must-see landmarks and roadside attractions, carefully curated to showcase the best of the Mother Road․ The guide also suggests select mom and pop accommodations, encouraging support for local businesses and a more authentic experience․
Resources like route66roadrelics․com further enrich the journey, offering detailed explorations of specific sites․ The EZ 66 Guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview, ensuring no hidden gem is missed along the way․
Historic Motels and Cafes
The EZ 66 Guide emphasizes the importance of experiencing Route 66’s authentic hospitality by spotlighting carefully selected historic motels and cafes․ These establishments aren’t merely places to rest or eat; they are living pieces of history, offering a glimpse into the road’s vibrant past․
The guide encourages travelers to choose mom and pop accommodations over chain hotels, supporting local businesses and immersing themselves in the unique character of each town․ These cafes often serve classic American cuisine, providing a nostalgic culinary experience․
Discovering these gems is a key element of the Route 66 journey, and the EZ 66 Guide acts as a trusted companion, leading you to establishments that have stood the test of time, preserving the spirit of the Mother Road․
Abandoned Places and Ghost Towns
The EZ 66 Guide acknowledges the haunting beauty and historical significance of the abandoned places and ghost towns that dot the Route 66 landscape․ These remnants of a bygone era offer a poignant reminder of the road’s fluctuating fortunes and the communities that once thrived along its path․
The guide doesn’t shy away from showcasing these forgotten locations, providing insights into their stories and offering respectful guidance for exploration․ Websites like route66roadrelics․com complement the guide, offering detailed photographic documentation of these sites, particularly in Arizona․
Exploring these locations allows travelers to connect with Route 66’s past on a deeper level, understanding the challenges and changes that shaped its identity․ The EZ 66 Guide helps navigate these sites responsibly and appreciate their unique allure․
Must-See Landmarks and Roadside Attractions
The EZ 66 Guide excels at highlighting the iconic landmarks and roadside attractions that define the Route 66 experience․ Beyond the well-known destinations, the guide uncovers hidden gems and quirky stops that embody the road’s unique character․
From classic diners and vintage motels to peculiar sculptures and historical markers, the guide ensures travelers don’t miss the opportunities to immerse themselves in Route 66’s vibrant culture․ It also suggests select mom and pop motels and cafes, encouraging support for local businesses․
The guide’s detailed maps and descriptions make it easy to locate and appreciate these attractions, enhancing the journey with memorable experiences․ Coupled with resources like route66roadrelics․com, travelers can plan a truly unforgettable adventure along the Mother Road․
Tips for Travelers
The EZ 66 Guide provides invaluable tips for travelers planning a Route 66 adventure․ Staying updated is crucial; the guide offers free online updates to reflect recent changes, like road reopenings in the Mojave Desert․
Planning ahead for potential road closures and detours is essential, and the guide assists with navigating these challenges․ Choosing mom and pop accommodations adds authenticity to the experience, and the guide highlights select options․
Don’t forget to pick up a Route 66 Passport to collect stamps at various locations along the way! Utilizing digital resources, such as the Route66 app, alongside the physical guide, enhances navigation and provides additional information for a well-prepared journey․
Staying Updated: Free Online Updates
The EZ 66 Guide distinguishes itself by offering free online updates, a critical feature given the dynamic nature of Route 66․ Road conditions, business openings, and closures frequently change, and the guide’s online resources ensure travelers have the most current information․
Jerry McClanahan actively revises the guidebook, incorporating last-minute changes – such as the recent reopening of road sections in the Mojave Desert – to maintain accuracy․ These updates are readily accessible, allowing travelers to adjust their plans accordingly․
This commitment to providing up-to-date details enhances the overall Route 66 experience, minimizing disruptions and maximizing enjoyment․ Utilizing these online resources alongside the physical guide guarantees a smoother, more informed journey along the historic highway․
Dealing with Road Closures and Detours (Mojave Desert Example)
Route 66, while steeped in history, isn’t immune to modern challenges like road closures and detours․ The EZ 66 Guide proactively addresses this, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and preparedness․ Recent events, such as the reopening of portions of the road in the Mojave Desert, highlight the need for current information․
The guide’s free online updates are crucial in these situations, providing travelers with alternative routes and minimizing disruptions․ McClanahan personally verified and revised the guidebook, accounting for these changes․
Travelers should be prepared to adapt their itineraries and utilize the guide’s detailed maps to navigate detours effectively․ Embracing the unexpected is part of the Route 66 adventure, and the EZ 66 Guide equips travelers to handle these situations with confidence․
Choosing Mom and Pop Accommodations
The EZ 66 Guide champions the spirit of Route 66 by encouraging travelers to support locally-owned businesses, particularly “Mom and Pop” accommodations․ These establishments offer a unique and authentic experience, far removed from standardized chain hotels․
The guide specifically highlights select motels and cafes along the route, providing recommendations for those seeking a genuine taste of Route 66 hospitality․ Choosing these options not only enriches the travel experience but also directly contributes to the preservation of the road’s cultural heritage․
These smaller establishments often boast character, history, and personalized service, creating memorable interactions with local owners and fellow travelers․ The EZ 66 Guide helps travelers discover these hidden gems, fostering a connection to the communities along Route 66․
The EZ 66 Guide’s Format and Features
The EZ 66 Guide is designed for practicality and ease of use while on the road․ It boasts a convenient 5 ½ x 8 ½ inch size and a substantial 218 pages, presented in a durable paperback format․ This compact size makes it ideal for glove compartments or backpack travel․
The guide is spiral-bound, allowing it to lay flat for effortless navigation while driving or planning․ Inside, travelers will find EZ-to-use maps and directions for both eastbound and westbound journeys, alongside detailed information on attractions and historical points of interest․
Beyond the practicalities, the guide also incorporates games and historical details, enhancing the overall Route 66 experience․ Free online updates ensure the information remains current and reliable․
Physical Guide Specifications (Size, Page Count)
The EZ 66 Guide is meticulously crafted for the traveling enthusiast, prioritizing portability and comprehensive information․ Its physical dimensions are a convenient 5 ½ x 8 ½ inches, making it easily manageable within the confines of a vehicle or travel bag․
This compact size belies the wealth of knowledge contained within its 218 pages․ The guide is presented in a durable paperback format, designed to withstand the rigors of the open road․ A notable feature is its spiral binding, which allows the guide to lay flat, facilitating effortless map reading and note-taking while on the move․
The chosen specifications ensure the EZ 66 Guide is both informative and practical, a reliable companion for any Route 66 adventure․
Games and Historical Details Included
The EZ 66 Guide transcends a simple travel aid, enriching the Route 66 experience with engaging content beyond directions and attractions․ Interspersed throughout the guide are thoughtfully designed games, offering a fun and interactive way to test your knowledge of the Mother Road and its fascinating history․
Beyond entertainment, the guide delves deep into the historical context of Route 66, providing insightful details about its origins, evolution, and cultural significance․ Readers will discover captivating stories and anecdotes that bring the road’s past to life․
These historical details, combined with the playful games, transform the journey into an immersive learning experience, making the EZ 66 Guide a truly unique and valuable resource for travelers seeking a deeper connection to Route 66․
Companion Resources to the Guide
To enhance your Route 66 adventure, the EZ 66 Guide works seamlessly with several complementary resources․ The publisher offers the Here It Is Route66 map series, featuring eight foldable maps providing detailed regional coverage, ideal for pinpointing specific attractions and navigating local roads․
Digital travelers can leverage the Route66 app, available for tablets, offering downloadable maps and real-time updates․ For those interested in collecting memories, the Route 66 Passport allows you to document your journey with stamps from various locations along the way․
Furthermore, online resources like route66roadrelics․com provide additional insights into abandoned places and ghost towns, enriching your exploration of the Mother Road’s hidden gems․ These resources, combined with the guide, ensure a well-prepared and unforgettable trip․
Route 66 History and Context
Route 66, often called the “Main Street of America,” holds a significant place in American culture and history․ Originating in 1926, it served as a crucial transportation artery, connecting the Midwest to the West Coast and facilitating economic growth during the Dust Bowl era․
The highway became a symbol of freedom and opportunity, attracting travelers seeking adventure and a better life․ It profoundly impacted roadside businesses, fostering a unique culture of motels, diners, and quirky attractions․
Jerry McClanahan, author of the EZ 66 Guide, has been captivated by Route 66 since his family vacations in the 1960s, meticulously mapping its course and documenting its evolution․ Understanding this historical context enriches the travel experience, appreciating the road’s legacy and the stories it holds․
Route 66’s Origins and Evolution
Route 66 officially began in 1926, born from a desire to connect rural communities and improve national transportation․ Initially a dirt road, it quickly evolved with paving and improvements, becoming a vital commercial and migratory route․ The highway’s path wasn’t fixed; it underwent several realignments over the years, adapting to changing needs and technological advancements․
However, the construction of the Interstate Highway System in the 1950s gradually led to Route 66’s decommissioning in 1985․ Despite this, its cultural significance endured, sparking preservation efforts led by organizations like the National Historic Route 66 Federation․
Jerry McClanahan’s EZ 66 Guide meticulously documents these changes, providing travelers with a comprehensive understanding of the road’s fascinating journey through time, ensuring its history isn’t forgotten․
The Role of Route 66 in American Culture
Route 66 quickly became more than just a road; it symbolized freedom, opportunity, and the American spirit of adventure․ During the Dust Bowl era, it served as a lifeline for those migrating west in search of a better life, earning the nickname “The Mother Road․”
The highway profoundly influenced American popular culture, appearing in countless books, songs, and films – notably John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath and the Disney-Pixar film Cars․ Its iconic diners, motels, and roadside attractions became symbols of a bygone era․
Jerry McClanahan’s EZ 66 Guide helps travelers connect with this rich cultural heritage, highlighting historic motels and cafes, and must-see landmarks, preserving the essence of Route 66 for future generations․
Preserving Route 66: The National Historic Route 66 Federation’s Work
The National Historic Route 66 Federation plays a crucial role in safeguarding the legacy of the “Mother Road․” Their efforts focus on promoting Route 66 as a historic destination, advocating for its preservation, and supporting local communities along the route․
The Federation actively works to maintain the road’s historical integrity, encouraging restoration projects and responsible tourism․ They also provide resources and guidance to travelers, ensuring a respectful and enriching experience․
Jerry McClanahan’s EZ 66 Guide is a direct product of this dedication, offering detailed maps and up-to-date information․ The guide’s free online updates, including revisions due to recent road reopenings like in the Mojave Desert, demonstrate a commitment to keeping the Route 66 experience accessible and authentic․