CRUSIN' DOWN ROUTE 66

The original idea behind Route 66 was the promotion of an interregional link between Chicago and Los Angeles. This highway created one of the nation's principal east-west transportation arteries and served as a means of economic support during the great dust bowl of the 1930's.

The infamous highway was recognized in pop culture by the hit song Route 66 written by Bobby Troup and first recorded by Nat King Cole in 1946. The Rolling Stones included Route 66 on one of their albums. Wouldn't be wonderful to be cruisin' in a classic chevy or olds convertible along this scenic trip?

If you ever plan to motor west, travel my way, take the highway that is best--get your kicks on Route 66.It winds from Chicago to LA, more than 2 thousand miles all the way--get your kicks on Rt 66.Now you go through St. Looey, Joplin, Missouri and Oklahoma City is mighty pretty. You see Amarillo, Gallup, New Mexico, Flagstaff, Arizona, Kingman, Barstow, San Bernadino.Won't you get hip to this timely tip: when you make that California trip--get your kicks on Rt 66.

There are souveniors galore sold in stores, on the internet and even occasionally at auctions or yard sales.And how could we not mention the unforgettable white letter paintings on black barn rooftops that boldly invited us to" See Meramec Caverns, Route 66 Mo?"

One of my favorite pieces of memorbilia is The Route 66 Cookbook by Marian Clark. It is a delightful portrayal of the changing scenes and flavors along this historic route depicting regional home cooking and open road adventures. Unique recipes are shared from Chicago's Palmer House curving onward through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona to the Belle Vue Restaurant in Santa Monica.

If you are planning a big party, here is the OFFICIAL EL RENO BIG BURGER recipe:

150 lb fresh ground beef, salt and pepper to taste, 150 lb sliced onions, plenty of pickles and mustard, 1 110 lb burger bun. Lots of work!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cook beef on a 9 foot grill. Situate the bun and serve 300 hungry folks.!!

Route 66 . . . Carefree lyrics

"If you ever plan to motor west, travel my way, take the highway that is best--get your kicks on Route 66.It winds from Chicago to LA, more than 2 thousand miles all the way--get your kicks on Rt 66.

Now you go through St. Looey, Joplin, Missouri and Oklahoma City is mighty pretty. You see Amarillo, Gallup, New Mexico, Flagstaff, Arizona, Kingman, Barstow, San Bernadino.Won't you get hip to this timely tip: when you make that California trip--get your kicks on Rt 66."--Bobby Troup.