Known as the Mother Road, Route 66 was the first road in American to run across the country, over 2,400 miles from Chicago to California, and traversed across the Texas Panhandle. In Amarillo, the original route is a Historical District filled with restaurants, antique stores and night life!
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1. Finding It
It’s not hard to find, but I was surprised how many locals we asked who had NO idea how to get there. In Amarillo it’s known as SW 6th Street. Best directions, from I-40 take S. McMasters St. North to SW 6th, take a left and you are there!
2. Cruise It!
Because everyone needs to be able to say they have cruised on Route 66. Play the Disney CARS movie soundtrack, the kids will LOVE it!
3. Walk It!
The historic district is said to be 13 blocks long, but from McMasters, you can walk down to the Sinclair Gas Station on Alabama, and see most of the shops and restaurants. The Route 66 Store sells souvenirs. Catch some live music or just a cup of coffee at the 806 Coffee and Lounge. The Roseberry is a cute boutique with gifts and more things you never knew you needed! The Blackbird Boutique is just fun!
4. The Nat
Located on the south side of the road, you won’t miss the Nat, which appears as a large castle with towers on each end, and a sign advertising a book store. Originally The Natatorium, built in 1922, served as an indoor swimming pool. It was converted to a ballroom 4 years later, and remained open until the 1960’s headlining some of the world’s top artist! Now it’s an antiques marketplace with over 100 vendors. Be sure to stop by High Fidelity Record Store while you’re there!
5. Make Plans to Drive all of Route 66
It’s a dream trip on my bucket list, and if it’s on yours as well, check out this link for the best information I’ve found. Click HERE to be taken to the link.
I love the authors advice to read The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck while on the trip, which describes the Jobe family’s westward move along Route 66 during the 1930’s Dustbowl.
6. Cadillac Ranch
Route 66 is known for it’s quirky signs and buildings that lured road weary motorist to stop, and although it was erected years after I-40 was built, the Cadillac Ranch is the king of roadside attractions! Click HERE to read more about it!
Route 66 Historic District
Amarillo
Click HERE to visit their website
Keep Having Fun in the Texas Sun!
Michelle
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