1

122 S. Michigan Ave.

Image: Allen Boguslavsky

Why not start the trip at the place where it all began? For Route 66, the beginning is right in the heart of Chicago , at 122 S. Michigan Ave. Look for the iconic pylon near the intersection of South Michigan Avenue and East Adams Street.

Fun fact: the Mother Road didn’t always start there. Back in 1926, Jackson Boulevard at Michigan Avenue was the official launch point for travelers!

2

Gateway Arch

Image: Intricate Explorer

Follow your adventure in St. Louis with the Gateway Arch, a towering 630-foot tribute to westward expansion. This stainless-steel beauty isn’t just a landmark, it’s an experience in itself.

Ride the tram to the top for jaw-dropping views of the Mississippi River and the city skyline. It’s the perfect way to set the tone for the rest of your journey.

3

Route 66 Drive-In Theater

Image: Tim Mossholder

Ready for some vintage vibes? Swing by the Route 66 Drive-In Theater in Carthage, Missouri. This blast from the past offers double features under the stars , just like in the good old days.

Opened in 1949, closed in 1985, and re-opened in 1998, this drive-in theatre has functioned ever since and plays two movies from Friday to Sunday every single week. Bring your lawn chairs and a cooler, or cozy up in your car for the full retro experience.

4

The Golden Driller

Image: Jametlene Reskp

Now it’s time to meet the Golden Driller, a 76-foot-tall oil worker who’s been standing proud in Tulsa, Oklahoma, since the 1960s.

It’s one of the largest freestanding statues in the country and a nod to Oklahoma’s rich oil history. At the base, there’s a sign that reads: "The Golden Driller, a symbol of the International Petroleum Exposition. Dedicated to the men of the petroleum industry who, by their vision and daring, have created from God’s abundance a better life for mankind." Strike a pose with this gentle giant, and you’ll feel downright tiny.

5

Route 66 Museum

Image: Carol Highsmith's America

For the following stop, you can take a break to explore the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton. In it, you’ll be able to see artifacts, photos, and exhibits celebrating the history of the Mother Road.

Wander through rooms themed by decade, and you’ll feel like you’re traveling through time. From the Dust Bowl to the heyday of diners, this museum paints quite a vivid picture of Route 66’s golden era. And, of course, you can go by the gift shop to get a road trip memento.

6

Cadillac Ranch

Image: Heidi Kaden

If you’ve ever wanted to graffiti a Cadillac, this is your chance. Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, features 10 half-buried cars sticking nose-first out of the ground. It’s an open-air art installation that’s as weird as it is wonderful.

Grab a can of spray paint (provided by friendly locals or your fellow travelers) and leave your mark. Just be warned, it might only last a day before someone else paints over it!

7

Route 66 Halfway Point

Image: Vicky McLain

Welcome to Adrian, Texas, the official halfway point of Route 66! You’re 1,139 miles from both Chicago and Los Angeles, so take a breath and celebrate!

The MidPoint Café is famous for its "ugly crust" pies. Don’t trust the name; they are actually delicious! It’s a perfect pit stop to recharge and think about the fact that you’ve conquered half of the Mother Road. Only halfway to go!

8

Meteor Crater

Image: John Ballem - a collection of personal photos

Arizona is home to some magical attractions, and Meteor Crater is no exception. This massive impact site, located near Meteor City, was created by a meteorite over 50,000 years ago . Standing on the rim and peering into the 560-foot-deep crater, you’ll feel like a tiny speck in the universe. The visitor center has some cool exhibits on space and meteors, which is perfect for science lovers or anyone who likes their roadside stops with a side of awe.

9

Old Trails Bridge

Image: Jimmy Whitson

Crossing the Colorado River into Arizona, the Old Trails Bridge in Topock is a picturesque reminder of Route 66’s early days. Though it’s no longer open to traffic , it’s a popular photo spot for travelers.

The rusted steel beams and sweeping desert views will give you a beautiful moment. Pause here, take in the history, and imagine the countless cars that once went across its span.

10

Burger Hut

Image: Haseeb Jamil

Needless, California, may be small, but it’s big on charm, especially at Burger Hut. This unassuming little eatery is beloved for its old-school burgers, fries, and milkshakes. It’s the kind of place where the food is made with love , and the portions are hearty. Don’t take our word for it; just go try it!

After hours on the road, there’s nothing better than a juicy burger and a chance to stretch your legs. This spot is a gem along Route 66!

11

Hollywood sign

Image: Scott Greer

As you approach the end of Route 66, why not take a detour to see the world-famous Hollywood Sign? Perched on the hills overlooking Los Angeles, it’s a symbol of dreams and stardom .

Take a hike to the best viewpoints for some exercise (and epic photos, of course). Sure, it’s a bit off the beaten path, but what’s a road trip without a side quest?

12

Santa Monica Pier

Image: Joel Mott

You’ve made it! The Santa Monica Pier marks the official end of Route 66 . With its iconic Ferris wheel, arcade games, and ocean views, it’s the perfect spot to celebrate completing your journey.

Now you’re done, dip your toes in the Pacific, grab a cone of soft-serve, and reflect on all the memories you’ve made along the way. The Mother Road may end here, but the stories you’ve collected will last a lifetime.

1

The Pillsbury Doughboy

Image: Dan Depew, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

You only need to see a tiny bit of his fluffy body to recognize him: Poppin’ Fresh, better known as the Pillsbury Doughboy, is a global star. The Pillsbury Company created him in 1965, and over the decades, he has appeared in hundreds of commercials and on all kinds of merchandise. Now, 60 years later, his cute image is still familiar to Americans everywhere. He’s even part of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!

2

Tony the Tiger

Image: SqueakyMarmot from Vancouver, Canada, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Our childhood memories include a character who was and still is right there at the breakfast table. We're talking about Tony the Tiger, the beloved mascot of Frosted Flakes. Introduced in 1952 by Kellogg’s, many of us grew up with him and watched him become a cereal icon. And of course, no one can forget his iconic catchphrase: "They’re grrrreat!"

3

The Energizer Bunny

Image: Jazz Guy from New Jersey, United States, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Style, attitude, energy: The Energizer Bunny has it all. With his signature sunglasses, drum, and flip-flops, this bunny first appeared in 1989 as a parody of the Duracell bunny, and he quickly grew far beyond Energizer batteries. In fact, he became a symbol of vitality and nonstop energy, so much so that when someone can’t sit still, they’re often compared to this bunny. You know, he just keeps going and going and going.

4

Mr. Clean

Image: JESHOOTS.COM

His style is unmistakable: that celebrity tan, bald head, bright white eyebrows, and even a cool earring. Of course! It’s Mr. Clean, the magical helper who shows up when stains get stubborn. Procter & Gamble introduced him in 1958, and he quickly became more than just the face of a product; he is a full character with his own personality and identity, deeply tied to the idea of household cleaning.

5

Mr. Monopoly

Image: Fluffybuns, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

We already talked about Mr. Clean, but there’s another Mister who is just as famous, if not more: Mr. Monopoly. While we all know him by that name today, he originally had a much funnier one: "Rich Uncle Pennybags." His mustache and top hat are unmistakable, and his fame has long transcended the Monopoly game, turning him into a visual symbol of wealth and capitalism in pop culture.

6

The Jolly Green Giant

Image: greefus groinks, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

The Green Giant Company introduced its giant mascot in 1928, and he quickly became synonymous with frozen vegetables across America. The Jolly Green Giant originally had a somewhat intimidating look, but a later redesign turned him into the friendly, smiling giant everyone knows and loves today. Decades of TV commercials, packaging, toys, and pop-culture references made him famous even among people who don’t buy the products.

7

Mr. Peanut

Image: InOttawa.ca, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

With his classic top hat and monocle, Mr. Peanut is undoubtedly a sophisticated mascot. And since he’s literally a peanut, it’s almost impossible not to think of Planters every time we grab a handful, right? Surprisingly, despite his excellent condition, Mr. Peanut is over 100 years old, having been introduced in 1916.

8

Mickey Mouse

Image: Brian McGowan

If there’s one truly world-famous mascot, it’s definitely Mickey Mouse. His round ears, white gloves, red shorts, and big yellow shoes are so familiar that most of us could sketch them from memory. Mickey started as a character but quickly became the unmistakable icon of Disney. Over time, he even transcended the brand itself, appearing in all kinds of products, commercials, shows, and parades, becoming a symbol of childhood around the world.

9

Colonel Sanders

Image: Marques Thomas

Every time you see this face, you instantly crave fried chicken. That’s the magic of the iconic Colonel Sanders, who is much more than a mascot. He was a real person, the founder of KFC. Because of that, his face has become so familiar to Americans that he feels almost like a father figure. His fame is so strong that KFC often doesn’t even need the brand name; the Colonel’s friendly face says it all.

10

Geico Gecko

Image: Roland Balik, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The GEICO Gecko is so famous that seeing any lizard instantly brings him to mind. This friendly character has been tied to the brand since 1999, and the idea for him came from people mispronouncing "GEICO" as "gecko." Over the years, he has become a celebrity, so recognizable that he doesn’t even need the brand name for people to know exactly who he is.

1

Pizza

Image: Nik Owens

This Italian classic truly needs no introduction. From its humble beginnings in Naples, pizza conquered the world, and America is no exception. Whether it's a classic New York slice or a deep-dish Chicago pie , pizza is a staple in American diets, with endless customizable topping options.

2

Sushi

Image: Jakub Dziubak

Once considered exotic, this Japanese delicacy has become a mainstream favorite in America. From California rolls to spicy tuna, these bite-sized pieces of artfully prepared fish and rice have won over many of our palates with their fresh flavors. Not to mention the fun appeal of sushi bars!

3

Fondue

Image: angela pham

Cheese fondue or chocolate fondue? All are welcome! This Swiss tradition of dipping diced food into a communal pot has become a fun and interactive dining experience for Americans. It’s a meal as much as an event: The point is to share and enjoy!

4

Dulce de Leche

Image: Leigh Skomal

This caramel treat hails from South America, where it's slathered on everything : pancakes, fruit, ice cream —you name it! Lately, Americans have embraced this sweet indulgence, swirling it into ice cream and frappucinos, drizzling it over desserts, and even stuffing it into cookies.

5

Ramen

Image: Bon Vivant

Another convenient, exotic, and fulfilling meal that many Americans can vouch for. Whether in the form of a quick instant noodle fix or as a gourmet bowl in a Japanese bar, this is a meal that has become a favorite comfort food for many.

6

Macaron

Image: Holly Stratton

Charming to the eyes as well as delicious! Macarons are delicate French cookies that are almost too pretty to eat . They are almond-based and usually served in bright colors, already a favorite for those of us with a sweet tooth.

7

Pad Thai

Image: Hidden

Once street food in Thailand, today a go-to for American takeout lovers. It combines fried rice noodles, protein, vegetables, and a tangy sauce . Interesting! The dish offers a delicious balance of flavors and textures that has garnered many fans across the country.

8

Paella

Image: Olivier Collet

Paellas are inviting to all of the senses. This saffron rice is a staple of Spanish cuisine and often includes seafood, chicken, or chorizo. It’s accompanied with vegetables and served in a large pan. Its colorful presentation makes it a showstopper at any dinner party or food festival.

9

Pavlova

Image: Léo Roza

This meringue-based feast from New Zealand and Australia has charmed its way onto many American dessert menus. If you like a crisp crust of meringue with a fluffy interior, topped with fresh fruit like strawberries or cherries, you must try this dessert —if you haven’t already!

10

Feijoada

Image: Beatriz Braga

Feijoada (pronounced fey-zhoo-ah-dah) is a hearty black bean stew from Brazil. It’s packed with pork, spices, and often served with rice and orange slices. Sure, a bold flavor . But Americans are starting to embrace this traditional Brazilian pride!

11

Arepas

Image: Alexandra Tran

Arepas can go with anything, really. Some refer to them as culinary blank canvases . They are versatile cornmeal cakes from Colombia and Venezuela, which can be stuffed or accompanied by spreads like cheese, shredded beef, vegetables —you name it!

12

Gyro

Image: Bruna Santos

The gyro (pronounced yee-roh) is a Greek pita-wrapped delight, and a favorite of handheld dining . Packed with spiced meat, crisp veggies, and garlicky tzatziki, gyros are a satisfying and flavorful meal that Americans have embraced for their fresh taste and convenience.

13

Curry

Image: Photo By: Kaboompics.com

The fragrant aromas and complex flavors of Indian curries have captivated us for decades. From the creamy tikka masala to the fiery vindaloo , curry dishes have opened the door for Americans to incorporate rich spices from foreign cuisines.