1

Chicago highlights

Route 66 begins in Chicago, the traditional starting point for east-to-west Route 66 trips; visitors often photograph the "begin" signs and explore nearby city landmarks before hitting the open road.

2

The Gemini Giant

In Wilmington, or the Chain O’ Lakes, you can find another classic. The "Muffler Men" statues, the Gemini Giant towers over a diner and is a favorite selfie station for travelers heading out of Chicago.

3

Pontiac Route 66 Hall of Fame & Murals

In Illinois, Pontiac is a Route 66 museum-and-mural town: murals, classic car collections, and a Route 66 Hall of Fame make it a major cultural stop on the Illinois stretch.

4

Meramec Caverns

Next is Stanton, Missouri: An enormous cave system promoted for decades as a Route 66 attraction; its guided tours and dramatic caverns make it a long-standing draw.

5

Gateway Arch

Of course, there’s the Gateway Arch at St. Louis! The same city provides both the monumental (the Arch) and the kitsch (the famed Ted Drewes custard stands), both popular stops for Route 66 travelers.

6

The Midpoint Café

The official midpoint of Route 66 (halfway between Chicago and Santa Monica) is this Texas diner, "Midpoint," with its famous sign and pies, which are obligatory stops for many road-trippers.

7

Cadillac Ranch

Found in Amarillo, Texas. Ten Cadillacs half-buried nose-first in the dirt, a public, spray-paint-friendly art piece that travelers love to photograph and tag. Interactive, colorful, and instantly iconic.

8

Tucumcari

In New Mexico, you’ll find Tucumcari, famous for neon-lit motels, classic signs, and a lively downtown that celebrates Route 66 nostalgia; photographers and retro lovers linger here for sunsets and signs.

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10

Albuquerque

A major stopping city with historic Old Town, neon motels, and cultural attractions that pair well with a Route 66 itinerary.

11

Petrified Forest National Park & Painted Desert

Not strictly "roadside kitsch," but these Arizona spots are one of the most spectacular natural detours on Route 66: colorful badlands, fossilized wood, and landscape views tourists remember.

12

Winslow

The Eagles’ song (" Standin’ on the Corner ") turned Winslow’s little corner into a pilgrimage spot; the small park and downtown murals draw fans and photographers.

13

Roy’s Motel & Café

The vast Mojave Desert backdrop , plus the preserved mid-century motel and neon sign, make Amboy, California, one of the most atmospheric stops on the California stretch of Route 66.

14

Santa Monica Pier

Finally, the symbolic end point of Route 66: the famous "End of the Trail" sign and the busy pier make for the classic finish-line photo. It’s touristy, joyful, and unavoidable if you’re completing the westbound route.

1

Young inventor

Image: Randy Fath

Although we all know that Edison was an inventor -and one of the best- very few know that his passion was already loudly expressed at the young age of 10.

At that age, while other children were naturally playing ball in the park, Edison was already interested in chemistry, physics, mathematics, and electricity. At 12, he set up his first laboratory in the basement of his parents' house, where he began to do his first experiments! Some stories claim that explosions in the basement were more frequent than their parents would have liked.

2

Self-taught

Image: Nicola Tolin

Edison's educational path was very different from the one many of us probably had. In fact, Edison had almost no formal education.

Thomas Edison attended school for only a few months. Due to some hearing problems he developed as a child, his mother decided to homeschool him, teaching and encouraging him, which awakened his impressive curiosity and appetite for knowledge.

By the time he was a preteen, he was already an autodidact. This fact was crucial on his way to becoming one of our country's most important inventors.

3

Young entrepreneur

Image: Jingda Chen

The young Edison was not only curious and intelligent; he was also an entrepreneur.

When he was just a boy of 12, he sold snacks, candy, cigars, magazines, and newspapers on the Grand Trunk Railroad. From that age, he displayed a determined character, which enabled him to raise money for his experiments.

But his ambition was so strong that he started his own newspaper, the Grand Trunk Herald. That's right! Little Edison assembled and printed his newspaper and sold it to passengers and people who frequented the train stations.

4

Hero

Image: Sugden Guy sugden

Did you know that Edison was also a hero? That's right!

In fact, we could say that his act of heroism as a teenager was the event that started his great career. By the age of 15, Edison was working and traveling on the Grand Trunk Railroad, where he became close to a station master and telegraph officer. One day, Edison spotted the station master's two-year-old son playing on the tracks as a train sped toward him. Without hesitation, he jumped and rescued the child.

The boy's father was so grateful that he offered to teach Edison how to use the telegraph system. And what do you think? He accepted immediately!

5

Marriages

Image: Fernando @cferdophotography

Between labs and experiments, Thomas Edison also had time for love.

Thomas Alva Edison married twice in his life. His first wife was Mary Stilwell Edison, whom he married in 1871. Mary and Thomas had three children. Sadly, she passed away in 1884 after 13 years of marriage.

His second marriage was in 1886 to Mina Miller Edison. With her, Edison had three more children. As it couldn't be otherwise, it's said that Edison asked Mina to marry him in a rather peculiar way: he proposed using Morse code!

6

His children's nicknames

Image: Sandie Clarke

Thomas Edison's creativity was evident in everything he did, and there's an anecdote that exemplifies this perfectly.

The inventor's passion and humor blended and resulted in fun and loving nicknames for his first two children. As we told you, by 1876, Edison already had two children from his first marriage. They were Marion and Thomas Jr., whom Edison called "Dot" and "Dash," respectively. Yes, you got it: it was a reference to Morse code!

7

First phonograph recording

Image: Call Me Fred

As you probably know, in 1877, Thomas Edison introduced the phonograph. It was the first device capable of recording and reproducing sound!

As a result of his experiments, this device completely changed the history of communication. But what did the first recording made with the phonograph say?

Edison made a cute choice for his first recording: a recitation of the beloved nursery rhyme "Mary Had a Little Lamb." That was the first time in history that anyone heard a previously recorded voice!

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His work team

Image: The National Library of Norway

It seems that Edison had a tendency for affectionate nicknames and monikers.

Edison didn't reserve nicknames just for his children; he also gave them to the members of his large staff. Many people worked in Edison's famous laboratory at Menlo Park, which he referred to as his "invention factory." Engineers, scientists, technicians, and people with different kinds of expertise gathered there to help make the great inventor's ideas possible. Edison affectionately referred to them as his "muckers," a nickname that shows not only his sense of humor but also his strong team spirit.

9

His health

Image: Dan Meyers

One of the best-known aspects of Edison's health was his hearing loss when he was very young. Contrary to what one might think, Edison stated that this fact didn't negatively affect his career development. In fact, he believed it helped him focus and dedicate more time to his inventions and discoveries.

However, as an adult, he developed some other health problems. Some sources suggest that Edison's habits, including long hours in the lab and a poor diet, contributed to health issues like heart problems and diabetes.

10

His last words

Image: Jonathan Borba

Edison's life was full of adventures, discoveries, love, and many other things. The American inventor didn't abandon his creativity even when it was time for him to leave this world.

It's said that, at the age of 84 on his deathbed, Thomas Edison looked at his wife, Mina, and uttered the words, "It's very beautiful over there."

While it's difficult to make a unique interpretation of these nice and calm words, their poetic and inspirational character is undeniable.

1

Lambeau Field

Image: Sunil GC

Lambeau Field is one of the USA’s most iconic venues. Holly ground for the fans of Wisconsin’s Green Bay Packers, this stadium can seat 81,441 spectators.

Lambeau has witnessed countless legendary moments in NFL history, from Vince Lombardi's coaching triumphs to Brett Favre's heroics and Aaron Rodgers' artistry.

The "Frozen Tundra" has also hosted memorable concerts, with artists like Paul McCartney and Kenny Chesney electrifying the crowd.

2

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Image: Chrishaun Byrom

Georgia’s favorite is Mercedes-Benz Stadium. A striking architectural marvel built to seat over 71,000 spectators, and made as a multi-purpose venue.

That means it has seen unforgettable games by the NFL's Atlanta Falcons and MLS's Atlanta United FC, as well as the Super Bowl LIII, the 2018 MLS Cup Final, and the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship.

Giant artists like Garth Brooks, Taylor Swift, and Beyoncé did take center stage there as well.

3

Michigan Stadium

Image: Aditi Bhanushali

"The Big House" is colossal: With over 107,000 seats, it’s the largest stadium in the United States . At least for now!

The venue is home to the University of Michigan Wolverines and is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It has seen games like the annual clash with Ohio State to the pageantry of homecoming.

The Big House has also hosted other events, like NHL games and international soccer games.

4

Dodger Stadium

Image: Jakob Owens

This beloved icon nestled in the hills of Los Angeles, California, is a favorite both because of its sweeping LA view and for its history.

With a seating capacity of over 56,000, this classic venue has been home to the Los Angeles Dodgers since 1962. It has been home to countless thrilling moments, from World Series victories to legendary pitching performances.

Beyond baseball, it has also hosted significant events, including concerts by The Beatles and Elton John, papal visits, and even Olympic ceremonies.

5

Arrowhead Stadium

Image: Samuel Myles

The roaring kingdom of the Chiefs is Arrowhead Stadium. This iconic cauldron is renowned for its deafening atmosphere, often called one of the loudest in the NFL.

It can seat over 76,000 spectators and has been the stage for countless memorable moments, from nail-biting playoff games to Super Bowl victories. Of course, it has also housed legendary musicians like The Rolling Stones and Taylor Swift in front of electrifying crowds.

6

Oriole Park at Camden Yards

Image: David McBee

Oriole Park at Camden Yards revolutionized the way baseball stadiums were built. With a seating capacity of over 45,000, this iconic Baltimore venue ushered in the era of "retro-classic" ballparks .

Camden Yards has witnessed Cal Ripken Jr.'s record-breaking consecutive games streak and numerous playoff runs. It also hosts major concerts: The first one was the one Billy Joel gave in 2019.

7

Yankee Stadium

Image: David Vives

The Old Yankee Stadium may have been "The House That Ruth Built," but its younger sibling is still carrying forward a legacy of decades.

The original structure held over 57,000 fans, slightly more than the new one, which opened in 2009 to offer modern amenities. It carries the spirit of its predecessor, which witnessed 27 World Series championships and countless legendary moments, from Babe Ruth's towering home runs to Lou Gehrig's farewell speech.

8

United Center

Image: Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

The United Center is dear to Chicago fans for being home to both the Chicago Bulls of the NBA and the Chicago Blackhawks of the NHL. It may not be the largest arena, but it has witnessed Michael Jordan's legendary performances and six championship runs!

Blackhawks fans cherish the memories of their own Stanley Cup victories celebrated within its walls. It has also become a major concert venue where popular artists celebrate sold-out shows.

9

Rose Bowl

Image: BookBabe

The Rose Bowl is a National Historic Landmark. Nestled in the Arroyo Seco of Pasadena, California, this one is a stadium steeped in tradition.

The college football classic Rose Bowl Game is held here annually to a sweeping audience of around 92,000 in attendance. It has also hosted two Super Bowls, the 1994 FIFA World Cup Final, and the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup Final.

10

Madison Square Garden

Image: Pedro Bariak

"The World's Most Famous Arena" is even more than that: it’s a legendary landmark in the heart of New York City. Its current structure is its fourth iteration, but it remains a classic venue for unforgettable events.

Home to the New York Knicks (NBA) and the New York Rangers (NHL), the Garden has witnessed countless thrilling games and championship victories. It’s also been the stage for some of the most memorable concerts in music history, featuring legendary artists from Elvis Presley to Beyoncé.

11

Wrigley Field

Image: Heather Maguire

Wrigley Field is a beloved baseball shrine in Chicago's Wrigleyville neighborhood. Home to the Chicago Cubs, it has been a cherished landmark since 1914.

Wrigley's ivy-covered walls, hand-operated scoreboard , and vintage atmosphere evoke a sense of nostalgia that few stadiums can match. Beyond baseball, Wrigley has also hosted concerts by major artists like Pearl Jam and Guns N’ Roses, and even a few NFL games in its early years.

12

Fenway Park

Image: Clark Van Der Beken

Finally, there’s Fenway Park, Boston’s center of Red Sox fans. As the oldest ballpark in MLB, Fenway has been the subject of several renovations and is today full of quirks, like the towering Green Monster wall, or the totem-like Pesky's Pole .

In 2021, Fenway was added to the National Register of Historic Places.