100th anniversary of Route 66 boosts tourism in historic small towns

Route 66 Celebrates Its Centennial

Amarillo, Texas – As Route 66 marks its 100th anniversary, many travelers are searching for the most interesting motels, attractions, and diners to honor this milestone.

The desires of those traveling Route 66 today mirror what drew folks to it during its peak years.

“Trucking increased by about 700% from 1939 to 1964. By 1964, 80% of people vacationed by car,” said Jim Hinckley, an author familiar with Route 66.

The historic road winds through numerous towns, showcasing places that have expanded into bustling cities as well as others that remain shadows of their former selves.

Celebrating America’s Highway

“Imagine 1939. You had a million cars rolling into your town every year, and then post-war, that number skyrocketed. Suddenly, it was like someone turned off a tap,” Hinckley reflects.

This stark change is evident as drivers pass by abandoned businesses in small towns scattered across eight states.

According to Gary Daggett, president of the Old Route 66 Association of Texas, one of the notable spots is Adrian, Texas—thought to be the “geographical midpoint” of Route 66.

“It’s a nostalgia thing. There’s a lot of American history wrapped up in Route 66,” Daggett remarked.

Special Highlights Along Route 66

Daggett also manages the gift shop at Midpoint Cafe in Adrian, which boasts a distinctive sign that’s hard to miss. Owner Brenda Hammitt-Bradley has been serving customers since 2018 and is famous for her diverse pie menu, which features unique flavors such as green chili apple pie and a chocolate-peanut butter-banana Elvis pie.

“It’s definitely challenging work, but it’s also a lot of fun. You meet incredible people,” she shared, noting that over 70% of her patrons come from abroad.

Interestingly, she mentioned that Midpoint Cafe served as inspiration for Flo’s V8 restaurant in the Pixar film “Cars.”

Just a little further east lies Vega, Texas, a small town boasting various Route 66 artifacts, including Dot’s Mini Museum, which is located a block away from the historic route.

“Our town was bypassed by Interstate 40, but many travelers still enjoy coming through to connect with the community and explore new places,” commented Kayla Bain, Dot’s granddaughter. The museum, filled with antiques, has no entry fee, and the doors are always open.

“What’s missed most about Dot’s mini-museum is Dot herself; she had such a vibrant personality,” Bain added, noting her grandmother inspired a character in “Cars” and attended several promotional events.

Though Dot is no longer there, the guest book inside the museum captures the many visitors from around the world, reflecting on their travels along Route 66.