Route 66 runs, mostly, from Chicago to California with segments crisscrossing Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. Arizona's stretch has some pretty cool stuff.

Route 66, aka the "Mother Road" and "America's Main Street" among other nicknames, was 2,448 miles long highway and took travelers between Chicago and California. I say "was" because, today, some segments are no longer useable.

Most of it's still there though and it's a cool trip back in time to a totally different America.

The interstate system we know today began construction in the 50's and that initiated the almost painfully slow demise of Route 66. It was officially, fully decommissioned in 1985.

The interstates offered smoother roadways, more lanes and quicker travel. Gas stations and motels sprung up alongside it eliminating the need for travelers to wander very far from the interstate. You could exit, grab what you needed and get right back on the road without exploring.

Some of the businesses and attractions along Route 66 were popular enough to still be sought by travelers and others were able to move closer to the interstate. The rest, one by one, slowly faded into oblivion.

Historical Route 66 Increasingly Threatened By Development
Getty Images
loading...

A wave of nostalgia spurred new interest in the highway and, as people began to reuse the now "grand" mother road, many attractions opened back up to the delight of those tired of the same old, same old, "cookie cutter" gas stations, restaurants and motels.

Now, there are lots of retro air B 'n B's, diners, Mom 'n Pop shops and charm. Loads of charm lives in these areas that seem frozen in time. I've been on the stretch from New Mexico to Arizona, here's something cool I found along the way. (If you don't get the sign and the truck, you don't know the song ...)

You can also visit these quirky places:

Coronavirus Pandemic Causes Climate Of Anxiety And Changing Routines In America
Getty Images
loading...

About 85% of Route 66 it is still drivable. Many parts now go by different names and highway numbers but it's usually marked somehow, by sign or on the pavement, with a Route 66 emblem like that one.

Tell the boss you need a long weekend, gas up and take a drive back to a cooler, warmer and fuzzier America.

Cool, Historic And Weird Things Along Route 66 In Texas

Some of the odd stuff you'll find along Route 66 where it goes through Texas.

Gallery Credit: Dubba G

LOOK: Route 66’s quirkiest and most wonderful attractions state by state

Stacker compiled a list of 50 attractions--state by state--to see along the drive, drawing on information from historic sites, news stories, Roadside America, and the National Park Service. Keep reading to discover where travelers can get their kicks on Route 66.

Gallery Credit: Kery Wiginton

 

More From KLAQ El Paso