Route 66 Centennial Sparks Tourism in Historic Small Towns

With the 100th anniversary of U.S. Route 66, travelers are exploring motels, diners, and attractions that recall the highway’s golden era. Many of the sites are in small towns that once thrived during the peak of Route 66’s popularity, according to author Jim Hinckley.

Hinckley told Fox News that the trucking industry saw a 700% increase between 1939 and 1964, and by 1964, about 80% of Americans vacationed by automobile. As traffic waned after the highway’s decline, many towns experienced economic downturns, evident as travelers pass rundown businesses along the route spanning eight states.

One such town is Adrian, Texas, located at the geographic midpoint of Route 66, as identified by Gary Daggett, president of the Old Route 66 Association of Texas. Daggett said the town’s nostalgic appeal draws visitors looking to experience American history firsthand. The Midpoint Café in Adrian, managed by Brenda Hammit Bradley, is a popular stop, famous for its diverse pie flavors and its inspiration for Flo’s V8 Café in Disney-Pixar’s “Cars.” Bradley noted that more than 70% of her customers come from overseas.

Just east of Adrian is Vega, Texas, a small town with Route 66 memorabilia and Dot’s Mini Museum, run by Keila Bain. Bain said her grandmother, Dot, was lively and fun, and her museum of antiques attracts visitors from dozens of countries. The museum’s guest book is filled with signatures from travelers worldwide, reflecting the highway’s enduring appeal.

Hinckley emphasized that Route 66’s enduring magic lies in its people, noting that the highway continues to inspire enthusiasm and nostalgia. As towns along the route celebrate its centennial, they are seeing a resurgence in visitors eager to connect with a significant piece of American history.

Source: Original Article