EPILOGUE

We were surprised at how much of the Mother Road is still drivable. Of the eight states we visited along the way, Illinois does BY FAR the best job of preserving what is left of the old road, the old gas stations, the cafes and motels that once saw so many travelers with so many dreams of what lay ahead, down the road.

California does the WORST job of preserving and promoting the Mother Road. The explosive growth of the L.A. basin has demolished almost all traces of the old road.

Oklahoma and New Mexico are right behind Illinois in pampering the memory of Route 66. Missouri and Texas are next. Eastern Arizona is almost devoid of evidence that the Mother Road passed through. Western Arizona is much better, especially from Seligman to Needles.

It is still possible to make the journey and experience some of the essence of what it was like “back then” to get your kicks on Route 66. Get out there and DO it!