Searching for Route 66 is made easier with the innovative Route 66 Navigation app.
Searching for Route 66 on an adventure from Chicago to Santa Monica can be a challenge. After all, officially, the most famous highway in America doesn’t exist. It hasn’t since 1985.
A few states such as Illinois realize the economic benefits or Route 66 tourism. Careful attention is given to ensure that the iconic highway has plenty of signage. And the old double six figures prominently in the official marketing of Illinois. In fact an argument could easily be made that when it comes to Route 66, Illinois sells everything on the hog including the squeal.
It is also relatively easy to navigate Route 66 in Oklahoma. Even in the big cities of Tulsa and Oklahoma City. Missouri has also done a fair job with signage. And as the distance on Route 66 from the Missouri state line to the Oklahoma state line is less than 15 miles, it is difficult to get lost.
But what about the other states along the highway corridor? What about the older alignments? And St. Louis as well as the Los Angeles metropolitan area can be a challenge even for the seasoned Route 66 traveler.
Searching For Route 66
For the passionate road trip adventurer, half the fun is getting lost and making new discoveries. Still, there are lots of discoveries to make on Route 66, and there were a number of alignments as the highway evolved.
Searching for Route 66 is made easier with two simple tools. One, EZ 66 Guide For Travelers by artist and author Jerry McClanahan, is a throwback to the era of tail fins and I Like Ike buttons.
It is a durable flip ring book with hand drawn maps, notes, trivia, and detailed directions. To add value as a guide, McClanahan maintains a website with updates about road closures and similar news of importance. He even includes the address of his gallery just a couple blocks off Route 66 in Oklahoma, and encourages people to stock by and get an autograph.
A Modern Twist
A modern twist on traveling is the use of apps that have almost completely replaced the atlas and folded map. When it comes to Route 66, the best app available is Route 66 Navigation. And that app is about to get even better.
Marian Pavel, owner of Touch Media, the company developing the app, spends a month or more on Route 66 each year. He tests the app, looks for flaws, and devises ways that it can be improved.
Currently the expansive point of interest file is being updated and expanded. That is where I come in. After all, at Jim Hinckley’s America telling people where to go is our stock in trade.
And now an event section is being developed. This will provide event organizers with a powerful promotional tool. And it will enhance the travelers experience.
Getting Your Kicks
Getting your kicks on Route 66 just might be the ultimate American road trip. And with the centennial fast approaching, things are changing fast. Events are being organized and old businesses are being given a new lease on life. New businesses are opening. And new attractions are being developed.
With McClanahan’s guide for the copilot, and the multifaceted Route 66 Navigation app, you take the guess work out of a Routte 66 odyssesy. So, you can just relax and have fun, and not spend your time searching for Route 66.
