Christmas roadtrip
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Joined: Feb 2015
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From: London
Christmas roadtrip
Hi Guys,
Im flying into LA a couple of days before Christmas to spend a couple of days with my son.
Im planning on driving through to Dallas over nine days. Whats good along the way. Im not fussed on what way I go as I havent booked any hotels.
Thanks
Im flying into LA a couple of days before Christmas to spend a couple of days with my son.
Im planning on driving through to Dallas over nine days. Whats good along the way. Im not fussed on what way I go as I havent booked any hotels.
Thanks
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,257
From: Chesapeake, VA
Taking I-40 across is the most direct way. Its also the old RTE-66 so plenty of the old history to see. Flagstaff is a beautiful place to stop for a day or 2. You can make a day trip from there down to Sedona to see the big iron colored rocks. Then I like to stop in Albuquerque. You can take the gondola to the top of the mountain for some views and hiking. (Ski slopes will be open as well)Plus there is a restaurant at the top. Also there is the US nuclear museum where you can see the development of the nuclear bomb and other items. When you take I-40 to Amarillo make sure to stop at Cadillac ranch and paint your name on one. It's 7 classic Cadillacs buried halfway with their rearend sticking out of the ground. Otherwise in Amarillo is the steak restaurant where you can try and tackle the 72oz steak. Then take 287 to 114 and that will run you straight into Dallas. Dallas can see the Kennedy memorial, where he was shot and the library museum from where the shot was taken. Those are some ideas for you.
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From: southeastern Michigan
I was at the Cadillac Ranch in July 2013, and a few photos from that visit are attached. The cars are so painted over that they have become basically continually changing works of art, or rather works of graffiti. They're shaped like cars, but it's difficult to appreciate them as cars any more.
Scattered all over the place around them are discarded spray paint cans. People go out there, spray their paint, drop their can on the ground, and walk away.
At one time it was certainly pretty cool to see old Cadillacs sticking out of the ground. Unfortunately, they were not protected from the public, so they're now just lumps of metal. Had they been fenced off and preserved, it undoubtedly would have been very interesting, now, to see how nature had changed them over the years. But we will never know.
Scattered all over the place around them are discarded spray paint cans. People go out there, spray their paint, drop their can on the ground, and walk away.
At one time it was certainly pretty cool to see old Cadillacs sticking out of the ground. Unfortunately, they were not protected from the public, so they're now just lumps of metal. Had they been fenced off and preserved, it undoubtedly would have been very interesting, now, to see how nature had changed them over the years. But we will never know.
Last edited by jaunty75; Sep 14, 2015 at 07:05 AM.
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 15,193
From: southeastern Michigan
In addition to Flagstaff, two other good Route 66 cities along your way are Kingman and Williams, Arizona. Kingman has several Route 66 attractions, and Williams, a good western town, is a good jumping off point for a visit to the Grand Canyon, about an hour north of there, if you have time.
Williams was the location of the last stoplight along Route 66 between Chicago and Los Angeles. I-40 bypassed Williams in 1984, and after that, there were no more stoplights along the route.
Then you have to stop in Winslow, Arizona, for gasoline if nothing else, and take a moment to "Stand on the Corner in Winslow, Arizona" like the Eagles did back in 1973.
http://standinonthecorner.com/
Then, if staying there for the night doesn't fit into your plans, at least stop for a minute in Tucumcari, New Mexico, which is not far from the Texas border, and visit the Blue Swallow Motel. It's a classic Route 66 roadside motor court that had fallen into disrepair but was purchased by an out-of-work executive couple from Michigan who threw caution to the wind and invested in restoring it to its former glory.
We were in Tucumcari last June and couldn't stay there because they were full (there's only something like 11 rooms). But they welcome tourists to just stop in to their gift shop, chat with them about the history of the place, and take all the photos you want. If you can be there at night, even better as all the neon lights have been restored, and they turn them on every evening.
The owner has a '51 Pontiac that he parks out front during the day.
Williams was the location of the last stoplight along Route 66 between Chicago and Los Angeles. I-40 bypassed Williams in 1984, and after that, there were no more stoplights along the route.
Then you have to stop in Winslow, Arizona, for gasoline if nothing else, and take a moment to "Stand on the Corner in Winslow, Arizona" like the Eagles did back in 1973.
http://standinonthecorner.com/
Then, if staying there for the night doesn't fit into your plans, at least stop for a minute in Tucumcari, New Mexico, which is not far from the Texas border, and visit the Blue Swallow Motel. It's a classic Route 66 roadside motor court that had fallen into disrepair but was purchased by an out-of-work executive couple from Michigan who threw caution to the wind and invested in restoring it to its former glory.
We were in Tucumcari last June and couldn't stay there because they were full (there's only something like 11 rooms). But they welcome tourists to just stop in to their gift shop, chat with them about the history of the place, and take all the photos you want. If you can be there at night, even better as all the neon lights have been restored, and they turn them on every evening.
The owner has a '51 Pontiac that he parks out front during the day.
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 15,193
From: southeastern Michigan
One other suggestion:
To get a true sense of what driving Route 66 was like (and it wasn't always all fun and games back in the day, especially when you consider the cars people drove the route IN back in the '40s and '50s), get off of I-40 at exit 1 in Arizona (just over the border from California), and go north on Arizona route 10 through Oatman to Kingman. This was the original routing of Route 66, and the road is definitely a reminder of earlier days. It can be very winding at times, and it is about 50 miles from where you exit I-40 at exit 1 and Kingman, but it is quite driveable in a modern car, and the town of Oatman itself is basically one big Route 66 attraction. People live there, and they do celebrate their Route 66 heritage, but it can also be a very sleepy town.
We passed through there in June 2010, and attached are a few photos from that visit.
To get a true sense of what driving Route 66 was like (and it wasn't always all fun and games back in the day, especially when you consider the cars people drove the route IN back in the '40s and '50s), get off of I-40 at exit 1 in Arizona (just over the border from California), and go north on Arizona route 10 through Oatman to Kingman. This was the original routing of Route 66, and the road is definitely a reminder of earlier days. It can be very winding at times, and it is about 50 miles from where you exit I-40 at exit 1 and Kingman, but it is quite driveable in a modern car, and the town of Oatman itself is basically one big Route 66 attraction. People live there, and they do celebrate their Route 66 heritage, but it can also be a very sleepy town.
We passed through there in June 2010, and attached are a few photos from that visit.
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 15,193
From: southeastern Michigan
I keep thinking of more things to do.
Between Albuquerque and Tucumcari is Santa Rosa, New Mexico, another town that celebrates its Route 66 heritage. There's not a lot to see there other than the hotels and restaurants (but nothing as quaint as the Blue Swallow), but one thing of interest is the famous "Blue Hole," which is used to train scuba divers.
http://santarosabluehole.com/
Between Albuquerque and Tucumcari is Santa Rosa, New Mexico, another town that celebrates its Route 66 heritage. There's not a lot to see there other than the hotels and restaurants (but nothing as quaint as the Blue Swallow), but one thing of interest is the famous "Blue Hole," which is used to train scuba divers.
http://santarosabluehole.com/
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Joined: Feb 2015
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From: London
[QUOTE=jaunty75;857105]One other suggestion:
To get a true sense of what driving Route 66 was like (and it wasn't always all fun and games back in the day, especially when you consider the cars people drove the route IN back in the '40s and '50s), get off of I-40 at exit 1 in Arizona (just over the border from California), and go north on Arizona route 10 through Oatman to Kingman. This was the original routing of Route 66, and the road is definitely a reminder of earlier days. It can be very winding at times, and it is about 50 miles from where you exit I-40 at exit 1 and Kingman, but it is quite driveable in a modern car, and the town of Oatman itself is basically one big Route 66 attraction. People live there, and they do celebrate their Route 66 heritage, but it can also be a very sleepy town.
Great ideas, I love the idea of finding a bit of the old wild west especially on route 66.
Im starting to make some kind of plan which will include the Grand Canyon. For some reason the last time I was out that way I forgot to go there!!!
Are there any other car attractions along the way?
To get a true sense of what driving Route 66 was like (and it wasn't always all fun and games back in the day, especially when you consider the cars people drove the route IN back in the '40s and '50s), get off of I-40 at exit 1 in Arizona (just over the border from California), and go north on Arizona route 10 through Oatman to Kingman. This was the original routing of Route 66, and the road is definitely a reminder of earlier days. It can be very winding at times, and it is about 50 miles from where you exit I-40 at exit 1 and Kingman, but it is quite driveable in a modern car, and the town of Oatman itself is basically one big Route 66 attraction. People live there, and they do celebrate their Route 66 heritage, but it can also be a very sleepy town.
Great ideas, I love the idea of finding a bit of the old wild west especially on route 66.
Im starting to make some kind of plan which will include the Grand Canyon. For some reason the last time I was out that way I forgot to go there!!!
Are there any other car attractions along the way?
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,614
From: S.E. Louisiana, so far still in U.S.A.
If you like no limit buffet style restaurants, try Golden Corral. It's a chain outfit in most of the larger towns. There is lots to choose from with an "early bird"/senior discount in the weekday mid afternoon. But be careful; it's easy to OD. 
http://www.goldencorral.com/
http://www.goldencorral.com/
Last edited by Ozzie; Sep 15, 2015 at 06:03 AM. Reason: added information
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 15,193
From: southeastern Michigan
Along I-40 in Arizona and New Mexico, there are no formal auto museums that I know of. HOWEVER, you're actually in the area of the country (the desert southwest) which is the holy grail for people looking for quality, rust-free sheetmetal. As you're driving, just look around you.
When I was driving on the route between Kingman and Topock through Oatman, I passed just south of Kingman a large auto salvage yard with all sorts of vintage tin on display. You could easily spend an hour wandering around there, assuming the owners would let you! (see attached photo).
There's a large auto salvage yard about 20 miles north of Kingman on the route to Las Vegas (perhaps a bit out of your way).
Whenever you go past one of the towns along the way (Kingman, Seligman, Williams, Flagstaff, Winslow, Holbrook in Arizona and Gallup, Grants, Albuquerque, Santa Rosa, Tucumcari in New Mexico), exit I-40 as you're approaching the town and drive through it on the I-40 Business Loop which takes you through the center of town and usually has you driving on the old route 66. You'll undoubtedly see old cars either parked on the side of the road or actually in use.
I mentioned the old Pontiac parked in front of the Blue Swallow Motor Court in Tucumcari. As I recall, as you drive through Williams on the eastward-going side of the route, there is is a store where the owner keeps a mid-50s Olds 98 parked out front. There are usually several old cars to be seen in that town.
In Seligman, there is a gift shop with an Elvis Presley display out front involving an Edsel. I've attached a google street view of it. Elvis is sitting on the back bumper.
When you're passing by Albuquerque, get off of I-40 at exit 149, go south about 200 yards, and turn left onto Central Avenue. This was route 66 back in the day, and Albuquerque celebrates the hell out of it. Central Avenue reconnects with I-40 at exit 167, so you'll have about 20 miles of classic route 66 right through downtown Albuquerque with the old and the new.
The signage you're looking for as you go along I-40 is shown in the first attached image.
When I was driving on the route between Kingman and Topock through Oatman, I passed just south of Kingman a large auto salvage yard with all sorts of vintage tin on display. You could easily spend an hour wandering around there, assuming the owners would let you! (see attached photo).
There's a large auto salvage yard about 20 miles north of Kingman on the route to Las Vegas (perhaps a bit out of your way).
Whenever you go past one of the towns along the way (Kingman, Seligman, Williams, Flagstaff, Winslow, Holbrook in Arizona and Gallup, Grants, Albuquerque, Santa Rosa, Tucumcari in New Mexico), exit I-40 as you're approaching the town and drive through it on the I-40 Business Loop which takes you through the center of town and usually has you driving on the old route 66. You'll undoubtedly see old cars either parked on the side of the road or actually in use.
I mentioned the old Pontiac parked in front of the Blue Swallow Motor Court in Tucumcari. As I recall, as you drive through Williams on the eastward-going side of the route, there is is a store where the owner keeps a mid-50s Olds 98 parked out front. There are usually several old cars to be seen in that town.
In Seligman, there is a gift shop with an Elvis Presley display out front involving an Edsel. I've attached a google street view of it. Elvis is sitting on the back bumper.
When you're passing by Albuquerque, get off of I-40 at exit 149, go south about 200 yards, and turn left onto Central Avenue. This was route 66 back in the day, and Albuquerque celebrates the hell out of it. Central Avenue reconnects with I-40 at exit 167, so you'll have about 20 miles of classic route 66 right through downtown Albuquerque with the old and the new.
The signage you're looking for as you go along I-40 is shown in the first attached image.
Last edited by jaunty75; Sep 15, 2015 at 07:31 AM.
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Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Margate, England
If you can, take a day out for the Grand Canyon, hit your plastic for a helicopter trip too, expensive but worth it imo, and buy the dvd of your trip as well.
As has been said, Williams is a good jumping off spot for Grand Canyon, Friday and Saturday nights are good for petrolheads.
If it appeals to you, you could turn off I40 at Santa Rosa in New Mexico and make your way to Fort Sumner and visit the Billy the Kid museum, on your way to Lubbock, Texas for the Buddy Holly museum.
That would mean approaching Dallas via Fort Worth, so spend time in Cowtown, take in a rodeo if you wish. take a tour round the Dallas Cowboys Stadium at Arlington if American Football has any appeal.
The Sixth Floor Museum is brilliant, You can follow the timeline leading to JFK's assasination and the aftermath. It's done in a balanced manner, sticking to facts and inviting you to form your own opinion.
There is plenty of night life in Deep Ellum and West End, and many good places to eat.
But don't try to cram in everything in one trip, select a few things from all the possibilities and take time to enjoy them.
You can make LA to Dallas in a couple of days if you need to, but nine days gives you time to properly appreciate some of what the USA has to offer. Btw, there is no such thing as Boxing Day over there, and I believe New Years Day is just another day too, which means you won't have to work around half the country being closed for two weeks around Christmas.
Whatever you decide, here's wishing you a good trip.
Roger.
As has been said, Williams is a good jumping off spot for Grand Canyon, Friday and Saturday nights are good for petrolheads.
If it appeals to you, you could turn off I40 at Santa Rosa in New Mexico and make your way to Fort Sumner and visit the Billy the Kid museum, on your way to Lubbock, Texas for the Buddy Holly museum.
That would mean approaching Dallas via Fort Worth, so spend time in Cowtown, take in a rodeo if you wish. take a tour round the Dallas Cowboys Stadium at Arlington if American Football has any appeal.
The Sixth Floor Museum is brilliant, You can follow the timeline leading to JFK's assasination and the aftermath. It's done in a balanced manner, sticking to facts and inviting you to form your own opinion.
There is plenty of night life in Deep Ellum and West End, and many good places to eat.
But don't try to cram in everything in one trip, select a few things from all the possibilities and take time to enjoy them.
You can make LA to Dallas in a couple of days if you need to, but nine days gives you time to properly appreciate some of what the USA has to offer. Btw, there is no such thing as Boxing Day over there, and I believe New Years Day is just another day too, which means you won't have to work around half the country being closed for two weeks around Christmas.
Whatever you decide, here's wishing you a good trip.
Roger.
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