by Tom Bastek
Last updated: 10:00 PM ET, Tue September 2, 2014
Historic US Route 66, nicknamed Main St. America, originally ran from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California. Nowadays it is impossible to drive the entire route continuously, as many parts of the highway have been re-designated or rerouted to accommodate traffic demands.
There are, however, many stretches of the historic trip that are still not only recognized, but embraced. Along those stretches, some of the most unique and forgotten about destinations are still standing, waiting for you to find them again.
Wigwam Hotels - Two Locations
Originally the Wigwam Hotels or Villages as they were known numbered at seven. Today only three are still in existence with No. 7 in Rialto, California and No. 6 in Holbrook, Arizona sitting right on Historic Route 66. If you have ever wondered what it would be like to sleep in a Teepee, this is your chance.
Designed and patented by Frank A. Redford, these Teepees are probably more notorious now than back in their heyday. The good news is that the beds have been replaced since then. Modern amenities and good rates keep these Teepees full of guests since they have reopened. Be sure not to miss this.
"Cadillac Ranch" by Richie Diesterheft from Chicago, IL, USA - Tipping Painted Cars Uploaded by PDTillman. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.
Cadillac Ranch - Amarillo, Texas
Created in 1974, this art installation created by Chip Lord, Hudson Marquez and Doug Michels is a series of ten half-buried Cadillac automobiles ranging in years from 1949-1963. Able to be seen from Interstate 40 (which doubles as Route 66 at this point on the trail) and accessible from a frontage road off of Exit 60 or 62, getting up close and personal is highly encouraged.
Take your camera and your spray paint, should you feel like you are creative. Because not only are you able to take great selfies, it is encourages to leave your mark with paint, should you desire.
The World's Largest Catsup Bottle - Collinsville, Illinois
Roadside architecture has always fascinated me because of the way that creative people have thought to capture the attention of passers-by. Even now, when I am road-tripping, my wife and will see something and Google it to find out more, which is what I am sure that the designers of some of the best roadside Americana were aiming for.
Originally created for the G.S. Suppiger catsup bottling plant, the water tower that is the World's Largest Bottle of Catsup was saved from destruction and restored to all of its original glory. Technically on the Old Route 66 which is now Rte. 159, this 170-foot-tall attraction is certainly a sight to see. If you are lucky, you'll be there at the same time as the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile, which as you can probably guess is a favorite stop for them.
Pop's Soda Ranch - Arcadia, Oklahoma
More of a modern marvel than old-time favorite, Pop's is a must-stop-in-and-see kind of place. Over 600 different bottles of domestic and international soda are available for purchase. Peanut butter and jelly, chocolate, and Buffalo wing are just some of the totally weird flavors you can find.
If you are like me and like to stick to the basics, they break the coolers up by flavor. Personally, I am going for root beer, orange, and grape sodas. If I can find myself a Moon Pie, I might even have myself an RC Cola. Believe it or not, they also have a restaurant offering three meals a day and a gas station.
"JackRabbitTradingPost billboard" by Marcin Wichary from San Francisco, U.S.A. - [1] Uploaded by xnatedawgx. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.
Jack Rabbit Trading Post - Joseph City, Arizona
Started by Jim Taylor and his wife in 1949, the trading post is still going strong with Route 66 memorabilia and takeaways. They were known back in the day for billboards up and down Route 66 counting down the miles to your arrival with the epitome being the billboard at their front door that said (and still does) "Here it is." They even have a giant fiberglass Jackrabbit you can climb up on for a picture.
These are just five of the hundreds of hidden treasures for you to see while you get your kicks along old Route 66.
What are your favorite sights to see?
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