AMERICA'S MAIN STREET…read more I have always been fascinated by Main Street, USA. This is one reason I am fascinated by US 66. From 1926 to 1985 Route 66 was America's Main Street. From Santa Monica, California to Chicago, Illinois it travelled through eight states: California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois. Disparate from many of the US highways at the time, it did not travel in a straight line. Instead, it travelled diagonally to connect to downtowns that needed a connection to a major Highway in addition to large cities. US 66 grew with the popularity of the automobile and the migration west to California. With the popularity of US 66 came interesting roadside architecture. Examples are Cadillac Ranch, art deco motels, classic gas stations, drive-ins and restaurants. When traffic increased and cars became more powerful, US 66 evolved. For example the hairpin curves between Oatman and Kingman, Arizona were so dangerous that US 66 was relocated to the current I-40. By the 1960s, US 66 became an American institution. US 66 became as American as apple pie. There was a show about US 66 and the song "Get Your Kicks on Route 66." Meanwhile a pledging American institution was making America's Main Street extinct. It was the Interstate. Gradually the Interstate replaced US 66. In 1985 when I-40 was completed in 1985, US 66 was decommissioned from the highway system. It was replaced by I-10, I-15, I-40, I-44, and I-55. Americans love our heritage. US 66 is a part of our heritage. Groups such as the US 66 Association are working hard to preserve the existing segments of US 66 and to reinstate it as a US Highway. Thanks to their efforts "Historic US 66" route markers bring America's Main Street back to life in many of the existing segments. I have recently been on a few segments of US 66. Whenever I drove on US 66 pavement I felt a connection to America's heritage and a feeling of being in a real life train set. Whenever I am driving from Las Vegas to Southern California, when I exit the fast lane of I-15 for a break at a business off the slower lanes of the I-15 Business Loop, I am on US 66 most likely in a historic area. A not too distant experience was visiting the First McDonald's in San Bernardino off US 66. If I kept going West on the former US 66 that is now signed California 66, I'd end up taking the scenic route to Santa Monica Pier. When I drive from Vegas to Arizona destinations, I often stop on US 66. In Kingman, US 66 is both a Main Street and a I-40 Business Route. The US 66 Association is here in the Powerhouse Visitor Center. In downtown Kingman, US 66 looks like a charming train set turned to life. This is one of the larger segments of US 66. From Kingman, it changes into Arizona 66 and travels through the desert passing Grand Canyon Caverns until it rejoins I-40 West of Williams. When I vacationed in the Grand Canyon, it was US 66 in Williams that I stopped off before driving into the park. I knew I was on US 66 when I saw the bear attraction. When I drive the Laughlin route toward Lake Havasu City, I am driving on US 66 when I cruise through Needles, California . Recently I was hanging out on US 66 when I was spending a few hours in the ghost town of Oatman. And this summer when I walked in the Chicago Loop I was walking on the easternmost segment of US 66. US 66 is currently a discontinuous Main Street. Many have been negatively affected by the Interstate. A reinstated US 66 would connect these Main Street at the same time it would increase tourism. America needs it's Main Street back. The Route 66 Associations in each of the states that US 66 travels through are fighting the good fight by trying to reinstate US 66 to the highway system. I support them. And on the subject of US 66 for the next couple of days I will mentally be at the easternmost city of US 66 finishing up my 2014 Chicago reviews. I'll mentally be back in Vegas in a few days when the weather turns cooler. Most likely reviewing a Las Vegas Park or restaurant . So, my Vegas Yelper friends I will share my local experiences then. However, because this is the Internet you can join me on a mental trip to the easternmost city of US 66 in Chicago. If not I will leave you singing, "If you ever plan to motor west Travel my way the road that's the best. Get your kicks on Route 66."

Great Route 66 Museum! Very well presented history of Route 66. Worth the stop. I don't have kids…read morebut I think this would be an entertaining stop for kids as well. They also have a small electro car museum.

Prices are amazing here when compared to anything on the strip!…read moreWe were surprised at how much they had to offer and it was for sure worth stopping in.

You need a souvenir? This is the place! Prices are way cheaper than your typical souvenir shop in…read moreany hotel. Lots of cool gifts to buy. Don't pass it up.

Came in here the other day with a couple of my friends. I wasn't expecting to buy something, but I…read moresaw a shirt that had my grandpa's car on it, and I knew I had to get that for us. She hooked me up with the water too on this super hot day. I wish I spoke for my friends when she asked if they wanted one.

It had some nice cut out and selfie picture photo opts along with gifts. T-shirt, $27 with no…read moredressing room so that was kind of mistake on our part. Too small.

Veer off Highway 93 near Dolan Springs, Arizona for a moment in time to snap some great photos…read morehere. The quiet breeze and desolate landscape of this quirky Highway pit stop could make even the bravest soul a lil' bit uneasy, but hey, what's a road trip without a healthy dose of some risky business??? My fellow Desert Rats will feel right at home, but for those of you who are Non-desert dwellers: Beware of the regular vermin! I'm talking scorpions, rattlesnakes, tumbleweeds, and don't you dare step too close to a jumping cactus...

cutest trading post ever. spent 20 min just taking picture outside, with aliens, a huge snake and…read morescorpion. inside we were greeted warmly by Nicky and spent another 30 minutes perusing local art pieces and shopped for souvenirs. definitely worth a stop and have your camera ready for pictures outside!

I recently visited Saligman and was hopping for a thrift store with all sorts of neat finds…read more Unfortunately, RT 66 Hippie Cricket is not what I expected. The outside is very eclectic and fits the vibe of the town. Inside is a very small, single room store with limited items. The majority of the goods for sale were records and miniature cars. There were a few glass items and posters as well. The inside had an odd aroma of cigarettes and weed. A small room off the main room had a curtain over the door that was pulled back to reveal a bedroom with mattresses on the floor and crying children. I'm not sure if it doubles as a day care, or a home. It's a small town and a small business, but it honestly was a little frightening and off putting. They were having a "keeping the doors open" sale, so I understand they're struggling. Perhaps a formal door, a deep cleaning, and a more diverse collection of second hand items would draw in tourists who came to tour the quirky town that inspired Cars.

Happened upon this shop a few years back while my daughter and I were on a road trip. The owner had…read moresuch an amazing energetic spirit that we circled back thru to see her shop again. From the eclectic outside to the cool hippy interior this shop is definitely a must stop when passing through. Thanks for the wonderful experience!!

The staff is kind. The A&W grill smells heavenly…read more I bought a package of snack pickles for two bucks and continued to Flagstaff. The bathroom was safe and clean.

Route 66 memorabilia and Western souvenirs [Seligman AZ]…read more This is a nice place to get your Route 66 souvenirs. It is pretty big inside compared to other gift shops in Seligman. Seligman is the "Birthplace of Historic Route 66". As one of the original towns along the famous Route 66 the store offered a lot of unique souvenirs that are perfect for taking home as a memento of your trip. They have a nice selection of stickers to choose from which I added a few to my collection. Oh, and try not to get too close to that old cowboy sitting by the window... Whether you're traveling the entire length of Route 66 or just passing through the area, be sure to stop by this gift shop on Route 66. Review #3703

This is one of the nicer shops on Whiskey Row. What is different about it are 2 things that are big…read morein my book: One: It is not overrun with cheap Chinese made silly souvenirs and chachkies. Two: They carry a nice selection of "Dead Pawn" (aka " old pawn") Native American jewelry. Old pawn pieces can be less appealing or even a bit scary to shop for if you are new to Native American jewelry, or if you are looking for modern styling or highly polished pieces. However, while you will find all manner or recognizable styles in old pawn, you just may find one of a kind pieces too. That's the type I like. Another thing about shopping old pawn is that vendors are usually more open to accepting offers. A very nice couple operate this store. Although you will see a sign with the Ortega name at the Galloping Goose just a few shops away, they are not the same owners - they are cousins. Ortega's has been here a while and it surprised me that I had to submit a YELP listing. This is definitely a shop worth visiting.

Beautiful silver jewelry, authentic semi-precious stones, handcrafted items from Mexico, not China!…read moreSo sorry to see them leave downtown Prescott as they have been a Prescott fixture for several decades. Luckily their main store is in Cave Creek, a few hours from Prescott. See you there!

We enjoyed this shop since it was different than the rest. Locally made items by artists and…read moreartisans. Bought a ceramic donkey Oatman Christmas ornament, and a felt sewn donkey pencil cover, she also has stickers, tshirts, and other items.

The most unique store I have been to in a long time. I just adore this place. The owner has the…read morefriendliest service. She is so sweet and helpful. Gave me a small tour of the crafty gift shop and a quick background of the items. I love to support creative handmade items there was a lot to buy here. That is ok. Just spoil yourself and do it. I'll definitely come back again and again plus all the little mules outside are just so cute.

KarEN was awesome. This place has the best signs I think of any place I love the 66 suitcases and…read moreall the novelties it's a wonderful place.. I WOULD RECOMMEND

Drove through Seligman for the first time this weekend and glad we did. Great stop along Route 66…read moreto see history and see the inspiration for the "Cars" franchise. We popped into the "Return To the 50's" store, the owners here are great and have a nice selection of souvenirs. The whole family was happy we stopped.