The Ultimate Road Trip Guide: Your 13-Day Adventure on Route 66 2023

On March 19, 2023 By Sangamon DockIn Sangamon Illinois, Sangamon Watch Ambassador Program

Embarking on a quintessential American road trip along the historic Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica is a dream for many travelers. Before setting off on this 13-day adventure, be sure to purchase your Mother Road Route 66 Passport 2023 Edition online from SangamonWatches.com. This passport will not only serve as a unique keepsake, but also guide you to all the key tourist attractions along the way. With your Route 66 Passport in hand, you’ll be ready to explore the Mother Road’s hidden gems, vintage diners, and breathtaking landscapes, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Don’t forget that Route 66 is dotted with countless smaller attractions, adding charm and character to your road trip. Be sure to consult a map before hitting the road, so you don’t miss out on these hidden gems that make the Mother Road an unforgettable experience.

Day 1: Chicago, IL to Springfield, IL (202 miles)

Start at the Route 66 Begin Sign, Chicago
Visit the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) Skydeck
Visit the Route 66 Association Hall of Fame & Museum in Pontiac
Overnight in Springfield, IL and Visit Sangamon Watches shop for a Rt 66 Passport

Day 2: Springfield, IL to St. Louis, MO (98 miles)

Visit Lincoln’s Home and Tomb in Springfield
Drive to St. Louis, MO
Explore the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
Visit the Gateway Arch
Overnight in St. Louis, MO

Day 3: St. Louis, MO to Springfield, MO (215 miles)

Drive to Meramec Caverns in Stanton, MO
Drive to Springfield, MO
Visit the Route 66 Car Museum
Overnight in Springfield, MO

Day 4: Springfield, MO to Tulsa, OK (185 miles)

Drive to Joplin, MO
Stop at the Rainbow Arch Bridge in Riverton, KS
Drive to Tulsa, OK
Visit the Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza
Overnight in Tulsa, OK

Day 5: Tulsa, OK to Oklahoma City, OK (107 miles)

Drive to Oklahoma City, OK
Visit the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton
Overnight in Oklahoma City, OK

Day 6: Oklahoma City, OK to Amarillo, TX (259 miles)

Drive to Amarillo, TX
Stop at the Sandhills Curiosity Shop in Erick, OK
Visit the Cadillac Ranch
Overnight in Amarillo, TX

Day 7: Amarillo, TX to Tucumcari, NM (115 miles)

Drive to Tucumcari, NM
Visit the Route 66 Monument
Overnight in Tucumcari, NM

Day 8: Tucumcari, NM to Santa Fe, NM (174 miles)

Drive to Santa Fe, NM
Stop at the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari
Explore the historic Santa Fe Plaza
Overnight in Santa Fe, NM

Day 9: Santa Fe, NM to Albuquerque, NM (63 miles)

Drive to Albuquerque, NM
Visit the Petroglyph National Monument
Overnight in Albuquerque, NM

Day 10: Albuquerque, NM to Holbrook, AZ (259 miles)

Drive to Holbrook, AZ
Visit the Painted Desert & Petrified Forest National Park
Overnight in Holbrook, AZ

Day 11: Holbrook, AZ to Williams, AZ (145 miles)

Drive to Williams, AZ
Visit the Meteor Crater
Overnight in Williams, AZ

Day 12: Williams, AZ to Kingman, AZ (145 miles)

Drive to the Grand Canyon (optional day trip)
Drive to Kingman, AZ
Visit the Route 66 Museum
Overnight in Kingman, AZ

Day 13: Kingman, AZ to Santa Monica, CA (315 miles)

Drive to Oatman, AZ and explore the old mining town
Drive to Santa Monica, CA
Stop at the Route 66 End Sign
Enjoy Santa Monica Pier and beach

Throughout your trip, don’t forget to collect stamps for your Route 66 Passport at various attractions and landmarks.

As you conclude your remarkable 13-day journey along Route 66, take a moment to reflect on the unforgettable experiences and memories you’ve created. From iconic landmarks to charming small towns, your adventure has been enriched by the rich history and diverse culture that define the Mother Road. The Route 66 Passport from SangamonWatches.com has guided you every step of the way, making it the perfect keepsake to commemorate this once-in-a-lifetime trip. As you reminisce about your travels, remember that the spirit of Route 66 will live on in your heart, inspiring you to continue exploring the open road and discovering new horizons. Get your Route 66 Passport online now!

What is a Mother Road Route 66 Passport?

On February 11, 2023 By Sangamon DockIn Sangamon Illinois, Sangamon Watch Ambassador Program

Mother Road Route 66 Passports are a special type of passport that commemorate the iconic Route 66 highway in the United States. This highway is widely known as the “Main Street of America” and runs from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California. The Mother Road Route 66 Passports were created as a way for travelers to document their journey along the historic route and serve as a physical reminder of their adventures.

The Route 66 Passports have become a popular collectible item among travelers, history buffs, and road trip enthusiasts. The passport features the iconic Route 66 shield on its cover and includes a series of stamps and stickers that can be collected along the way. The stamps and stickers are available at various points of interest along the route, such as historic sites, museums, and roadside attractions. Some popular stamps and stickers include the Route 66 Museum in Pontiac, Sangamon Watches in Springfield, Illinois, and the Wigwam Motel in Rialto, California.

The Mother Road Route 66 Passports not only serve as a record of a traveler’s journey, but also serve as a way to support local communities along the route. Many of the stamps and stickers are produced by small businesses and local organizations, providing them with additional revenue and exposure. Additionally, the Route 66 Passports encourage travelers to explore small towns and communities that they might have otherwise missed, helping to promote economic growth and sustainability in these areas.

The Mother Road Route 66 Passports are also a way to commemorate the history of Route 66 and its significance in American culture. The highway was originally established in 1926 and was one of the first major highways in the country, serving as a major transportation route for decades. It was particularly important during the Great Depression and World War II, when it served as a vital link between the Midwest and the West Coast. Today, the highway is still widely recognized as an iconic symbol of American road trips and a symbol of the American spirit of adventure.

In conclusion, the Mother Road Route 66 Passports are a unique and meaningful way to document a traveler’s journey along this historic highway. Not only do they serve as a physical record of a trip, but they also support local communities and celebrate the rich history of Route 66. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a first-time road tripper, a Route 66 Passport is a must-have for anyone embarking on a journey along this iconic American highway.

To order a Rt 66 Passport before you are headed on the road, click here at http://www.SangamonWatches.com

Where Can I Get a Route 66 Passport? Mother Road Passports Available in Springfield Illinois

On May 21, 2021September 4, 2022 By Sangamon DockIn Sangamon Illinois, Sangamon Watch Ambassador Program, Uncategorized

Are you ready for a Route 66 driving tour during this summer? Are you wondering where you can get a Mother Road Route 66 passport?

We received these beautiful 2022-2023 edition Mother Road Route 66 passports today and made them immediately available at our Sangamon Watches office in Springfield Illinois! If you are traveling through central Illinois and the city of Springfield on Old Rt 66, please stop by and pick up one, we will stamp it for you! We will share with you some Springfield Rt 66 spots that you may not know. Our office is just a few minutes away from Cozy Dog, Black Route History Museum, Maid Rite and Rt 66 Motörhead Bar Grill and Museum.

The enhanced second edition of Route 66 Passport, produced by Route 66 Navigation, is ready for both international and domestic travelers! Passport holders would collect unique stamps at 34 carefully selected locations along Route 66 as well as free souvenirs or discounts. Get stamps, get gifts and get fun! Come to get your passport at Sangamon Watches in Springfield, Illinois, you can also order online prior to your trip, FREE shipping with USA. Please email us at: brian@sangamonwatches.com.

While you are here in town, you may even want to browse or purchase a Mother Road Collection watch and claim your free gifts from us! Our showroom location at 206 South 6th Street, downtown Springfield IL (we are located right across from Springfield Visitors Center where you can claim your free RT 66 stamp for your passport! We accept all major credit cards.

Local Review: Don’t Miss Cozy Dog Drive-In on Route 66

On August 18, 2020August 18, 2020 By Sangamon DockIn Microbrand Watches, Sangamon Illinois

Cozy Dog Drive-In on South Six Street is a popular attraction along Old Route 66 in Springfield, IL and the birthplace of the “cozy dog,” a hot dog on a stick that’s dipped in batter and deep-fried like a French fry. The “Cozy Dog” was launched by Ed Waldmire Jr. and his wife at the Lake Springfield Beach House on June 16th, 1946. Three years later, Cozy Dog Drive-In was born and has been run by the Waldmire family ever since. It is still family owned and operated by Josh Waldmire on a daily basis.

There’s no doubt that the cozy dogs are delicious, but don’t forget about the other menu items. When I stopped in with my business partner Tyler McKay today I ordered the Tuesday special (two cozy dogs and a side of fries for $5.85) and fell in love with their home made french fries, which were better than the fries at any big-name restaurant I’ve been to. While I opted for the restaurant’s namesake, Tyler ordered (and devoured) the cheeseburgers, so you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. In the winter days, I usually love a bowl of hot chili.

In addition to providing affordable and delicious eats for tourists and bikers from around the world, Cozy Dog also features a gift shop filled with Route 66 and Springfield, IL memorabilia. Bob Waldmire, Route 66 artist and son of the Cozy Dog creators, traveled all along Route 66 to get design ideas for the postcards and maps sold in the Cozy Dog Drive-In gift shop. Customers are required to wear a face covering due to COVID-19 but that hasn’t seemed to slow down business, since they were still pretty busy.

If you live anywhere near Springfield, IL or find yourself passing through on Route 66, you can’t miss the American icon that is Cozy Dog Drive-In! Enjoy great atmosphere, and an historic and cultural gem of local flavor.

Cozy Dog Drive In
2935 So. Sixth Street, Springfield Illinois

Please log on its website at https://www.cozydogdrivein.com/ for more information.

(Note:) Need a FREE review and social media publicity for your restaurant or bar? Please contact: brian@SangamonWatches.com and we will come out to try your food and take photos! Follow us on Instagram: SangamonWatches