The story of Mid 20th-century America is preserved in all its kitsch glory along Route 66. It is a celebration of the automobile and the road culture that accompanied its heyday from Art Deco pump stations and roadside diners to the eccentric billboards and constructions that spring up in a vast landscape that demands no half measures. As the journey progresses westwards so too does the drama of the natural landscapes from wide, open prairies to the arid majesty of deserts and canyons. Each day of the road trip will deliver unforgettable moments - here are just a few to whet the appetite... highlights of In the 1960s, large fibreglass figures known as Muffler Men began to pop up outside of businesses as advertising tools. Many were modelled after Paul Bunyan, but the one outside of the famous Launching Pad Drive-In restaurant was customised to resemble a spaceman. Named after NASA’s Project Gemini, the 28-foot Gemini Giant is a reminder of USA during the Space Race. Inside the Launching Pad, you’ll find a museum dedicated to Americana, and a restaurant offering hot dogs, sandwiches, and more. No trip down Route 66 is complete without a stop at POPS in Arcadia on the outskirts of Oklahoma City. One of the more recent additions along the highway, POPS is now a part of the roadside landscape and is a truly unique destination. The sleek, ultra-modern architecture of the building is only overshadowed by an iconic 66foot tall pop bottle sculpture sitting out front. Visit this popular stop at night to watch the sculpture’s LED lights fill the sky with changing colour. Fill up the car before stepping inside for a meal at the oldfashioned diner whilst admiring the collection of over 12,000 soda pop bottles, then browse over 650 different kinds of ice-cold soda. gateway arch St Louis, Missouri world’s largest soda bottle Arcadia, Oklahoma Representing the gateway to the American West for pioneers, the 630-foot-tall Gateway Arch is a must-see for Route 66 travellers. For sprawling views across the city and the Missouri river book a tram tour to the top of the tallest monument in the Western Hemisphere. The GEmini GIANT Wilmington, Illinois YuniqueB / Shutterstock.com Marco Bicci / Shutterstock.com Jenckes / Shutterstock.com 68
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