The EZ66 Guide, authored by Jerry McClanahan, is a comprehensive resource for exploring the Mother Road, offering detailed maps, attractions, and historical insights for an unforgettable journey.
This guidebook, available in various editions, assists travelers in planning both eastbound and westbound trips, enhancing their Route 66 experience with practical tips and engaging content.
What is the EZ66 Guide?
The EZ66 Guide for Travelers, created by Jerry McClanahan and often in collaboration with the National Historic Route 66 Federation, is a meticulously crafted guidebook designed to enhance any Route 66 adventure.
Available in multiple editions – including the 3rd, 4th, and 6th – it serves as a detailed companion for motorists seeking to experience the iconic highway. The guide boasts a convenient 5 ½ x 8 ½ inch format, typically spanning around 200-216 pages, and is often spiral-bound for ease of use while traveling.
It’s packed with EZ-to-follow maps, directions for both eastbound and westbound routes, and information on attractions, lodging, and dining. Furthermore, the EZ66 Guide frequently includes games and offers free online updates to ensure travelers have the most current information.
Why Choose the EZ66 Guide for Your Trip?
The EZ66 Guide distinguishes itself through its practicality and comprehensive coverage of Route 66. Unlike some guides focused solely on visuals, EZ66 provides detailed, usable maps and directions for both travel directions.
Its spiral binding allows for easy page turning while on the road, and the compact size makes it a convenient travel companion. Beyond logistics, the guide highlights iconic attractions, historic motels, and cafes, offering a deeper understanding of the route’s heritage.
Supplemented by free online updates and a companion dining & lodging guide, EZ66 ensures a well-informed and enjoyable Route 66 experience.
Understanding the Different Editions of the EZ66 Guide
EZ66 Guides have evolved through editions (3rd, 4th, 6th & beyond), each offering updated information, expanded content, and refined features for Route 66 adventurers.
EZ66 Guide ⏤ 3rd Edition Features
The 3rd Edition of the EZ66 Guide, a 200-page resource measuring 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches, is specifically designed for ease of use while traveling. Its spiral binding allows for convenient page turning, even with one hand on the wheel!
This edition provides EZ-to-follow maps and directions for both eastbound and westbound Route 66 explorations. Beyond navigation, it highlights key attractions, select mom-and-pop motels, charming cafes, and fascinating historical details.
Furthermore, the 3rd Edition offers free online updates, ensuring travelers have access to the most current information. It’s wonderfully complemented by the publisher’s companion, the Route 66 Dining & Lodging Guide, for a complete travel experience.
EZ66 Guide ⎼ 4th Edition Updates
The 4th Edition of the EZ66 Guide, authored by Jerry McClanahan in collaboration with the National Historic Route 66 Federation, builds upon the success of previous versions. This iteration, available through Amazon, continues to serve as a vital companion for Route 66 adventurers.
This edition, like its predecessor, includes a wealth of attractions, practical travel tips, and additional resources to enhance the journey. It’s designed to be a comprehensive guide, offering insights into the history and culture of the Mother Road.
Beyond information, the 4th Edition also incorporates games, adding an element of fun to the exploration. The convenient 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inch, 216-page paperback format remains user-friendly.
EZ66 Guide ⎼ 6th Edition and Beyond
The 6th Edition of the EZ66 Guide, again by Jerry McClanahan and the National Historic Route 66 Federation, represents the latest iteration in this popular series. While specific details regarding updates beyond the 4th edition are less readily available, the continued publication signifies an ongoing commitment to providing travelers with current information.
The EZ66 Guide maintains its focus on delivering practical details, including attractions, lodging, and dining options along Route 66. It’s designed to be a user-friendly resource, aiding both first-time and seasoned travelers.
Expect continued inclusion of games and potentially expanded digital resources to complement the printed guide, ensuring a dynamic and engaging Route 66 experience.
Planning Your Route 66 Journey with EZ66
EZ66 facilitates trip planning with detailed maps and directions for both eastbound and westbound travel, alongside attraction listings and helpful logistical advice.
Eastbound vs. Westbound Travel with EZ66
The EZ66 Guide expertly caters to both eastbound and westbound Route 66 adventurers, providing tailored maps and directions for each travel direction. This flexibility is a key strength, allowing travelers to customize their experience based on starting points and preferences.
Whether beginning in Chicago and heading towards Santa Monica, or vice versa, the guide offers clear, EZ-to-follow instructions. The detailed approach ensures a smooth journey, regardless of the chosen route. Consider the seasonal weather patterns and potential road conditions when deciding your direction, as highlighted within the guide’s resources.
Utilizing EZ66 Maps and Directions
EZ66 Guide’s maps are designed for practical use on the road, featuring a convenient 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 size and spiral binding for easy navigation. These maps, available in series of foldable formats, clearly illustrate the route and pinpoint key attractions along the way.
The directions are presented in an EZ-to-follow manner, supporting both eastbound and westbound travel. Supplementing the physical maps, travelers can access free online updates, ensuring the most current information. Combining these resources guarantees a well-planned and enjoyable Route 66 experience.
Combining EZ66 with Digital Resources (Apps & Websites)
While the EZ66 Guide provides a robust foundation for Route 66 exploration, integrating digital tools enhances the journey. Travelers are increasingly utilizing apps like Route66, downloading maps and accessing real-time information on their tablets.
Complementing the guidebook, websites such as Route66 Road Relics offer detailed insights into abandoned locations and historical points of interest. This blended approach – combining the tangible EZ66 Guide with dynamic digital resources – provides a comprehensive and adaptable travel experience, ensuring a richer understanding of the Mother Road.
Key Attractions Highlighted in the EZ66 Guide
The EZ66 Guide spotlights iconic roadside attractions, historic motels and cafes, and fascinating abandoned relics and ghost towns along Route 66 for travelers.
Iconic Roadside Attractions
The EZ66 Guide meticulously details numerous iconic roadside attractions that define the Route 66 experience. These aren’t just stops; they’re immersive glimpses into Americana, carefully curated for travelers. Expect detailed descriptions and directions to landmarks like the Blue Whale of Catoosa, Cadillac Ranch, and the Gemini Giant.
The guide doesn’t simply list these attractions; it provides historical context, enriching the visit. Discover the stories behind each quirky stop, understanding their significance to Route 66’s legacy. Furthermore, the EZ66 Guide often includes practical information like admission fees and operating hours, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable exploration of these beloved landmarks.
Historic Motels and Cafes
The EZ66 Guide excels in highlighting the charm of Route 66’s historic motels and cafes, offering a curated selection of “mom and pop” establishments. These aren’t just places to eat or sleep; they’re living pieces of history, preserving the spirit of the Mother Road. The guide provides details on locations offering a nostalgic experience, often family-owned and operated for generations.
Expect recommendations for classic diners serving up hearty American fare and vintage motels with unique character. The EZ66 Guide often includes insights into the history of these establishments, adding depth to your visit. It’s an excellent companion for those seeking an authentic Route 66 experience beyond the typical tourist traps.
Abandoned Route 66 Relics & Ghost Towns
The EZ66 Guide doesn’t shy away from the poignant beauty of Route 66’s abandoned relics and ghost towns. It acknowledges the road’s evolving history, including the remnants of businesses and communities left behind. The guide, and resources like Route66RoadRelics.com, pinpoint locations of these forgotten places, offering a glimpse into the past.
These sites provide a unique perspective on the road’s decline and subsequent revival. While exploring, remember to respect private property and prioritize safety. The EZ66 Guide often provides context and stories behind these abandoned locations, enriching the experience for history buffs and photographers alike.
Maximizing Your Route 66 Experience
The EZ66 Guide enhances your trip with the Route 66 Passport Program, dining & lodging companions, and engaging games, ensuring a fully immersive and memorable adventure.
The Route 66 Passport Program
The EZ66 Guide encourages participation in the Route 66 Passport Program, a fantastic way to document your journey and collect unique stamps at various locations along the historic highway.
This program allows travelers to actively engage with the Route 66 community, visiting iconic landmarks and businesses while obtaining official stamps in their passport as proof of their travels.
It’s a fun and interactive element that adds another layer of excitement to the experience, creating a tangible keepsake of your Route 66 adventure and supporting local establishments.
Picking up a passport is highly recommended for those wanting a more immersive and memorable experience.
EZ66’s Dining & Lodging Guide Companion
The EZ66 Guide is wonderfully complemented by the publisher’s Route 66 Dining & Lodging Guide, an invaluable resource for discovering authentic “mom and pop” establishments along the route.
This companion guide focuses on providing recommendations for locally-owned motels and cafes, offering travelers a chance to experience the genuine charm and hospitality that Route 66 is famous for.
It helps you avoid generic chains and supports the businesses that contribute to the unique character of the Mother Road, ensuring a more memorable and culturally rich travel experience.
Together, these guides offer a complete planning solution.
Games and Activities Included in the EZ66 Guide
The EZ66 Guide doesn’t just provide directions and information; it actively enhances the journey with included games and activities designed to engage travelers of all ages.
These aren’t simply time-fillers, but thoughtfully integrated elements that encourage exploration and a deeper connection with Route 66’s history and culture.
The guide features challenges and puzzles related to roadside attractions and historical landmarks, transforming the trip into an interactive adventure.
These playful additions make the EZ66 Guide a fun and memorable companion for families and solo adventurers alike.
Comparing EZ66 to Other Route 66 Guides
EZ66 distinguishes itself with detailed visuals – photos and videos – alongside practical information, offering a richer experience than many competing Route 66 guidebooks.
EZ66 vs. Other Popular Guidebooks
Compared to other Route 66 guidebooks, the EZ66 Guide by Jerry McClanahan frequently receives praise for its thoroughness and user-friendly design. Many travelers on platforms like Reddit recommend it, especially highlighting its inclusion of visual content like photos and videos, accessible through resources like Route66RoadRelics.com.
While alternatives exist, such as the “Route 66 Travel Guide ⎼ 202 Amazing Places,” EZ66 stands out with its spiral binding, making navigation while driving significantly easier. It also provides free online updates, ensuring information remains current, a feature not always found in competing publications.
The Value of Visual Content (Photos & Videos)
The EZ66 Guide distinguishes itself by recognizing the power of visual storytelling along Route 66. Unlike some guidebooks focused solely on text, EZ66 encourages exploration through imagery, directing travelers to resources like Route66RoadRelics.com for captivating photos and videos of abandoned locations and iconic landmarks.
This approach enhances the travel experience, allowing visitors to preview destinations and connect with the history and atmosphere of the Mother Road before arriving. Visual content breathes life into the journey, supplementing maps and directions with a richer, more immersive understanding of Route 66’s character.
Practical Tips for Using the EZ66 Guide on the Road
The EZ66 Guide’s spiral binding allows for easy use while driving, and its compact 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 size is perfect for travel convenience.
The Spiral Binding Advantage
The EZ66 Guide distinguishes itself with its practical spiral binding, a feature specifically designed to enhance the user experience while on the road. Unlike traditional bound books, the spiral allows the guide to lay flat, making it exceptionally easy to consult while navigating or referencing information during your Route 66 adventure.
This design eliminates the struggle of keeping the book open to a specific page, freeing up your hands and ensuring a safer, more convenient experience; The spiral binding also contributes to the guide’s durability, allowing it to withstand the rigors of travel and repeated use. It’s a small detail that makes a significant difference!
Convenient Size and Format
The EZ66 Guide is thoughtfully designed with portability in mind. Its compact 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inch size makes it an ideal travel companion, easily fitting into glove compartments, map pockets, or backpacks without adding excessive bulk. This convenient format ensures the guide is always readily accessible when needed during your Route 66 exploration.
Furthermore, the 216-page paperback construction strikes a balance between comprehensive content and manageable weight. This allows travelers to carry essential information without being burdened by a heavy guidebook, enhancing the overall enjoyment of their journey along the historic Mother Road.
Accessing Online Updates
The EZ66 Guide doesn’t remain static; it’s a living resource. Jerry McClanahan provides FREE online updates to supplement the printed editions, ensuring travelers have the most current information available. This is particularly valuable given the dynamic nature of Route 66, where businesses and attractions can change.
These updates likely cover details like business closures, new establishments, road conditions, and event schedules. By checking for these online additions, users can enhance their trip planning and avoid potential disappointments, maximizing their Route 66 experience with the latest insights.
Budgeting for Your Route 66 Trip with EZ66
The EZ66 Guide helps travelers find affordable motels and budget-friendly dining options along Route 66, enabling cost-conscious planning for an enjoyable road trip.
Finding Affordable Motels
The EZ66 Guide excels at pinpointing select “mom and pop” motels along Route 66, offering travelers a charming and often more economical alternative to larger chain hotels. These historic lodgings provide a unique glimpse into the road’s past, while often fitting tighter budgets.
Jerry McClanahan’s guide specifically highlights these establishments, assisting in discovering lodging that balances affordability with authentic Route 66 character. The guide’s companion, the Route 66 Dining & Lodging Guide, further expands these options, providing detailed information and helping secure reasonable rates for comfortable overnight stays during your adventure.
Locating Budget-Friendly Dining Options
The EZ66 Guide doesn’t just focus on attractions; it actively assists travelers in finding affordable and authentic dining experiences along Route 66. The guide highlights select “mom and pop” cafes, diners, and eateries that offer delicious meals without breaking the bank.
Complementing the main guide, the Route 66 Dining & Lodging Guide provides even more detailed information on these establishments, including price ranges and local favorites. This ensures travelers can enjoy classic Route 66 cuisine – from burgers and shakes to regional specialties – while staying within their budgetary constraints throughout their journey.
Staying Connected on Route 66
The EZ66 Guide acknowledges connectivity challenges, noting variable Wi-Fi availability and cell service along Route 66, advising travelers to plan accordingly.
Wi-Fi Availability Along the Route
The EZ66 Guide implicitly addresses the modern traveler’s need to stay connected, though it doesn’t extensively detail Wi-Fi hotspots. Expect inconsistent Wi-Fi access throughout the Route 66 corridor; larger towns and modern establishments like chain hotels and cafes are more likely to offer it.
However, many historic motels and smaller diners along the route may have limited or no Wi-Fi. Relying solely on Wi-Fi for navigation or communication isn’t advisable. Travelers should consider alternative data plans or offline maps for a smoother experience, especially in more remote stretches of the historic highway.
Cell Phone Coverage Considerations
The EZ66 Guide doesn’t explicitly detail cell coverage, but travelers should anticipate varying signal strength along Route 66. Major carriers generally provide service in populated areas, but coverage can become spotty or nonexistent in remote desert landscapes and mountainous regions.
Downloading offline maps and having a physical map (like those included with the EZ66 Guide) are crucial backups. Consider a cell signal booster for improved connectivity. Be prepared for limited service, especially in Arizona and New Mexico, and inform someone of your itinerary for safety.
Safety Considerations for Route 66 Travelers
The EZ66 Guide implicitly encourages preparedness; travelers should check road conditions, monitor weather forecasts, and ensure vehicle maintenance for a secure Route 66 adventure.
Road Conditions and Weather
The EZ66 Guide doesn’t explicitly detail real-time road conditions, but prudent travelers should proactively check current status before and during their trip. Route 66 traverses diverse terrains and climates, demanding awareness of potential hazards.
Summer brings intense heat, especially in the desert Southwest, potentially affecting vehicle performance and traveler health. Conversely, winter can introduce snow and ice, particularly in higher elevations. Spring and fall offer milder temperatures, but unpredictable weather patterns are still possible.
Be prepared for varying road surfaces, from well-maintained highways to stretches of original, historic pavement. Always drive cautiously and adjust speed accordingly, prioritizing safety throughout your Route 66 journey.
Vehicle Maintenance Tips
The EZ66 Guide emphasizes thorough preparation before embarking on a Route 66 adventure. Prioritize a comprehensive vehicle inspection, including tires, brakes, fluids, and battery. Long stretches between service stations necessitate self-reliance.
Carry essential tools, a spare tire, and a jack. Familiarize yourself with basic maintenance tasks like checking oil levels and changing a flat tire. Consider a roadside assistance plan for unexpected breakdowns.
Route 66’s remote sections can be taxing on vehicles; regular checks throughout the trip are crucial. Be mindful of extreme temperatures, which can impact tire pressure and fluid levels. Proactive maintenance ensures a smoother, safer journey.
Resources Mentioned in the EZ66 Guide
The EZ66 Guide directs travelers to valuable resources like Route 66 Road Relics (route66roadrelics.com) and the National Historic Route 66 Federation for further exploration.
Route 66 Road Relics Website
Route 66 Road Relics (route66roadrelics.com) serves as a fantastic supplementary resource highlighted alongside the EZ66 Guide. This website is particularly valuable for those fascinated by the abandoned and historical aspects of Route 66.
It features detailed pages dedicated to ghost towns and forgotten landmarks, offering a visual journey through the route’s past. The site provides extensive photographic documentation and insightful narratives, enriching the travel experience beyond the guidebook’s scope.
Users can explore specific states like Arizona, discovering hidden gems and learning the stories behind these decaying relics, complementing the EZ66 Guide’s broader coverage.
National Historic Route 66 Federation
The National Historic Route 66 Federation is a key organization supporting the preservation and promotion of the Mother Road, and is frequently referenced within the EZ66 Guide. This federation works tirelessly to protect the historical integrity of Route 66, advocating for its recognition and maintenance.
They collaborate with local communities and enthusiasts to ensure the route remains a vibrant and accessible destination for travelers. The EZ66 Guide acknowledges their efforts, providing information about their initiatives and encouraging support for their cause.
Their website offers valuable resources for planning a trip and learning about the route’s history.
Is the EZ66 Guide Right for You?
The EZ66 Guide, particularly the latest editions, proves invaluable for Route 66 adventurers seeking a detailed and user-friendly companion. Its spiral binding, convenient size, and updated information – including online access – set it apart.
Whether you prefer detailed maps, historical context, or recommendations for dining and lodging, the EZ66 Guide caters to diverse travel styles. Coupled with resources like the Route 66 Passport program and digital apps, it enhances the overall experience.
For a well-planned and enriching journey, the EZ66 Guide is a strong contender.