32 Comments
User's avatar
Clarice Dankers's avatar

What an amazing, nostalgia-filled trip you took, Ruth! I can also testify that Europeans are fascinated by Route 66--it is on the bucket-list of places to visit for many people I have met in Austria and Ireland.

Expand full comment
Rebecca Blackwell's avatar

How fun! I've been to many of these places, but not all of them and have added several to my list for future travels! That Elvis suite is a kick!

Expand full comment
Marg Moon's avatar

What a trip! It must have been so hard to absorb all these experiences. Sounds wonderful though. The Elvis suite blew my mind. I believe he also had bacon on his peanut butter sandwiches (along with jam, or jelly as you call it). Always sounded a bit disgusting to me, but I like to keep an open mind. :)

Expand full comment
Ruth Stroud's avatar

That’s so interesting about mayo and mustard on burgers instead of ketchup. I thought everyone put ketchup on burgers! Oh I love A&W Root Beer (especially the ice cream floats!). We always say “Root 66,” but I think “rout” is a variation. Thanks so much for your comment, Janet!

Expand full comment
Janet Fullwood's avatar

Thanks! And memories of family vacations when I was a kid, from Texas to Illinois, much of it on Route 66.. My mother always said she knew when we had crossed the Mason Dixon line because Yankees put ketchup on hamburgers (in Texas we used mustard and mayo, never ketchup). And how I loved to get into A&W root beer country! A question: Do you say "rout" or "root?" I attended a concert the other night with a singer from Nashville. She said "rout," same as we did in Texas. Just curious.

Expand full comment
Amie McGraham's avatar

Really wish I’d met you two in Williams—that mile high pie, be still my heart!

Expand full comment
Ruth Stroud's avatar

Me too, Amie! You would have enjoyed that place and the pie— and we would’ve enjoyed seeing you!

Expand full comment
Planet Carnival's avatar

Such a great post...I'll definitely need to re-read to take it all in.

Glad you got your kicks...and your Kix! 😁

Expand full comment
Crowden Satz's avatar

That guy from Austria who said they don't have roads like this - they actually do as long as he includes "we" to mean Austria, Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, ... The size difference between a European country and the US is just so immense. And even if they don't have as much road, his roads are in WAY better condition so ... plusses and minuses.

Expand full comment
Ruth Stroud's avatar

I think you’re right, Crowden. What I think he meant was that they didn’t have a country so big that you could drive on and on and still be in it—and see so much variety. Of course there are many gorgeous roads in Europe—I’d like to take a few!

Expand full comment
Anne Morse Hambrock's avatar

I love all of this! The Elvis suite flashed me back to a visit to Graceland. My daughter was completely appalled by everything she saw there - at the ripe age of 16, and quite possibly having never heard an Elvis song, she thought he was the most superficial and spoiled person and a little crazy to boot. Myself having grown up in a world where he was a superstar, it was fascinating to see it all alongside her perspective.

Expand full comment
Ruth Stroud's avatar

It’s very interesting to contrast the generations when it comes to Route 66, especially as so much of it references superstars of different eras that younger folks like your daughter wouldn’t relate to. I’ve wondered whether this will become an issue as the road tries to attract younger visitors. Thanks so much for the comment and the restack, Anne.

Expand full comment
Julia Matusik's avatar

What a fabulous trip, Ruth. I’ve only driven a few short portions of Route 66 but even then there was so much to see, but it looks like there is so much more. Perhaps one day! And definitely looking forward to the oatmeal pie recipe.

Expand full comment
Ruth Stroud's avatar

Thanks, Julia! I hope you make it to another segment of Route 66 someday. And I hope I can get to your corner of the world one day too!

Oatmeal pie coming right up!🤗

Expand full comment
Ellen Kornmehl MD's avatar

Everybody assumes that vacations involve “destination travel,” but, at least in my experience, it’s the road trips, the unmarked lanes, the unassuming little places along the way that make the memories

Expand full comment
Ruth Stroud's avatar

Beautifully said, Ellen—and I couldn’t agree more!

Expand full comment
Amy Cavanaugh's avatar

I’ve had Cozy Dog on my to-visit list for quite some time - after seeing this, I need to make it a priority!

Expand full comment
Ruth Stroud's avatar

It was really fun, Amy, not only the cozy dogs but the restaurant itself, which is just filled with Route 66 history and memorabilia. I hope you get a chance to visit! Thanks so much for the comment and the re-stack!

Expand full comment
Marco & Sabrina's avatar

Thanks for the vicarious "kicks", Ruth!

Expand full comment
Ruth Stroud's avatar

You’re welcome —and thanks for the restack!😊

Expand full comment
Marco & Sabrina's avatar

You’re very welcome!

Expand full comment
Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

What a fun trip, Ruth! Love it and your photos!

Expand full comment
Ruth Stroud's avatar

Thanks so much, Jeanine! Glad you enjoyed the ride!🤗

Expand full comment
Vicki Smith's avatar

I'm looking forward to seeing what's in that oatmeal pie! I love the poster at the top of your post and the collage of the cards you purchased. They are such charming, nostalgic graphics. Thanks for the enjoyable read! Oh, and happy birthday!

Expand full comment
Ruth Stroud's avatar

Thanks, Vicki! The whole road is a tribute to the art, graphics and style of past eras, particularly the '50s and '60s--cars, gas stations, ads, drive-ins, cafes, menus. It's astonishing. I lived through those times, but I certainly never realized they would become so iconicized. As for that pie--coming soon after I attempt it!

Expand full comment
Jolene Handy's avatar

What a trip! Fantastic, Ruth and Jeff, and so glad it brought you to Chicago! ❤️

Expand full comment
Ruth Stroud's avatar

Thanks so much, Jolene! Really the biggest highlight was visiting Chicago and meeting you. The Elvis suite , peanut butter-chocolate pie, and even Stroud, Oklahoma don't hold a candle!😆

Expand full comment
Jolene Handy's avatar

😆❤️

Expand full comment