100 Years of Route 66 w/ Valerie Bromann

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A century on the odometer and still full of surprises—Route 66 turns 100, and we’re hitting the Mother Road with a guide who knows every neon sign, diner counter, and roadside oddity by heart. We welcome back Val Broman of Silly America to share her audacious project: a new Route 66 video every single day this year. From Illinois to California, she’s surfacing icons and deep cuts, proving there’s far more than 365 stories hidden along 2,400 miles of asphalt.

We trade favorites and discover fresh stops that deserve a pin on your map. Think a boom in muffler men across the route, a throwback breakfast at College Street Cafe in Springfield, a retro-chic stay at Motel Safari in Tucumcari, the folk-art wonderland of OK County 66, and the serene glow of Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch in California. We also talk about the dance between nostalgia and new energy—restored service stations, fresh selfie landmarks, and neon parks reviving Main Street after dark.

For travelers who want to plan smarter, Val built Route66Roadmap.com, a free tool that organizes attractions by state and type: roadside attractions, diners, motels, museums, and shopping. You can bookmark stops, shape an itinerary, and prioritize the experiences that matter to you. Geocachers will love how neatly it pairs with Adventure Lab routes and virtuals at famous corners and whales. Whether you’re eyeing a weekend segment or the full Chicago-to-Santa Monica run, you’ll leave with a strategy that mixes history, quirky wonders, and perfect photo ops.

Join us for a centennial celebration that doubles as a practical playbook. Subscribe, share this with your favorite road tripper, and leave a review so more travelers can find these hidden gems. Which Route 66 stop would you choose first?

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