Where Does the Mother Road Actually Begin?
So, you wanna hit the road, Jack? Or Jill, or whoever you are. You’re dreaming of wide-open spaces, classic diners, and that iconic Route 66 vibe. But hold your horses (or your Winnebago)! Before you rev up your engine and peel out, let's clear up a little something: where does this legendary highway actually start?
Chicago: The Windy City Wind-Up
Believe it or not, the Mother Road kicks off in the heart of the concrete jungle – Chicago. That’s right, folks, you gotta swap your cowboy boots for some comfy walking shoes for this one. Now, you might be thinking, “But wait, Chicago? Isn’t that like, a million miles from the desert?” Well, every epic journey starts somewhere, and for Route 66, that somewhere is the intersection of Adams Street and Michigan Avenue.
A Sign of Things to Come
To mark this momentous occasion, there’s a little sign that says “Begin Route 66.” It’s like the starting line of a really, really long race. But don’t get too excited and start flooring it. This is Chicago traffic we’re talking about here. You might end up going backwards faster than you can say “I should’ve taken a train.”
A Bit of Route 66 Trivia
Just for fun, did you know that the original starting point of Route 66 was actually a bit different? It used to be at Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue. But hey, times change, roads get moved, and now we’re here at Adams Street. So, blame progress, I guess.
How to... Route 66 Edition
Now that you know where to start your Route 66 adventure, let's tackle some burning questions:
- How to find the Begin Route 66 sign? It’s on Adams Street, just west of Michigan Avenue. Can’t miss it, unless you’re really bad at spotting signs.
- How to survive Chicago traffic? Patience, my friend. Patience. And maybe some caffeine.
- How to prepare for a cross-country road trip? Check your car, pack snacks, and download some podcasts. Oh, and don’t forget your sunscreen.
- How to find authentic Route 66 experiences? Talk to locals, explore small towns, and embrace the unexpected.
- How to avoid getting lost? Invest in a good map or use a reliable GPS. Or, you know, just ask for directions. People are generally nice.
So there you have it! Route 66 starts in the Windy City, and the rest, as they say, is history. Now, go forth and conquer the Mother Road! Or at least, get as far as you can before you need a nap. Safe travels!