Of all the states we explored along Route 66, New Mexico and Arizona stood out as my absolute favorites! While they may not boast as many giants as Illinois or Oklahoma, and their attractions might be fewer and further apart, the sheer WOW factor of these two states earns them the prestigious “top prize” for Route 66 amazement!
Here are my leading reasons for any Route 66 travelers to be sure to add New Mexico and Arizona to the top of your list!
TUCUMCARI, NEW MEXICO
This quaint hamlet, situated just over the Texas border, conceals its charm—truly! A prime example of this was when we paused at the Russell Truck and Travel Center for what we thought would be a “regular gas fill-up,” but stumbled upon an AMAZING museum filled with Route 66 artifacts and other memorabilia! This delightful place raised the intriguing question, “How many Coca-Cola products can you fit into a single building?”
The BLUE SWALLOW HOTEL
A fun stop along the way is the Blue Swallow Motel. More known for the evening neon lights they display, this hotel was still pretty “retro” and worth a few minutes to snap photos.
The ALBUQUERQUE ROUTE 66 DINNER
Say YES to this diner! I spoiled myself to “carb-hell” and back! From the vanilla shake to the huge grilled cheese sandwich- I loved it! And, while in Albuquerque, check out their world-renowned balloon museum.
DO NOT MISSTHE PAINTED DESERT and PETRIFIED FOREST – ARIZONA
There are very few places on this planet that are so beautiful it renders me quiet! But the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest are two tanem parks that did just that of them! Juxtaposed to the endless skies above the north-eastern Arizona, is this massive national park with rock and mountain formations that are beyond description. In lieu of trying to conjure up words, I will let the photos that I snapped on an iPhone 17 do my “talking”. Learn more on their website.
(captions of voiceover) PAINTED DESERT and PETRIFIED FOREST OUTSIDE OF HOLBROOK ON THE WAY TO WINSLOW, ARIZONA
SPEND TIME IN WINSLOW, ARIZONA
Be sure when driving on Route 66 to follow the directive of front-man, Don Henley, for the band the EAGLES, and “Stand on the Corner in Winslow Arizona!” Then celebrate by purchasing one of the thousands of commemorative t-shirts available! For more info, go here.
Also, check out LA POSADA, a hotel on the train line that is simply goregous. Known for the many notable /celebrity guests who have stayed there it is lovely!
** We veered off Route 66 to discover Sedona, Oak Creek, Clarkdale, and a small village on the top of a step mountain – Jerome, Arizona! I will cover more about these areas in another blog.
FLAGSTAFF, SELIGMAN, OATMAN, and KINGMAN*
Note: I have visited Route 66 in this area before. This time we arrived to Seligman only to find out that there was a major accident that resulted in a total “black-out”. Not one light was on for miles! So, we left and continued to Kingman. Fatigued and ready for some good ‘ol comfort food- we headed to a perennial favorite, Cracker Barrel!
Snow in mountains of FlagstaffSo many options! Where to go?!Oatman. Wa!tch out for the donkeys that rule the road
I was delighted to discover just how much I truly enjoyed traveling along Route 66 in Texas! The skies are a vivid blue, stretching endlessly into the horizon. Sunsets are as breathtaking as sunrises, painting the landscape with stunning hues! Moreover, the ranches that dot Route 66 are enchanting, and watching the windmills spin was utterly mesmerizing, mile after mile. After years, I treated myself to a steak – a meal I never order !!
As for some really good news – much of Texas’ Route 66 is accessible and inclusive. This means that whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or even those with mobility challenges, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, go ahead and ride Route 66 with your loved ones, soaking in the scenic views and the vibrant atmosphere that this iconic route offers!
Along the way, take the time to explore the rich history and culture of the areas you’ll pass through. From charming small towns to bustling cities, Texas’ Route 66 boasts numerous attractions, each with its own unique story and character. There is no better example than the Cadillac Ranch! Where better to unleash your creative spirit than at this Amarillo’s iconic attraction. Just remember, it’s BYOSP (Bring Your Own Spray Paint)!
Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas
I invite you to keep scrolling to enjoy more photos and videos capturing the essence of Texas’ Route 66. I have included links to local attractions that highlight the best of what this remarkable journey offers. You can visit historic diner stops, quirky roadside attractions, and museums that reflect the diverse heritage of the region.
Groom, Texas
The old Route 66 juxtapose with the new. It hugs miles and miles of ranches!
I had a few goals that I wanted to include as part of my Route 66 journey. It was my wish to help promote family travel, accessible travel, and early literacy.
Route 66 in Oklahoma is tons of fun! There is a huge blue whale in Catoosa, Neon lights In Tulsa and Oklahoma City, quirky curiosity shops in Erick (among others), and ghost towns – including in Texola!! So much to do and see! Due to our “detour” we didn’t see the big whale and a few other renowned Oklahoma Route 66 attractions. However, we did enjoy PLENTY of Oklahoma attractions with great fun factor!
The Mother Road Market is a very accessible food hall with an eclectic array of foods. I especially loved the Native American pop-up restaurant with wafting smells of squash, beans, and much more!
My meal was vegan and delicious!
Lots to do in Tulsa
Lots of custom activities for the Route 66 Celebration
I loved this Native American squash bowl
When in Tulsa Make Some Noise!
Celebrate the Route 66 Centennial by making some music! Just hop on a bike, pedal, and listen to what you create! Free and easy! (next to the Mother Road Market on Lewis Street/ Route 66 in Tulsa.)
When the Sun Goes Down in Tulsa -ROUTE 66 ILLUMINATES with NEON!
This is a continuation of my chronicling a recent Route 66 journey to celebrate th 100th anniverary of the “Mother Road.” To read the first entries start here.
Now for a CONFESSION: We strayed from the Route 66 route as we crossed into Missouri from Illinois for a few reasons. First, my driving companion Marji had always dreamt of navigating through the Ozark Mountains to visit Laura Ingalls Wilder’s home, where she wrote the beloved Little House on the Prairie series. Secondly, there was a curious allure surrounding a place called Branson. Lastly, it felt like a good idea in the moment.
Laura Ingalls Wilder home, Mansfield, Missouri
Marji is an avid admirer of Laura Ingalls Wilder. Numerous children (and adults) have cherished her books that recount her experiences on the prairie. One our third travel day we journeyed through the winding mountains of the Ozarks, which were breathtakingly beautiful despite the deluge of rain! The drive took significantly longer than anticipated, mostly due to the weather. Nevertheless, we arrived during their “open” hours – or so we thought! However, as we pulled into the muddy parking lot, it was evident that they were NOT OPEN! Not a single car was present, and there were no signs of “life.” Our hopes for a tour or the chance to explore the enchanting home that felt so near yet was frustratingly distant were dashed! To make this situation sadder, a car with children showed up just minutes after us, their little faces filled with disappointment upon discovering they couldn’t tour the home either. They clutched their Little House on the Prairie books with such enthusiasm! Oh, I was so heartbroken for them!
Despite this “glitch,” we did manage to snap a few “memory” photos and then pressed on to Branson.
Branson
I won’t lie; I find myself puzzled by Branson, Missouri. It embodies multiple “identities” that can be quite bewildering! Initially, we were drawn to Branson with the expectation of enjoying some wholesome country music shows—perhaps even attending the Dolly Parton Stampede. I envisioned a southern country version of “Las Vegas,” but what I encountered was entirely different. The town oscillates between a clear connection to conservative Christian values and a lively family theme park atmosphere! To add to the perplexity, there’s also a surprising amount of burlesque. My head was spinning within the first hour.
Their website describes this establishment as folllows:
Experience the Ozark Mountains and Table Rock Lake in all its glory at Top of the Rock. Resting beautifully at the highest elevation in Taney County, Top of the Rock offers world-class recreational activities and attractions. Just south of Branson, Missouri, you’ll find multiple restaurants, a scenic golf cart cave tour, a par-3 golf course, a fascinating history museum, stunning sunset ceremonies, and so much more.
Note: The TOP of the ROCK charges a $10 entry fee. Worth it.
There is a shuttle service and tons of kind people answering questions. Wardrobe is country club / golf course casual – but nice. Here is a short video from before we took the shuttle even further up the mountain. (We were gifted bubbles from a friend – and they were perfect to use in this video.)
The main restaurants have extraordinary views and at sunset and a musician playing the bagpipes serenaded us all! Reservations are required for some of the eateries. We ate at the Buffalo Bar.. (Check out their full complement of restaurants here.)
By the way, the waitstaff at the Buffalo Bar was extraordinary with more than one person able to converse in American Sign Language. And, the facility was fully ADA compliant.
Tip: order the lobster mac and cheese. Nothing more divine!
The Sunset Ceremony Serenades People at the Top of the Rock
THIS. After a full day of driving with some disappointments – THIS night at the TOP of the ROCK was one of my favorite travel experiences. Remarkable. Memorable. Very special indeed.
ARKANSAS
Here is a piece of trivia – Arkansas is not on Route 66. The Mother Road bypasses this state and continues from Missouri to Kansas and then into Oklahoma. Kansas has a whopping 13 miles on Route 66.
Despite not being on the official Route 66, we headed to Arkansas to visit some of Marji’s family and for me to be able to officially cross off Arkansas as the 48th US state I have visited!* I was eager to explore a few notable spots, including a charming stop in Fort Smith. However, once again, our timing was off for the one place I had marked as a must-visit. I had wanted to see Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum, but we arrived just a bit too late. Rather than lamenting our missed opportunity, we decided to drive to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where the vibrant NEON lights of Route 66 awaited us!
Not to worry- someday, perhaps, I’ll have a chance spend more time in Fort Smith!
*Only two more states to go- Idaho and Montana
TIP: It is wise to get your National Park Service pass (yearly or the senior “forever” pass). This pass can save time and money.
Route 66 spans an impressive 2,448 miles, winding from the iconic Chicago Pier to the picturesque Santa Monica Pier. That’s quite a distance to cover! Therefore, I’ve chosen to divide my articles on this remarkable journey into smaller, digestible segments—highlighting the “best, most fun, quirkiest, and most accessible” attractions along the way. Additionally, I plan to include some intriguing fun facts and trivia to enrich (I hope) your reading experience!
So let’s begin! Since we embarked on our journey in Chicago, I will begin by detailing our experience with Illinois ( an impressive 301 miles of Route 66). I will only include the locations where my travel companion, Marji, and I made our stops.
Here’s my first tip for this blog: If you have the time and energy, feel free to venture beyond our itinerary. We wish we could have stopped at every suggested town and venue. Sadly, it was impossible. You, however, can do what you wish- so enjoy creating your own adventure!
CHICAGO
Chicago’s Navy Pier is where it all begins if you are traveling east to west. Marji and I had visited the Pier in preparation for our trip during the Summer of 2024. Highlights of the Pier included hopping aboard the tall ship, The Windy. I was even allowed to become “crew” – what a blast!
And, don’t forget to take a photo of the starting point for Route 66. You will find it here >> 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago (Google Maps locator).
Chicago’s Nave Pier – photographed from the tall ship- THE WINDY
Joliet, Illinois
We “officially” began our Route 66 tour in Joliet by searching for the Blues Brothers sculpture that was purportedly to be found outside the Old Joliet Prison. We came up empty at that location! If you are curious, you can watch a clip of the scene from the movie here to understand the relevance.
And, despite being too late for the tour of the prison, we were able to scour the area for much Blues Brothers-related memorabilia. We found the dynamic duo atop an ice cream shop and a mural of them on a nearby street. (Trivia: The Blues Brothers were played by NBC TV Saturday Night alumni – John Belushi and Dan Akroyd).
This is a small museum located downtown in Joliet. It is a good place to pop in, learn about Illinois music artists (such as Burl Ives, Nat King Cole, Alison Krauss, among many others). You will find options to listen on the road via their podcast, and music education opportunities are available.
TIP: There is a passport stamp book available to enhance your Route 66 experience. You can find more about the book and other support materials here. In addition, Illinois has its own Route 66 Centennial passport book. We got ours free.Ask for one at any of the official stops.
Sadly, this highly touted museum was closed when we arrived in Joliet. Not to worry – the outside sculptures were worth a few minutes of our time. To be sure you don’t make our mistake and miss the opportunity to visit and check out their website before heading over.
Other great Route 66 attractions in Joliet:
The Route 66 Park – This is a beautifully designed park featuring numerous sculptures and inviting spaces to relax or enjoy a leisurely walk. It appeared to be wheelchair accessible.
The Rialto Square Theaterwas closed the day we found ourselves in Joliet. However, I was able to snap a few photos of the lobby through the main front doors. I could tell this was a very handsome theater and one I wished I could have explored more closely. (Trivia: For those of you from San Pedro, California- this theater had a similar vibe to the distinguished Warner Grand Theater.)
WILMINGTON
Wilmington, Illinois, is the home of 1964 created GEMINI GIANT. He was also one of the first GIANTS that we encountered on Route 66. Found in a “random” park in Wilmington, it looked far above the people who came to view it! Marji and I met the nicest couple who were out for their morning walk. They stopped to tell us about the historical society’s plans for the Route 66 centennial celebration and how excited they were to be participating with this group. They were simply lovely, and honestly, I felt that we were making a “Best of Americana” commercial. Read more about this 30-foot-tall Gemini Giant here.
DWIGHT
Dwight is a charming little town. We stopped at a local supermarket and were impressed with the eclectic selection of ethnic foods. Dwight’s visitor bureau has put together a list of their Route 66 attractions, and without a doubt, my favorite was the gas pumps found at the Ambler’s Texaco Gas Station.
PONTIAC
Pontiac was jam-packed with activities intended to keep Route 66 visitors busy for hours! They are family-friendly, interesting, mostly accessible, educational, and fun!
First, take a walk through the town following the blue footprints on the sidewalk. You will find many murals created along the path. The majority was painted by the Route 66-renowned artist, Bob Waldmire.
The video below is of one of the murals painted by Bob Waldmire. It is located in Pontiac just steps from their main Route 66 Museum.
Meet Rose. She was the docent who greeted us at the Route 66 Association of Illinois museum. She could have regaled us with stories about Route 66 for hours! At 88 years young, she was sharp as a tack!
Rose showed us the diagram of the local police stationPontiac has a proud association with Ropute 66One of the captioned videos we found along the route Love the museum vibe!Military uniforms from Illinois soldiers. Representing the various wars and conflicts.
The building that houses this museum also offers an inside look into the Illinois military and a local connection to the Titanic. The displays are positioned in close quarters, making maneuvering a bit tricky. An elevator and captioned videos are available.
ATLANTA, ILLINOIS, LOVES GIANTS!
These GIANTS are a lot of fun! I’d rate the FUN FACTOR at 7/10. But why are they iconic along Route 66? I learned that they were made in the 1960s and 70s from fiberglass and called “Muffler Men.” Atlanta, Illinois, has a notable collection of these GIANTS. The Route 66 American Giants Museum features one of the largest collections. The museum is easily accessible, well-signposted, and offers various photo opportunities. Entry is free; however, donations are appreciated.
American Giants Museum in Atlanta, IllinoisSo much fiberglass!Bunyan Man
SPRINGFIELD
TIP: There is much history and Route 66 attractions to do and see in Springfield. I would start by reviewing their comprehensive online guide.
The capital of Illinois is Springfield. Within its city limits, you will discover many fascinating places to visit. Due to time constraints, we focused on the State Capitol building and the family home of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln. We also passed by several “66” commemorative signs that caught our attention. Once again, I wish we had spent more time exploring, and I recommend that serious travelers consider slowing down to visit the many attractions in Springfield with more appreciation.
The state capitol is beautiful. The grounds have a touching exhibit: a mosaic wall of names on ceramic pieces. This mural radiates warmth and captures the spirit of Route 66 – Community! The mosaic is easily accessible due to its outdoor location near the building. Braille is featured.
The rotunda of the Illinois Satte Cap;itol
ILLINOIS ROUTE 66 – THE LAND OF LINCOLN
The homestead of our 16th president, stands in stark contrast to the contemporary buildings that line the streets. It’s a curious sight to see modern coffee shops alongside a place that provided comfort to a family so significant in American history. This beautiful old home is surprisingly unassuming. The tree-lined streets are shared with other visitors, and there is a parking lot adjacent to the main museum building, with a nominal parking fee. Arriving early is advisable, as I anticipate that school groups and vacationing families will flood the area during the peak visiting season.
Note: Although accessible, the road is rough and the sidewalks a bit uneven.
CHATHAM’S SUGAR CREEK COVERED BRIDGE
We ended our stay in Illinois with a special trip to the Sugar Creek Covered Bridge. Serene. Picturesque. Worth the visit. (click for the map location)
Last thoughts about Illinois Route 66
Illinois is a big state. Consider allocating more than a day on your itinerary to explore.
Plan by checking out the event schedules for each location you wish to visit.
There are plenty of opportunities for family fun. Don’t forget to obtain the Illinois Route 66 passport book!
ACCESSIBLITY: Overall, signage is good, access for those with mobility challenges ranges from excellent to fair. Families with children with Autism may enjoy the various sensory activites and parks made available. Captioned videos were not always apparent.
Food recommendation: Joliet has a lovely Hispanic community and we found numerous restaurants with authentic Mexican cuisine.
ENJOY!
And, I know I missed some great Route 66 Illinois spots – let me know some of your favorites!
There’s never been a better time to answer the call of the open road than now—100 years after the legendary Route 66 first stitched together the heart of America. From the electric energy of Navy Pier in Chicago to the sun-soaked shores of Santa Monica Pier, this iconic journey isn’t just a drive—it’s a living story packed with quirky roadside attractions, nostalgic diners, and breathtaking stretches of Americana. But before you put the keys in the ignition, there’s more to know than just your playlist and pit stops. Traveling the “Mother Road” during its centennial celebration means navigating a mix of historic charm, modern detours, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences—and knowing what to expect can turn a good trip into an unforgettable adventure.
I would be remiss if I didn’t offer a wee bit of advice to help you navigate the unexpected”hiccups” and “bumps in the road” you may encounter along Route 66. The best solution for such “problems” -laughter! A sense of humor is one of the most essential items to “pack” as you prepare for this amazing trip!
Honestly, here are some tips that I hope will help those who travel any or all of Route 66!
Tip #1.Be ambitious, but realistic. There are dozens and dozens of small towns and cities along Route 66. We realized early in the drive that we did not have the time, nor the energy, to make each location an actual stop. Some were designated as “Drive Bys.”
Tip #2. Don’t be afraid to veer off course. We drove much of Route 66. However, there were some places we wanted to visit that were not on the “official” path. So, we turned the wheel towards the road that seemed to have something “extra” to offer.
Sedona, Arizona, was an amazing side trip off Route 66. Highly recommend it for its unusual rock formations and immense beauty.
Tip #3. Expect the unexpected. Sadly, not all that was online was accurate!! Thus, we would end up at the doorsteps of a museum or visitor center only to discover it had closed early, was a random “day off”, or an unexpected holiday. This was very frustrating, especially after a long journey, as we stood there, staring at the locked doors, hoping to catch a glimpse of what lay inside. Conversely, there were times when we stumbled upon a hidden gem, finding a place open that was deemed closed online, often leading us to serendipitous discoveries that enhanced our adventures. This unpredictability taught us to maintain a flexible itinerary and embrace spontaneity! Being open to these surprises not only made our travels more enriching but also reminded us that sometimes the best memories come from unplanned moments. And, of course, we kept our sense of humor!
We drove for quite some time off of Route 66 to visit the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home. My friend is a huge fan of the author of the Little House on the Prairie series and had checked ahead that it was open on the day we were to arrive. Sadly, it was not. Closed all up! As rain fell on us, we decided to take a moment to just take in the beautiful outdoor vistas. And the drive through the Mark Twain National Park to get there was worth the time.
Tip #4. Bring good guidebooks and maps as a backup to online apps. Yes, there were MANY times that cell service was not available, but, luckily, we packed the “good-old-fashioned way” – with paper maps, too!
Tip #5. Be respectful. I learned that many who live along Route 66 are fiercely proud of the community spirit dedicated to guiding travelers through their town on their part of the “Mother Road”. What may seem unusual or somewhat “kitsch” to a visitor may prove to have historical or sentimental value to the locals. Thus, when you see GIANTS lining the towns, big, bold, and bright neon signs, or upside-down Cadillac cars covered in spray paint – know that they are often beloved!
Big signs and the Blues Brothers!Neon in TulsaMore NeonCADILLAC RANCH in AMARILLLO, TEXASGIANTS are sprinkled throughout Route 66
TIP 6. Don’t expect good accessibility along Route 66. If I were to assign a school grade to Route 66 based on its accessibility, I would give it a “C.” While certain outdoor venues provide decent sidewalks and informative signage, indoor attractions frequently fall short, lacking crucial features such as elevators, braille materials, and captioned videos. One notable exception is the Capitol of Illinois in Springfield, which thoughtfully accommodates the needs of individuals with unique challenges without any excessive fanfare. Kudos to Illinois!
Braille signage found at the Illinois State Capitol building garden art display.
There will be several more articles about Route 66 – my insights, reviews, and a few more tips. Of course, lots of photos! Stay tuned!
At 66 years young, I’m thrilled to embark on an epic adventure along the legendary Route 66, stretching from the heart of Illinois all the way to the sun-kissed shores of California! The excitement of this journey is palpable, and I can’t wait to hit the road with my dear friend, Marji!
Together, we have crafted an extraordinary itinerary featuring stops at fun and quirky locations along the route! (Plus, we’ve included a few delightful detours – just for good measure!) Throughout our journey, I will be gathering information and resources for travelers who require different accommodations to travel “uniquely”. Whether someone needs easy walking paths, paved hiking trails, or amenities like braille signage and captioned informational films in museums or historical venues, I aim to gather inclusive travel information to share during our trip and after as a guide for all.
STARTING POINT: the Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois. Did you know there is a tall ship, The Windy, at the pier? Hop on and join the ships crew for a fun sailing experience!
Our journey will officially commence in Joliet, Ilinois and then promptly continue to Pontiac, Illinois, a town that takes great pride in its Route 66 Hall of Fame, especially for this anniversary celebration! Explore the website for a complete list of events here.
Before we depart from the Land of Lincoln, we can’t miss the opportunity to visit Springfield, the state capital and the historic home of Abraham Lincoln. I’m particularly looking forward to the fascinating vintage sign collection at the ACE SIGN COMPANY MUSEUM.
Missouri– The SHOW ME STATE
Before crossing the Mississippi River, we will take our first “side-trip” to Branson, Missouri. I am hoping we can catch a few good shows! The website: ExploreBranson.com seemed to have a wealth of information!
Kansas– not sure what to see here. Suggestions??
Oklahoma
Tulsa is our main stop in Oklahoma, and there is plenty to do and see in this thriving city. When the sun goes down, the Neon Signs illuminate! Plus, a great place to get some barbecue!
Texas (Panhandle)
Amarillo- You cannot drive on Route 66 without making the obligatory stop at the Cadillac Ranch. I understand it is BYOSP (Bring Your Own Spray Paint). Graffiti art on the various Cadillac cars is encouraged. Stay tuned for the video and/or photos!
New Mexico
This state is a treasure trove of Route 66 “must-dos”. From ghost towns, to Wigwam hotels, and even a stop at the Balloon Museum! There is no time to sleep in New Mexico or Arizona. Our focus will be on these destination points and the natural wonders that surround them!
Tucumcari
Albuquerque
The beautiful backdrop of Flagstaff, Arizona
Arizona
Holbrook
Winslow
Flagstaff
Kingman
I have written several articles about Arizona. Regardless, I am excited to go to Winslow and actually explore this little slice of Arizona. Made famous by the band, The Eagles, this verse in the song Take It Easy: “standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona”. That little corner has captured the imaginations of thousands of visitors each year and has become a popular “Instagram post”. In fact, in early 2026, over 45,000 “Insta” posts have been tabulated to have the hashtag #WinslowArizona!
Next up- Flagstaff is located in a very pretty part of the state. We plan on making our way to the Meteor Crater and the National Petrified Forest (and the Painted Desert), too! I bet that these are optimal photography stops!
Once we hit Flagstaff, we veer off to Sedona. I have been before and it is FABULOUS! I am looking forward to taking the Verde Canyon train out of Clarkdale and through the rock formations of Sedona and nearby vistas.
Back on Route 66, we will go towards Williams, Oatman, and Kingman. But, we still have plenty of sites to see and novelty shops to discover!
California
Needles
Barstow
San Bernardino
We make our way to our final destination during the last day on “the route”.
LAST STOP: Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier, California (home sweet home)
What’s next? Well, if you read this far, please know that the content will continue throughout our trip. And the culmination will be a guide for people and families who need to travel uniquely, and how Route 66 accommodates and includes people with differences.
Lastly, we will highlight the destinations by encouraging children to participate and expand their interest in reading. We’ll kick off this initiative with a book from my friends at Familius Publishing.
Say, YES! Say YES to pretending to be a pirate! Say YES to an invite to a tea party! Say YES to be willing to time travel! When it comes to playing with your child – treat it like a lesson in theater improvisation and say YES AND…!
I had an opportunity to talk with former theater actor, teacher and author, Christopher Mannino, about his new book, Making It Up – A Revolutionary Way to Bond with Kids Through Play. It is his 30th book – not too shabby! Unlike his fictional endeavors, this one delves into helping parents create memories with their children through the power of play. And he has had plenty of practice being the Dad of young children who happen to be living abroad.
Christopher, a TEDx alum, wants to emphasize to his readers that children are like sponges, constantly eager to learn. Parents simply need to be present and engaged in the moment with their children. Additionally, it’s important for all of us to learn how to pivot in our lives, particularly in how we connect with our kids.
As a psychologist who believes that children should play more on the playground and do less homework, I was thrilled to chat with Christopher about his journey as a parent, an author, and an advocate for parents and children to forgo the screens and simply create a safe space for play. He talks about the art of “anchoring” – creating a safe memory that brings an instant recall of joy. And just like improv – you don’t need many props (toys), if any. Just an active imagination and using the power of “YES AND…”
I would be remiss not to mention that Cory Reid, provided excellent illustrations honed important points and also provided some humor!
Below are two short videos of Christopher explaining “anchoring” and “YES AND…”. The link for the full interview (minus the bloopers), is also below.
ANCHORING ESSENTIALS
HOW TO SAY YES!
Some Amazing Takeaways From “Making It Up” for Parents and Professionals:
Say Yes and…
Say NO but…
Avoid questioning the intent
Stay in the moment
Don’t plan ahead
Toys are not necessarily your “friends”
Always carry your anchor
Christopher also shared some tidbits on his journey to becoming an accomplished author. It is a fascinating story of a young boy in rural America finding himself immersed in books, only to dream of becoming a writer. And he did!
Watch and learn about Christopher’s journey as an author, how and why he created Making It Up, and much more on YouTube. This is The full video interview with captioning capabilities. YouTube video
Check out these links to learn more about Making It Up – A Revolutionary Way to Bond with Kids Through Play!
It has been 15 years since I first shared my journey of undergoing surgery and treatment for an aggressive form of thyroid cancer, and I feel incredibly fortunate to commemorate another year in remission. On this anniversary, I seize the opportunity to write a blog post that encourages everyone who reads my musings to “check the neck”! You might wonder why; it’s because thyroid cancer has become one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers of this decade. I hope that this blog serves as a valuable resource for those facing challenges with their thyroid health.
What are the red flags for thyroid cancer and other conditions? Although each individual may present unique experiences, there are several common signs that medical professionals have documented as potential indicators that your thyroid may not be functioning properly.
Some symptoms of thyroid issues:
Feeling a bump or nodes in your neck
Difficulty swallowing
Difficulty breathing
Hoarseness when speaking
Weight gain (or loss)
Fatigue
SPECIAL NOTE: Please refer to your doctor if you feel that something is “not right” or have any questions. This blog is to share my own experiences, which may be very different from yours.
