"Get Your Kicks… Again: Why Route 66's 100th Birthday Is Calling You Back to the Open Road"

  There are anniversaries… and then there are American milestones. On this episode of Arizona Roundup, host Stuart Rosebrook welcomes one of the true storytellers of the American highway—historian, author, and Route 66 authority Jim Hinckley—for a conversation that feels less like an interview and more like an invitation. An invitation to remember. An invitation to explore. And perhaps most importantly—an invitation to hit the road. As Route 66 celebrates its 100th birthday, Hinckley reminds listeners that this isn't just about pavement and nostalgia. It's about people, purpose, and a uniquely American spirit that continues to travel well—even into the future. The Road That Refuses to Fade Route 66 may be "officially" gone, but don't tell that to the thousands of travelers, historians, artists, and dreamers who keep it very much alive. Hinckley describes it best: Route 66 is "the American story made manifest." From Native American trade routes to wagon roads, from railroads to highways to air travel, this legendary corridor carries the full sweep of American history—the good, the bad, the gritty, and the glorious. And in 2026, that story is roaring back to life. A 160-Mile Block Party (Yes, Really) If you think a birthday party for a highway sounds a little unusual, think again. In northern Arizona, the annual Route 66 Fun Run transforms the road into what Hinckley calls a "160-mile block party." Vintage cars, international visitors, musicians, historians, and road warriors converge from across the globe. This year, the celebration is even bigger—featuring guests from Japan, Europe, New Zealand, and beyond. Apparently, Route 66 doesn't just belong to America anymore. It belongs to the world. The Barber Who Saved a Highway Every great story has a hero. For Route 66, that hero might just be Angel Delgadillo—a small-town barber from Seligman, Arizona. When Interstate 40 bypassed his town, Delgadillo watched businesses fade and communities struggle. But instead of accepting defeat, he sparked a movement—one that would eventually revive Route 66 as a cultural and tourism icon. Not bad for a guy with a barber chair and a vision. His story is a reminder: you don't need a big platform to make a big difference. A Road That Crosses Borders—and Generations Perhaps the most surprising part of the program is Route 66's global reach. Behind the Iron Curtain, people once listened secretly to "Get Your Kicks on Route 66" and dreamed of freedom. For many, the road became a symbol of possibility—just like the Statue of Liberty had been for earlier generations. Today, Route 66 associations exist across Europe, Asia, and Australia. International travelers plan entire vacations around it. It turns out… the "Main Street of America" has become the Main Street of the World. Why the Road Still Matters In a world of GPS shortcuts and high-speed interstates, Route 66 offers something different: Slower travel Unexpected conversations Stories you didn't plan to find As Hinckley puts it, if you really want to discover America, get off the interstate and onto the two-lane roads. Because that's where the country still introduces itself—one town, one story, one handshake at a time. Sharlot Hall Museum: Where the Journey Begins This episode also highlights the role of the Sharlot Hall Museum in Prescott, Arizona—a cultural hub celebrating the history, heritage, and living stories of the American West. With exhibits, events, and Route 66 programming throughout the centennial year, the museum serves as both a starting point and a gathering place for travelers eager to connect with the past while exploring the present. Things to Remember Route 66 is more than a highway—it's a living story of America. The centennial celebration is bringing global attention back to the Mother Road. Individuals like Angel Delgadillo prove one person can revive an entire movement. The real magic of travel happens off the interstate. Things to Share Share this episode with someone who loves history, travel, or a good road trip. Tell others about the Route 66 centennial—it's a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. Invite friends or family to plan a journey together along the Main Street of America. Things to Take Note Of (and Act Upon) Visit the Sharlot Hall Museum and explore its Route 66 exhibits. Plan a stretch of Route 66 to drive—don't overthink it, just start. Use trusted guides, apps, and local visitor centers to enhance your journey. And yes—bring water. The desert still plays by its own rules. A Final Word—and a Challenge There's something quietly powerful about a road that refuses to disappear. Route 66 doesn't demand your attention—it invites it. So here's the challenge: Get off the fast lane. Take the long way. Listen to the stories. Meet the people. And somewhere along the road… You just might find yourself. Ready to begin your journey? Tune in to Arizona Roundup, visit the Sharlot Hall Museum, and step into the story that's been waiting for you for 100 years. Now… go get your kicks.