Route 66 is the fabled pathway known as the Mother Road. Established in 1926, it connected Chicago and California and became a classic U.S. road trip.
Much of present-day Interstate 40 runs along Historic Route 66; however, where Route 66 turned northeast, Interstate 40 continues east, running through Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina.
Connecting the East Coast and West Coast, I-40 takes travelers from Barstow, California, to Wilmington, North Carolina, passing through major cities such as Flagstaff, Albuquerque, Little Rock, Memphis, and Nashville.
Along the way, you'll find iconic Route 66 sites, cool towns, and picturesque parks. Check out our favorite things to do on I-40.
Eventually, I-40 will take you to Albuquerque. Famous for its balloon festival and association with the TV show Breaking Bad, this town has artsy Southwestern charm. Visit the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History, grab a bite to eat at Perea's New Mexican Restaurant, and tuck in for the night at the Nativo Lodge. As for hotels in Albuquerque, there are some cool options. Hotel Parq Central is an old hospital turned sleek hotel, and the Casas de Suenos rents private adobe casitas in Old Town.
The whole town of Tucumcari is pure retro bliss, but the crown jewel of the community might be Tee Pee Curios. The sign, decor, and building—with its concrete teepee out front—ooze an authentic 1950s aesthetic. Inside, you'll find a collection of souvenirs that range from kitschy to authentic Native American art. Stay in Tucumcari until after to dark to snap pictures of the vintage neon signs around town.
Amarillo is home to the iconic folk art attraction known as Cadillac Ranch. Proposed by three artists and financed by an eccentric millionaire, Cadillac Ranch went relatively unnoticed for a few years before becoming a popular road trip stop. The interactive nature adds to the fun—you can add your own graffiti to the row of Cadillacs. Bring your own paint—just be sure to take your trash with you when you go.
Since I-40 only passes through a small portion of the Texas Panhandle, Amarillo is a great place to experience the Lone Star State. Home to the larger-than-life Big Texan Steak Ranch and authentic Tyler's BBQ, it has some good eats. You'll also find the vintage Wonderland Amusement Park and the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum. If you are staying overnight, the Courtyard in Downtown Amarillo is in a historic building with a great location.
Another major icon from the glory days of Route 66, the Tower Station Conoco and U-Drop Inn Cafe are probably recognizable to most because they inspired scenes in Disney's Cars. The classic Art Deco architecture has been thoroughly restored. Today, this is home to Shamrock's Chamber of Commerce and a visitor center.
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As you continue down I-40, you'll pass the quaint town of Hickory, home to the Hickory Museum of Art. This hidden gem is home to an impressive collection of American art, including pieces from the Hudson River School, exhibits dedicated to modern Southern folk art, displays of art pottery, and more. Admission is free.
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Kernersville is home to one of the quirkiest stops along the route: Korner's Folly. The outside of Korner's Folly looks fairly standard, but it's nothing compared to the unbelievable interior within. You could peer out a window into another room, look up to see an old-school fresco, or find yourself on a staircase leading into a bedroom with 5-foot ceilings.
The house, built between 1878 and 1880, is the work of Jules Gilmer Körner, a visionary interior designer, furniture maker, decorator, and painter. The purpose of the building was to display his unique work and ideas.
College basketball is a huge deal in North Carolina, especially in Chapel Hill, and the Carolina Basketball Museum shares this history. If you aren't interested in basketball, you may enjoy a stroll on the beautiful campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Buckner Hill Plantation is one of the best-preserved and largest Greek Revival Antebellum plantation homes in North Carolina. It's open by appointment only, so call ahead for a tour of the historic buildings and grounds.
I-40 ends in Wilmington, near the Atlantic Ocean. Home to Wrightsville Beach, a lovely RiverWalk, parks, gardens, museums, and oceanside eateries, Wilmington offers coastal Carolina vibes.
There's no bad time to road trip I-40. Since the route is pretty far south, snowy weather isn't too much of a concern. However, if it happens to snow, be prepared for slick roads. Never underestimate how hot it can get in the desert between Texas and California. Always bring plenty of water, and make sure your car's AC is in good working condition.
