gem of the desert
Photos by Ken Larson
Road Trip : Route 66 ‘Get your kicks’ at La Quinta Museum By Gary Willhide
Road Trip: Route 66 La Quinta Museum 77885 Avenida Montezuma La Quinta Free admission Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 760-777-7170 playinlaquinta.com @laquintamuseum
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Desert Entertainer
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ou can “get your kicks on Route 66” by taking a couple weeks and driving the “Mother Road” from Santa Monica to Chicago. Or you can spend a few hours at the La Quinta Museum viewing their latest revolving exhibit, Road Trip: Route 66. The exhibit is a compilation of memories about the historic route, about how the road’s past speaks to the present and about the adventurous souls who “got their kicks” on the road. The exhibit runs through September 14. The exhibit features the photog-
raphy of Andy Romanoff and Brian Helder and Wendy Jack’s detailed diorama of a gas station and souvenir shop. There is also a wall of collective art installations from local artists and several interactive opportunities. Route 66 was completely paved in 1938 and served as a “road to a second chance” for those displaced by the Dust Bowl storms. The 1950s were known as the “glory days” of Route 66. Americans had solid paychecks and plenty of leisure time and hopped in their new Chryslers, Chevrolets and Fords and headed west.
The Interstate Highway construction in the 1960s made the Route redundant. It was removed as a federal highway in the 1980s, but its charm continues to invite the adventurous on road trips to see the many museums, gift shops, motels (Wigwam!) and restaurants that survived. Those who take the short cut to Las Vegas are familiar with Roy’s Motel and Café, a Route 66 pit stop in Amboy. The Route is currently enjoying a rebirth of interest and the well-designed exhibit at the La Quinta Museum captures its renewed spirit.
August 2019