The Real California Adventure
We Guide Travelers To Historically Significant Destinations That Still Exist By Marking The Sites With A Black bell.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to identify and highlight historically significant locations, businesses, and destinations
along California Route 66 that have remained in operation since its heyday. Our goal is to increase
awareness of the destinations that still exist today, especially among younger generations and new
residents, and to document these sites while providing situational awareness locally, nationally, and
internationally.
California Route 66 ran from Chicago to Los Angeles and passed through California communities such
as Needles, Barstow, and San Bernardino. It was an important travel and migration route, especially
during the Great Depression, and helped support local economies through tourism and roadside
businesses. Many of these historic places are still operating today, and this project aims to document
and recognize them, but most importantly, guide people to visit the bell sites.
For more information on California Route 66 history visit:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Route_66
A Forgotten Highway and Fading Landmarks
Most of what is on historic Route 66 is bypassed when folks from out of town travel Route 66 as a trip. Many of these historic sites are falling into disrepair or are closing for good. Many folks traveling the route are not aware of these great historic locations and would visit them if they knew of them. The local community is not even aware that these places exist, or if they do, they do not make the connection or realize the significance of them.
Using Bells To Bring Awareness
The hope is that by placing a black windbell with Route 66 on it, this would bring attention, and folks would ask questions and identify with their location on the route.
Guiding Travelers Along The True Route
The mission is also for travelers to follow a map of the destinations, visit the historically significant locations by following the bell, working their way from Needles through San Gabriel Valley through LA, and ending at Santa Monica Pier. Most, if not all, present-day maps bypass this route. Also, the route is not clear as it has changed, and specific guidance is needed.
Excursions And Nearby Destinations
Additionally, there are other close-by destinations that are around the tagged sites that folks can go through on mini tours or excursions as they travel through the route if they wish to learn more about California history and places to go around the route.