Midpoint of Route 66
In 1937, Route 66 was paved and realigned through the towns of Adrian and Vega. When visiting, you will want to enjoy both versions of the Route and visit the following businesses, museums, and historic sites listed from west to east as you would travel through the communities of Adrian, Vega, and Wildorado.
Adrian, Texas
"Geo-mathematical" MidPoint of Route 66!
1139 miles to Los Angeles -------1139 miles to Chicago
When you're here, you're halfway there!
Midpoint Café and Gift Shop
The Midpoint Cafe has been continuously operating since 1928. The Midpoint serves great hamburgers, fries, their famous "ugly-crust" pies and other delicious dishes. The gift shop is filled with Route 66 memorabilia. A must stop for all Route 66 travelers.
For more information call 806-538-6379 or visit www.midpointroute66cafe.com
THE GILES HOTEL
The Giles Hotel is a landmark in Adrian. In the early years, the Giles Hotel greeted many a weary traveler. For many years it served as the Adrian Mercantile.
Before its realignment, Old Route 66 turned north off the present road, going past the Giles Hotel, turning east on the next street and going to Vega.
THE BENT DOOR
The Bent Door was a unique 24-hour Route 66 cafe, souvenir shop and gas station. Never officially named the "Bent Door Cafe", it came to be called that because the doors and windows - recycled from an WWII Army Air Force Base watch tower - where bent. It was a bustling business during the hey-day of Route 66 and has spurred many heart-warming stories and memories. Even as it stands vacant, many people stop to reminisce and take pictures of the building.
THE ANTIQUE RANCH
Transformed from a deserted Route 66 garage into a warm and wonderful eatery with daily specials, Serving travelers of the Mother Road with Texas hospitality and style.
Vega, Texas
BEST WESTERN COUNTRY INN
Built in the 60's as a modern Route 66 Motel, the Best Western Country Inn is nice property still in operation. They take pride in making you feel welcome and comfortable. AAA rating, nice rooms, and outdoor pool. A favorite among Snowbirds. The Inn offers a touch of class and personal service you are sure to enjoy. For reservations call: 1-800-528-1234 or 806-267-2131.
ROOSTERS
This great little Mexican Restaurant revitalized an old Route 66 gas station, known locally as the Nell Shell Station.
FARM AND RANCH HERITAGE MUSEUM
--an outdoor display of early farming and ranching machinery and equipment donated by local families. Open all daylight hours and free admission. It is interesting to walk through the museum and then drive one block east to see the monster machines of today at the Oldham County Implement Co. on the corner of Route 66 and Hwy 385. Times have sure changed!
VEGA MOTEL
The Vega Motel is an original Route 66 tourist court. Each room has its own special charm. The rooms look out onto the center courtyard, and car buffs especially appreciate the the covered carports. The property is currently for sale and would be a great buy for anyone wanting to take part in the revitalization of "America's Main Street.
HICKORY INN CAFE
Across Rt. 66 from the Vega Motel and servin' up good food! If you're looking for a good place to eat in Texas, just follow the pickups. Local farmers, ranchers, friends, and neighbors gather for coffee, ample breakfasts, lunch specials, home-made pies and Hickory Inn's uniquely wonderful pizza.
GRONEMAN'S SERVICE CENTER
Remember the good ol' days when you would drive into a filling station, the bell would ding and a nice gentleman would come out to your car, smile and ask, "What can we do for you?". Well, that still happens here. Groneman's offers full or self service and will get you back on the road with a smile.
DOT'S MINI-MUSEUM
Mini-museum filled with Route 66 memorabilia and western collections from Dot's many years of living, working, and collecting on Route 66.
Dot enjoyed sharing her hobby with Route 66ers from around the world. We invite you to come in, sign her quest book and enjoy her collections.
Located on Old Route 66, Dot's Mini-Museum is open year round.
Dot lived and worked on Route 66 since 1941. While Dot is no longer with us, her spirit is alive and well at Dot's Mini Museum.
ROARK HARDWARE
Roark's Hardware is the oldest hardware store still in operation on old Route 66. You get the feeling of walking into the old general store. Now serving the needs of today, you can find construction, farming, and household supplies as well as gifts and toys.
RESTORED
MAGNOLIA STATION
The City of Vega has restored this historic filling station on Route 66 with particial funding from the National Parks Service Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program. It was the second gas station to be built in Vega in the early 20's and located on what is now US Hwy 385 south of the Oldham County Courthouse.
This attraction offers a great place to picnic and an opportunity to step back in time, feel the past and learn of the great history of the area, our country, and historic Route 66.
VEGA FLOWERS & GIFTS
At the corner of Main and Main, the shop is filled with wonderful smells, treasures, and unique gifts.
BOOT HILL SALOON & GRILL
Owned and operated by Chef Rory Schepisi of Food Network fame, Boot Hill Saloon & Grill takes you back to the 1800's and the Wild West town of Tascosa. Boot Hill is known for their juicy steaks, tender ribs, 1/2 pound Angus burgers, and specialty menu items created by Rory just for Boot Hill. www.BootHillVega.com
BONANZA HOTEL
Serving Route 66 travelers since the 1950s, a true authentic place to stay.
Wildorado, Texas
When the Interstate was built through Wildorado, all the businesses along one side of the Route were completely destroyed to make way for the new super highway. Although small, Wildorado has a special western charm.
ROYAL INN MOTEL
One of the last original 66 businesses in Wildorado, the Royal Inn still offers a great night's rest for Rouet 66 and I-40 travelers. You will find them to have great personal service and very reasonable rates.
A BIT OF HISTORY:
TRAIN DEPOT AND FARMER'S ELEVATOR
Route 66 ran just in front of the old railroad station and farmer's elevator. This picture was taken during the harvest of 1929. You can see wheat stockpiled on the ground near the old train depot. You can still see these structures as you pass through Wildorado. The depot has been moved one block north of this site on private property and is currently for sale. Agriculture has been and continues to be the major industry for Oldham County.
WE HOPE THAT YOU HAVE ENJOYED YOUR VIRTUAL TRIP
DOWN OUR STRETCH OF ROUTE 66.
WE HOPE YOU WILL VISIT IN PERSON SOON!