Accompanying the classic Route 66 icons—like the Wigwam Motel and Roy's Cafe—are towns and small businesses that show very visible signs of hard times. Permanently closed shops, empty streets, and buildings that have been subjected to vandalism and decay are a few of the scenes that you can expect to see on any given day. These are the photographs that aren't often featured.

In the past, Route 66 wasn't exactly a destination, more of a journey, but the sights and sounds along the way were plentiful enough to structure a complete family vacation around. Nowadays, on a lot lesser scale, tourism surrounding the route is still a common theme, with people coming to witness signs of a very different way of life. The route has been re-branded as a historic drive, and highway signs direct you to some of the more popular destinations along the way.

What's sad, is that this nostalgia that seems to hold such great appeal, is vanishing because of society's desire for a fast paced life that is built around convenience. You couldn't find a much better example than the interstate that replaced Route 66—a mostly four lane highway designed to get you where you need to go as quick and easy as possible.

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