Frequently asked questions

Between book signings, gift shop visits, and people who are simply curious about the book, your author has fielded a few questions that have come up several times (except for the first one — that one’s special!). Here are a few…

“I already own 25 Route 66 books. Why should I buy this one?”

Route 66: Road Trip Diary was officially launched on April 30, 2026, at Seligman Celebrates 100 Years of Route 66 in Seligman, Arizona, and that was an actual question posed to me. A man who was hanging out by the signing table pointed to me and answered, “because you don’t have one by him!” Which was a solid answer, but not enough to convince the questioner! I then began explaining the book’s unique blend of history, travel guidance, and personal experiences as the questioner paged through a sample copy. It didn’t take long for the gentleman to reach for his wallet. That has been the experience for so many people: once they see it, feel it, and browse through it, they want it.

“What is your favorite photo in the book?”

While not quite a “which is your favorite child” question, it’s difficult for me to pick just one! As I type this, the photo of the Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Missouri comes to mind, because I was able to catch a shadow of their historic sign as I was shooting the buildings. But from a fun perspective, the “Rattlesnakes Exit Now” sign from Regal Reptile Ranch (near Lela, Texas) tops my list. While not the best quality photo (it’s a pre-digital snapshot from our first big road trip in 2000), it always reminds me of my kids and how they reacted when they saw it. And memories like that are what road trips are all about, right?

“What Route 66 locations in the Disney/Pixar movie Cars are featured in your book?”

There wasn’t room for it in the book due to printing limitations, but here’s a list:

• Wagon Wheel Motel, Cuba, MO (page 24); Yellowhorse Gift Shop Complex, Lupton, AZ (page 94): inspiration for Wheel Well Motel and its location.
• Rock Cafe, Stroud, OK (page 58): owner Dawn Welch was the inspiration for Cozy Cone Motel proprietor Sally Carrera.
• Tower Conoco/U Drop Inn, Shamrock, TX (page 68): inspiration for Ramone’s House of Body Art.
• Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, TX (page 76): inspiration for Cadillac Mountain range.
• Texas Longhorn Motel and Cafe, Glenrio, TX (page 78): inspiration for the name of the Glenrio Motel.
• Blue Swallow Motel, Tucumcari, NM (page 82); Wigwam Motel #6, Holbrook, AZ (page 96); Wigwam Motel #7, San Bernardino, CA (page 126): inspiration for the Cozy Cone Motel.
• Budville Trading Company, Mudville, NM (page 90): inspiration for Budville Trading Post.
• Jack Rabbit Trading Post, Joseph City, AZ (page 98): their “Here It Is” sign (with jackrabbits) is homaged by the “Here It Is” sign (with Model Ts) outside Radiator Springs Curio Shop.
• Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In (page 106) and Angel and Vilma Delgadillo’s Original Route 66 Gift Shop (page 108), Seligman, AZ: Seligman, perhaps more than any other Route 66 town, was the inspiration for Radiator Springs.
• Hackberry General Store, Hackberry, AZ (page 110): inspiration for Radiator Springs Curio Shop.

“I saw your book on Amazon, but you don’t offer Prime shipping. Why not?”

Honest answer: we haven’t sold enough yet to make it worthwhile. But we’re working on it!

“I’m a retailer. Do you have wholesale pricing?”

Yes! There are three levels of pricing based on quantity ordered. Simply fill out the “wholesale inquiries” form on the Where to buy page with your shop’s name and address, along with the quantity you are interested in, and we will respond with a price quote that includes shipping.

Speaking of shipping, we use Pirate Ship to find the lowest shipping prices available to us. So far, USPS Media Mail has been the most economical choice for the majority of our shipments, although UPS Ground has also been used. We do our best to keep costs as low as possible, which is why we custom quote the shipping for you.