Route 66 is on the verge of its 100th anniversary, and a 2,448-mile journey through eight states reveals a bold new chapter unfolding. From the legendary Muffler Men to Patel motels and neon-lit landmarks, small towns along America’s most iconic highway are coming back to life.

Few highways capture the American spirit quite like Route 66, where the journey is often shaped by the friends you make along the way. “Roadies” agree that slowing down to talk to people transforms a simple drive into an unforgettable adventure.