Expérience ultime

Unveiling the Cosmos: Route 66 Through an Astrophile's Lens

Chicago's Gateway to the Stars: Adler Planetarium

Begin your celestial expedition in Chicago, the starting point of Route 66. The Adler Planetarium, established in 1930, stands as a beacon of astronomical discovery, being the first of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. While urban lights might obscure natural starlight, the Adler offers captivating dome shows, including explorations of hypothetical exoplanets, Afrofuturist narratives blending science and culture, and collaborations with renowned ballet. For direct stargazing, the Adler hosts year-round Wednesday night programs, providing after-hours access to exhibits, the Doane Observatory, and a telescope terrace. Additionally, their "Scopes in the City" initiative offers free telescope sessions across Chicago, bringing the cosmos closer to urban dwellers. For accommodation, consider Hotel EM2, Autograph Collection, a science-themed boutique hotel on Chicago's Magnificent Mile, a short drive or a pleasant walk from the planetarium.

St. Louis: A Haven for Night Sky Enthusiasts

As Route 66 winds through Missouri, St. Louis emerges as a vibrant hub for celestial observation. The McDonnell Planetarium at the St. Louis Science Center is a must-visit, featuring daily star shows, space exhibits, and regular public telescope viewings. Extend your cosmic quest by visiting Stacy Park in Olivette, Missouri, a designated Urban Night Sky Place by DarkSky International, offering an ideal setting to identify constellations and planets. For guided experiences, local observatories like the Crow Observatory at Washington University in St. Louis host public viewing events. Complement your St. Louis stay at the Moonrise Hotel, a space-themed lodging near the planetarium, perfectly aligning with Route 66's quirky charm.

New Mexico's Radio Astronomy Marvel: The Very Large Array

Venturing off Route 66 from Albuquerque, journey two hours southwest to the National Radio Astronomy Observatory's Very Large Array (VLA) near Socorro, New Mexico. This impressive installation of 27 radio dishes, famed for its appearance in the film "Contact," plays a crucial role in studying black holes, pulsars, and distant galaxies. While the visitor center and self-guided tours are available during the day, offering insights into radio astronomy, the surrounding New Mexico landscape provides exceptional dark skies for independent stargazing at night. Consider an overnight stay in Magdalena or Socorro, both conveniently located on your return route to Route 66, with Rancho Magdalena Bed & Breakfast offering kiva-equipped rooms for a cozy stargazing experience.

Flagstaff, Arizona: The Pioneer Dark Sky City

Rejoin Route 66 and head towards Flagstaff, Arizona, recognized as the world's first International Dark Sky City in 2001. Its pioneering lighting regulations, initiated in the 1950s, ensure minimal light pollution, creating an optimal environment for stargazers. Explore the historic Lowell Observatory, where Pluto was discovered, offering astronomy galleries, facility tours, and nightly telescope viewings. Their open-air rooftop planetarium features laser-guided sky shows. During full moons, participate in Flagstaff's free guided hikes for a unique perspective. Day trippers should also visit Meteor Crater National Landmark, a remarkably preserved impact site east of Flagstaff. For a stylish stay blending modern comfort with Route 66 heritage, High Country Motor Lodge provides a chic base for your Flagstaff adventures.

Los Angeles: Griffith Observatory's Grand Finale

As your Route 66 adventure nears its end in Santa Monica, prepare for a grand celestial finale at the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles. Perched atop Griffith Park, this iconic landmark offers free admission and extends its hours into the late evening, allowing ample time to peer through its various telescopes. Immerse yourself in captivating planetarium shows, explore diverse astronomy exhibits, and enjoy panoramic views that include the famous Hollywood sign. Don't miss the monthly public star parties, where local astronomy groups set up numerous telescopes for public use. After your cosmic explorations, indulge in a luxurious stay at the art deco Georgian Hotel in Santa Monica, conveniently located near the Route 66 "End of the Trail" sign on Santa Monica Pier.

This feature delves into the enthralling universe of American roadside wonders, drawing insights from Rolando Pujol's captivating book, 'The Great American Retro Road Trip.' It highlights the enthusiast's dedicated pursuit of these distinctive landmarks, ranging from whimsical architectural structures to memorable gigantic figures. The narrative underscores the profound cultural and historical value embedded in these often-overlooked elements of the American landscape, emphasizing their role in shaping a unique national aesthetic. Through Pujol's perspective, the article champions the preservation of these curious and endearing relics, asserting their timeless appeal and significance in the evolving tapestry of American identity.

Exploring America's Eccentric Roadside Marvels: A Conversation with Rolando Pujol

In a fascinating exchange, Dylan Thuras recently sat down with Rolando Pujol, a celebrated executive producer at ABC News and the passionate author behind 'The Great American Retro Road Trip.' Their discussion illuminated Pujol's profound connection to and extensive documentation of America's whimsical roadside attractions, a journey he passionately chronicles through his Substack and Instagram, 'The Retrologist.'

Pujol's fascination commenced in the summer of 1977, at the tender age of four, during a family road trip from New York to Miami Beach. It was then that he first encountered the peculiar allure of South of the Border, a sprawling roadside attraction on Interstate 95 between North and South Carolina, famously heralded by hundreds of pun-filled billboards and culminating in the sight of a towering 200-foot sombrero. This initial encounter ignited a lifelong passion for what he terms "roadside Americana" – a mosaic of chrome diners, towering Paul Bunyan statues, and mid-century motels adorned with vibrant neon signs. Pujol's new book serves as a comprehensive chronicle of these extraordinary places, portraying them as vital threads in the fabric of American history and aesthetics.

The conversation delved into the intriguing concept of "mimetic architecture," buildings ingeniously designed to resemble the products or services they offer. Notable examples discussed included Randy's Donuts in Los Angeles, an iconic establishment shaped like a colossal donut, strategically located near the airport; and the now-transformed Bondurant's Pharmacy in Kentucky, originally a giant mortar and pestle that has creatively adapted its unique form through various business iterations. A poignant case was the enormous Longaberger Basket Building in Newark, Ohio, a former corporate headquarters meticulously crafted to resemble a giant basket, now standing abandoned, a testament to the challenges of such specialized structures. Pujol expressed a shared hope for its revitalization, perhaps into something equally imaginative.

Beyond architecture, Pujol's extensive research encompasses the evolution of fast-food chains like McDonald's and Pizza Hut, noting how their architectural styles reflect different periods of American culture. He highlighted Pizza Hut's recent "Classics" initiative, retro-renovating older locations to evoke their 1970s charm, complete with vintage logos and signature red-roof designs. These efforts, meticulously tracked by Pujol on his Substack, demonstrate a burgeoning appreciation for nostalgic design.

Another significant focus of their discussion was the iconic "Muffler Men," towering fiberglass figures that emerged in the 1960s, initially for auto shops but quickly becoming ubiquitous roadside mascots. Pujol shared personal anecdotes of encountering these giants, fostering a deep attachment to these quirky sculptures. He highlighted the ongoing renaissance in the appreciation of these figures, exemplified by the American Giants Museum in Atlanta, Illinois, which actively rescues and preserves these historical artifacts.

Pujol’s unwavering commitment to documenting and celebrating these often-ephemeral pieces of Americana stems from an insatiable curiosity about the built environment. He travels extensively, driven by a need to personally experience these sites, to uncover their stories, and to engage with the individuals who bring them to life.

Looking ahead, both Thuras and Pujol expressed optimism for a new era of roadside attractions. They posited that after a period dominated by minimalist design, a shift towards more maximalist, playful, and distinct aesthetics is on the horizon. Pujol cited contemporary examples such as Mary Beth Babcock's "Cosmic Curios" in Tulsa, Oklahoma, featuring a cowboy-astronaut Muffler Man; Topo, a burrito place in Gilbert, Arizona, with a gopher mascot; and the vibrant sign designs by Noble Signs in New York. This resurgence, they agreed, promises to inject renewed joy, wonder, and imaginative flair into the American roadside experience.

The passion and dedication shown by Rolando Pujol in his relentless pursuit of America's roadside attractions serve as a profound reminder of the stories and history embedded in our everyday landscapes. His work encourages us to look beyond the mundane, to appreciate the quirky and the unique, and to find wonder in the unexpected. In an increasingly homogenized world, the preservation and creation of these distinctive landmarks are not merely about nostalgia; they are about maintaining the vibrant, diverse, and often eccentric character of a nation. This endeavor reminds us that art and expression can be found in the most surprising places, enriching our journeys and connecting us to a shared cultural heritage.