The Mother Road

I'm moving to L.A., baby, and I'm planning the roadtrip of my life. As any American can tell you - or a Canadian into Americana like me - if you're planning to do a 2400 mile roadtrip, Route 66 is the way to go. Unfortunately, with only 6-7 days of driving available, I'll be doing it mostly on modern Interstates - small highways are pretty much out of the question if I'm looking to spend new year's eve in Las Vegas. I'm going to be accompanied by my old friend Mustafa, who will help keep me awake as I drive through the Midwest. If I end up really tired... well, I suppose I can let him touch my precious, precious transmission.

I'll be updating my itinerary later, but this is how it's shaping up:

• Dec. 26 - Border crossing at Sarnia, Ontario. Proceed south to Ann Arbor
• Dec. 27 - Chicagoland! Ok, it's too cold, keep going... until St. Louis, home of the Blues
• Dec. 29 - Welcome to Oklahoma. Stop and pay toll.
• Dec. 30 - Stop for some Texas beef in Amarillo, Texas; spend the night somewhere in New Mexico
• Dec. 31 - Grand Canyon in scenic Arizona. If we can make it - Viva Las Vegas!
• Jan. 1 - Recover from hangover. Happy New Year! Drop off Mustafa at LAX. :(
• Jan. 2 - Welcome to Los Angeles. Hooray!

Any ideas on good places to make a stop?