Gettin your kicks on Route 66... in Rockwall?

There is nothing like driving down the Mother Road and seeing the US shield with the double six. However, the Mother Road has a counterpart in the Lone Star State. While 66 goes from Shamrock to Glenrio in the Panhandle, east of Dallas has their own version of America's highway, Texas 66.

Originally, the route ran from the Rio Grande to Wichita Falls, along what is now US 281. Today, however, the road runs from Garland to Greenville paralleling Interstate 30.

On Saturday morning, I decided to leave the Super 8 in Fort Worth to do some driving. I headed east to old alignments of the historic Bankhead Highway. As I reached Rockwall and drove past a few lights, I turned onto state highway 66 (of course, I wanted to get my kicks!) and found this.

At first I thought, it is a 66 imposture and to just run past it. However, two factors drew me in, hunger and curiosity. So, I got out of my truck and went inside. After opening the door, a wave of nostalgia hit me like a ton of bricks.

I knew I found another gem along 66. So, I decided to sit down and order a plain and dry hamburger with french fries and Dr. Pepper. As I ordered, I admired the colorful menu.

I knew I had to find out about this place. While they took the motiff from the Mother Road, owner, for over six years, Cynthia Panell has done a wonderful job of providing customers with delicious chicken fried steaks and other home cooked meals with a tasteful dose of nostalgia.

From the waiting staff to the colorful pictures, the 66 Classic Diner followed their mantra of "Courtesty, Consistency and Great Food!

If you are in the Dallas area, take a drive down Texas highway 66 to the Route 66 Classic Diner.

http://route66dineronline.com/