Some stories don’t just stay in the past—they ride along with you.
Growing up, I often heard my mom tell the story of a trip she took as a little girl—just four years old—traveling from St. Louis, Missouri all the way to Los Angeles, California. It was sometime around 1937, long before seat belts or modern highways, when families piled into those big cars and simply set off toward the horizon.
Seven people. One car. One unforgettable journey.
What stayed with me most wasn’t the miles—but the moment.
She had begged her older siblings to let her sit by the door. Somehow, she convinced them. But curiosity got the better of her, and while playing with the handle, the door suddenly swung open.
In an instant, my Uncle Willie grabbed hold of her and pulled her back in.
Crisis averted.
Until… she did it again.
This time, Uncle Bobby didn’t take any chances—she was promptly relocated to the safest spot in the car, wedged tightly between siblings for the rest of the trip. Adventure, it seems, has always come with a little unpredictability.
A Road That Connects Generations
Decades later, life has a way of circling back.
When we moved to Missouri years ago, we ended up living just a quarter mile from that very road—Route 66. The same highway my mom once traveled as a child.
And this past weekend, that road was celebrating something remarkable—its 100th anniversary.
So naturally, we headed to Springfield, just about 25 miles west of us, to take it all in.
Before any road trip—big or small—I tend to fall into a familiar rhythm.
A quick car wash to clear away the pollen.
A fast vacuum.
A moment to make the space feel fresh again.
This time, I reached for something simple—a few drops of lavender on my Belle Aroma® Aromatherapy Scent Pendant™. I let it hang near the dash, where the airflow carried just a soft, calming hint through the car.
Nothing overpowering. Just enough to make the drive feel… settled.
And honestly, that’s part of what makes even small trips feel like an escape.
The Birthplace of Route 66
Springfield is known as the “Birthplace of Route 66,” which at first didn’t quite add up to me. After all, it’s not where the highway begins or ends.
But history has its own way of defining places.
Back in 1926, two men—John T. Woodruff and Cyrus Avery—proposed the now-famous name “Route 66” to the Bureau of Public Roads. The letter was sent from Springfield, and that simple act forever tied the city to the road’s identity.
And now, 100 years later, people are still gathering to celebrate it.
The centennial celebration brought the city to life.
A kickoff concert.
Classic cars lining the streets.
Crowds gathering along historic “C” Street.
Even familiar faces from the Today Show—including Al Roker, Dylan Dreyer, and Laura Jarrett—broadcast live near the Gillioz Theatre.
It felt like more than an event. It felt like stepping into a shared piece of history.
And the celebration doesn’t end there—Springfield carries that spirit forward every August with even more classic cars, music, and gatherings that draw visitors from all over.
The Journey Is the Experience
There’s something about Route 66 that continues to call people back.
Maybe it’s the nostalgia.
Maybe it’s the stories.
Or maybe it’s the simple joy of the open road.
Whether it’s a short afternoon drive or a cross-country adventure, it’s never just about getting somewhere—it’s about how the journey feels along the way.
Retail Takeaway: A Thought for the Road
For retailers, this is where the experience begins.
Small, thoughtful additions—like a subtle in-car scent—can turn an ordinary drive into something memorable. Products like the Belle Aroma® Aromatherapy Scent Pendant™ paired with a variety of essential oils offer customers an easy way to personalize their travel experience.
- Compact and cordless for any vehicle
- Refillable for long-term use
- Ideal for day trips, daily commutes, or extended travel
It’s not just about fragrance—it’s about creating a mood that travels with them.
Route 66 has carried generations of travelers, each with their own stories.
And who knows?
The next customer walking into your store might be planning their own journey along the Mother Road—ready to experience a little piece of history… with a few modern comforts along the way.
Lori Herr for Belle Aroma® Brand
