08/23/2026
One of the things that affected Anthony most during his Route 66 journey was seeing how much of its magic is still alive—but also how fragile some of it has become.
The old motels. The neon signs. The tiny museums. The diners, service stations, roadside attractions, and family-owned businesses that have been holding on for generations. So many of these places survive because someone cared enough to save them.
Anthony came home from this trip feeling like he wanted to do more than just photograph Route 66. He wanted his book to help protect a little piece of what made the journey so special.
That’s why a portion of the proceeds from Small Cars, Big Adventure: A Centennial Tribute to Route 66 will be donated to the Route 66 Preservation and Economic Development Grant Program, which helps support historic sites, roadside attractions, and communities and small businesses along the route.
Anthony worries that if younger generations don’t fall in love with Route 66, some of these places and stories could quietly disappear.
His hope is that this book does more than preserve them in photographs. He hopes it inspires people to visit these places, learn their stories, support the people keeping them alive—and help make sure the magic of Route 66 is still there for the next generation. ❤️🛣️
So when you purchase Anthony’s book, you’re helping him give something back to the places and people that made this journey unforgettable. www.anthonyryanschmidt.com
