Exploring Route 66, One Stamp at a Time
A citywide scavenger hunt is helping local families discover hidden gems, support local businesses and collect prizes before the Aug. 3 deadline.
For La Verne resident Kevin Cox, the Route 66 Passport Program became more than a summer scavenger hunt. It led his family to hidden gems, introduced them to new favorite businesses, and gave his two young sons a reason to get excited about exploring their hometown.
Hundreds of people have picked up passports for La Verne's new Route 66 Passport Program, a free summer scavenger hunt designed to celebrate the Route 66 Centennial while introducing residents to local businesses they may not have visited before.
Cox and his sons Dylan, 5, and Wesley, 8, “live in (and love) La Verne.” They learned about the scavenger hunt while visiting the La Verne Library.
“We were getting some printing help from the man at the info desk, and my 8-year-old son Wesley saw the sign,” Kevin said.
The Cox family hasn’t made it to all 16 stops—yet—but they have been doing about two to three a week. They had only two more businesses to visit when I met them, and then they’d visit City Hall to turn in their passport.
“They are definitely excited about the raffle,” Kevin said.
Dylan said his favorite stop was AAA Auto, “because we got the bags.” Wesley’s favorite stop was Tutti Frutti Cafe, “because they gave us candy.” He learned about the cafe (which opened earlier this year) because of the scavenger hunt. Wesley also said he learned, “They are very nice.”
Kevin said he found some deals at The Openbox Outlet while doing the hunt. He even went back to the store the next day for a garden hose. He’s looking forward to going back to Shogun too. “I thought it was just the big “show,” I didn’t realize we could go there just for sushi,” he said. He also can’t wait to try the all-you-care-to-eat at Orange Fish Sushi, and he’s considering a HotWorx membership after learning they’re open 24/7 and that just 15 minutes of exercising in the heat equals one hour of a regular workout.
The passport program is one of several Centennial activities planned by the City. The celebration also included a Route 66 banner competition, with the winning designs now displayed along Foothill Boulevard, a Route 66 historical exhibit unveiled July 9 at the La Verne Public Library, and a classic car show planned for November.
Participants can pick up a passport at La Verne City Hall, 3660 D St., or the La Verne Library, 3640 D St. Then, visit participating businesses along historic Route 66, find a hidden Route 66 icon at each location and collect stamps. Many businesses are also offering special promotions and giveaways during the program.
City Management Analyst Andrea Blockinger wanted to create a free, family-friendly summer activity while encouraging residents to explore local businesses and support the community's economy. She said the idea for the passport was inspired by a childhood scavenger hunt that helped her and her sister discover new places around La Verne when they were younger.
Feedback from businesses has been positive Blockinger said. “They are enjoying the increased traffic to their business."
The Open Box Outlet has only been in their current location (2139 Foothill Blvd.) a year, and they don’t advertise, so they have a lot of first-time visitors every day. However, the Boutros family, who owns the store, said they have noticed a few new faces with the passports. Although many people doing the hunt are their existing customers, they said, “It’s a fun experience to be a part of.”
Participants who collect at least 10 stamps and return their passport to City Hall by Aug. 3 will be entered into a raffle featuring gift cards and prizes donated by participating businesses. Those who collect stamps from every participating location will receive a second raffle entry. Several completed passports have already been submitted, and raffle winners will be announced in mid-August.
Because of the program's early popularity, Blockinger said City Council members have already discussed expanding the concept into an annual citywide passport program featuring different business corridors.
How to Participate
You can pick up a Route 66 Passport at La Verne City Hall, 3660 D St., or the La Verne Library, 3640 D St. Then visit participating locations, find their hidden Route 66 icon and collect stamps while taking advantage of special promotions offered by many of the businesses.
Passports with at least 10 stamps must be submitted to City Hall by Aug. 3 to be entered into the raffle for prizes donated by participating businesses. Prizes include gift cards, goodies, and supplies from each participating business. Each business had to donate something to the raffle to participate. Prize amounts vary.
⭐️BONUS ⭐️ If you collect stamps from every participating location, you will receive a second raffle entry. The program is open to all ages and runs throughout the summer.
🔗 Learn more about the City of La Verne's Route 66 and America 250 celebrations
