Route 66 just turned 100. Wyndham Rewards is celebrating with something you can actually eat: a candy collection that comes loaded with hotel points.
The collection is called Flavors of the Open Road, and it’s built around six towns along the highway, from Chicago all the way to Kingman, Arizona. Each box comes packed with destination-inspired candy flavors, plus a guide to the actual restaurants, attractions and roadside stops that inspired them, so you can go taste the real thing yourself.
Wyndham says it has more than 20 hotel brands and over 400 properties near Route 66, which is why the tie-in works. Each collection also comes loaded with 30,000 Wyndham Rewards points, worth up to two nights or more at brands like Days Inn, Super 8, Ramada and La Quinta.
Chicago kicks things off with deep-dish pizza
The candy collection opens where Route 66 does. The Chicago flavor is built around deep-dish pizza, with tomato and herb notes and an unexpected touch of sweetness. Grab the real thing at Lou Malnati’s or Giordano’s, walk the Riverwalk, then check into La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Chicago Downtown.
Tulsa brings the pecan pie
Tulsa’s stop channels toasted pecans and caramelized sugar, no fork required. Stop by Merritt’s Bakery for the bakery version, snap a photo with Buck Atom at Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios, explore the Tulsa Arts District, then rest up at Days Inn by Wyndham Tulsa Central.
Amarillo goes bold with smoked brisket
This one’s for the barbecue crowd. Amarillo’s candy leans smoky and bold, a nod to the pitmasters who built the city’s reputation. Get the real version at Tyler’s Barbeque, visit Cadillac Ranch, maybe even take on the 72-ounce steak challenge at The Big Texan Steak Ranch, then recharge at Microtel by Wyndham Amarillo West.
Albuquerque turns up the heat with green chile
New Mexico’s signature chile gets a candy version here, roasted and earthy with just enough sweetness to balance it out. Try the real thing at Monroe’s or Frontier, wander the adobe streets of Old Town, ride the Sandia Peak Tramway, then settle in at Baymont by Wyndham Albuquerque.
Flagstaff cools things down with prickly pear
This flavor captures bright berry notes and creamy vanilla, the same combo you’d find in a real prickly pear soft serve at Timberline Ice Cream. Explore historic downtown Flagstaff, check out the stars at Lowell Observatory, or detour to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, then stay at Super 8 by Wyndham Flagstaff.
Kingman closes it out with a root beer float
The last stop brings back a classic: creamy vanilla and root beer flavors, just like the real float at Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner or Rutherford’s 66 Family Diner. Check out the Arizona Route 66 Museum, wander historic downtown Kingman, then rest at Ramada by Wyndham Kingman before wrapping up the trip.
How to get one
The collection goes on sale Aug. 20 at 10 a.m. ET on WyndhamRewards.com, priced at $19.26 with shipping included, a nod to the year Route 66 was born. Only 100 boxes are available, one per household, U.S. residents only. If that Mother Road trip has been sitting on your list, this might be the push to finally book it.
Mandy is a luxury travel, fine dining and bucket-list-adventure journalist with expert insight from 47 countries. She uncovers unforgettable experiences around the world and brings them to life through immersive storytelling that blends indulgence, culture and discovery, and shares them with a global audience as co-founder of Food Drink Life. Her articles appear on MSN and through the Associated Press wire in major U.S. outlets, including NBC, the Daily News, Boston Herald, the Chicago Sun-Times and many more.