Maplewood residents can now get their kicks on Manchester Road, thanks to the recent installation of commemorative Route 66 markers throughout the historic downtown area.

"They are a great addition to the 'hot spot' of Maplewood," said Matt Gibbs, who works with his father Jerry at J & E's Office City in downtown Maplewood.

The markers are situated in the sidewalk in historic Maplewood, commemorating longtime and bygone sights from Route 66's heyday, including six businesses from those days that endure to the present. The markers showcase the business's name and description within the iconic Route 66 sign outline.

"We used the same installer that did the Walk of Fame down on the Loop," said Shannon Brown, whose firm, the DeSIGNery, coordinated the fabrication and installation of the signs with the city of Maplewood.

The businesses showcased are: Citizens National Bank, Saratoga Lanes, Empire Supply, Kalb Electric, Sunnen Products, and Scheidt True Value.

From 1926 to 1933, Maplewood's stretch of Manchester Road was part of US Route 66, according to the city's newsletter. Tourists from around the country enjoy driving what they can of this historic road, which connected Chicago to Los Angeles.

Route 66 underwent several realignments to attempt to make crosscountry travel safer and quicker, before ultimately being decommissioned as an official US route in 1985.  Maplewood's stretch is part of the route's original alignment prior to any redesigns. With careful planning, Route 66 fans can still travel much of the original alignment, hitting many of the surviving hot spots.

And the city isn't done planning yet. The newsletter notes the city will add pamphlets, a web presence and an informational kiosk. Maplewood spokeswoman Rachelle L'Ecuyer said the city is planning an event for the plaques as well, though details are still pending and will be released later this month.

"I think it's a great project for the city of Maplewood," Brown said, "I think it's a great boost for the community and my business, and overall it was a very gratifying experience."