Places to Love on Route 66 Episodes Designated an Official Route 66 Centennial Project

BUZZ MAGAZINE – Six episodes of the award-winning PBS travel series Samantha Brown’s Places to Love featuring America’s iconic Route 66 have been officially designated an Official Route 66 Centennial Project, recognizing the series’ role in celebrating the historic highway as it approaches its 100th anniversary in 2026.

Hosted by two-time Emmy Award-winning travel expert Samantha Brown, the episodes take viewers on a journey along the full length of Route 66, highlighting the people, communities, and hidden gems that give the legendary highway its enduring spirit. For nearly 26 years, Samantha has built a loyal audience by sharing authentic travel experiences and connecting viewers with the stories behind the destinations.

Samantha has described traveling the entirety of Route 66 as one of the most meaningful experiences of her career. “To take a trip so unique is to feel the beating heart of the United States personally,” she has said, reflecting on the journey that inspired the episodes.

With more than two decades hosting travel programming, Samantha has logged over 2.5 million miles, explored cities across 65 countries, and filmed more than 250 travel episodes. Now in its ninth season, her show continues to connect viewers with the heart and soul of destinations around the world.

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Bill Thomas, Chair of the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership and Commissioner for the Route 66 Centennial Commission, welcomed the designation.

“Samantha Brown’s Places to Love beautifully captures the spirit of Route 66 and the people who keep its stories alive,” Bill said. “These episodes help inspire travelers to experience the Mother Road for themselves while celebrating the communities and culture that make it so special.”

The designation recognizes the series’ impact in bringing global attention to Route 66 and encouraging travelers to explore the highway’s historic towns, roadside attractions, and vibrant local cultures.

You can watch the Route 66 episodes at samanthabrown.com/route66/.

This story originally ran in the June 2026 issue of The Prairie Land Buzz Magazine: http://www.thebuzzmonthly.com

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