Some tourist spots are a little over-hyped for what they are, but sometimes you find a diamond in the rough. Way down in the southeast corner of Kansas, Route 66 curves through the state for a quick bit. We all know how important Route 66 was to the Disney movie Cars, and this small town in Kansas inspired a big part of that movie. Let’s check it out!

Welcome to Galena, Kansas, where you'll find a town full of friendly people that you'll see is just as charming as can be.
Volker Schmidt/Flickr
What many people don't know, however, is that this town was charming enough that it inspired the whole fictional place of Radiator Springs in the Disney movie Cars.
Mural and Sign Art Museum/Flickr
Inside the town, the main stop to make is at Cars on the Route, a restaurant and retro gas station attraction that is also the home of these very recognizable characters.
Cars on the Route Facebook

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Lightning McQueen, Mater, Red, and sometimes even Doc Hudson show up for people to take photos with and feel like they're part of the movie.
Cars on the Route Facebook
The character Mater was inspired by an old L-170 truck that used to sit out front, which looks plenty friendly even without the buck teeth and voice of Larry the Cable Guy.
marada/Flickr
Next time you're thinking of sightseeing with the family, remember Galena, Kansas is waiting with bright colored characters and plenty of small town hospitality.
Tony Hisgett/Flickr

Address: Galena, KS 66739

If you’re looking for some great eats on your way to Galena, there’s a few stops along this fried chicken trail that’ll get you close.

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