


Valentine's Day in the Heritage Corridor
Nick's Tavern "Buck-a-Burger" to benefit ELLIESTRONG FUND



Pit Stops
Pull off Route 66 just south of Joliet, Illinois, and find wisdom at the bottom of a milkshake by Jennifer Billock
More: Fun Surprises Along Route 66 I recall one of my first trips along the Mother Road. We began our trek in downtown Chicago, itching to get out on the open road and feel the wind rush against our faces. Our destination? St. Louis, to watch our beloved Cubs play the Cardinals. Because, really, what better reason is there to drive along Americas lifeline than to indulge in Americas favorite pastime? So we headed out, me and three friends, ready to experience a slice of Americana. Our parents had all given us suggestions about where to eat and stop along the drive. While the Dixie Truck Stop, Bill Sheas Gas Station Museum and the Gemini Giant topped most of their lists of iconic roadside attractions, I had my sights set elsewhereon a polka-dotted school bus.
My friends and I were immediately enamored with the drive-in. The burgers, shakes and hot dogs would have been enough, but add in life-size fiberglass statues of the Blues Brothers, Elvis and Betty Boop? We all grinned from ear to ear. And of course, we took pictures wearing black sunglasses in between the Brothers. How could we not? More: Experience scenic waterfalls at Starved Rock Polk-a-Dots interior pulled us back into the 1950s along Route 66. Whether its records hanging on the walls, tabletop jukeboxes, cars parked at the ports outside or black booths trimmed with chrome, the heart of a bygone era pulsed all around us. We were all smitten and did the only logical thingwe fully embraced the blast from the past, ordered cheeseburgers and shakes (mine was chocolate) at the counter, and sat down in a booth to enjoy the carefree lifestyle.
Discover more fun surprises along Route 66 near Joliet, and order a visitors guide to plan your vacation to the I&M Canal Heritage Corridor in Illinois. |