Short Hike

First place we stopped on 66 this morning was a nature preserve.  It was only .7 miles but a nice area.

Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket

Good thing Willowbrook and Route 66 are not close to Barberton.  Barberton chicken would definitely have competition.  It was awesome!

Chicago Art Institute

Love the old architecture and powerful guardians of the art institute.  I have heard that it is really the closest point to the original beginning of Route 66.

Buckingham Fountain

It was fun trying to get to Grant Park this morning.  There was a charity walk around the park with all the streets closed off.  Luckily, we found a spot on the street a couple blocks away.  The park alone was big.  The sight of the fountain coming into view was awesome.  It was bigger and more beautiful than I imagined.  Lake Michigan made a gorgeous backdrop.

Union Station

Union Station in Chicago is not just a transportation hub- it is beautiful architecture.  The inside is full of giant pillars, marble floors, ornate details, and a glass ceiling.  I will post pics of the inside when I get them off my camera.  If you look closely enough, you will see that pigeons love it too.

Breakfast on the Route

Lou Mitchell's is an original diner at the beginning of Route 66 in Chicago.  The glowing neon greeted us this morning as well as the warm donut holes and Milk Duds.  Everyone gets donut holes upon arrival, and ladies and kids get the Milk Duds.  The owners are Greek and giving sweets upon arrival is a welcoming tradition.  They also serve an awesome breakfast!

Route 66 Illinois - Revisited

It has been a year since that 3-week trip across the country and visiting the history of "The Mother Road."  So, what do you do when you miss the nostalgia, the people, the history, and the road?  You take another journey down Route 66! 

The 2012 journey down Route 66 in Illinois begins Saturday.  So, get ready to follow me as I travel again in search of history and the joys of Route 66.