We finally hit Route 66 this morning, picking it up at the beginning in Chicago. I must say, the State of Illinois has done a wonderful job with their signage for Historic Route 66. Although the road has been officially decommissioned, they have signs at every turn, making it very easy to follow.
That being said, Illinois is not considered to be the most interesting segment of the Mother Road. Most of the iconic Rte 66 landmarks are long gone, now replaced by fast food joints, Walmarts and other signs of 21st Century America. If you plan to travel the 6's, I suggest you do it quickly before it is completely erased.
The first 'icon' we came across was the 'gemini man' at the Launch Pad Drive-In in Wilmington, IL. A photo was deemed necessary at this point. I mean, how could you not photograph a 30-foot tall spaceman?! Travelling on, there are several nicely restored service stations which serve as Rte 66 information points.
On to Atlanta and Paul Bunyon (another photo op). For some reason these absurdly large characters appeal to me. They just scream 1950's Americana.
Combining Rte 66 with Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, we stopped for lunch at Sol de Mexico in Carlinville, IL. I can recommend the #4 combination platter (tamale, burrito and rice). As we continued on in to the center of town, we felt as though we had been transported to the town of Ellijay, GA. These two towns appear to be clones. It was like an episode of The Twilight Zone.
After many miles of cornfields and soy beans, we approached St. Louis, MO and the first of our many unintended detours. Everyone we have met in MO so far has been very friendly and helpful, but the 'powers that be' should take some pointers from the folks in Illinois. We lost our way at least a dozen times between the IL/MO border and Cuba (home of the smallest Walmart in the US), where we have stopped for the night. The advantage of travelling with no plans is that getting lost is relatively stress free. We didn't have to be anywhere in particular for a reservation, so stopping for directions (yes, my husband actually does ask for directions when needed). Dinner (sort of) at the Rock Fair Bar and Grill. Again, the people were lovely, the food, on the other hand....
No idea what tomorrow will bring, but that's the fun part! Stay tuned....
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Hope you saw the outdoor murals while you were in Cuba. www.cubamomurals.com. Also the Guinness World's Largest Rocking Chair is on Rt. 66, just outside of Cuba. And you missed the Rt. 66 MO Hick BBQ. And the chicken is great at Rock Fair.
ReplyDelete