Route 66, The Main Street of America: Eastern side Chicago/Oklahoma City

• Day 1

  Fri., Oct. 1 – Sacramento to Chicago: Fly to Chicago this morning, arriving in early afternoon. Transfer to your hotel and freshen up before tonight’s welcome dinner. Sheraton Four Points (D)

• Day 2

  Sat., Oct. 2 – Chicago to Springfield: Our adventure begins in earnest this morning with breakfast at a Chicagolandmark. After we visit the official start of the route at the corner of Adams and Michigan, we’ll stop in at Lou Mitchell’s funky breakfast counter. Leaving Chicago, we get off the interstate and follow what’s left of the old road. Wind through the small community of Odell (where we photograph a beautifully restored old service station), on to Pontiac. Pause for lunch and to view the memorabilia in the Route 66 Museum. Dinner tonight is at a Route 66 landmark, the “Cozy Dog,” where the corn dog was invented! Hilton Hotel Springfield – 2 nights (B,L,D)

• Day 3

  Sun., Oct. 3 – In the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln: The only home Lincoln ever owned is in a restored 19th century neighborhood and you’ll visit that neighborhood today. See the new and critically-acclaimed Lincoln Presidential Museum, then visit his home, his grave site and other Lincoln landmarks. (B)

• Day 4

  Mon., Oct. 4 – Springfield to Sullivan via St. Louis: Leaving Springfield, travel the Main Street of America in earnest. One of America’s oldest stretches of paved road, and an original part of 66, leads us south to Carlinville, one of the prettiest towns you’ll ever see. Lunch is included at the “Hen House,” a more modern version of a Route 66 diner. Arrive at the banks of the Mississippi River and the Chain of Rocks Bridge. Indeed, you can walk across the Mississippi if you wish! (Or ride the coach to the other side.) Pass through St. Louis quickly, stopping only to sample a little bit of heaven on earth at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard Stand. Before the day’s travels end, you’ll stop at Times Beach, and hear one of the old highway’s most interesting (and tragic) stories. Sullivan Baymont Inn (B,L)

• Day 5

  Tues., Oct. 5 – Sullivan to Springfield: The Meramec Caverns were opened to tourists in the 1930’s, just about the time Route 66 made traveling to them easier. In the late 1860’s, Jesse James used them as a natural hideout. The smooth path allows nearly all to explore. Then a stop at the classic-example-of-an-era-gone-byattraction, the Jesse James Museum, is a must. What follows is a marvelous stretch of The Mother Road, through Cuba (what beautiful murals), Rolla (pronounced Raw-la and named after Raleigh, NC) and Devil’s Elbow into Ozark Country. Lunch is at a small roadside BBQ restaurant. Finish the day in Springfield, MO, where Route 66 was “born.” Best Western Deerfield (ECB,L,D)

• Day 6

  Wed., Oct. 6 – Springfield to Carthage: The town square in Mark Hoffmann (L) and SC III driver Greg Gross take a Carthage is a true jewel, sporting a majestic courthouse, an interesting Civil War Museum (one of the first battles was right in this area) and a wonderful old-time soda fountain. Roll on through Joplin and into Kansas. The state is home to the shortest stretch of the old highway, just over 13 miles. Tiny Riverton is along the 13-mile stretch of Route 66 which cuts through the corner of Kansas. Scott Nelson’s small store is perfect for a casual lunch and is a great place to find that special Mother Road souvenir. Passing into Oklahoma, we come to Commerce, the hometown of Mickey Mantle. Miami (pronounced My-am-ah) is the home of the Coleman Theatre, a small town’s attempt to save a 1929 landmark. A previous Sports Leisure group made their mark here. Make sure to look for it! Hard Rock Casino – 2 nights (ECB,L)

• Day 7

  Thurs., Oct. 7 – Will Rogers Country: Backtrack a little this morning, back to Foyil, home to some interesting totem poles. Visit the Will Rogers Memorial, a tribute to America’s famous humorist. Dinner is outside town, at Will Rogers’ home, a special treat not afforded just any traveler. There’s even a picture stop at the legendary Blue Whale. Free time at your hotel this afternoon. (L,D)

• Day 8

  Fri., Oct. 8 – Catoosa to Oklahoma City: Passing Tulsa, we come to Stroud and stop for lunch at the Rock Café. There’s a great story here! Just up the road in Arcadia is the Round Barn. Built in 1898, the barn is being restored to its original grandeur. At “Pop’s,” you can choose your own afternoon refreshment! (Those joining us for the western section of the journey arrive in Oklahoma City, along with the rest of the gang, this afternoon.) Embassy Suites – 2 nights (L,D)

• Day 9

  Sat., Oct. 9 – Oklahoma City: See the Cowboy Hall of Fame (also our lunch stop) and the memorial to the Federal Building victims before taking the rest of the day off. It’s the midpoint of our travels and a great chance to relax a little. Those heading home will need a little time to pack. (B,L)

• Day 10

  Sun., Oct. 10 – Oklahoma City to Amarillo: Those returning home will depart by air this morning. The rest of us continue to Elk City, home of a Route 66 Museum. On across the plains of Oklahoma into Texas you go, destination Amarillo. But first, you have to meet the Mediocre Music Makers, Harley and Annabelle, in Erick. It’s also the hometown of country/folk singer Roger Miller, and we’ll stick our heads into his museum. Tonight, dine at The Big Texan. If you can eat the legendary four pound steak meal in an hour, it’s free! Some may choose a smaller portion… Ashmore Inn (B,L,D)