Route 66, The Main Street of America – Part I

Day 1.

Fly to Chicago: Depart from Sacramento at 5:55am, arriving in Chicago just before noon.  Your first "roadie" experience is a stop for a meal at Del Rhea's Chicken Basket (founded in 1946).  Overnight and get a picture of the beginning of the Mother Road downtown at your "Magnificent Mile" hotel. Hampton Inn Magnificent Mile (L)

Day 2.

Chicago to Springfield: Our adventure begins in earnest with breakfast at a Chicago landmark: Lou Mitchell's (1923) breakfast counter. It's a longtime Windy City tradition.

Outside of Chicago, we get off the interstate and follow the old road. Wind through Joliet (your first old highway museum) to the small community of Odell (where we photograph a beautifully restored old service station), on to Pontiac for lunch.  View the memorabilia in the Route 66 Museum, learn about the "walldogs" murals in town, and the man who inspired them, the late Bob Waldmire.

Mother Road attractions include an old jail, a giant robot, a sirup (that's the way they spell it) company and the home of the legendary "Pig Hip." Ernie Edwards was the owner. Ernie's favorite story was about the night a guy with a special chicken recipe stopped by the Pig Hip. It's quite a tale. Lincoln Hotel by Doubletree, Springfield - 2 nights (FB, L)

Day 3.

Springfield/Lincoln: Visit the critically acclaimed Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum, before a lunch break at the famous Cozy Dog (1946), where it is said the corn dog was invented.  The presidential museum is truly of the finest in the country. The Ace Sign Company in town is responsible for the original and restored versions of many signs along The Mother Road. At Route History, learn how different traveling Route 66 was for people of color, and hear the story of the "sundown" towns. (FB, L, D)

Day 4.

Springfield to St. Louis: Our rural travels roll on through southern Illinois.  Stop to spruce up the Our Lady of the Highways statue. At the Rabbit Ranch hear the story of Henry and his many rabbits. Mother Jones (1930) was a legend in these parts and you'll get a picture of the Cannonball Jail (1869) and Million Dollar Courthouse in Carlinville.  An afternoon stop in St. Louis gives you a chance to go to the top of the Gateway Arch (1965) and get views of the old highway from above. Drury Hotel Maplewood - 2 nights (FB, L)

Day 5.

St. Louis: Take a break today in and around St. Louis. Across the Mississippi River at Cahokia Mounds (600AD) learn about a civilization in the Missouri River Valley from long ago; then walk over the Mississippi on the Chain of Rocks Bridge, once the route of old 66, back into Missouri.  This afternoon enjoy a special Route 66 treat, Ted Drewes Frozen Custard. Tonight, it's dinner on "The Hill," the neighborhood where Yogi Berra grew up! (B, L, D)

Day 6.

St. Louis to Springfield, MO: The Meramec Caverns (1933) were opened to tourists in the 1930's, just above 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. 

What follows is a marvelous stretch of The Mother Road, through Cuba (what beautiful murals) to Devil's Elbow into Ozark Country. Lunch is at one of our favorite roadside retreats, the Missouri Hick BBQ in Cuba. A local guide tells us about the murals in town. There's also a stop at "Uranus," a unique roadside stop that isn't popular with everyone in town.  Finish the day in Springfield, MO, where Route 66 was "born." We'll celebrate The Main Street of America tonight by dining at Steak 'n Shake! Drury Inn (B, L, D)

Day 7.

Springfield to Miami: On the way to Carthage is a most interesting spot, Red Oak. This collection of buildings is practically a town… isn’t it? Who did this and why? The nearby town square in Carthage is a true jewel, sporting a wonderful old-time soda fountain that affords us time for lunch. After passing through Joplin, tiny Riverton is along the 13-mile stretch of Route 66 which cuts through the corner of Kansas. Cars on the Route is a chance to meet some really interesting local characters.

Kansas is home to the shortest stretch of the old highway, just over 13 miles. In Galena, meet “Tow-Tator,” who bears an incredible likeness to the tow truck in the Disney movie Cars named “Tow-Mater.” In fact, this is the old truck that inspired the character! Tonight, dine in the historic Coleman Theater, a 1929 landmark the town has successfully saved. Hampton Inn (B,L,D)

Day 8.

Miami to Tulsa: First stop today is in Commerce, the hometown of Mickey Mantle, and indeed, stop for photos at his childhood home. The guys in the group will appreciate one special feature on the side of the garage. There’s a park with giant cement Totem Poles, and then you’ll arrive in Claremore to visit the Will Rogers Memorial, a tribute to America’s famous humorist. Lunch is special, with treats not afforded just any traveler, as you’ll see. There’s even a picture stop at the legendary Blue Whale on the way to Tulsa. Hilton Garden Inn (B,L)

Day 9.

Tulsa to Oklahoma City: This was the home of Black Wall Street and something forgettable happened here in 1921, just before The Mother Road was born. A guided tour this morning will bring history to life. Leaving 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 “Pops” you can choose your own afternoon refreshment! Embassy Suites (FB,L,D)

Day 10.

Oklahoma City and Home:

Plan to depart for home on a flight about 3 pm today. One more wonderful stretch of Route 66 first, however. Our expert Oklahoma guide takes us to The Stockyards, then tells the story of the Dust Bowl and how it changed the lives of those in its path and sent tens of thousands to the “promised land” in California.  Departure time permitting, a visit to the Cowboy Heritage Museum is planned.  (FB)