Route 66 Day 3: Chicago to Springfield, IL – Exploring Iconic Stops & Hidden Gems

Welcome to Day 3 of our 2024 Summer Route 66 Adventure from Illinois to Santa Monica Pier! 🚗🌄 If you've joined us from our earlier travels from San Diego up to Chicago, welcome back! And if you're new here, buckle up—it's the first official day of our Route 66 road trip. Today, we'll be covering approximately 200 miles from Chicago to Springfield, Illinois, exploring a mix of iconic landmarks, quirky roadside attractions, and hidden gems along the way. Today's Highlights: Aviator Coffee & Cocktails ☕️✈️ Fueling up with premium coffee in a modern retro setting. Westchester Playground & Community Center 🛝🌳 A playground replicating famous Route 66 stops. Joliet Prison & Rich & Creamy Ice Cream Shop 🎥🍦 Visiting the famous prison from "The Blues Brothers" and enjoying sweet treats. Dick's on 66 🛣️🚗 Walking on an old piece of the original Route 66 road. Polka Dot Drive In 🍔🌭 Classic diner vibes and a secret guestbook surprise! Braidwood Zoo 🦒🦓 Quirky animal sculptures made from unique materials. Historic Two-Cell Jail & Riviera Restaurant Re-creation 🚔🍽️ Stepping back in time in Gardner, IL. Historic Gas Stations ⛽️🏚️ Exploring vintage stations in Dwight, Odell, and Normal, IL. Pontiac Museum Complex 🏛️🖼️ A multi-story museum featuring Route 66 history, WWII artifacts, and more. Funks Grove Maple Sirup 🍁🥞 Tasting traditional maple "sirup" at a family-run grove since the 1800s. Atlanta, IL Giants 👣🗿 Marveling at towering Americana statues. Springfield, IL Delights 🌆🍽️ Snacking at the original Cozy Dog Drive In, home of the "Cozy Dog" (not your average corn dog). Dining at Motorheads Bar & Grill, a high-energy spot filled with Route 66 memorabilia. Join us as we dive into the heart of Illinois, experiencing the charm and nostalgia of Route 66. From indulging in delicious local eats to uncovering the stories behind historic landmarks, there's something for everyone on this journey. Don't forget to: 👍 Like this video if you enjoyed it. 🔔 Subscribe to follow along on our Route 66 adventure. 💬 Comment below if you've visited any of these spots or plan to! 📲 Share this video with fellow travel enthusiasts.