It went by to quickly to snap a picture but we did go to the actual beginning/ending point of Route 66 at Lakeshore Drive and proceeded south through the city. Coming out into the suburbs which didn't warrant a photo or even looking at, we were headed for our first official Route 66 destination, Dell Rhea Chicken Basket.
A landmark kind of diner worthy enough to be included in the Food Networks Diner, Drive-Ins & Dives show...let alone a Route 66 landmark. Just what you would expect, owner operated, funny decor, waitresses that look like they've been there forever and great chicken. We arrived before they opened, walked in at 11am, had the buffet which featured their famous fried chicken (very good), corn fritters, Route (66) Beer and awesome chicken soup.
From here we hit the Northern Illinois portion of Route 66 which was somewhat depressing considering our excitement level. Not much to see here, I think we were both second guessing our plan. As we moved south things got a little better with our first exposure to the unique brand of Route 66 landmarks.
An old gas station
Art's Motel & Restaurant on Route 66, noteworthy for our Glen Arbor friends.
Route 66 road marker
"our lady of the highways",Mary Mother of Jesus, Raymond Illinois, Route 66
plaque at the monument
As you drive away each line from the hail mary are posted on signs, I felt the desire to snap this one only...
An actual original slab area of the original Route 66, resisted the urge to get up on it...maybe later.
The Gemini Giant, somewhere along Route 66 in Illinois, I have no further text to add on this.
Same general area, again, an odd landmark.
Our first dinner on Route 66 found as at The Ariston Cafe. Once again, pretty much a classic mom & pop kinda place thats proud of their chicken.
After dinner we jumped off 66 and took 55 to my brothers house in Jackson Tennessee for a couple days. We'll be back on the road Thursday...
Fantastic documentary! Do you guys drive, or just eat LOL. This is exactly what I wanted to hear about. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteIf only our "Lady of the Highway", Mary Mother of Jesus, could 'save' your from the kitschy statutes and decor along the way. Probably nice to have a break from fried Chicken. Stay safe. BTW - still haven't found the Route 66 musical rendition I was telling you about (oh, well).
ReplyDeleteSounds like fun. Have enjoyed the pics., and descriptions of the food. The Chicago meal made me drool, nice they support Werp Farms. Fried Chix looked pretty good too. Have fun, be safe, look forward to reading more about your travels.
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