Illinois Route 66 Events

Filming The Famous Three Highways In Illinois

Paul Taylor filming at Chicago's Art Institute

 

John and Lenore hosted Paul and Sandi Taylor of the ROUTE 66 MAGAZINE. Paul and Sandi are filming for a national network with affiliates in over 30 states reaching over 40 million homes partially sponsored by Suzuki. They approached the Weiss’ with the idea of filming Rt. 66 and two of the original 'blue'  highways based on their popular book, "Traveling the Historic Three."  This is a 110 mile triangular journey that covers the Lincoln Hwy, the Dixie Hwy into Chicago and Route 66 south to Joliet. Numerous stops were made along the way. An array of interviews showed that true hospitality in the small towns along these blue highways is alive and well.

John interviewing Dave Clark at the Art Institute

Lincoln and Dixie Highway intersection

John interviewing Pat Rhea of  Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket

Historic downtown Frankfort, the town with the 1890s charm, the Arche Fountain, world’s largest pizzeria, a doll house and Rainbow Cone were just a few of many places visited along the way. The Buckingham Fountain was beautiful, as Lake Michigan served as a beautiful backdrop. The food at Del Rhea’s Chicken Basket was roadie fare at its best. Castle Eden couldn’t be missed, nor the charm of the eclectic museum and outdoor petting zoo located at White Fence Farm where seating is available for 1100 folks. The Lincoln Landing, recently dedicated, showcases a unique sculpture of Abe. The Route 66 Visitors Center inside the Joliet Area Historical Museum was fun and memorable for all!

  Mark Harmon of Lincoln Landing in Lockpor

Historic Illinois Route 66 Talks & Tours

   It is hard to find anyone who has not heard of Route 66. Most older folks have stories to tell about this beloved road. Route 66 represents mom, pop, and apple pie. It is a real slice of American history. What is so wonderful is that you can still see, feel, travel, and experience this unique icon of Americana.

Talks

   Many like to reminisce, and a younger generation is showing an inquisitive awareness for the mystique of this very magical road. Hundreds of speaking and slide show engagements have been conducted. This 45 minutes to 1-hour program is always a crowd pleaser. It is a fun and informative journey down memory lane.
   Our experience enables us to present the program in a lively, exciting and fun manner. It is a nostalgic step back in time for many. Our goal is to spark memories in seniors and create interest and curiosity in the younger generation. We try to have something for everyone!
We also offer guest speaking for your event. Entertaining Route 66 stories and preservation themed programs are available. John has been a motivational style speaker for many years. He has given programs in most states and Canadian provinces.

Route 66 talk at the Joliet Area Historical Museum

Tours

We can organize

* Customized luxury bus tours of Route 66
* Customized car, motorcycle or other cruises of the historic route.
* Historic themes to small town shopping. Or a mix of all that makes Route 66 one of the most
sought after adventures by folks from around the world.
* We can travel with you or simply organize and arrange your touring adventure.

   Regardless of what kind of tour you choose, we will have people and places included that are an exclusive addition to our personalized tours.
   For the ultimate adventure, John will organize, travel and narrate luxury bus tours of Illinois Route 66 for your group. This extremely enjoyable experience is very popular with bank travel clubs, historical societies, library and park districts. Our extensive knowledge and contacts on Route 66 presents opportunities not available in any other way. Your only responsibility is simply to arrange the group participants and hire the bus. We can even recommend bus companies that have drivers who are familiar with our programs.
   Private tours for documentaries, travel writers, travel directors, film crews and free lance companies are available. We have participated in numerous projects and understand your requirements and needs.
   Please call for additional details on a presentation or tour of historic Route 66 in Illinois.

Tour bus in Wilmington

We found the turkey tracks