Welcome

WELCOME The First Hundred MilesH op in your car and experience the unmatched nostalgia of Route 66. From the hustle and bustle of Chicago’s aweinspiring Magnificent Mile to the picturesque farmland of Central Illinois, The First Hundred Miles of this legendary two-lane blacktop is lined with throwback diners, fascinating museums and some of the most popular photo-ops on the entire route. Whether you’re looking to chart a cross-country trip from Chicago to Santa Monica, or simply experience a unique getaway that’s close to home, TheFirstHundredMiles.com is now the definitive place to start planning your next adventure! The Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau, in partnership with Shaw Media, are proud to announce the launch of The First Hundred Miles, a comprehensive new tourism brand dedicated to promoting the best attractions, restaurants and events found along the first leg of the globally-renowned Route 66. On this new mobile-friendly website and accompanying social media accounts, you’ll find feature articles dedicated to noteworthy attractions, interviews with restaurateurs, inspiring photo galleries and a comprehensive events calendar. This new site also hosts a variety of printable route maps and pre-built road trip itineraries, directing you to popular boutique shops, sprawling nature preserves and delicious dining destinations. Be sure to sign up for The First Hundred Miles Newsletter, where you’ll get a once-weekly e-blast featuring exciting upcoming events and info on exclusive giveaway contests. To see all of our latest articles, and beautiful photos taken along Route 66, be sure to follow The First Hundred Miles on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. In this accompanying guide, we’ll be exploring the iconic sights of yesteryear, those legendary roadside stops that define the Route 66 experience, all while pointing you to some of the great contemporary amenities and hidden gems that the modern roadtripper craves. No matter what you’re looking to explore along the historic Mother Road, there’s an adventure awaiting you on The First Hundred Miles.

TAKE A DRIVE WITH US!

- Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau

WELCOME The First Hundred Miles

Take A Drive With Us!

The world’s largest Route 66 shield, located in beautiful downtown Pontiac, Illinois, is just one of the many roadside attractions you’ll encounter along The First Hundred Miles of the historic Mother Road. Affixed to the exterior wall of the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame Museum, this towering two-story sign is a must-stop for any traveler embarking on a cross-country roadtrip.

2021 OFFICIAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR TRAVEL THE FIRST HUNDRED MILES

ADDITIONAL COPIES MAY BE OBTAINED BY WRITING TO: HERITAGE CORRIDOR CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 2701 Black Road, Ste. 201 • Joliet, IL 60435 844-94-HCCVB (844-944-2282) 800-926-CANAL (2262) marketing@hccvbil.com

PUBLISHED BY:

est . 1851

110 W Jefferson St. • Ottawa, IL 61350 • mywebtimes.com

PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Laura Shaw COPYWRITING: Ryan Searl, Julie Johnson DESIGN: Allison LaPorta ADVERTISING SALES: Julie McDermed

SPECIAL THANKS FOR OUR GUEST PHOTOGRAPHERS: Cesar Cardenas and James Miller

ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY: Kathy Casstevens Photography, James Miller, Reflections By Tracy Photography, Diane Stelken, Dan Mulka, Nick Tremmel, The Joliet Area Historical Museum, Visit Pontiac, Skydeck Chicago, Plainfield Historical Museum, Illinois Aviation Museum, Autobahn Country Club, Heap’s Giant Pumpkins, The Forest Preserve District of Will County, The Forge: Lemont Quarries, Eleven City Diner, Launching Pad, Flapjack Brewery, MyGrain Brewing Co., Old Route 66 Family Restaurant, Countryside Village, Greater Livingston County Arts Council A special thank you to our members for your continued commitment to promoting tourism within the Heritage Corridor.

Note: Many photos in this guide were captured prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, all efforts were taken to ensure proper social distancing during the production of this guide. All featured events and business hours are subject to change, contact all business and event hosts before planning your trip.

Every attempt has been made to verify the information in this publication. Heritage Corridor and Shaw Media assume no liability for incorrect, omitted or outdated information contained herein. To ensure a safe and happy trip, call ahead to verify information.

HERITAGE CORRIDOR CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

PRESIDENT & CEO: Robert Navarro, Ph.D. MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR: Corinne Vargas PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT MANAGER: Lauren Las MARKETING ASSISTANT: Mariah Scott TOURISM MANAGER: Kate Meehan

TOURISM COORDINATORS Sandy Burns Donna Nordstrom Neile Moriarty

2021-07/35K