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CHECK OUT THE FIRST HUNDRED MILES
THECheckout FIRST HUNDRED MILES LOOK NO FURTHER FOR A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO DISCOVERING ILLINOIS’ STRETCH OF ROUTE 66 By Ryan Searl | Photos provided by The First Hundred Miles
Hop in your car and experience the unmatched nostalgia of The First Hundred Miles of Route 66. From the hustle and bustle of Chicago’s awe-inspiring Magnificent Mile to the picturesque farmland of central Illinois, this legendary two-lane blacktop is lined with throwback diners, fascinating museums and some of the most popular photo-ops on the entire cross-country route. Known all over the world, this beautiful stretch of Route 66 beckons visitors to experience a bygone era of travel. Busy schedules have prevented many from making the complete 2,000+ mile trip from Chicago to Santa Monica, but anyone can experience the culture and sights of the Mother Road in a convenient, streamlined drive along The First
Hundred Miles. Whether you’re looking to chart the full course across all eight states or simply experience a unique getaway that’s close to home, www. thefirsthundredmiles.com is the best place to start planning your next Route 66 adventure!
The Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau, in partnership with Shaw Media, is proud to announce the launch of this comprehensive new tourism brand, dedicated to promoting the first leg of Historic Route 66. The First Hundred Miles brand features a mobile-friendly website and suite of social channels dedicated to highlighting all the best attractions, restaurants and events found between Chicago and Pontiac. From the legendary roadside stops that define the Route 66 experience, to the great contemporary amenities and hidden gems that drivers crave, you’ll find there’s something for everyone to do along The First Hundred Miles. Iconic sights like the towering Gemini Giant statue (located at the recently renovated Launching Pad restaurant in Wilmington) and the World’s Largest Route 66 shield (painted on the wall of Pontiac’s Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum) are just a few of the nostalgic attractions that have been captivating explorers in recent years. The 2020 travel restrictions prompted many Chicagoans and suburban residents to search for socially distanced, in-state day trips and overnight stays, located near accommodating restaurants and ample lodging options. The First Hundred Miles became a clear destination for travelers with access to a car and sense of adventure.
The website www.firsthundredmiles. com launched as the premiere landing page to start planning your trip to this rising throwback travel destination. On the site, you’ll find helpful content broken down into five main categories: Play, Stay, Dine, Shop and Maps. In the “Play” category, you’ll find live music previews, nature preserve reviews and spotlights on popular museums, from famed Chicago institutions like the Field Museum to the mining micromuseum in Gardner.
In the “Dine” portion of the site you’ll find weekly restaurant spotlight stories, quick reviews and photo galleries that allow you to explore the menu and ambience before you hit the road. From unusual dining destinations like Pontiac’s recently opened Wally’s Great American Road Trip, an ultramodern gas station and food bazaar, and local favorites like Joliet’s Chévere Latin Café. You’ll also find convenient lists of popular ice cream spots, craft beer destinations and old-school diners.
Head to the “Stay” section of the site to learn all about the eclectic selection of hotels, camping and cabin rentals the Route 66 area has to offer. Be
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sure to explore the articles on showpiece lodging destinations like the Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center, Kishauwau’s Starved Rock Area Cabins and Camp Aramoni, a soon-to-open luxury camp nestled on the banks of the Vermilion River.
Under “Shop,” you’ll find spotlights on cute, local boutiques, like Pontiac’s new plant store, Petals By Peyton, and Joliet’s award-winning record store, Audiophil’s Records, alongside interviews with popular artisan makers and crafts people. In “Maps,” you’ll find a variety of pre-made road trip itineraries with exportable maps and interactive tours of antique stores and famous film locations along The First Hundred Miles.
While you’re on the site, be sure to sign up for The First Hundred Miles’ newsletter, where you’ll get a onceweekly email featuring exciting upcoming events and details on exclusive giveaway contests. To see all the latest articles and beautiful photos taken along Route 66, be sure to follow The First Hundred Miles on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. No matter what you’re looking to find along the historic Mother Road, there’s an adventure awaiting you on The First Hundred Miles.
Visit www.heritagecorridorcvb.com/Request-Info to request a copy of “Travel: The First Hundred Miles” physical guidebook. This print publication further delves into the iconic sights of yesteryear, legendary roadside stops, contemporary amenities and hidden gems.
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