Cozy Dog makes finals March 31, 2007
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The Cozy Dog Drive-In along Route 66 in Springfield, Ill., has advanced to the finals in the Central Division in the Seven Wonders of Illinois contest sponsored by the Illinois Department of Commerce.
The Cozy Dog is going up against fellow finalist Allerton Park of Monticello. Strong lobbying by the Route 66 community helped the Cozy Dog advance in the contest.
In the Southwest Division, another Route 66-related site, Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site near Collinsville, is going against the Great Rivers Scenic Byway in its finals.
Joliet to launch Route 66 campaign March 31, 2007
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After seemingly much indifference to the Mother Road for years, the city of Joliet, Ill., is embracing Route 66 tourism in a big way when it launches its Joliet Kicks on Route 66 campaign on June 2.
According to the Herald-News:
- The Joliet Area Historical Museum will have a bunch of interactive displays, including watching a “drive-in” movie about Route 66 in couches shaped like cars, lounging in a “Magic Fingers” bed in a mock motel room that shows episodes of the “Route 66″ TV show, and a photo booth that provides different Route 66 backdrops.
- The Rich & Creamy ice cream stand will feature plenty of neon lighting and Jack and Elwood from the Blues Brothers dancing atop it.
- A “Route 66 Park” will have informational signs directing tourists to area attractions. Replica gas pumps also will be placed in front of select attractions, such as Rialto Square Theatre.
A few more details can be found on the city’s JolietKicks.com site.
I have to admit, Joliet’s newfound enthusiasm for Route 66 in the past year is intriguing. I have a hunch what sparked it, but I’d like to hear from them what started the sea change. Regardless, it’s a good thing going on here.
Illinois House passes police headquarters bill March 31, 2007
Posted by Ron in Attractions, Preservation.add a comment
The Illinois State Senate approved a bill Friday that would transfer ownership of the historic Illinois State Police District 6 building from the state to Livingston County for $1, reported the Bloomington Pantagraph.
The Senate Bill 768 goes on to the House.
The pistol-shaped building, built on Route 66 near Pontiac in 1941, was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places. The long-vacant structure was recently declared state surplus, but the auction hadn’t yet been scheduled.
The idea behind giving the building to the county is to eventually turn it into a roadside park or museum.
Busy first day for Skywalk March 31, 2007
Posted by Ron in Attractions, Events.1 comment so far
Nearly 2,000 people visited the Grand Canyon Skywalk during its first day open to the public on Wednesday, according to a news release from Grand Canyon West.
At a minimum of $25 a pop, Skywalk grossed at least $50,000 on its first day. Not bad.
The release also gives some details about future plans at the Skywalk complex:
Upon completion, the visitor’s center will include a museum, movie “The Making of the Skywalk,” a VIP lounge and gift shop as well as private indoor and outdoor facilities for meetings, special events and weddings. Several restaurants and bars will be available, including The Skywalk Cafe, a high-end restaurant with outdoor patio and rooftop dining on the edge of the canyon. The second floor of the visitor’s center will provide access to The Skywalk glass walkway.
The sooner it completes these improvements, the better. Give the folks who spent $50 or more apiece more than just a spectacular view.
