Of Cabin Coffee, Cozy Corndogs & Custard Concretes

 

“The greatest part of a road trip isn’t arriving at your destination. It’s all the wild stuff that happens along the way.” – Emma Chase

As  many of you who follow our blog have figured out by now... we LOVE getting our kicks on Route 66!  This time our  road trip covered the Pontiac IL to St Louis MO segment of the Mother
Road. Our first stop was the Old Log Cabin Restaurant in Pontiac IL.  This cafe has been offering breakfast and old-school American comfort food since 1926.

You can always determine a good eats joint by the type and quantity vehicles in the parking lot. In this case it was full! An array of pick up trucks and about a half dozen local sheriff squads let us know this was a local favorite (and yes, the coffee was great!)

The waitress quickly realized we were from out of town and brought over the guest book, filled with hundreds of  Route 66 traveler entries by others who had also made the effort to stop at this unpretentious eatery. 

From there we made way into town to visit the Route 66 Association's Museum - home to Bob Waldmire’s bus and van (the van was the inspiration for "Filmore" in the movie Cars). One could easily spend half a day or more touring all the exhibits - and we were particularly impressed by the collection of actual military uniforms that were donated by area veterans (over 200!). 

We then made our way down to Springfield to visit another building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright,    the Dana-Thomas House.  Completed in 1904, the 12,000 square-foot house also includes more than 100 original pieces of furniture and 450 art glass windows, doors and light fixtures designed by Wright. We were most impressed by the extensive and intricate stained glass windows throughout the house. 

After all that touring we had to stop at The Cozy Dog in Springfield for one of their famous corndogs - which they have been serving  for over 70 years.  They still use the same batter recipe that Ed Waldmire (Bob Waldmire's dad) developed back in 1946.

That night we stayed at the Drury Inn, originally built as a YMCA for railroad workers in 1907.  Its located across from the St. Louis Union Station - a must see, its a converted entertainment complex, complete with a huge koi fish pond (and a world exhibition sized Ferris wheel)!  

The next day we finished up this segment of Route 66 by visiting Ted Drewes for a custard concrete (which they have been serving for over 80 years!) - they serve it to you at a 120 degree angle just to prove that it's thicker than a malt - word of caution, don't try to take a picture with it at 180 degrees or you'll be wearing the contents on your shoes - like Jer did!  But it was clear that he wasn't the first to make his mistake as he requested another at the order window - at which the attendant smiled, and made another free of charge! 

“Look for chances to take the less-traveled roads. There are no wrong turns.” 

— Susan Magsamen