Illinois Route 66 - Chicago

CHICAGO. I spent one serious afternoon in Chicago at the renowned Art Institute, but after that, sought out some of the more fun attractions scattered around the city. The Billy Goat Tavern, found on a dark underground street below Michigan Avenue, was the inspiration for the Cheezborger bits on Saturday Night Live. No Coke, Pepsi!

Illinois Route 66 - Chicago

CHICAGO. Excited 66 travelers posed for pictures en masse under the starting point sign on Adams Street, but dispersed so quickly to begin their trip that I could not find out who they were or where they were from!

Illinois Route 66 - Chicago

CHICAGO. This sign, near the corner of Adams Street & Michigan, is the popular but not so accurate starting point for current Route 66 adventures, as the old road heads west from here on a one-way street. The original starting point for 66 was one block south, on Jackson Blvd., which now runs east. (Look for an "End of 66" sign there.) In 1933, the start of 66 was moved a block east, to Lake Shore Dr., so those of us wishing a complete 66 experience must battle a bit more of Chicago's traffic to circle around on Lake Shore near Grant Park.