RoadDog's Roadlog Blog

McGuire's Irish Bar in Destin, Fl.-- Part 4

2012-01-28T18:17:00.001-06:00

The popcorn came in handy cleansing one's palate. And I drank with the pinky out.

After tasting, Liz decided to go with the Light Ale. I went with the Raspberry Wheat. A bit on the pricey side at $4 a pint, but the place was worth it. Saw some of the meals being delivered and they were huge. They're especially proud of their slab of steak.

Some people ordered what we think might have been nachos and I'd have to say they were the biggest chips I've ever seen.

Everybody was smiling and having fun.

We'll Come Hungry Next Time. Perhaps an Irish Wake Is In he Cards. --RoadDog

McGuire's Irish Pun in Destin, Fl.-- Part 3: And Free Popcorn, Too!

2012-01-27T11:15:00.001-06:00

Despite the bathroom signs (like they say, "Once Maybe, Twice Never." See earlier blog about the bathrooms), we will definitely be back next time through and we will also have to go to the original one in Pensacola.

At least now, I know what to look out for.

"IMBIBERY"

We think they made up the word. But anyway, we finally found one seat at the bar (I had to stand). The place, believe it or not, was packed. Three guys behind the bar keeping the drinks coming and the two we talked with couldn't have been friendlier and more helpful.

A big bowl of popcorn was set down in front of us right away.

"Whatda ya want?"

"Don't know. We've never been here before."

"Well, let me show you what we have."

Stu then proceeds to fill up six small glasses with their home brewed selections, place them on an informative piece of paper and explains each one. We get a chance to taste each one before ordering.

They have Light Ale (like Lite), Red Ale, Wild Irish Raspberry Wheat, Porter, Irish Stout and a seasonal selection.

Still Drinkin'. --RoadDog

McGuire's Irish Pub in Destin, Fl.-- Part 2

2012-01-26T07:31:00.000-06:00

Besides all the green neon outside, McGuire's has an English double decker bus parked outside, complete with dummies.

You walk in under a sign proclaiming "Feasting, Imbibery & Debauchery." It's anything goes.

The first thing that strikes you are all the dollar bills hanging from the ceiling and tacked to most open spots on wall and posts that don't already have some sort of Irish-related picture. Our bartender called it their "Million Dollar Ceiling." But I doubt if anyone has ever counted or even attempt it. One wall was covered with Notre Dame championship pictures.

The place seems more than a bit disjointed, reminding us of the original Durty Nellie's back in Palatine, Illinois.

A famous drink there is their Irish Wake, a drink in a huge bottle, greenish in color with the blue alcohol I don't like along with other things and fresh-squeezed orange juice for $8.50...and you get to keep the glass as a souvenir. Next time I might just overcome my dislike of the blue stuff (probably can't taste it anyway) and order one.

Countdown to St. Patrick's Day, according to their site, 50 days, 15 hours, 20 minutes, 32 seconds.
More Irish Shenanigans to Come. --RoadDog

Careful Bob, That Route 66 Can Be Very Addictive

2012-01-25T16:13:00.002-06:00

And I really speak from personal experience.

From Fox Chicago Jan. 24th "Bob Sirott's One More Thing About Detours and Route 66."

Bob Sirott is a well-known television personality here in Chicago. Before that, he was a deejay on Chicago's WLS Radio back when it played pop music.

Even though Sirott is a Chicago-boy, he has always liked detours, especially in small town America: "It's filled with friendly folks and a world of educational surprises. It takes me back to the time dad piled out family into the Buick and drove us all the way to Los Angeles and back on Route 66."

This past Tuesday, he had an interview in Joliet and on his way back to I-55 saw a sign for the Joliet Area Historical Museum and took an unplanned detour.

He was amazed at how many artifacts and displays they had on Route 66 and the Lincoln Highway. Then he found that none other than Paul McCartney had driven Route 66 back when he was 66 (not 64). I imagine he talked to the same person at the gift shop that I did.

It was getting time for lunch and the museum suggested Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket in Willowbrook which has been serving up that great poultry since 1946. Current owner Pat is Dell's son and he has run the place for 49 years.

I'm Just Saying, Beware Those Old Roads. They Are Very Addictive and I Ought to Know. --RoadDog

McGuire's Irish Pub in Destin, Florida-- Part 1

2012-01-24T08:48:00.000-06:00

You can believe that we will go back to this place the next time through, even though I will be very aware of those bathrooms. Don't want another embarrassing "incident."

I still have to wonder what the next female into their bathroom thought when she saw the seat up. Some poor dumb slob got caught, no doubt.

We had driven by the huge structure on several occasions, but never stopped. However, Monday ( Jan. 16th) night, we had met a guy from Ireland at the Swizzle Stick Lounge at the Best Western, Fort Walton Beach, who said he was going to be playing there and in the other McGuire's in Pensacola the next three months.

Plus, we had time after finding that the Oasis was not yet open for business.

At night, the whole outside is outlined in green neon. That is one impressive sight. And the building is three stories high with what appears to be a huge outdoor area at the top.

Parking however, is in a lot where every effort has been made to cram as many parking spaces into as small an area as possible has been made. Why, this parking lot makes the ones at Walgreen's look absolutely huge!

And, We Aren't Even Inside Yet. --RoadDog

Wasted Days and Wasted Nights at Route 66's Curve Inn

2012-01-23T22:10:00.001-06:00

This past Saturday, a very tired Liz and myself made it as far back home as Springfield, Illinois, checked into the TraveLodge and then went over to the Curve Inn for a couple or three beers.

Great crowd there having fun as usual, shooting darts, eating and drinking. Plus, playing some really good tunes on the jukebox like "Knock Three Times" and Freddie Fender's "Wasted Days and Wasted Nights." The second time we heard "Wasted Days" I commented that someone must really like the song. The bartender overheard me and said that the the unofficial song of the Curve.

It seems that they were out on a bar crawl a while back, and they would play the song every place the Curve Crew visited. It has since become a tradition of sorts. Seems loke a song that pretty well describes this great old Route 66 roadhouse.

As a matter of fact, they had another bus trip to St. Louis to the Anheiser-Busch Brewery and several other bars in between and they were about to come back. Folks looking at Facebook said they were getting rowdy.

We decided to leave just as the bus arrived, First guy into the bar had a red, white and blue speedo on and dirty old man's coat and nothing else.

We Beat the Hasty Retreat. --RoadDog

What a Difference a Day Makes

2012-01-22T09:11:00.000-06:00

We got into Grenada, Mississippi , Friday night. The temperature was in the mid-70s. We thought McAlister's Deli, next to the Knight's Inn, had a bar, but it didn't. However, we walked around behind it and saw a promising place lit up by neon, called The Tiki Bar and decided to check it out. This place was definitely Ole Miss territory as all the signs outside proclaimed.

I walked over in shorts and a tee shirt and was perfectly comfortable.

However, last night, we got into Springfield, Illinois, with temps at 29 degrees and extremely cold. Going out to the bars. it was long pants, sweat shirts and coats.

Those 500 miles can cause a change in temperature.

Getting Colder By the Mile. --RoadDog

Coming Back Too Soon?

2012-01-22T09:02:00.001-06:00

Just looking at the weather for today and the two days following.

Panama City Beach, Florida, is supposed to be at 80 degrees today and in the 70s the next two. At home in northern Illinois, temps in 20s and 30s with snow and ice.

Perhaps we came back too soon.

Oh, Well, Always Good to Get Home. --RoadDog

A Follow Up on the Destin McGuire's Bathrooms

2012-01-20T07:27:00.001-06:00

A follow up on the earlier post.

Evidently someone didn't find the bathroom signs very funny as in 2007, the Destin McGuire's was ordered to take the signs down. They had first gone up in 1997 in Destin and had been up in the Pensacola McGuire's for twenty years.

No doubt, at some point back then, a bunch of folks at the Pensacola place were sitting around after a pint or two or three and someone came up with the idea, "Hey, you know what would be funny?"

The city or some governmental body got them for "Lack of signage properly designating bathrooms."

Evidently, something happened because they're back. Still doing a double look at all bathroom doors.

Like the Tee Shirt Says, "Once Maybe...Twice Never." -RoadDog

Maybe Once, Hopefully Not Twice: McGuire's Got Me

2012-01-20T07:04:00.002-06:00

Tuesday, we drove back across the six mile stretch of open island between Fort Walton Beach and Destin,, Fl., something you don't often see along the coast in tourist areas.

Objectives were to do some grazing at the Golden Corral, visit a new NTN site and go to McGuire's Irish Bar. Golden Corral is one of the few places I can afford to eat steak anymore. The new NTN site, the Oasis of Destin, is not yet open, but hope to be by today.

McGuire's is one of the most interesting places we've ever been to, but I am going to talk about the last experience there. We'd just finished our pints and taken a walk around the place and were looking at that great gift shop and being sorely tempted, when I decided to go to the bathroom. Found them and saw a whole lot of stuff on the door, but saw the word "Men" in big print and walked right in.

I was wondering why there were no urinals and put the toilet seat up in one stall (I have been trained well) and just then heard a flush from the next stall and Liz saying loudly, "What are you doing in the women's room?"

So that would explain why there were no urinals. Unfortunately, I met the lady from the other stall on my hurried retreat. She and Liz found it hilarious. I didn't so much.

I mean, these doors are set up to deliberately catch you. And they did.

Funny now, not so funny at the time.

Believe Me, Every Bathroom Door I Go Through Now Gets Close Scrutiny. --RoadDog

Motelus Funnicus Guyus Strikes Again

2012-01-18T08:39:00.002-06:00

From the Fort Walton Beach Best Western.

Yesterday morning, we were awakened at 5:45 AM, by what had to be the loudest alarm clock I've ever heard (well, truth be told, since retiring I rarely use one, so maybe it wasn't all that loud). After much difficulty, we managed to get it turned off (hey, I even have trouble dealing with the ones we have at home, just don't use 'em that much anymore).

The only thing was that we didn't set it. This was the work of Motelus Funnicus Guyus, a person we have encountered more than once on our travels.

Anyway, couldn't get back to sleep. Looked outside at the Gulf and beheld one of the prettiest sunrises ever. Perhaps good old Motelus Funnicus Guyus' little funny bit backfired on him.

However, the guy still had one more trick up his sleeve and had the coffee maker set to turn on as soon as I plugged it in. Unfortunately, I had already poured the water in so that set off quite a scramble.

Ya Gotta Just Love That Guy, Whoever He Could Be. --RoadDog

Not Sure How Interconnected These Two Stories Are

2012-01-17T11:08:00.000-06:00

While we were in Panama City Beach this last week, I noticed two news stories about the upcoming mess called Spring Break. Panama City Beach (PCB) evidently goes out of its way to attract college spring breakers, and I understand even their high school brethren.

Anyway, I saw that PCB is planning to try to break a record for most girls in little bitty bikinis in one place. Just the thing to stir up the sodden guys, you know.

In other, perhaps related news, PCB is planning on upping their police presence from 54 to 88.

Makes You Go Hmmmmnnn. --RoadDog

A Sad Day for Us Packer Fans

2012-01-16T09:20:00.000-06:00

This morning, I wore my Packer sweatshirt to the "Romeo" meeting in the Osprey's lounge and got quite a few comments about yesterday's game. Everyone agreed that the Packers just didn't show up.

Typing away outside the room and it is just about warm enough to take off that sweatshirt. First time it happened since we've been here. Been pretty cold in the mornings, but still considerably warmer than back home.

I hate those week off byes when you have a good record in the football playoffs. I think the Packer receiving corps was still on vacation and what was with all those fumbles?

We saw the first half of the game with a whole bunch of Packer fans at Salty Sue's on Back Beach Road, US-98, while enjoying $1.50 pints and ten jumbo smoked wings for $5. They smoke 'em for three hours and man does that flavor come through.

We figured that if we went to another place maybe he Packers would return to the form that led to the 15-1 record, so went to Buffalo Wild Wings at Pier Park. The place was packed with mostly Packer fans, but it was the Giant fans having most of the fun.

Most left early.

Oh well, had to console ourselves at Donovan's Reef.

There's Always Next Year. --RoadDog

Last Day

2012-01-15T13:14:00.000-06:00

Sitting out here by the room on the first really decent day since we've we've been here at Panama City Beach. It has been alright if we're sitting by the room and have the wind blocked, this past week, though. And...it has always been at least 30 degrees warmer than back home and sun.

I would not have liked to sit outside typing this in the 4-6 inches of snow we received a couple days ago.

But, it is the last day, so have to really enjoy it.

Folks have really come out of their rooms and quite a few walking the beach, about 50 yards from where I sit a-typing away with my two little fingers.

We've enjpyedDonovan's Reef across the street. One guy here at the motel said that they were going out of business. The reason being that our friends from Columbus, Indiana, did not come down this year. Old Larry always went across the street to have his couple of beers every afternoon.

Tough Life But Someone's Gotta Do It. Remember, When the Going Gets Rough, the Tough Go to the Beach. --RoadDog

Trip Stuff: No Oysters for Me-- Where's Danica?-- NIU Goes Big Time

2012-01-14T12:04:00.001-06:00

1. NO OYSTERS FOR ME-- We've visited a local's place here in PCB called Dusty's Oyster Bar where we always end up where they are shucking the oysters. Got to talkng with one of the shuckers who said Apalachicola oysters were the best in the world and that I should try one.

I told him I had had a bad oyster back in the 1980s and couldn't eat one. He kept insisting that I do a little "hair of the dog" and try one. I kept saying no and he even threatened to slip one into my beer. I kept a close eye on my beer after that.

2. WHERE'S DANICA?-- On our way to Mobile, we spent a night at the TraveLodge in Springfield, Illinois. While in the bar, we mentioned that we were on our way to the Go-Daddy Bowl. to which several people immediately mentioned the name Danica Patrick.

I seemed to remember she was a NASCAR driver. We saw later that she is sponsored by the Go-Daddy folks. I bet you, however, that she was not at the bowl game.

3. NIU GOES BIG TIME-- Two days ago, while walking from Reggae J's to Buffalo Wild Wings at Pier Park here in Panama City Beach, we passed a store called University Sports and Gifts and decided to go in and look around. As you would expect, they had lots of Alabama championship stuff as well as Gators and Seminoles. As a joke, I asked where their Northern Illinois stuff was.

THEY HAD NIU TEESHIRTS!!! We just had to buy one for Liz. They were $14 apiece or 2 for $20 so looked around and were also shocked to find East Carolina so bought one for me.

Hard to Believe They'd Have NIU Stuff in Panama City Beach, Florida. --RoadDog

Joe's Corner Bar in Panama City, Fl.: NTN and Wings Too-- Part 2

2012-01-13T16:02:00.000-06:00

Probably a good way to describe the interior is rustic and well-used. Those of you who find it necessary to eat at Applebee's or TGIF might not like it. But we sure do.

YOU HAD ME AT CHEAP BEER, FRIENDLY NTN AND TASTY WINGS

Plus, there are the drink prices. I doubt that you can find a pitcher anywhere in Florida for $4 (Natty Light). It is $4.75 for Bud Light. You drink out of a pint Mason jar.

There were actually folks playing NTN. We've been to just over 950 NTN sites over the years and usually no one is playing. And the few times we have had other players, not a word was said to us. These folks are friendly.

They only serve one thing, and that is wings, so they had better be good. And they are. They come just right with no extra charge for blue cheese or ranch or the carrots and celery. You can get them mild to burn your face off. We went mild.

A batch of 12 is $7, but it's a better deal at 20 for $8.75. Unfortunately, the wings are about Buffalo Wild Wing Size, so that's pretty small.

But, the taste is just great. Those guys at BW3 were right on the money saying they were the best.

I didn't know it, but when we were leaving, a guy said the tree that towers above the place is actually "in the place." If it is, it is not out in the bar area, but from the outside, it looks as if an addition to the structure was built around it. See the above photo.

As Arnold Would Say, "I'll Be...." --RoadDog

Sharky's Opens Today

2012-01-12T10:54:00.001-06:00

Aeriel view above photo.

As is the case with quite a few Panama City Beach hot spots, a winter close down takes place. That is just what happened to Sharky's, but the sign and newspaper says the place will open today for the 2012 season.

This is one great beach front place for fun and libations. From 11 to 6, they have happy hour with $1.50 pints, a great place to drink in their absolutely huge tiki bar.

Even better, it is within walking distance of where we're staying.

I see that hey have entertainment starting at 5 tonight, something about shagging, and not the English shagging, but the dance you do to Beach Music.

Reckon We're Going to Be Some Sort of First-Nighters, Or, At Least First Dayers. --RoadDog

Joe's Corner Pub in Panama City, Florida: NTN and Wings, Too-- Part 1

2012-01-12T10:39:00.000-06:00

Hard to find, but definitely worth the visit. Due to crummy weather yesterday, we took a drive over the soon-to-be-partially closed bridge between PCB and Panama City to this favorite of ours over these last several years. It is hard to find, about a mile east of the bridge on the north side, probably easiest to spot because of it being right next to a Comfort Inn Motel.

Using the Buzztime sitefinder, we knew that they had that dadburn addictive NTN that we play way too much of. We looked for it the first time here and initially couldn't find it until we went to the BW3, excuse me, Buffalo Wild Wings, at Pier Place and mentioned hat we couldn't find Joe's. The bartenders both right away said they knew exactly where it was and gave us directions. They also added that as far as they were concerned, Joe's had the best wings anywhere around, something you would not expect to hear from a BW3.

We found it with some difficulty, even with their directions. It turns out that it is essentially impossible to see driving west, but you can see a sign going east.

If you're looking for a place that can be called a dive bar, you came to the right place. And, we like our dive bars.

More to Come. --RoadDog

Civil War History on the Trip

2012-01-11T12:44:00.000-06:00

I should note that while in Mobile, we did all sorts of Civil War sight-seeing, all having to do with Confederate Admiral Raphael Semmes, who commanded the famous raider CSS Alabama.

We went to his grave, saw his house, drove through a town named for him, saw his statue and found out about a hotel named for him.

He came to Mobile after the war and lived his final years.

You can see my entries on my Running the Blockade Blog. Just click on it n this page.

Notes from the 2012 Go-Daddy Bowl

2012-01-11T12:38:00.000-06:00

1. HOW'S THAT AGAIN?-- We couldn't help but smile when they started announcing that fans should stick around after the game for the awards ceremony. Usually you expect that ceremony to occur the same day as the game, but by the second quarter, it was appearing that the awards would go out tomorrow (and they surely did, the game ended at 11:59 PM.) They should have been saying, "The awards ceremony will be tomorrow morning, real early-like."

2. "WE REMEMBER YOU GUYS"-- Between the red of NIU and Arkansas State, as well as the red of Alabama, Mobile was awash in crimson this past weekend. After all, 'Bama was playing in that other bowl the next day.

It did me proud that whenever a "Bama fan saw us in our NIU stuff they would invariably say, "We remember you guys. You beat us!!"

Made you proud to be a Huskie!!"

3. GO-DADDIED TO DEATH-- I know it was their bowl and all, but I lost count of Go-Daddy ads at about fifty. Then, there were all those TV timeouts. Both teams sure spent a long time just standing on the field, waiting...waiting...waiting.

A Great Time. --RoadDog

Time for a Break/A New Friend

2012-01-10T09:44:00.001-06:00

Here at Panama City Beach for a bit of a rest from all the hoopla of last weekend. Right now, sitting outside by the room and looking across at the Gulf of Mexico about 50-60 yards away. Looks like the sun is trying to break through the haze. The breeze blowing that wonderful salt air in.

For some reason, yesterday at the motel lobby, only new buddy Bill was wearing Arkansas State colors. However, several folks had on Northern stuff. It was kind of funny how we got to know Bill, who said that he went to the same high school in Arkansas that Bill Clinton did, but was one class higher. The day before, I was sitting with another Huskie fan and saw Bill walk by. I mistook his shirt for a Northern one and invited him to sit with us. I imagine he was wondering why I would do that, us being on opposite sides as we were.

He sat down and we went on to have a great conversation. Then, later learned that he was in the room right next to us. We talked there as well, plus a bit before Sunday's game. Yesterday, they invited us to visit them if we go to Arkansas. Just might take them up on that.

A Tough Life, But Someone's Got to Do It. --RoadDog

Huskies Win!!

2012-01-09T10:18:00.000-06:00

The Game That Would Never End finally ended at 11:59 pm, last night (began at 8). Despite an opening 12 minutes of Huskie "Not" offense and a 13-0 deficit, the boys came back to take a 14-13 lead and then scored right before half to go up 21-13.

Huskie hearts were faint when qb Harnish went out with a sprained foot in the second, but after an initial misfire, backup Lynch got a TD, then Harnish returned to engineer a TD as time expired in the second quarter.

Third quarter was scoreless after the Huskie scored a quick one to go up 28-13. In the 4th, after a Northern field goal (three other field goal attempts were missed), Arkansas State roared back down the field and NIU led 31-20. Later Northern scored on an interception and won the game 38-20.

Didn't get back to the room until 2 am, way past the bed time for this old dog and I'm paying for it today.

Go Huskies!! --RoadDog

Feeling A Lot Outnumbered

2012-01-08T09:59:00.000-06:00

Arkansas State University definitely has us more than a bit outnumbered here in Mobile this weekend. I
m guessing at least 50-1, though at times it seems 100 to 1. Here at the motel, I'd say for breakfast there were two of us Huskie fans and twelve Red Wolves fans. I overheard one saying they had sold 8,000 tickets and Northern just 1,500.

Everywhere you go, you hear that howl and "ASU, ASU!!"

Last night, at the Mardi Gras parade, they practically drowned out our marching band when they went by and the sidewalks ricocheted back and forth, "ASU" from one side and "Red Wolves" from the other.

These guys are really up for the game. This would be their first-ever bowl win, overall record 0-1.

Last night, waiting for the bus, there were two couples chatting with each other, two in NIU attire and the other two with ASU. The NIU fans said they had to bring the other two along, even as ASU fans, because they were "family." Now, that would be neat having a family split like that.

Mighty friendly folks though and have had some great conversations.

Here's Hoping for a Win. --RoadDog

Mobile...the Moon Pie Capital of the U.S.?

2012-01-08T08:01:00.000-06:00

OK, they make them in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and no doubt eat them there as well. But the city of Mobile, Alabama, has raised the the Moon Pie Bar to new levels.

Last night, we were at the Mardi Gras parade there and while waiting for it, a new friend pointed to a building and said that was a giant 12-foot high moon pie that the city raises to 200 feet at the stroke of midnight to set off the celebration. This tradition goes back to 2008. That same year, the town also set a record for largest Moon Pie ever made, some 55 pounds worth of goodness weighing in with a mere 45,000 calories.

Then, during the parade, besides assorted ballistic beads to catch or duck, there were mini-Moon Pies thrown from the floats. Let me tell you, a Moon Pie, even a mini-Moon Pie will wake you up if it hits you.

Mini Moon Pies became "throws" at Mardi Gras parades in Mobile in 1956.

And, let me tell you, I am not a big fan of Moon Pies, but we ate one of those Moon Pie Mini Mint Crunches when we got back to the motel and it is one of the best things I've ever eaten. I will be looking for a box of them to buy the rest of the vacation.

A few other interesting Moon Pie facts from Wikipedia:

** The western-most Moon Pie "Throws" are in Slidell, Louisiana, which also has a Krewe of Mona Lisa and Moon Pie.

** Oneota, Alabama, has an annual Moon Pie eating contest which started when the local Wal-Mart ordered too many of them one year.

Oh, Give Me a Moon Where the Krewes Do Throw. --RoadDog

And We Came All the Way Down Here for Warm

2012-01-08T07:21:00.000-06:00

Our now-annual trip to the Gulf Coast started five years ago in response to a really cold and snowy winter was and still a great relief to get away from all of that yucky stuff (sorry snowmobilers).

However, today, I see that temps back home in northern Illinois are predicted at 46 degrees and 52 tomorrow. Now, that is warm. Temps here in Mobile are to be in the 70s, however and next week in Panama City Beach in the 60s and possibly 50s by Thursday.

Perhaps we should have stayed home.

Nah! It will still be warmer here.

However, I would still like to point out that on two occasions, we got really warm January temperatures followed by some major calamities in northern Illinois. Once was preceding the infamous Blizzard of '67 and the other was a few years back when we had tornadoes the next day.

And, Besides, We Have a Big Game Today. --RoadDog

Meeting Diesel

2012-01-07T23:50:00.001-06:00

We were downtown Mobile for their Mardi Gras parade tonight. We were told that even though the season doesn't yet officially begin, they have a parade when anything major is going on in the town. Impressive and with a lot of black bands, the absolute best marching bands as well as the Arkansas State and Northern bands.

Caught a ton of beads and got clobbered by a lot as well.

Afterwards, we adjourned over to the park by the convention center which was billed as a pep rally, but was really an ASU rally. They did have a real nice fireworks display, however.

We had the opportunity to meet Diesel, who is a Siberian huskie and has the role of our real live mascot. He is eight years old and one magnificent Huskie specimen with beautiful markings. Even more interesting, we found out that he lives in Round lake Beach, where we used to live. He got the job because his owner's daughter was a cheerleader back five years ago.

Got some great pictures with the pooch, who we call Victor E. Huskie.

Get It!! --RoadDog

Throwed Rolls, 586 Miles, That Close

2012-01-06T09:04:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, was a major driving day for us, with 586 miles under the tires, all superslab on I-55. We had to make some time after getting only 220 the day before. Actually, it would have been less miles yesterday, except we missed the exit at Grenada, Mississippi, and had to drive to just shy of Jackson before finding a motel.

We had our Lambert's fix in Sikeston, of course, with several "caught rolls," none dropped. Called Cajun to let him know we were there, a little tradition we have when either of us are at a Lambert's. Had my favorite pork streak and found a new favorite item, the cucumbers and onions.

Only problem after pigging out, is staying awake, especially of importance when driving.

After the Springfield shock yesterday, we were happy to find gas in Litchfield, Illinois, at $3,30 when we stopped for our Jack-in-the-Box taco fix. The only problem was we had to "limit" ourselves to two apiece because of the planned stop at Lambert's.

Keeping an eye on gas prices. Most places in Missouri, usually the cheapest gas in the US, were at $3.25. However, we did find one place south of Sikeston at $3.10 so filled up there.

I WAS JUST A LITTLE LATE

Upon arriving at Canton, Mississippi, where we spent the night, I saw the Love's station at $3.10. On the other side of I-55, while looking for a motel, I saw the stations with $3.20 prices. I drove back as quickly as I could, GAS GOUGE WAS ABOUT TO HAPPEN!! The big interstate sign still read $3.10. Got to the gas pump, inserted card and it read $3.20. DARN!!

On the way out, I saw that the interstate sign now read $3.20.

A Moment Late and a Dollar Short (I Had to Put in Ten Gallons). --RoadDog

Ernie's Sign Is Down

2012-01-05T07:38:00.001-06:00

Had we not got such a late start yesterday, we were thinking of stopping by the nursing home in Lincoln where Ernie Edwards (The Old Coot on 66), owner of the Route 66 icon the Pig Hip Restaurant and listening to some stories. We did stop by the site of his old place and home in Broadwell to see if it was still for sale.

We were on the super slab at the time and pulled off at Ernie's Broadwell exit, I call it that because there is no way the state would have put in the interchange at such a thriving metropolis as Broadwell (I'm guessing 300 people) unless Ernie "arranged something" with someone.

The house no longer has a for sale sign (I don't know if it was sold or taken off the market), but it doesn't look lived in. However, we did see that the sign had down, with just the borders of it still there. Looks like it might have been blown down. Even worse, the stuff on the side of the sign that I saw was gone. I don't know if someone in his family took it or if a passerby did.

Nor do I know if the stuff on the other side is still there either. To tell the truth, I don't know if it was two or one-sided.

All that remains are the red boards.

Anyway, I'm hoping the Route 66 Association in Illinois gets the sign for exhibit in Pontiac.

What Happened to Ernie's Sign? --RoadDog

What the GRB!!! Gas Jumps 30 Cents in Springfield, Illinois!

2012-01-05T07:22:00.001-06:00

When traveling, I always keep an eye on gas prices. Now, Illinois Highway-47 generally has the highest gas prices on any trip we go on, at least ten or 15 cents higher. Once you get to Route 66, prices start dropping and by the time we get to Springfield, it is probably 10-20 cents cheaper than at home, $3.26 in Fox Lake when we left.

Yesterday, stations from Woodstock to Huntley were all at $3.40 (well, actually $3.39.9, but I round it up that tenth of a cent). Also, always, the two most expensive stations between Woodstock and Dwight are the one at Stark's Corner and the BP station at Elburn on Il-38.

I correctly guessed, based on what I'd seen, that Stark's was going to be $3.50. Nailed it. Elburn surprised me, however and were a cheap $3.49.

However, I was really bothered when we got to Yorkville and saw two Shell stations at $3.66!! The other places were at $3.40. Hmmm. Something's afoot. GRBs are on the move.

When we got to Springfield, I was shocked to see all stations at $3.50. I was figuring $3.20.

Last night, at some bars, I talked with locals and they said in the morning it had been $3.20 and had jumped thirty cents instantly.

Looks Like the Infamous "Summer Driving Season Is Starting a Bit Early This Year. --RoadDog

Getting Ready for Alabama

2012-01-03T21:12:00.000-06:00

l should be packing and putting away the last of the Christmas decorations, but here I sit, just a-typin' away with my own two little fingers.

Planning on driving good old Route 66 from Dwight to Springfield in Illinois and then superslabbing it on I-55 through Missouri and eating at Lambert's "Throwed Roll" Cafe in Sikeston, Missouri.

Mobile, Alabama, is the objective for Sunday's Go-Daddy Bowl with a whole bunch of NIU fans.

On the Road Again. --RoadDog

Some More on Chicago's Soldiers Field

2012-01-03T21:05:00.001-06:00

I found Soldiers Field medals in benches in one area.

And, then there was a good quote, "The price of greatness is responsibility."

We were able to even go out onto the field in the south end zone. The stadium seats between 61,500 to 63,000 people

It is a real grass field and the sod has to be replaced often.

We toured the field, but unfortunately weren't able to go into the Bears locker room. At one time people were allowed into it, but too many things "disappeared." We did go into an auxiliary locker room, nice, but not the real thing. Our guide said the Visitors Locker Room would be rated a 2-star, but Da Bears is a 5-Star,

We were shown the McCaskey Sky Box (from the field) which is on the far north end. You'd think they would have the "Best Seats in the House" or, as the Uke would say, "Must be in the front row." But Virginia McCaskey, founder George Hallas' daughter, insists that the fans get the best seats.

Soldiers Field is owned by the Chicago Park District.

And That's the Bear Truth. --RoadDog

Across the Lincoln Highway

2012-01-02T17:33:00.001-06:00

Articles in the Fall 2011 Loncoln Highway Forum

**Michael G. Buettner had an article "In Search of...The National Old Trails Road in Ohio. As famous as the Lincoln Highway during the pre-numbered highways, was this one, which also included the even older National Road.

** A Lincoln Highway Post Saved by Mary Lou Taylor. One of only two original Boy Scout Lincoln Highway posts was hit by a vehicle in Mifflin, Ohio, and badly damaged, broken into several pieces. Dick Taylor, who makes reproduction LH posts spent quite a bit of time, but managed to rebuild it. Thanks, Dick.

** Jeff LaFollette wrote an article about the fourth annual Iowa Lincoln Highway Motor Tour that went west to east across the state. We went on it two years ago, great ride. next year's tour starts in Illinois where the first day 5-6 LH spots will be toured.

** Part 1 of the Henry Bourne Joy 1916 Journey to Utah on the LH. This is a photo trip. We would not even consider the LH a poorly maintained dirt road at best today.

I'll Finish the Issue Tomorrow. --RoadDog

The History at Chicago's Soldiers Field

2012-01-02T16:39:00.002-06:00

It is too bad that Da Bears won't be hosting any playoff games at Soldiers Field this year, despite at one time being 7-3, but five straight losses will kind of knock you out of contention. At least they won the last game against Minnesota.

This past summer, I was able to go to the field at the invite of the USMC, when the Great Lakes Recruiting Battalion had their change of commandant. I took a walk around the new Soldiers Field (how long before it gets a corporate name, but being named for the military perhaps not.

There were large pictures along what they call South Field of events that have taken place there.

1937 Ski jump
1978 Rolling Stones concert
1942 Army War Show
1927 Notre Dame vs. USC football game
1959 All Star Game
1926 Rodeo
10=933 Music Festival
1966 Freedom Rally1926 Eucharist Congress

There were also the words to that great song, "Bear Down Chicago Bears and a ticket from the Oct. 12, 1952 Bears vs. Dallas Texans game.

A Great Trip Back Into History. --RoadDog

The Lincoln Highway Loses Ron Preston

2012-01-01T21:30:00.000-06:00

From the Fall 2011 Lincoln Highway Forum.

I was saddened to learn that the old Lincoln Highway lost one of its really interesting characters, Ron Preston, son of another really interesting person.

He died August 12, 2011, at age 77, following knee surgery.

When he was there, he welcomed visitors to the unique Preston Station on the Lincoln Highway in Belle Plaine, Iowa. This very photographed site has memorabilia in the interior and is covered with historic signs outside. This is all stuff that makes folks like me salivate. Fortunately, I doubt that anything was for sale.

We've driven by and photographed the structure many times and a couple years ago, were able to actually meet him on the Iowa Lincoln Highway Motor Tour. Quite the character.

Always Hate to Lose Those Highway Characters. --RoadDog

Road Trips Planned for 2012

2011-12-31T09:13:00.001-06:00

Hopefully, we'll get to go on the Illinois Route 66 Association Motor Tour and the Iowa Lincoln Highway Association one as well.

I'd like to go out to the Doolittle's Raiders Reunion in Dayton, Ohio, in April and the 2012 Lincoln Highway Conference in Canton, Ohio.

We're also going to Mobile, Alabama, and Panama City Beach over the winter and several trips to visit family in North Carolina.

We still are thinking about a Route 66 end-to-end trip to see how things have changed since the last one in 2006.

On the Road Again, Hope I Can Afford the Gas Money to Get On the Road Again. --RoadDog

In North Carolina, It's a 'Cue War-- Part 2

2011-12-31T09:03:00.000-06:00

At Bridges Barbecue Lodge, Kevin Pang had a bbq side in the state described as "de riguer," and that would be sweet tea, which he described as being "one notch over sweet, but the melted ice corrects the pitchers to just perfect."

Sorry, my own idea of sweet tea is that it is sickenly sweet. I always order unsweetened and sweeten to my taste, but occasionally accidentally get sweet tea and that, along with my sweetener, why, it will knock you out of your seat.

Then he had a hush puppy, another Carolina de rigueur with 'cue, which he said resemble tamarind (whatever that is) and is "long pods of dense and crispy fried cornmeal batter, a touch sweet and addictive."

And absolutely at their best just out of the fryer. Get 'em hot.

You eat them with your bbq, or, at Wilber's, as you wait for your order. Only problem is that you might fill up on the puppies before the meal comes. Pace yourself.

More to Come. --RoadDog

It's Bill Shea Day in Springfield, Illinois

2011-12-30T12:53:00.001-06:00

Today, December 30th, has been officially declared Bill Shea Day in Springfield, Illinois, in honor of his long-time connection with Route 66 in that city. Not only is it his 90th birthday, but this year also marks his 66th operating a business along the road on the north side of town, a little south of the State Fair grounds.

No trip through town for us is complete if we do not stop and pay a visit with him (also necessary is a Cozy Dog fix).

Mr. Shea is one of the great ambassadors of the Mother Road and I am sure glad we had the opportunity to meet him on many occasions. And he is one of the originals, those persons who were working on 66 when it was an actual commissioned road. Earlier this year, another Route 66 original, Ernie Edwards, celebrated his 94th in Lincoln, Illinois. Both men are great story-tellers.

I hold Bill Shea as part of the reason Liz and I got so hooked on Route 66. Our first trip on the road was 2002. First, we met Rich Henry in Staunton and then encountered both Bill Shea and Tom Teague at Shea's place in Springfield. We didn't have a chance.

With so many of the originals of 66 now gone, we hold meeting these icons dear.

Happy Birthday Mr. Shea. And Congrats to Mrs. Shea Who Has Put Up With Him All These Years. --RoadDog

In North Carolina It's a 'Cue War-- Part 1

2011-12-29T11:09:00.000-06:00

From the July 3, 2011, Chicago Tribune "The war between the tastes in BBQ" by Kevin Pang.

I wrote about the background of "The War Between the Tastes" in today's Cooter's History Thing Blog since it definitely is history in North Carolina, the war between those who prefer eastern and those for western-styles in the Tarheel state.

Primarily, eastern (where I'm from) is a vinegar/pepper base made from the whole hog and western also has ketchup and sugar added for a sweet/sour taste and made from the pig shoulder.

Kevin Pang refers to western-style as Piedmont-style. He visited three BBQ places, all in the state's Piedmont, so his article is a good overview of ta'other side's stuff.

If it is a "real" 'cue place, nothing fancy and a bit rustic, that only makes the food taste all that much better.

He first drove to Shelby, a 45-minute drive from Charlotte and went to Red Bridges Barbecue Lodge, which has been cooking 60 years.

Rule of thumb for picking out a good 'cue place, "If you don't see a pile of wood in the back, turn around."

Good Eatin' Here We Come. --RoadDog

Route 66 in the Land of Lincoln-- Part 4

2011-12-28T12:04:00.002-06:00

** Happy Birthday You Old Coot-- The 94th birthday, August 5th, of Ernie Edwards had a party at St. Clara's Manor in Lincoln, Illinois, surrounded by friends and family. Ernie used to own the famous Pig Hip Restaurant in nearby Broadwell.

Definitely a favorite Old Coot of ours. A short visit always ended up longer with all those stories, and Ernie Sure Liked to Tell His Stories.

**An article about the Chain of Rocks Bridge Festival and trip to it. Met friends at the Missouri 66 table and later ate at Ted Drewe's.

** Comedian Billy Connolly Update. He had an accident, but is ok and will continue his ride on the Mother Road.

** Death of James H. Allen (1943-2011) Former owner of Scotty's in Hamel, Illinois. Sold the place and retired a few years ago. The place now called Weezy's.

That Wraps Up Illinois for Fall. --RoadDog

Route 66 in the Land of Lincoln-- Part 3

2011-12-27T12:05:00.003-06:00

From the Route 66 Association of Illinois' Fall "The 66 News."

** Josh, Wendy and Charlie Friedrich's Weekend on Route 66 by Josh Friedrich. he has a personal goal of acquiring a postmark from each of the remaining 66 communities in Illinois. hear that Landrunner?

** Some 66ers took in a ballgame at the Joliet Slammers minor league game.

** Work is progressing on the Hall of Fame Streetcar Diner in Gardner, which for many years was behind the famed Riviera.

** The first-ever dairy Queen was located on Route 66 in Joliet at 501 N. Chicago Street. The 1890s building still stands and currently is a storefront church. Dairy Queen moved out some time in the 1950s.

The Joliet Historic Preservation Commission has given the site Landmark status.

Executives from Dairy Queen were at the ceremony.

More to Come. --RoadDog

Route 66's Twelve Days of Christmas-- Part 3

2011-12-26T11:32:00.002-06:00

ON THE SEVENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS: THE SOURCE OF ROUTE 66-- That would be Ron Warnick's Route 66 News. Definitely agree. I especially love the music videos.

ON THE EIGHTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS: PARTY OF THE YEAR-- The International Route 66 festival in Amarillo, Texas. We didn't go to it, but did do the Missouri Motor Tour.

ON THE NINTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS: NEW FRIENDS-- Ed mentioned some new friends of his in Arizona where he now lives. Every time we go on the Mother Road, we meet new people and have a great time. Like that as well as seeing the sights.

ON THE TENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS: "THE SAVIORS OF THE MOTHER ROAD-- That would be the state Route 66 associations. We belong to the Illinois and Missouri ones.

ON THE ELEVENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS: "THE SHOCK OF THE MOTHER ROAD"-- The Joplin, Missouri, tornado. I wasn't sure about this one, but then Ed said it was people coming together to help. We drove through the wrecked area in September and it was still sad.

ON THE TWELFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS: THE "BIRTHDAY" HEARD ROUND THE WORLD-- November 11th was the 85th birthday.

Sure glad we got involved with the old road.

Another great job, Ed Klein. Check out his website at Route66World.

Time to Get Started on Next Year's List. --RoadDog

Route 66's Twelve Days of Christmas-- Part 2

2011-12-24T10:54:00.004-06:00

From the Route 66 World website. Thanks Ed Klein. I enjoyed last year's recap of Route 66 and this is another fine one.

THIRD DAY-- GLOBETROTTER LODGE in Holbrook, Arizona. I haven't been there, but sounds like a great mom and pop place to stay if not at the Wigwam. Thanks for the tip.

FOURTH DAY-- ADDITION TO PONTIAC, ILLINOIS 66 MUSEUM-- That would be the Bob Waldmire bus and van. I never saw the bus when he was alive, but many times saw that van. Sure glad we got a chance to meet this person, the spirit of 66.

I've been accused, rightfully so (too much 66 stuff you know), of cluttering, but my hat's off to Bob who took it to a whole new level.

FIFTH DAY-- BIRTHDAY OF THE WAGON WHEEL MOTEL in Cuba, Missouri. That would be the 75th anniversary. We got to stay there when the old owners had it. That was quite an experience.

Even better, the renaissance of the place with the new owners.

SIXTH DAY-- BIRTH OF ROUTE 66 TV-- Jim Conkle's project. I haven't seen it, but anything that gets publicity for our old road is a great thing.

And, a Merry Christmas to You All As Well. --RoadDog

Route 66 in the Land of Lincoln-- Part 2

2011-12-23T07:20:00.003-06:00

BIG RED OFFICIALLY BECOMES QUEEN MONTANA'S SUCCESSOR

Montana the rabbit reigned at Henry's Ra66it Ranch in Staunton, Illinois for over seven years. Unfortunately, she died before running for president in the last election.

Big Red has succeeded her and enjoys lying on the counter, sitting up and yawning as well as being petted. Stop in and see him.

I liked the old Montana and pet her on several occasions.

AUBURN BRICK ROAD-- by John Weiss

It's a one and a half mile section of brick Route 66 south of Springfield. It was Route 66 from 1926 to 1930 when 66 was moved east to the current I-55.

In the 1930s, as part of the WPA project to get people working during the Great Depression, workers laid bricks over the original Portland cement section and widened. It wasn't really needed, but got people to work.

The section was placed on the NRHP in 1998. The state announced it was going to build a truck bypass around Springfield which would involve destroying half of the brick road. That was averted.

However, the bricks were getting into bad shape and new bricks were made to resemble the original and laid down this summer.

We had stopped to eat at a place south of the brick stretch returning from the Mo. Motor Tour and the waitress told us they were destroying the brick section as we sat. We hurried over only to see she was wrong and that they were repairing the road.

Thought We Had Lost Another Part of 66 Heritage for a Moment. --RoadDog

Route 66 in the Land of Lincoln-- Part 1

2011-12-23T07:05:00.004-06:00

From the Fall 2011 Route 66 Assoc. of Illinois 66 News.

ALL ABOARD! by Ike Widner

Fifteen members took the train to Chicago for lunch at the Berghoff Cafe on Adams Street (Route 66 westbound) in 1898 even before the fabled road opened. Then they walked to Millennium Park and the Chicago Cultural Center, in the old city library.

I'm still mad at the Berghoff for their big closing hoopla several years ago which amounted to nothing.

NEW ATTRACTION IN PONTIAC-- Two original telegraph poles originally from Odell have been installed across the street from the Route 66 Museum.

Early Route 66 often followed telegraph and railroads.

THE FLAME STEAKHOUSE A BIT OF ROUTE 66 HISTORY by Jeffrey Johnson

There were four Flame restaurants, but now just one in Countryside at 803 Joliet Road (66). Still owned by the same family and daring to the 1950s.

I've never been to it, but probably will as I make it my practice to eat at as many Route 66 places as I can, even if I can't afford a steak dinner anymore. Maybe chopped steak.

For Those of You Who Aren't Illinois Members. --RoadDog

Route 66's Twelve Days of Christmas-- Part 1

2011-12-22T12:05:00.005-06:00

He did it last year and again this year, Ed Klein in his excellent Route 66 World blog at www.route66world.com has done his Route 66 Twelve Days of Christmas. Go to the site and click on Daily Page to see them.

Here are his first six days listed and my comments. To see photos and get the info, go to his site.

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

FIRST DAY: The Boots Motel in Carthage, Mo., is back. I agree. This is the Biggest Thing on the road this year as far as I am concerned. We got to go to it on the Missouri Motor Tour in September. We've been wanting to do this ever since we first went to it in 2003. Liz especially because of its Clark gable connection.

We did drive around it one year, but the folks living there didn't seem to much like us doing it.

The ladies who bought it are great and to be greatly thanked.

SECOND DAY: THE NEW OWNERS OF THE BLUE SWALLOW MOTEL IN TUCUMCARI. I haven't met them, but we did stay there one night in 2003. Sitting out by old 66, watching that bird fly and looking at the neon of the Tepee Souvenir shop with cars driving by is something all 66ers should do.

Oh yes, have a beer in toasting as well. Maybe two-three or more.

I suppose you could sing it to the original tune by inserting extra words.

Check It Out. --RoadDog

Some More Information on Rand Road, US-12, in Chicago's Northwest Suburbs

2011-12-21T12:22:00.004-06:00

From the July 18, 1997 Chicago Tribune "Rand Road Smorgasboard: nature, Sprawl and All" by Jean Latz Griffin.

Rand Road is named after Socrates Rand, who came from Massachusetts in 1835 and settled in Des Plaines. Much of all the early history of the Northwest Suburbs revolved around Socrates, who lived to be 97. Des Plaines was actually called Rand from 1857 to 1869.

He was the area's first justice of the peace and performed the first marriage in 1836, started one of the area's first schools in his living room in 1838 and was the first chairman of Maine Township.

The name Rand Road is associated with US-12 clear out to Volo. Somewhere between Volo and the Wisconsin state line, it loses the name. South of Lake Zurich and south of Wauconda, there are signs on the four-lane US-12 for Old Rand Road. US-12 used to go through the downtowns of both communities until the bypass was built.

Randhurst opened in 1962, one of the first indoor shopping centers in the United States.

That Road Is Really Involved in My Life. --RoadDog

Took a Northwest Suburb Trip Yesterday-- Part 4: High School Days on Rand Road

2011-12-20T13:09:00.004-06:00

Rand Road, another name for US Highway 12, has played quite a big part in my life. It goes through the village I spent my junior high, high school and early college years in. As such, I drove it many times.

In high school, I often went to Honey Hill Beach on Wauconda on summer days. Plus, back then, if you took pictures on your Instamatic, you took them over to Skrudland's Photo on Rand to be developed. Plus, two of our favorite eating spots were on Rand and Dundee roads, St. George & the Dragon and Village Inn Pizza.

Plus, this was the road we took from Palatine to Randhurst Mall, a BIG local high school hangout for all of the Northwest Suburban high school kids. You saw lettermam's jackets all over the place. More than one girl got her boyfriend's ID bracelet from jewelry shops located there.

I remember driving US-12 to lake Geneva and going through Spring Grove and thinking to myself that, "Man, this place is WAY out in the boonies." Now, we have lived in Spring Grove for 19 years. I always remember being impressed by the entrance to Sherwood Forest Subdivision with its mock castle gate and drawbridge, which is still there.

Liz and I liked to eat at Mr. Sitka's in Richmond at the intersection of 12 and Il-31. It is still there, but called Dilar's. Of course, there was a lot of things to do at Lake Geneva, including going to the Playboy Club when I was older (now Grand Geneva and with a great Christmas display).

A Lot of Memories on That Road. --RoadDog

More Wackiest Theme Hotels

2011-12-20T12:38:00.003-06:00

From Yahoo! Travel

THE SHADY DELL VINTAGE TRAILER COURT in Brisbane, Arizona. Restored mid-20th century trailers, each fitted out with 50s artifacts and vintage Life Magazines. Dot's Diner is adjacent, a prefab burger joint.

McMENAMINS KENNEDY SCHOOL in Portland, Oregon-- spend a night in a classroom at at 1915 elementary school. Hey, maybe even get sent to the principals' office and get spanked.

I'd like to add two more.

THE DON Q in Dodgeville, Wisconsin-- regular rooms and theme rooms. Big C-9 plane parked out dront with bicycle tire art piece. Old barber chairs in lobby around huge round fireplace.

CABOOSE MOTEL in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin-- I'm not sure that you can rent a room here anymore, but each one is an old caboose.

Sleep in a Tepee Tonight. --RoadDog

Took a Northwest Suburb Trip Yesterday-- Part 3: Save-A-Pet and Da Cops

2011-12-19T13:22:00.004-06:00

I should say that these are the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, where I spent a lot of my youth.

We stopped at Save-A-Pet a little south of Round Lake and made a good-sized donation. A couple years ago, they were in danger of going out of business, but the community rallied and saved it. About three times a year, there is an animal shelter contest where you vote on the internet for your favorite one and we do it every day.

We saw that there is now an overpass across Fairfield at Gilmer Road, which can really get backed up during rush hour. While looking for information on the road, I also came across plans for a new traffic arrangement at Fairfield and Illinois Highway 176, east of Wauconda. A roundabout is one of the suggestions. I hope it doesn't come to pass as I hate those frightening things.

Fairfield's southern terminus is at Old McHenry Road, where there are two turn lanes to go east. Old McHenry is now four lanes through here. (Again, all tis new construction done since we used to drive it.) Took it a short distance to Quentin Road and that through the land of the Really Rich (watch your speed big-time as they have a very overzealous police force, especially Hawthorne Woods) to US Highway 12, or Rand Road as it is called in the Northwest Suburbs.

More to Come. --RoadDog

Seven Longest Roads in the World

2011-12-19T13:10:00.002-06:00

From the Dec. 28th Interbent site.

1. I-80-- 2.090 miles, much of it along the Lincoln Highway.

2. I-90-- 3,111 miles

3. Trans-Continental Highway-- 5,000 miles

4. Trans-Siberian Highway-- 6,835 miles

5. Australian Highway 1-- 9,000 miles

6. Pan-American Highway-- 27,197 miles

7. Tarim Desert Highway-- 843 miles It is so little because it is built across uninhabitable desert in Central Asia. Perhaps it is the world's "Most Lonely Highway" like US-50 in the US.

How Long theRoad? --RoadDog

Took a Northwest Suburb Trip Yesterday-- Part 2: Fairfield Road

2011-12-17T15:20:00.005-06:00

We took US-12 to Il-134, then east to Fairfield Road. Back when we used to live in Round Lake Beach, 17 years, we used to drive this road often when visiting Liz's parents in Palatine and her mother in Arlington Hts. after her dad died. Our house was just a couple short blocks off it.

I thought then and still think this is fine country driving, even as Chicagoland keeps growing outwards. Fairfield Road runs from its northern terminus at Deep Lake Road west of Lake Villa, southward about 25 miles to Old McHenry Road, east of Lake Zurich. You can see several small lakes along the way as well.

It is still mostly open land with farms and a lot of forest preserve lands, especially the large one east of Wauconda, Lakewood, where the Lake County Discovery Museum is located.

There are quite a few more subdivisions along the road since we used to drive it back in the 70s and 80s.

I was unable to find out how it got its name, but did read that it used to be an Indian trail and there were some native trail trees along it. These would be the ones that Indians bent when they were saplings to show the way. I've never seen any on Fairfield, though.

More to Come. --RoadDog

A Real Lincoln Highway High School

2011-12-17T15:11:00.003-06:00

From the New Lenox Area Historical Society in Illinois.

The Lincoln Highway, the Road, and the School

The Lincoln Highway running through New Lenox Township follows an old Indian trail which later became a stage coach road also traveled by horse-drawn wagons.

When the high school district for Frankfort, Manhattan and New Lenox counties was formed in the 1950s, a contest was held to come up with a name for the new school to be built on the old Lincoln Highway, now US-30.

The name Lincoln-Way was chosen and Lincoln-Way Community High School opened in 1954.

Today, this school is called Lincoln-Way Central. Increased population in the area has led to the construction of three new high schools, all called Lincoln-Way. Only these constitute East, West and North.

An Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition interpretive gazebo now stands on the campus of Lincoln-Way Central.

It's All About the Road, You Know. --RoadDog

Top Places to See the Christmas Lights

2011-12-17T13:47:00.002-06:00

From the National Geographic Magazine. They have photos and information about each one. I'm just listing 'em.

Brussels, Belgium
Callaway Gardens, Georgia
Medellin, Colombia
Gothenburg, Sweden
Hong Long, China

Madrid, Spain
Kobe, Japan
St. Augustine, Florida
Vienna, Austria
Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen

See the Pretty Lights. --RoadDog

Took a Northwest Suburb Trip Yesterday-- Part 1: 44th Anniversary

2011-12-16T07:49:00.003-06:00

In honor of Liz and my 44th anniversary of "Going Steady" yesterday, we embarked on a short jaunt to our old stomping grounds in Palatine, Illinois. On Dec. 15, 1967, I gave Liz my ID bracelet (juniors at Palatine High School did not get class rings until spring) at the laundromat at Palatine Highway on Northwest Highway (US-14). How's that for being romantic.

She was doing laundry for her family. I figured she wouldn't suspect I was going to that there.

The laundromat is long-gone, but as near as we can figure, the former site is now occupied by a Dairy Queen.

By the way, I sure didn't have that class ring long when we finally got them.

More to Come. --RoadDog

Another Illinois Lincoln Highway Mural-- Part 2

2011-12-16T07:39:00.005-06:00

Another mural will be soon going up on the Riegel Farm barn in University Park.

The Coalition is nearing approval for one in Sauk Village and hoping for others in Chicago Heights, Matteson, Mokena, New Lenox and Park Forest.

When completed, the Illinois Lincoln Highway murals will be the largest public art project in the country.

The murals along with the interpretive gazebos bring the highway's history to the people.

The Coalition Is To Be Commended for Their Effort. --RoadDog

IN ADDITIONAL LINCOLN HIGHWAY NEWS

The Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor in Pennsylvania is having a grand opening for their gift shop at 3435 Route 30east in Latrobe today at 3 pm. Somewhere else to stop and spend your money for those neat Lincoln Highway items.

The More Lincoln Highway, the Better. --RoadDog

Another Illinois Lincoln Highway Mural-- Part 1

2011-12-16T07:29:00.003-06:00

From Dec. 15th Southtown Star "Franklin mural latest salute to Lincoln Highway history" by Susan DeMar Lafferty.

The Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition just dedicated its 23rd mural in a series projected to have over 30 when completed, this time in the town of Frankfort at the township building at 11008 W. Lincoln Highway.

This one shows Eagle Scouts and their Scoutmasters who journeyed across the Lincoln Highway back in 1928 to give safety demonstrations, publicize scouting and in conjunction with the Boy Scouts famous Lincoln Highway concrete markers along the whole road.

One of those Eagle Scouts is still alive and I had the honor of meeting him at the 2010 LH Association conference in Dixon, Illinois. I can't remember his name, though.

More to Come. --RoadDog

As a local aspect, the 1920s Folker's Hotel is shown in the background.

Each mural is valued at $10,000, with this one (and I believe most) done by Jay Allen of Shawcraft Signs.

Driving Illinois' US-136-- Part 2: Macomb

2011-12-15T07:54:00.003-06:00

We drove through little Ipava. Kind of wonder how you pronounce it. Saw a woman at a gas station who had driven her lawn tractor up to a pump and was filling it. Sure beats lugging those gas cans around.

Then arrived in Macomb, home of Western Illinois University. Neither of us had ever been there, even though three of our Usual Suspects group graduated from it. I once had a chance to go while in college, when my fraternity, Delta Sigma Phi at Northern Illinois, took a road trip to visit their Delta Sig chapter, but I couldn't get out of my job at Lincoln Hall Food Service that weekend and had to remain.

I wasn't happy about it, and even more so one the brothers returned with tales of Lakers and other parties. I hate it when work gets in the way of good times.

We drove around looking for a motel near the Buffalo Wild Wings (where we wanted to play some NTN), but there were none in our price category (cheap). Drove all over town and the ones more affordable weren't by any bar we could walk to.

We were impressed with the WIU campus and the Macomb downtown has not one, but two squares, something you don't often see.

Finally settled on the Macomb Inn, a Best Western Hotel, fairly close to the BW3 (Buffalo Wild Wings as us oldsters call the places). Played NTN for several hours, of course.

On the Road Again. --RoadDog

Anniversary of the First Motel

2011-12-15T07:43:00.003-06:00

From the Dec. 12th MSNBC Overhead Bin "First Motel Opened 86 Years Ago Today" by Harriet Baskas.

The anniversary was on December 12th.

Today, we take motels for granted. There almost always is one when you need it. But that was not always the case.

On December 12, 1925, architect Arthur Heineman opened the country's first roadside motor hotel, the Milestone Motel, later renamed the Motel Inn on US Highway 101, just north of San Luis Obispo, California, halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Rooms let for $2.50 a night.

The Spanish-style motel is no longer open with just its facade remaining along with its distinctive bell tower and original sign.

Sure Hope Someone Comes Up With a Way to Save This Piece of Americana. --RoadDog

Driving Illinois' US-136: Macomb, Here We Come

2011-12-14T22:19:00.003-06:00

September 6th. On our way to Miami, Oklahoma, for the Route 66 Association of Missouri's Motor Tour.

We got on US-136 at the Dixie Truckers Home in McLean, Illinois after a ride along Route 66 from Dwight.

When we got to El Paso, Il., a cop came up behind me unobserved and gave us a scare as I was driving a few miles over the speed limit. You never know in a small town. WE drove around downtown and when back on 136, saw that he had someone pulled over.

Havana has a historic water tower and some old brick streets. This is an old Illinois River town. The bridge over the river was impressive.

Up to now, the land had been fairly flat, but there was a drop as we approached the river and then it was considerably hillier west of town.

On the Road Again. --RoadDog

Back Then: US-421 Widened By Wilmington, NC: Monkey Junction?

2011-12-14T08:05:00.005-06:00

From the Wilmington (NC) Star-News.

AUGUST 25, 1961-- The North Carolina State Highway Commission announced that they were letting out bids for widening US-421 from Myrtle Grove Junction to Carolina Beach, where a new bridge was being built over Snow's Cut. Soon, there was to be other bids to widen 421 from Myrtle Grove Junction to Shipyard Boulevard.

The newspaper called it Myrtle Grove Junction instead of the more commonly used name, Monkey Junction. In the late 1950s, New Hanover County had changed the official name of the junction to Myrtle Grove Junction, but later reversed it to its original because of public outcry.

Wilmington officials seemed to be very concerned about the region's image 50 years ago and apparently felt "Monkey Junction" gave a wrong impression.

Luckily, today, the name "Monkey Junction" lives on.

The stretch of 421 from Monkey Junction to Carolina Beach always got me thinking beach when we drove it. You could smell that salt air. And then, there was the first view of the Atlantic Ocean from the top of Snow's Cut Bridge.

You can find out more about how Monkey Junction got its name on my Down Da Road I Go Blog. Check out the labels.

Why Would There Be Monkeys in North Carolina? --RoadDog

Down Da 66: Litchfield Museum-- Historic Route 66 Bell Rings Again

2011-12-13T08:50:00.003-06:00

Down Da 66 is about two Illinois-related items this time.

1. LITCHFIELD MUSEUM-- From the Dec. 1st Springfield (Il) State Journal-Register. Dave Jackson collected a huge array of local items during his long tenure at the Litchfield News-Herald and after his death, his wife didn't want to break it up.

An association was formed to find a place to house it and they have selected the site of the former Vic Suhling gas station near the Ariston Restaurant on old Route 66. They will keep the old "Vic Shuling Gas for Less" sign and restore the neon.

An anonymous person purchased the lot and will donate it. Now, the group has to raise $500,000 to build the sleek, art deco-inspired Litchfield Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center building.

A new museum, always great news.

2. HISTORIC ROUTE 66 BELL RINGS AGAIN-- From Nov. 24th AP. The 1905 bell in the Logan County Courthouse in Lincoln has been silent for 40 years, but thanks to a $16,000 grant from Landmarks Illinois, was fixed and will again ring on the hour, even at night.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held last month.

Back in the 1970s, officials determined the bell was too unsafe to ring anymore. It had been installed at the same time as the courthouse's huge clocks on the dome.

A Ringing in My Ears. --RoadDog

West Michigan Pike-- Part 4: Going Back to Paw Paw Lake

2011-12-13T08:41:00.003-06:00

I was wondering whether Paw Paw Lake was still there and did some more research on it. According to the Lakelubbers site, Paw Paw Lake is an 891-acre lake, about two hours from Chicago with a resort history dating back to the late 1800s along its nine-mile shoreline.

Within a ten-year stretch, 50 hotels and ten dance pavilions were built. Double-decked excursion boats plied the lake. Train records indicate that one summer back then, some 40,000 visitors came to the lake.

The Crystal Palace Ballroom, built in 1925 and continuing operations into the 1950s, reportedly could accommodate 2,500.

The lake is still a resort area today, but on a much diminished level.

A Place to Visit Near the Old WMP. --RoadDog

Airplaning It Home-- Part 5: Fun and Games at Hartsfield

2011-12-12T08:49:00.004-06:00

I had to deplane and get on another one at Atlanta's Hartsfield Airport. I got off at gate B22 and looked on the board and saw I had thirty minutes to get to Gate A33. For some reason, I read that as Gate B33 and thought, "Well, that's not too far."

I got to that gate and realized where I needed to go was in a different terminal. Of course, Gate B33 was all the way at the end of Terminal B. (I don't know what I'd do if I ever got a gate that WASN'T at the end of a terminal.)

Fortunately, Terminal B's exit is half way between B34 and B1, so that wasn't too bad. I was following the gates sign when all of a sudden it started saying Concourse. I figured that must be referring to gates, but now, with the little side trip, I didn't have much time so had to ask another passenger who said they were the same thing.

I took a train to terminal A and then had a long walk out to the end of A to Gate A33. There were some interesting places to eat, including a Nathan's Hot Dogs.

That sure was a lot of traveling from one "concourse to another.

I Was One of the Last Ones to Board, But At Least I Was Able to Procure a Bin Right By My Seat. --RoadDog

West Michigan Pike-- Part 3: Paw Paw Lake "The Newport of the West"

2011-12-12T08:41:00.003-06:00

One of the pamphlet's ads was for Paw Paw Lakw, described as "The Newport of the West" featuring "More than Five Hundred Hotels, Boarding Homes and Cottages, Surrounding a Beautiful Lake. One of the Largest and Most Accessible Resorts in Western Michigan."

The lake, however, was not on the Western Michigan Pike, but close to the east.

Also featured were Two Dance Pavilions, Beautiful Bathing Beaches, Fishing, Boating and Other Sports. The Best Place to Spend Your Vacation.

Hotel Rates: $3 to $18 per week
Cottages $7 to $15 per week and $60 to $150 for the season.

Pavilions were quite popular back then. I sure could afford to stay at these rates.

Getting My Paw Law On. --RoadDog

The West Michigan Pike-- Part 2

2011-12-12T07:21:00.004-06:00

At one time, the West Michigan Pike was the northern extension of the Dixie Highway.

A 1915 Pamphlet was printed called "Maps, Routes and Tourist Directions of the West Michigan Pike: Lake Shore All the Way." The President of the association was Mr. Wm. H. Loutie of Grand Haven. The pamphlet is reprinted in its entirety at www.beachtowns.org.

I could not find any more information on William H. Loutie.

Lots of detailed driving instructions in that era before standardized signage. Interesting ads as well.

Well Worth Checking Out. --RoadDog

Airplaning It Home-- Part 4: North Carolina Invaded by Badgers

2011-12-09T16:01:00.004-06:00

I should mention that I saw a whole lot of folks in the Raleigh-Durham terminal wearing the red of the University of Wisconsin Badgers. I would expect to see lots of Carolina blue, but not so much from Wisconsin.

Then, it hit me. Last night, UW's basketball team faced off against North Carolina in the Dean Dome in Chapel Hill as part of the ACC-Big Ten Challenge. I had watched the first half, but gone to sleep then because of the late hour it was getting to be, 11:00 pm. Figured I needed my beauty sleep for today's trip.

The first half had been pretty close and I had the opportunity to find out the final score. I would have asked one of the Badger fans, but they were all too immersed on the cell phones, laptops and other technological marvels.

The USA Today didn't have the final score either.

I am a big Tarheel fan, but as the years go by, I am becoming more of a Big Ten guy, so was kind of pulling for Wisconsin. Unfortunately, I found out they Badgers lost.

But, the good news, The Big Ten won the Challenge 8-4!! There was a time when the ACC easily won every year, to the point I wanted the Challenge dropped.

But, Not No More. --RoadDog

The West Michigan Pike-- Part 1

2011-12-09T07:29:00.004-06:00

There are quite a few sites about this road that I was previously unfamiliar with.

The only one I've gone into a lot so far is Beach Towns at http://www.beachtown.org.

These are nine towns located along the southern stretch of Lake Michigan in Michigan, going north-south:

Luddington
Silver Lake Sand Dunes/Hart
Muskegon
Grand Haven
Holland
Saugatuck/Douglas
South Haven
Saint Joseph
Harbor Country

They also have a great little catchy song, ala "Get Your Kicks" called "When You Drive the West Michigan Pike, it's a Lovely Day."

I Think These Folks Are Serious. --RoadDog

Here's a New/Old Road to Cruise in Michigan: The West Michigan Pike

2011-12-08T18:04:00.004-06:00

From Dec. 8th Holland (Mi) Sentinel "Get your kicks...on the West Michigan Pike" by Stephen Kloosterman.

The beach resort towns of Holland and Saugatuck along Michigan's west Lake Michigan shoreline are preparing to market the old West Michigan Pike which originally opened in 1914 as the first paved road from Chicago to Mackinaw. This pike was credited with opening tourism for Michigan.

The bringing back of the pike has already been several years in the making. This coming June, a press tour for travel writers is being planned in advance of a big marketing push for the July 12th 100th anniversary of the West Michigan Pike.

The desire is to have the old road designated a national heritage route in the near future and work has been done toward that end.

An extensive catalog of historic sites along the route has already been prepared, using $230,000 in grant money.

And, I never heard of it before.

More to Come. --RoadDog

Illinois Tourism Fast Facts-- Part 2

2011-12-08T07:03:00.003-06:00

Again, all statistics from 2009.

** Illinois had 82.14 million visitors, 80.46 million domestic. Of domestic, 63.25 million were leisure visitors and 17.21 million were business.

** The top five states providing visitors were Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan and Missouri. (I have to wonder what state ranks #1 for Wisconsin travel?) Top five international: Canada, United Kingdom, Mexico, Germany and Japan.

** Illinois ranks 10th in US in share of domestic visitors and sixth in traveler spending (especially in Chicago where every thing's so doggone expensive). Illinois ranks sixth in overseas visitors.

** The average age of Illinois domestic leisure travelers is 46, the majority married with average household income of $83,386. (I wonder if good old Route 66 brings that up or down?)

** Primary activities for leisure travelers: shopping, dining, entertainment, sightseeing, sports and museums. (I wonder how many drive Route 66 or the Lincoln Highway?)

** On average, leisure domestic travelers spent $106 per person per day.

** Illinois hotel-motel tax revenues for FY 10 were $170.4 million.

** Consumer inquiries for FY 10 were nearly 1.8 million.

Love Those Tourists. Bring That Money. --RoadDog

A Trip to Pearl Harbor

2011-12-07T11:34:00.004-06:00

Several years back, my mother was nice enough to take my sister, brother and wife, his son and wife and myself to Hawaii. I had never planned on going there.

But, I always knew, that if I did, the one place I absolutely had to visit was Pearl Harbor.

We went out to the place one day. First, we found a really long line waiting outside to get into the museum and get tickets to go out to the USS Arizona Memorial. I hate lines and avoid them, but this is one I would wait in.

Interesting museum, but I was raring to go out to the the memorial. there were a lot of Japanese tourists and I cannot help but wonder what they were thinking as we went on our way and once there. They did not say anything.

It is quiet at the memorial, despite all the people. Any talking is done very quietly. The list of names of Arizona sailors still aboard the ship is akin to the feeling at the Vietnam Wall.

Then, there are the parts of the ship that are still above the water or just below it. The flagpole rests on the ship.

But what really got me was the oil that bubbled up every twenty-thirty seconds from deep inside the ship. Now, that really connected me to the Arizona. The bubbles would pop to the surface, then slowly drift away.

Something I Will Never Forget.

This Date, Seventy Years Ago: Pearl Harbor

2011-12-07T11:25:00.003-06:00

I went out and froze putting up my US flags in memory of all those military personnel who lost their lives at that Pacific Naval Base all those years ago. This event plunged America into the war that had already been going on for two years.

However, the US had been obviously preparing for hostilities for many years beforehand.

Pearl Harbor and the Alamo are two battles of great interest to me. I have around eight books on Pearl Harbor. While teaching, my students had a lesson on the event even though I never taught that part of US history.

I was surprised that only two stations have anything on tonight dealing with the it. Turner Classic Movies is showing "From Here to Eternity" and The History Channel has a special "Pearl Harbor: The Next 24 Hours." That should be very interesting as a lot happened the following day. Most accounts just cover December 7, 1941.

Not Forgetting.

Illinois Tourism Fast Facts-- Part 1

2011-12-06T17:31:00.003-06:00

From the State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

All figures are for 2009.

** Domestic travelers spent $25 billion in Illinois. International ones added another $2 billion.

** Expenditures for food service accounted for the largest single category with over $6.7 billion.

** Twenty of Illinois' 102 counties received over $100 million in domestic traveler revenue.

** Traveler expenditure directly generated 288,700 jobs. One in ten jobs in the state is directly or indirectly supported by travel expenditure.

** Travel expenditures in Illinois generated nearly $5.1 billion for federal, state and local governments. These additional taxes save the average Illinois household $1,000 a year.

Keep Those Tourists Coming. --RoadDog

Airplaning It back Home: Part 3: Too Little ECU

2011-12-06T08:26:00.005-06:00

Almost forgot to mention the sports at Raleigh-Durham Airport.

With the time I had to kill, I took a walk-around the concourse and checked out the places selling athletic stuff. Of course, Raleigh-Durham is the center for many in the college universe, what with NC State being in Raleigh, Duke being in Durham and Carolina at nearby Chapel Hill.

You gave to expect those schools to be well-represented, and, to a lesser extent, Wake Forest in Winston-Salem. But what I really had my eye out for was any East Carolina University apparel.

One indication of a college's spot in the local pecking order can be found at a local airport judging by how much apparel is offered.

Poor ECU would like to join the ranks of the others, but it is a long hard climb. Those other three just don't want to share.

The first place I went to had absolutely no Pirate stuff. The second place had and ECU hat. I hit the motherlode in the third which has an ECU hat and even a tee shirt.

Well, that's not much, but better than nothing.

And, they didn't EVEN HAVE ANY Northern Illinois stuff. That's ok, though, neither does O'Hare.

East Carolina Has a Long Way to Go. --RoadDog

Lincoln Highway Wins Over Route 66

2011-12-05T18:49:00.002-06:00

The results are in for the outcome of the 2011 Illinois State Football Playoffs and Lincoln Highway ended up beat Route 66 3-2.

LINCOLN HIGHWAY WINNERS

2A Morrison won 23-14
3A Aurora Christian won 34-7
5A Joliet Catholic won 49-7 (also counted for Route 66)

ROUTE 66 WINNERS

5A Joliet Catholic won 49-7
8A Bolingbrook won 27-17

Congratulations Lincoln Highway.

Here's Looking Forward to the 2012 Lincoln Highway-Route 66 Playoffs. --RoadDog

Seeing Those White Lines, Thanks Mr. Hines

2011-12-05T18:15:00.002-06:00

From the Michigan Observer & Eccentric "It was a long cooperative road to getting around" by Ruth Moehlman.

Edward Hines, a Wayne County commissioner is given credit for his 1911 invention of what is considered by many to be one of the most important developments in automobile safety, the white line in the center of the road.

He claims that an accident between an automobile and a horse-drawn wagon carrying milk inspired his idea when the milk leaked out on the road.

In other road history, in 1909, the Wayne County Road Commissioners oversaw the construction of the first concrete road, one mile long between Six Mile and Seven Mile roads on Woodward Avenue.

Mr. Hines died in 1938 and today's Edward Hines Park and Edward Hines Drive are named after him.

So, That's the Reason. --RoadDog

Airplaning It Home-- Part 2: The Problem With Carry-ons

2011-12-03T12:40:00.003-06:00

Raliegh-Durham Airport, December 1st.

After the terrorist scare, I went to the gate and read some before the plane left. Be still my beating heart.

The last several planes I'd been on, oversize carry-ons were collected at the plane door and put in the hold. That's what I figured would happen now, but no. This was a bigger plane and people stowed their own carry on. There was room, but a definite problem when the plane had a full passenger department and I was one of the last ones on board.

I had checked a bag on the way down for that lousy $25 extra charge airlines have these days. On the way back, I moved my clothes into a carry on piece to save the money.

There was no room in the overhead compartments except for the one at the very back of the plane.

When we arrived at the gate at Atlanta's Hartsfield Airport, everyone immediately stood up to get their stuff. There was no way I could get to the back of the plane so I ended up waiting until EVERYONE was off before I could get to the back to get my luggage.

And, As It Turned Out, the Fun Was Just Getting Ready to Start. --RoadDog

Five Undefeated Eating Challenges-- Part 3

2011-12-03T12:23:00.005-06:00

Bu Paul Toscano.

THE J&J'S KITCHEN SINK CHALLENGE AT J&J'S PIZZA SHACK-- Five locations in northern Indiana.

This one is a 16-inch round deep-dish pizza with sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers, onions, green olives, black olives, ham, Canadian bacon, bacon bits and mozzarella cheese.

That SIX POUNDS of PIZZA!! And you have to eat it in one hour.

So far, there have been at least 100 attempts. The best effort to date was a 12-year-old girl who ate 16 of the 20 pieces.

It's free if you finish, otherwise $27.55.

I love a good garbage pizza.

THE HAIL MARY CHALLENGE at STADIUM GRILL in Columbia, Missouri (home of the University of Missouri).

This one involves finishing off their infamous "Unnecessary Roughness" burger with its 5+ pounds of meat., including grilled burgers, bacon, pulled pork, 3 cheeses, onion rings and fried eggs stacked between two buns. We're talking about eight inches high here. Oh, yes, and then there's that pesky pound of fries and you have 60 minutes to do it in.

No one has yet, but if you do, you get the $50 meal free along with a $50 coupon good for food and drink every month for a year. Also, the first person to eat it all gets to have a burger named after them.

Gettin' Hungry Just Typing Tis. --RoadDog

Road Trips on a Tank of Gas or Less-- Part 2

2011-12-03T08:12:00.003-06:00

3. LOS ANGELES TO PALOS VERDES PENINSULA, CALIFORNIA-- (31 MILES)

Here's where you get those neat tidal pools, but do not step on the sea urchins. Seriously. Beautiful South Coast Botanic Gardens and 12,000 acre Palos Verdes Nature Preserve and Banning Museum and Frank Lloyd Wright designed Wayfarers Chapel and Point Vicente Lighthouse.

4. SALT LAKE CITY TO OGDEN, UTAH-- (39 MILES)

Ogden's a town for all seasons. Two rivers meet here. Lots of indoor fun at the Salomon Center.

5. DENVER TO MOUNT EVANS, COLORADO-- (60 MILES) The first one I've been to so far.

Go to the top on America's highest paved road (14,130 feet at top). Pass through several climate zones (including the ear popping one). Photo ops, mountain goats and bighorn sheep. OK, we didn't go all the way to the top, but the part we saw was mighty pretty.

Keep the Money from Big Oil. --RoadDog

Road Trips on a Tank of Gas (or Less)-- Part 1

2011-12-02T16:17:00.004-06:00

What with our good friends of Big Oil and their cronies keeping gas above $3 so they can afford that second gated-community home (maybe third with those profits, or another $300,000+ vehicle (what with all those HUGE profits), time has come to stay close to home.

The June 26th Parade magazine had some selected short trips for different parts of the country that you can drive on a tank of gas, or less.

1. SEATTLE TO WHIDBY ISLAND, WASHINGTON (34 MILES)--

The island is part pastoral with wineries and artists' studios and military with a Naval Air Station and Fort Casey. At Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve there are 17 working pioneer farms and over 400 historical structures.

2. SAN FRANCISCO TO LAVA BEDS NATIONAL MONUMENT, CALIFORNIA (375 MILES)--

Ancient volcanic eruptions formed a rugged landscape of caves, craters and cones. There are two dozen lava-tube caves to explore and a must-see Petroglyph Point, one of the largest Native American rock art as well as Captain Jack's Stronghold where the Modoc Indians held off the US Army 1872 to 1873.

Thirteen More to Go. --RoadDog

Airplaning It Back Home-- Part 1: BBQ and Terrorists?

2011-12-01T20:30:00.005-06:00

Earlier today, I was driven to Raleigh-Durham Airport by my brother and sister-in-law. I was very early before the flight so walked around and found a place offering Carolina-style pulled pork bbq at Brookwood Farms.

For $9.99, I got a big helping of bbq, hushpuppies and two sides (both of mine were cole slaw) and it was good stuff. I think every airport should have one place offering a local food like the Cincinnati chili at their airport where I got some on my way to North Carolina. That way, folks on layovers can get some local delicacies.

TERRORISTS?

While eating, I saw a mother and young daughter eating by the window. They got up to go somewhere and left their travel items by the table (one thing looked like a purse). I got up and walked over until I saw a man sitting at their table.

No problem.

But then, he got up and left the table as well. All their carry on stuff was still there. Very peculiar goings on, indeed.

They didn't come back. I'm starting to think to myself, what if they were terrorists who had somehow gotten a bomb or explosive devise past the security check point. If so, me sitting about 20 feet away was not a good thing. Maybe I should start thinking about moving much farther away, even if I'm not finished with my 'cue.

I went so far as to get up and look out in the concourse to see if there were any police. None to be found.

I was sure happy to see the mother and daughter coming back. And a minute later, there came the man. OK, not terrorists, but anymore you can't be too careful.

Dadburn Terrorists, But the 'Cue Was Good. --RoadDog

Five Undefeated Eating Challenges-- Part 2

2011-11-30T07:00:00.003-06:00

THE INFERNO BOWL at NITALLY'S THAIMEX CUISINE in St.Petersburg.

It's just a bowl of soup, a 48-ounce bowl of soup!! And not just your regular soup. This is real hot soup with 12 different peppers, 16 ounces worth, one of which is the infamous ghost chili.

Since it began in 2009, there have been 116 attempts, one came to within two spoonfuls. It has to be eaten outside as 40% have vomited in the thirty allotted minutes. First person to succeed gets $800.

THE FULL-O-BULL CHALLENGE at COWTOWN DINER in Fort Worth, Texas.

This is the largest chicken-fried steak, weighing in at 64-ounces, and, it comes with ten pounds of gravy, 4 pounds of mashed potatoes and ten pieces of Texas toast. And, at least you get the whole time the place is open from 7 am to 2 am.

There have been 175 attempts at the $70 meal which is free if you complete it. Plus, you get the collector's item t-shirt that reads, "I came to Cowtown Diner hungry and left Full-O-Bull."

I Reckon You'd Be Full of It. --RoadDog

Five Undefeated Eating Challenges-- Part 1

2011-11-29T22:00:00.002-06:00

From the Nov. 23rd Shine from Yahoo! by Paul Toscano.

I'd love to visit any one of these places, not to compete, but to get a look at the huge concoctions. Maybe even to order one to be eaten over several days or to share with a bunch of friends.

THAT BURGER CHALLENGE at That Bar restaurant in Danville, California.

THAT BURGER is approximately ONE FOOT in diameter and includes two 100% Angus beef patties, one with a hole in the middle where a grilled cheese sandwich has been inserted. Each patty is topped with four cheeses: cheddar, American, pepperjack and Swiss. Then, there is the woven bacon patty.

This is then topped with crispy shoestring fries and doused with bbq sauce.

Alongside it comes a quarter pound of fries and onion rings.

More than 40 attempts have been made with no success.

The place admits that usually it is ordered by groups.

If you beat it and eat it, you get a t-shirt reading, "I ate That Burger at That Bar and it was That Good."

Getting hungry just typing this. Wonder where Danville, California is?

Good Old Plentiful Road Food. --RoadDog

Nothing Like Family at Thanksgiving

2011-11-27T08:34:00.005-06:00

Who sang "There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays?"

I've sure enjoyed being with family who I rarely see. Besides Mom and Judy and Bob (my brother) in Goldsboro, I've gotten to see my cousin Graham and his wife Vicki and daughter Angie, my sister Julie and her daughter Annsley, and Julie's son Alex, his wife Allison and my grand nephew Emory since this past Wednesday.

Alex, Annsley and Emory (age 13 months) just got off for Bluffton, SC, a couple hours ago. Julie and Annsley left for Richmond Hill, Georgia, on Saturday.

We had a regular feast on Thursday with some of the juiciest turkey ever.Julie, Annsley and Judy had Black Friday vendettas. I opted out this year.

Good to Be in NC for the Holidays. --RoadDog

Airplaning It to North Carolina: Chili in Cincy

2011-11-25T07:29:00.006-06:00

It was a small plane with two rows of seats on either side of the aisle, Unfortunately, I wasn't lucky enough to get an empty seat beside me.

There were LOTS of Packer fans, judging from hats, sweatshirts and coats. Imagine that, Green Bay fans in Wisconsin!! We were going to Cincinnati, so they weren't on their way to Detroit for the Turkey Day football game against the Lions.

Landing in Cincinnati, I had thirty minutes to get to the next gate for the next plane. After a bathroom break, I walked around to see what places they had in the gate area. I was kind of hoping they would have a place serving that great Cincy chili...and, THEY DID.

There was a Gold Star Chili place. I wasn't hungry at all after those sliders before getting to the Milwaukee airport, but I'm not going to pass up a chance to have some of that great stuff. I got a regular three-way and went back to the gate and ate some.Love That Cincinnati Chili. --RoadDog

A 150th Birthday and a Mighty Big House

2011-11-25T07:17:00.005-06:00

"It's my 150th birthday and in case you were wondering, I'm a size 165 feet tall with an 88-foot waist."North Carolina's Cape Lookout Lighthouse is 150 years old this year and has graced the state's Crystal Coast all this time.

Affectionately called "The Diamond Lady" because of the design on her sides, she is open to climbing (not me) from mid-May to mid-September and then there is that great view from the top.crystalcoast.com

That Biltmore Mansion in Asheville, North Carolina, is open year-round and takes the elegance to another level during Christmas according to a wonderful photo spread in the December issue of North Carolina's Our State Magazine.

The Old North State. --RoadDog

Airplaning It to North Carolina

2011-11-24T20:44:00.003-06:00

About two weeks ago, I was shocked to find out that I could fly back to North Carolina via Delta Airlines for $202 including tax and round trip. I immediately dropped my plans to drive. It would cost more in gas roundtrip.

This past Monday, 11-21, Liz drove me to Milwaukee's Billy Mitchell Airport. Checked in easily, then went to one of my favorite bookstores anywhere (and right there in the terminal) Renaissance Books.

They have a whole two shelving units devoted to the Civil War, and even better, two of the shelves have nothing but books on the naval aspect of the war. Even though I don't need any more Civil War books, I bought one on Union sailors.

There was quite a bit of a backup at the security check point. The masses bunched together in one line. Then, there was another line with no one in it for those special folks too good to wait with the rest of the rabble.

I couldn't help but think the two lines should have an Occupy Sign reading 1% left; 99% right.

Got There. --RoadDog

It's the Lincoln Highway Vs. Route 66 at the Illinois High School Football Championships

2011-11-20T12:28:00.003-06:00

This Friday two Lincoln Highway high school will have a chance to win their class in the 2011 IHSA football championship. Then, Saturday a Lincoln/66 team and another Route 66 get there chance.

STATE FINALS

LINCOLN HIGHWAY

2A Morrison (12-1) will be playing Casey-Westfield (12-1)

3A Aurora Christian (12-1) will be playing Mt. Carmel (12-1)

5A Joliet Catholic (11-2) will play Montini (11-2). Joliet Catholic is also a Route 66 team.

ROUTE 66

5A Joliet Catholic, see above.

8A Bolingbrook 12-1) will play Loyola (13-0)

I'd also like to point out that our town's team, Richmond-Burton (12-1) is playing Rochester (11-2) on Friday. Go Rockets!!!

Good Luck Guys!! --RoadDog

Lincoln Highway Maintains a Slight Edge Over Route 66

2011-11-20T12:16:00.003-06:00

Nothing remains but the state championships next weekend. Last year, neither road had a team after the third round, but this year the Lincoln Highway has three and Route 66 has two.

Teams dropping out of contention yesterday:

ROUTE 66

5A Springfield Scared Heart ((12-1)

Overall, Route 66 ended up 2-1.

LINCOLN HIGHWAY

6A Batavia (12-1)
5A Kaneland/Maple Park (12-1)

Overall, Lincoln Highway ended up 3-2.

Classes 1A to 4A play Friday. Classes 5A to 8A play Saturday. All games are at the University of Illinois in Champaign.

Winning Teams Next. --RoadDog

"Injun Summer"-- Part 4: "...an' ever' once'n a while a leaf gives way under some fat old Injun ghost..."

2011-11-19T19:44:00.003-06:00

Sadly, over time, the cartoon began to evoke anger as well as nostalgia. As early as the 70s, some readers (NOT ME) were saying the "Tribune was running an ethnically insensitive feature that misrepresented the brutal reality of Native American history...."

In the 1990s, Tribune editors decided to end the annual tradition.

"Still, the cartoon has a powerful hold over many Chicagoans. For generations of readers, 'Injun Summer,' despite its flaws, became synonymous with the magic and peacefulness of those last warm days of the season."

I'd love to have them bring it back, but at least in the context of the story, the Tribune ran the whole thing in all its glory.

Thanks Tribune. --RoadDog

Great News for the Lincoln Highway: Niland's Corner Reopens

2011-11-19T16:44:00.004-06:00

From the Marshalltown (Iowa) Times-Republican "Niland's Cafe."

Niland's Cafe at Reed-Niland Corner in Colo, Iowa reopened in July after being closed for a year and a half.

Sandra Huemann-Kelly operates the restaurant and the six unit Colo Motel. She is active with the Lincoln Highway Association. Neon signs at the place attract attention.

The place is located where the old Lincoln and Jefferson highways intersected. i didn't know it but a national Jefferson Highway Association formed last year.

You can check out the excellent food Tuesday to Saturday from 6:30 am to 8 pm and Sundays from 6:30 to 2 pm (with a Sunday breakfast buffet).

A restored gas station from the 30s is at the site as well.

It was open several years ago when we were on the Iowa Lincoln Highway Motor Tour and I'm really glad to see it reopened.

A Definite Stop for Us the Next Time Through. I Wouldn't Even Mind Staying at the Motel. --RoadDog

Hitting the Road Around Here for Fall Color-- Part 2: Getting Your Swiss On in New Glarus

2011-11-18T07:39:00.004-06:00

After Lake Geneva, reporter Davis took Wi-50 to Wi-11 to what she called a "very Swiss" Green County, Wisconsin. There were quite a few roads she went on in the process. She went to New Glarus and recommends staying at the Helvetica Inn at 101 3rd Street and dinner at the New Glarus Hotel's restaurant at 100 6th Avenue. They have polka bands on the weekends. I love polka bands.

You can also sample New Glarus-brewed libations like Spotted Cow beer at Puempel's Olde Tavern 16 Sixth Avenue which is popular because of its murals and ban on juke boxes. (Hey, an old jukebox featuring records is always a welcome sight to me.)

Then, there is the New Glarus Brewing where you can get some Spotted Cow or other barley selections that aren't sold in Illinois.

We've been to New Glarus, but after reading this need to get back.

Better Not Put That Apple on Your Head. --RoadDog

"Injun Summer"-- Part 3: "...an' you can see the Injuns and the teepees jest as plain as kin be"

2011-11-18T07:24:00.003-06:00

As early as 1919, the cartoon had become an annual event that people looked forward to seeing. The Tribune was already offering a high-quality print (and they still do at the Tribune store) that was ready for framing. (Today, you can also get it pre-framed as Liz did for me.)

And, it didn't stay just local. The 1928 Indiana State Fair had a feature exhibit on it. At the Century of Progress World's Fair 1933-1934, they made a life-sized diorama and even reproduced it in a fireworks display.

In 1920, a play was presented on it starring McCutcheon's son playing the role of the boy. Plays of it have been put on as recent as 1977.

One big dramatization involved 1,100 children performing it at Soldier Field in August 1941. Every year, Chicago's famous Olson Rug Co. park on the city's northwest side had a popular display of it using mannequins.

You can see McCutcheon's original black-and-white drawing at the Chicago History Museum.

More to Come. --RoadDog

Injun Summer-- Part 2: "Well, That's When All the Homesick Injuns Come Back to Play"

2011-11-17T08:24:00.004-06:00

"Injun Summer" was an earlier era's celebration of Autumn and childhood imagination which took on a life of its own, becoming a Midwest favorite ever since it first appeared on page one of the Sept. 30, 1907, Chicago Tribune.

And, this was in a time before Halloween stuff went on sale in August, the dreaded Halloween Creep.

There was a looming deadline coming up and it was a slow news day, so John T. McCutcheon came up with what became one of the most-popular-ever features in the Tribune. he had been inspired by a string of beautiful, warm Autumn days and remembered his youth in Indiana.

The Tribune reprinted it in 1910 on page 4. reader response was so strong that it was published annually from 1912 to 1992. Aware that it was a last time, somewhere I have the saved 1992 one.

About four years ago, one house in our subdivision recreated the picture. That was the best-decorated home. They, unfortunately, haven't done it since.

If you'd like to see and read "Injun Summer," just type in Injun Summer on Yahoo!.

"Don't Be Skeered--Hain't None Around Here Now, Leastways No Live Ones." --RoadDog

It's Groundhog Day...Again-- Part 6: Shopping and Eating

2011-11-17T07:34:00.003-06:00

The Midwest Magazine gave a list of places to shop around the square. I've only been to the last one, though.

SEASONS BY PEG-- Seasonal home decor and gift shop with all sorts of candy and sweets. As many as 30 kinds of hand-dipped chocolates, turtles and toffee. (www.seasonsbypeg.com)

DESIGNS BY MAIDA-- Chicago designer Maida Korte brings her HGTV style of this home furnishings showroom (www.designsbymaida.com).

GREEN BOX BOUTIQUE-- Local and ecofriendly goods in the gallery. Wines from nearby Salute Vineyard are $24.95 a bottle (www.greenboxboutique.com).

READ BETWEEN THE LYNES--An old-timey bookseller. The staff knows their books(www.readbetweenthelynes.com).

EAT AT:

LA PETITE CREPERIE-- located in a Victorian home, the French bistro serves savory and sweet dessert crepes (www.lapetitecreperie.net).

There is also a big collectible store on the square. I can't remember the name, but try to avoid this place as there are too many temptations.

Nearby is the Swiss Maid Bakery with some real great stuff. According to needle Nose Ned (Steve Tobolowski), one day during filming of the movie, Bill Murray went in and bought our the place and gave it to crew members and locals. Must have been after the great transformation.

A Great Place to Visit (and about 18 miles from us). --RoadDog

Hitting the Road Around Here for Fall Color-- Part 2

2011-11-17T07:19:00.003-06:00

Reporter Lisa Davis suggests a drive around Geneva Lake (the town is called Lake Geneva, the lake is Geneva Lake). Make sure to take Snake Road off Wi-50 just west of town. This is probably one of my favorite short drives anywhere.

Get off 50 and go into Williams Bay and by the Yerkes Observatory take Lake Shore Drive to Fontana where she suggests eating at the Abbey Resort. (Make sure you walk around the place as well).

Then take South Lake Shore Drive from Fontana. We have two places we like to get off for drives by the lake shore, the first by the Magestic Hill sign and the second by a school.

Then, back into Lake Geneva where we like to eat at Popeye's (not the chicken chain) overlooking the lake and the historic Riviera Docks building and Gage Marine (where you can take a boat tour around the lake).

Then there are all those unique shops and taverns downtown.

We are fortunate to live only about twenty miles from Lake Geneva, but don't get there as much as we should.

A great Drive inthe Country. --RoadDog

Hitting the Road Around Here for Color-- Part 1

2011-11-16T15:13:00.003-06:00

From the October 2nd Chicago Tribune "Hit the road for dashes of color" by Lisa Davis.

I really enjoyed this article and pictures since much of her journey was through area we are well familiar with.

Ms. Davis begins her trip on Illinois Highway 31 heading north through McHenry County (where we live). On several occasions, you see the Fox River. She suggests a stop at Glacier Park,south of Richmond and another one for sweets at Anderson's Candy Shop on Main Street, US-12, in the village. Plus, there is Doyle's located in the old mill.

In Richmond, go west on Il-173 (173rd Airborne Road) and west to Hebron. She didn't mention it, but there is the water tower painted like a basketball honoring the 1952 Illinois state basketball champions as well as the backboards at several spots also honoring them.

From Hebron, continue north on Il-47 into Wisconsin and then Wi-120 into Lake Geneva where she suggest an overnight at the restored 1800s Queen Anne-style mansion called the Baker House.

More to Come. --RoadDog

Classic Cartoon Had Life of It's Own: "Yep, Sonny, This Is Sure Enough Injun Summer"-- Part 1

2011-11-16T15:02:00.003-06:00

From the October 16th Chicago Tribune.

Sadly, we are a bit past Indian Summer here in the Midwest along the Wisconsin-Illinois border, but this cartoon that first appeared in the Tribune in 1907 continues to be one of my favorites.

As a matter of fact, one Christmas, Liz ordered a framed lithograph of it for me and it is hanging in our living room right now.

Every year when I was growing up, I looked forward to seeing it in the Tribune. Usually, it was on the front cover of the Sunday Tribune Magazine. Unfortunately, it is from another era and not considered politically correct these days, so the Tribune stopped running it after some complaints from Indian groups.

Just one more fall thing they're taking away from me like burning leaves, a true aspect of fall and something that gets me to roll down my car window whenever I see a pile burning away.

Just Another Fall Day. --RoadDog

Heading West on US-136-- Part 1: Irrigation Wheels

2011-11-16T09:05:00.004-06:00

Back in September, we drove to Miami, Oklahoma, for the start of the Route 66 Association of Missouri's annual motor tour. We decided to drive a different stretch of road to get there instead of taking Route 66 (figuring we'd get plenty 66 time on the way back home).

I'd always wondered about the road heading west from the Dixie Truckers Home in McLean, Illinois. We always turned onto Route 66, but where did this road, US-136, go and what towns did it pass through?

Seemed as good a time as any to check it out.

There was a real lot to see after we crossed the railroad tracks for quite a ways except flat land and one corn field after another. There was a big wind farm.

On previous travels, we'd seen lots of huge irrigation wheeled pipes in the fields, but had never seen one operating. We saw lots of them this time. Central Illinois was having a draught this summer (whereas we, in the north, were getting an overabundance of rain).

When flying, I've often seen the green circles these contraptions make. And, they do put out a lot of water. Of interest, at the ends of each pipe is something that looks like a fire department nozzle that sprays out as well. They were so close to the road that we got a free car wash every so often.

A 136 We Go. --RoadDog

It's Groundhog Day...Again-- Part 5: Cherry Street Inn

2011-11-16T08:51:00.003-06:00

I have already written about the Royal Victorian Manor B&B, where the "Groundhog Day" movie walking tour ends, several blocks from the square. This is the Cherry Street Inn, where Bill Murray stayed. The exterior was used in many shots, plus there was the window he kept staring out of every morning to you-know-what tune. It overlooks the real street from the movie. The interior shots, however, was filmed at a sound stage in nearby Crystal Lake.

When the movie was filmed, it was a private residence and remained so until this last year, when new owners Karla and Everton Martin restored the 1894 Victorian mansion which is now open to guests. I don't like to pay what B&Bs charge, but this is one place I want to stay.

Rooms let from$125. Phone 815-308-5432. victorianmanor.com.

Lincoln Highway Takes a Two Team Lead Over Route 66

2011-11-15T09:21:00.002-06:00

Going into the semifinal games of the 2011 Illinois High School Association's Football Playoffs (there are four teams left in each of the eight classes) Lincoln Highway enjoys a 5-3 lead in teams remaining.

ROUTE 66

8A Bolingbrook (11-1)

5A Springfield Sacred Heart (12-0) will be playing Joliet Catholic (10-2) Both are Route 66 teams.

LINCOLN HIGHWAY

6A Batavia (12-0)

5A Joliet Catholic (10-2)
Kaneland/Maple Park (12-0)

3A Aurora Christian (11-1)

2A Morrison (11-1)

Good Luck Teams!! --RoadDog