Eatin' Famous Fried Chicken on 66 in Illinois

From the Feb. 15, 2024, Northwest Herald "Famous Fried Chicken temps along Route 66" by Ryan Searl.

"Want a taste of real Americana on your Route 66 road trip?  This trio of fan-favorite dried chicken restaurants are must-stop destinations for foodies looking for a hot home-style meal.  

"As you travel along the Mother Road, you'll encounter some of the Midwest's most iconic eateries specializing in fried chicken, some of which have been serving up delicious golden-battered goodness for more that a half century.

"Be sure to start your journey hungry, you'll want to sample the food at each one of these time-tested locations."

Actually, it would be quite difficult to eat at each one as these three are all located near each other.  Liz and I ate at the first two places.

Wonder what their names are?  I'll be writing about them this week.

Greasy Fingers.  --Roadcheep

Best of the Midwest-- Part 3: Route 66 in Illinois From Lou's to the Giant

The centennial for the Mother Road will be in 2026 and all sorts of things are in the planning.  But, in the meantime, there is plenty of things to do and experience along the state's 300 miles

It goes from Chicago to St. Louis.

You can start with a great breakfast and what they call the "World's Finest Coffee" at Lou Mitchell's in Chicago and then pull over for a prison break in Joliet at Joliet Correctional Center where some of the state's most infamous criminals (no governors though) were once held.  There are tours and a big party planned this summer for the 40th anniversary of the movie "Blues Brothers" which was featured at the beginning when John Belushi was getting released.

Then, on to Wilmington where you'll find good eats at The Launching Pad Restaurant with that 30-foot-tall muffler man dressed as an astronaut called Gemini Giant.

And, We're Just Getting Started.  --RoadDog

Along the Lincoln Highway, July 2018: Mail Pouch Chewing Tobacco

Continued from the last post.

There were Mail Pouch Chewing Tobacco barns in twenty-two states (mostly in the Midwest).  Farmers who had the ads placed on their barns were modestly compensated by the Wheeling, West Virginia, based tobacco company.

They employed painters.  One of whom was Harley Warrick of Ohio who estimates he painted 20,000 barns over his long career.  Hus retirement marked the end of the Mail Pouch barn-painting era.

One of the remaining Mail Pouch signs is in Marshall County, Indiana.  Her family has owned the farm, six miles east of Plymouth, since 1890.    She readily acknowledged that the barn was in bad shape and she was debating options of what to do with it.

On Tuesday, July 17, she found a 7 by 21-foot section of the barn gone.

Sign Stealers On the Loose.  --RoadDog

United States Highway 12: The Iron Brigade Memorial Highway-- Part 2

The Iron Brigade was composed of Midwestern regiments from Michigan, Indiana and Wisconsin and fought in the eastern theater of the war.  They had a reputation of being a hard-fighting regiment and would usually be in the very hottest parts of the battlefield.  They received the name Iron Brigade for sustaining the highest fatalities at the Battle of South Mountain, leading up to the Battle of Antietam.

Then, the majority of the brigade, 1,153 became casualties at the Battle of Gettysburg, mostly on the first day.

I saw pictures of the BGSs for it (Big Green Sign) and here near us we have the medal-looking one with USV (United States Volunteers) in the middle with spokes radiating out for each of the five regiments in it: 19th Indiana, 24th Michigan, 2nd Wisconsin, 6th Wisconsin and 7th Wisconsin.

A Fitting Memorial to a Hard-Fighting group of Men.    --RoadDog

Midwest Fall Foliage Trip: Great River Road at Mississippi Palisades State Park

By Robert Duffer.

This is one we've driven on many occasions and a great drive it is.

Starting at Galena, Illinois, Illinois' Great River Road hugs the Mississippi River south for 550 miles of bluffs and riverside stops that can rouse the ghost of Mark Twain.  Head south on Illinois Highway 84 through Savanna, in an area around the Mississippi Palisades  State Park, where eagles soar and a lazy road winds around the lazy river under the bluffs and along waysides..(Galena, however, is not actually on the Mississippi River, but the Apple River, a tributary.)

A drive up on the bluffs there affords great views of the river and Iowa. He recommends a drive south to the Quad-Cities.

Both sides of the river afford great views and vistas.  We like to cross the Mississippi at Dubuque, Iowa, and drive down the Iowa side to the Quad-Cities, always with a stop at beautiful Clinton, Iowa.

Mighty Pretty Driving.  --RoadDog

Midwest Fall Foliage Road Trip-- Part 5: Parke County, Indiana, Covered Bridges

By Casey Williams.

This is one I plan on going to at some point, maybe even this year, but I hear it gets quite crowded, especially on the weekends.  Fortunately, being retired, we can do it during the week.

Maybe not quite the Bridges of Madison County, but Indiana's Parke County offers a beautiful fall drive to see 32 covered bridges of all shapes and sizes.  Begin at the visitor's center in Rockville, Indiana, about an hour's drive west of Indianapolis on U.S.-36 (Rockville Road).

From there, maps will guide you through curved, tree-covered roads and stretches between harvest fields.

Time it through October 19 to attend the Covered Bridge Festival (Oops, missed that one), with its seasonal food, arts and crafts.  The inn at Turkey Run State Park is a good place for dinner-- or for the night.

Go north on US-41 for continued scenery.

Gotta Go There.  --RoadDog

Midwest Fall Foliage Road Trip-- Part 4: Shawnee Hills Wine Trail

By Robert Duffer.

This one goes all the way to the southern tip of Illinois.

In the Shawnee National Forest, near the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers in the southern tip of the state, the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail winds south of Carbondale (Home of Southern Illinois University and a wild Halloween party).

Take I-57 from Chicago and consider picking up off the Great River Road (Ill-3) along the Mississippi, then head east on Town Creek Road over the Big Muddy River to Route 127, where the trail begins.  Two-lane roads will take you to a dozen wineries.  Along the way, places like the Little Grand Canyon and Jackson Falls are treasures

Wine and Scenery.  Sounds Like a Winner, Just Don't Taste Test Too Much.  --RoadDog

The Great River Tug Fest: It's Illinois vs. Iowa in Annual Tug of War-- Part 1

From the July 20, 2014, Chicago Tribune by John Handley.

It ties up boat traffic for a short time, but every year for the last 27 years, that oldest of summer picnic competitions, an old-fashioned rope tug of war takes place.

A 2,700-foot rope is stretched across the the Mississippi River between Port Byron, Illinois, and LeClaire, Iowa in what is called the Great River Tug Fest and is the heart of a three-day celebration on both sides of the river and attracts a typical crowd of 30,000.

Each state fields ten teams of 20 men and one team of 25 women and all grab the rope for a three-minute exertion.  Sadly, judges stop the cation before anyone gets dragged into the river.

Winning state takes home the Alabaster Eagle in Flight as bragging rights for the year.

Pull, Pull, Pull for Illinois!!  --RoadDog

Midwest Culinary Classics-- Part 7: Stroud's 'We Choke Our Own Chickens'

STROUD'S RESTAURANT & BAR-- Kansas City, Mo. Began in 1933 and they say, "We choke our own chickens." Freshness? Pan-fried chicken a specialty, but original restaurant closed in 2005.

Now, there are two "Chicken Shacks:".

They recommend starting with breaded livers and gizzards (I don't know about that).

 At 5410 NE Pak Ridge in KC and Fairway, Kansas.

That's All of 'Em. --RoadDog

Midwest Culinary Delights-- Part 5

AL'S BREAKFAST-- Minneapolis. Its Facebook page proudly boasts: "There's a stool for every a__" even if it is just ten feet wide and considered the city's narrowest restaurant. And, they can seat a whopping fourteen of thoses a__es. Hearty fare with a little flair as well. Things like sweet potato latkes and pumpkin pancakes. They close at 1 PM and cash only at 413 14th Avenue. SE. //// THREE BROTHERS-- Milwaukee. Branko Radicevic turns 91 this April and has lived much of his adult life above this Bay View neighborhood landmark, which his father opened in 1950. The menu is Serbian fare and hasn't changed much since then. Try a buttery and flaky burek filled with cheese and spinich or meat at 2414 S. St. Clair Street. //// Gettin' Hongry. --RoadDog

Midwest Culinary Classics-- Part 4: Lagomarchino's

When traveling, what better way to pick up local culture, than eating local? Here is another likely spots to eat in the Midwest. As I said, we will be checking out Breitbach's Country Dining in tiny Balltown, Iowa, (pop. 68), near Dubuque and half-way between there and Decorah, where we hope to see their famed bald eagles. //// LAGOMARCINO'S-- Moline, Illinois. Now, here's another town we have been to often, we're huge fans of the Quad Cities out there on the Mississippi River, but this is yet another place we've never heard of before. //// The century-old soda fountain, established by an immigrant from northern Italy, is best-known for hot fudge sundaes topped with whipped cream which is nearly as high as the ice cream is deep. //// Sauces arrive on the side, in a little glass pitcher. A lunch favorite is ham salad, served on a house-made Swedish rye. //// Located at 1422 Fifth Avenue, Moline. There is a newer Lagomarchino's in East Davenport, across the river. //// --Getting Hungry. --RoadDog

Midwest Culinary Classics-- Part 3: Watts Tea Shop and Breitbach's Country Dining

WATTS TEA SHOP-- Milwaukee-- Since 1870 has sold crystal, china and other fine items in an old-time tearoom. Expect delicate finger sandwiches and sweets like a light, custard-filled Sunshine Cake. Located at 761 N. Jefferson Street. //// BREITBACH'S COUNTRY DINING, Balltown, Iowa-- Billed as Iowa's oldest place to eat and drink. It is now owned by the family's sixth generation, having opened during the Civil War in 1862. // Fire destroyed it twice (2007 and 2008) and the tiny community (pop. 68) twice urged its rebuilding. // The popular buffet has a house-made corn relish, pickled beets, fried catfish and other items. Located at 563 Balltown Road. //// --RoadDog

Midwest Culinary Classics-- Part 2

I'd never heard of this award before, but here are some previous Midwestern winners. //// KRAMARCZAK'S: Minneapolis, Minnesota. (2013) Ukranian immigrants began making sausage, bread and pirosky (filled buns) by hand. It still does to stock its deli, bakery, sausage kitchen and restaurant. Other treats are nalysnkky (meat-stuffed creoes) and varenyky (stuffed dumplings). At 215 E. Hennepin Avenue. //// ST. ELMO STEAK HOUSE: Indianapolis (2012). Dinner-only restaurant began as a tavern in 1902 Classic steakhouse with special horseradish sauce. At 127 S. Illinois Street. //// More to Come. --

Ten Gems of the Heartland

From Midwest Living.

1. Michigan's resort towns
2. Macaroni and cheese to perfection at Prima Kase cheese factory in Monticello, Wisconsin
3. Illinois' Starved Rock State Park

4. Hocking Hills, Ohio
5. Farmhouses
6. South Dakota's Black Hills

7. Shade Loving hostas
8. Fish Creek, Wisconsin
9. Taste of Kansas City
10. Iowa State Fair in Des Moines.

They Have Their Reasons. --RoadDog

Real American Baseball: The Midwest League-- Possible Road Trip

From the LumberKing 2013 Souvenir Book.  Location and affiliation.

BELOIT SNAPPERS--  Beloit, Wisconsin--  Atletics

BOWLING GREEN HOT RODS--  Bowling Green, Kentucky  (I think they should be the Vettes or Corvettes right, Denny.)--  Rays

BURLINGTON BEES--  Burlington, Iowa--  Angels

CEDAR RAPIDS KERNELS--  Cedar Rapids, Iowa--  Twins

CLINTON LUMBERKINGS--  Clinton, Iowa--  Mariners

DAYTON DRAGONS--  Dayton, Ohio--  Reds

FORT WAYNE TINCAPS--  Fort Wayne, Indiana--  Padres

GREAT LAKES LOONS--  Midland, Minnesota--  Dodgers

KANE COUNTY COUGARS--  Geneva, Illinois--  Cubs

LAKE COUNTY CAPTAINS-- Eastlake, Ohio--  Indians

LANSING LUGNUTS--  Lansing, Michigan--  Blue Jays

PEORIA CHIEFS--  Peoria, Illinois--  Cardinals

QUAD CITY RIVER BANDITS--  Davenport, Iowa--  Astros

SOUTH BEND SILVER HAWKS--  South Bend, Indiana--  Diamondbacks

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS--  Comstock Park, Michigan--  Tigers

WISCONSIN TIMBER RATTLERS--  Appleton, Wisconsin--  Brewers

I remember seeing the Appleton Foxes and Kenosha (Wis) Twins who moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Perhaps there is a great road trip in the making here.

A Minor League Road Trip. Sixteen Teams in Two Weeks? --RoadDog

Five Notable Things About Vintage Amusement Parks-- Part 1

From the August 15th Chicago Tribune.

1.  PAM TURLOW has written a book "The Cotton Candy Road Trip" about visits to 44 vintage amusement parks across America.  She says Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pa., as her favorite of them, citing its beautiful trees, high food quality and palpable sense of history.  They'll find an old ride, the blueprints or specs, and they will build it again."

2.  IN THE MIDWEST, besides Kiddieland and Santa's Village AZoosment Park, Turlow visited Nelis' Dutch Village in Holland, Michigan.  Three others she wants to see are Bay Beach Park in Green Bay, Wis., Little Americka in Marshall, Wis., and Indiana Beach Amusement Resort in Monticello, Ind.

3.  THE FIRST-RATE 2009 FILM "ADVENTURELAND" was not made at the Chicago-area park of that name, but based on one in Long Island where director Greg Mottolo worked in his youth.  Most of it was shot at Kennywood near Pittsburgh.

I wonder where the amusement park in "Zombieland" was?

More to Come.  --RoadDog

Ten must-See Midwest Roadside Attractions-- Part 2

Continued from yesterday.

6. ENCHANTED HIGHWAY-- Regent, North Dakota-- quirky architecture.

7. CORN PALACE-- Mitchell, South Dakota

8. PRECIOUS MOMENTS CHAPEL-- Carthage, Missouri-- giant praying hands and on Route 66 (seen it).

9. VILLISCA AXE MURDER HOUSE-- Villisca, Iowa where an unknown murdered killed a family of eight.

10. HEIDELBERG PROJECT-- Detroit, Michigan-- a giant sculpture made of trash and debris.

Just Some More Stuff to See on the Road. --RoadDog

Memorial Day

Unfortunately, I just had to take the flags in as we have what looks like and sounds like a vicious storm rolling in from the west right now in northeast Illinois. So far, Saturday and Sunday have been ideal days for celebrations, especially since Memorial Day weekend is usually accompanied by really lousy TNCW (Typical Nasty Carnival Weather).

We officially kicked off summer yesterday for the first band party at Captain's Quarters on Fox Lake ( a part of Illinois' famous Chain of Lakes). It "ain't summer" till we been to the Sunday afternoon party at Captain's.

Today, we go to Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, just over the border about ten miles from here for their annual parade (unless the storm cancels it). We meet up with friends at Main Street Tap for drinks while waiting for the veterans to come marching by.

A big thank you to all the veterans who have enabled us to enjoy this great life we have here in the US.

Thank You Big Time!! --RoadDog

Profile, Did You Know-- Part 2

American Profile Magazine

OHIO-- Chess and Checkers-- Thue John G. White Collection of Chess and Checkers at the Cleveland Public Library is the largest chess library in the world with over 30,000 bound and catalogued volumes and manuscripts, plus a huge number of chess sets. White died in 1928 and bequeathed his collection and established a trust fund to acquire more material.

SOUTH DAKOTA-- n "A Bed in a Shed" is what owners Bill and Barb White call their B&B in a renovated 1907 Herrick Elevator in Herrick, (pop. 105).

WISCONSIN-- n Broaster corporation is headquartered in Beloit (pop. 35,775). It is famous for its chicken cooking method that combines pressure cooking and deep frying that was invented in 1954 by L. A. M. Phelan.

Mighty Good Eating If You Can Get It. --RoadDog

Profile Did You Know

The American Profile Magazine a few weeks ago had some interesting information on some Midwest places.

ILLINOIS-- Litchfield (pop. 6,815)-- the world's largest manufacturer of football helmets and face guards is headquartered here, Schutt Sports. Founded 1918. Litchfield is on old Route 66.

KANSAS-- The Allen-Lambe House Museum in Wichita was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and is considered to be one of his last "Prairie houses." It was built for Henry J. Allen, who was governor from 1919 to 1923.

MISSOURI-- the ice cream cone was named the state dessert in 2008 and was first served at the 1904 World's Fait in St. Louis.

Neat Places, Midwest Places. --RoadDog