The village of Romeoville, Ill., is applying for a state grant to spruce up its section of Illinois Highway 53, aka Route 66, according to the Joliet Herald-News. The newspaper reported: Renovations will include landscaping upgrades to islands along the roadway along with new signage that will include a Route 66 theme. Landscaping .. more ..

We wanted to give the opportunity for a few Nuts About Southwest Blog Team Mother's Day shout-outs. Don't forget to wish Mum a Happy Mother's Day!��I'll kick things off! Every year on the Friday afternoon before Mother's Day, my Mom knows there will be flowers. �My Mother works at the middle school that I attended in my hometown of Lake Bluff, Illinois. �Growing up with your Mom in the front office of your educational institution .. more ..

A committee for McLean County, Ill., supports applying for a half-million-dollar grant that would establish at visitors center at the McLean County Museum of History in Bloomington, reported the Bloomington Pantagraph. The $522,000 project moved to the front .. more ..

Less than a month ago, we reported that Pounds Media had videotaped a bunch of Route 66 old-timers for Central Illinois Tourism and the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway. Today, the first video was posted publicly. Appropriately enough, it was Ernie Edwards of the Pig Hip Restau .. more ..

Global Adventures Travel – Must Do List in Chicago Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier

Beecher, Illinois is where we found ourselves after France.  We spent about a month visiting family and friends in the area and took a few visits into Chicago and Michigan.  The highlights included spending time with my adorable little niece Abby, having some heart to hearts with my sister, visiting my Chicago friends,attending my cousin Paige’s engagement party,  and relaxing at the Obradovich’s residence.  Oh and there .. more ..