# @kellyinthecity on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DK-0fxZM9rv
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/38125040-kellyinthecity-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/54c04e7f0c.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-06-17T00:31:06.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Kelly Larkin (@kellyinthecity) — https://gondola.cc/kellyinthecity

## Caption

Drove the length of Route 66 in #Illinois, and did all the charming, old-timey things! Our stops:

Chicago: We fueled up at loumitchells565, a famous diner that’s been serving Chicagoans at the start of Route 66 since 1925.
Braidwood: The Polka-Dot Drive-In was our first stop. It’s a 1950s vibes serving up ice cream with a side of nostalgia!
Dwight: Ambler’s Texaco Gas Station was in service for 66 years; renovated by the National Parks Service.
visitpontiacil: We saw over 20 murals on Main Street that depicted the history of the city and Route 66. We also crossed the “Swinging Bridges,” which were built to cross Vermillion River (named after its red banks). It flows into the Illinois River and then into the Mississippi!
Hudson: My in-laws conveniently live on Lake Bloomington, so it was a no-brainer to crash here! So many happy memories. (Thanks, John and Lisa!)
Atlanta: Route 66 was filled with these giant statues to catch the eyes of travelers + drive money to local businesses; you can see a bunch of them at The American Giants Museum.
visitspringfield: The state capitol and Abraham Lincoln’s home! The lincolnmuseum is incredible; it guides you through Lincoln’s life—from his humble beginnings in a tiny Kentucky log cabin to his presidency and assassination. We also toured his actual house! That night, we went to a drive-in movie (the BEST!) and stayed at a gorgeous 1800s farmhouse with ties to Lincoln.
Livingston: We had to hit up the Pink Elephant Antique Mall for some thrifting (Mom’s fave) and ice cream (Girls’ fave).
Grafton: We grabbed dinner at loadinglockil, and stayed at the beautiful Tarapointinn, which overlooks the Mississippi River.
historicelsah: A historic town on the Mississippi River, essentially unchanged since the 1860s. A little slice of New England, locals say!
Cahokiamounds: An archaeological site once home to the largest prehistoric Native American city north of Mexico. (First occupied in 700 CE!)

Honestly, it was the most wholesome and easy family trip. Three days, 300 miles, and unforgettable memories. Already planning our next lap! #ILRoute66 #EnjoyIllinois

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## Tags

enjoyillinois, illinois, ilroute66

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