Yesterday embodied a true Route 66 experience. As everyone knows, food can really enhance a vacation, but atmosphere can make it. Such was the case in the small towns of Atlanta and Litchfield, Illinois.

As we exited the interstate and kept to the “Old Road,” as all the locals call it, we came upon various little hideaway burgs with old Americana charm, and the food and atmosphere did not disappoint.

We were hungry for lunch, so we stopped at the Palms Grill Cafe in Atlanta. Originally built in the 1940s, it had fallen into disrepair (or was damaged by fire…I can’t remember and don’t have time to research it this morning). Several years ago, someone sank tens of thousands into its restoration. He did a great job.

It was great fun to sit at the marble counter and watch as one woman waited all nine tables, with her sons filling drink glasses and bussing. Period signs and neon decorated the walls, and big band music played on a stereo. They served the drinks in those tall, wavy glasses. You know the ones I mean? Very cool.

After lunch, it was on to another signature restaurant on the Old Road. The Ariston Cafe was opened in 1935 by a Greek immigrant. It is run today by his son and his wife — both of whom regaled us with tales from the old days. It was delightful.

The people were just as charming as the ambience. Fabulous day yesterday, capped off by a couple of fun (and profitable, yay) hours at the Lumiere Casino in St. Louis.

If this is what being on vacation feels like, I think I adore it.

Well, we must fly. We’re leaving the delightful Budget Lodging in a few minutes, trying to outrun a huge thunderstorm, seen here out our room door:

I guess it won’t matter for awhile though, since we’ll be underground at Meramec Caverns, 12 miles down the road. Yay! I’m on vacation.

FO

Howdy from the road, fiends! (Tethering is fun.)

At this moment, we’re driving along Old 66; far away from the interstate. Towns of 600 and 800 population dot the landscape. But I have to back up a bit first.

Joliet was our first stop, as you know. We went downtown this morning after breakfast and walked around. Some quaint shops and a couple of interesting things to see, but the Route 66 museums and visitor centers were not yet open at 7 a.m. on a Sunday. So we walked and looked and didn’t hurry.

This isn’t Route 66-related, but it was a sight to behold all the same. Take a look at the photos of Joliet Township High School — although they won’t do the place justice. The building — built in 1901 — takes up an entire city block. Look at the architecture. Kind of like Gothic/Roman meets medieval haunted castle meets Mansfield Correctional Institution. We wished that it would have been open for a tour.

We also experienced our first Muffler Man sighting, although we couldn’t get inside the minor league ballpark (where the Joliet Jackhammers play) to see it up close. So I peered through the stadium chain link fence:

Anyway, onward we went, off the beaten trail and onto Historic 66, which runs right alongside the interstate in many places.

First stop was Wilmington, IL. Of course, we had to get a photo taken at our second Muffler Man discovery:

On the way to Odell right now, to unearth an old 1930s Sinclair gas station. More later — we love not being in a hurry to get somewhere. Weird feeling….

XO

Indeed. The Detroit skyline (complete with the Goodyear blimp in the distance) is going to provide excellent cover for the drive west today.

More updates as they become available — we’re going to go downstairs (yes, at 9:25 a.m.) to have a leisurely breakfast before leaving the hotel. Then it’s 4.5 hours to Joliet, and off we go.

Happy weekend, everyone. Yay!

I’ve created a new category for the Odyssey, so I can refer to it when I get all nostalgic in the months to come.

Endless planning, talking, phone calls, emails, saving and dreaming come to fruition today. I remember the day the plan was hatched. It’s been nonstop scheming ever since. We think it’s only fitting that since we dreamed this whole thing up on the way home from Greektown, we should begin the actual Odyssey with a trip to Greektown. Yay. (That, and they gave the Thriller a free night in the hotel, free food, and free money.) It also shaves off an hour on the drive to Joliet tomorrow, so thumbs up on all of it.

I’ve thought about how best to update folks. Not everyone is on Facebook, so I will post at RtB every day (mais oui!). But since I will be uploading lots of pictures and some videos, I’ll do most of that on Facebook and YouTube, to save space on the domain. Regardless, updates will be plentiful, in case you’re interested.

The best part of getting ready these past few days has been the family visits. Yesterday, I spent some fantastic time with Mavis, and my baby boy Lars came over for dinner last night. We’ve seen Helen and Simone a couple of times (although too briefly), and I will spend two lovely hours with Justin and Jake, my angels, this morning before we leave. Only people I’ve missed seeing are Seamus and Hannah, but we’ll make up for that on our return.

Another sign of excitement: the Thriller was up and at ’em at 6:30 this morning, and for those of you who know him, that’s a rarity indeed. He is a night owl and a late sleeper.

So, what’s left? Camera, phones, chargers, computer, Nook, Flip video, GPS — check. Suitcases — check. Rousseau safely at BFF Kay and Bob’s house — check. Regular overnight house visits scheduled with Mavis and Simone — check. Lars scheduled to stop by and take the trash barrel out to the curb on Tuesday night — check.

Best family and fiends in the world — double check.

As my Dutch pal Suzanne would say: Tot ziens!

Bon voy-AH-gee,

RF