Route 66 Illinois Road Trip (Part 2): Pontiac to St. Louis — Murals & Cozy Dogs

Continue the journey down Illinois Route 66 with Darley Newman in Part 2 of this two-part road trip podcast, picking up in Pontiac and heading south toward St. Louis. Along the way, discover colorful murals, preserved service stations, and the passionate locals keeping the spirit of the Mother Road alive. From the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum in Pontiac to the beautifully restored Sprague’s Super Service Station in Normal, this stretch of the road is packed with stories, small-town charm, and the nostalgic appeal that makes Route 66 one of America’s most beloved drives. This episode also serves up some of Illinois’ most iconic roadside flavors and attractions, including a stop for a famous Cozy Dog in Springfield, classic Americana at Motorheads with Ron Metzger, the historic Auburn Brick Road, old-fashioned treats at Doc’s Just Off 66 with Casey Claypool, and a prime rib meal at the legendary Ariston Cafe. As Darley gets closer to St. Louis, the adventure continues with quirky photo ops like the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle, a visit to Cahokia Mounds, and a walk across the Chain of Rocks Bridge. Recorded on location during filming for Travels with Darley, this immersive audio road trip brings the sounds, people, history, and flavor of Route 66 in Illinois to life.