Highlights:

• Route 66 step on guide
• Route 66 Welcome center at the
  Joliet Area Historical Museum
• “50’s sock hop” luncheon at truth resturant
• Rialto Square Theatre mini-organ concert tour
• Tour Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery
• Afternoon treat at a predetermined location
• One night accomodations
• Luggage handling
• extended hot continental breakfast
• “Mystery in the Mansion” dinner theatre
• Talk & tour the Jacob Henry Mansion

Day One

Upon arrival to Joliet, IL, you will check into one of Landmark Destinations’ motorcoach friendly hotel properties.  Enjoy the welcome reception as luggage is taken to your room. Be personally greeted upon arrival at Chapel Hall, the main room of the Old Central Church.  The beautifully decorated exterior and interior of this building is a classic example of the grand churches of the early 1900’s.  Floor to ceiling stained glass windows, hand carved pillars, the massive domed ceiling make this church a unique destination.   As a special treat, you will be given a concert on the 2,000 pipe organ that creates the same majestic sound as it did at the turn of the century.

Dinner and entertainment will take place next door at the Abbey Theatre.  The Abbey Theatre combines the best in homemade meals, heartwarming musical productions and family hospitality.  This evening’s performance will be “Cruising Along Route 66.”  “Cruising Along Route 66” – Tuesday, May 13 & Wednesday, May 14, 2008 -- Mike Williamson & Patte Armato Lund take you on a non-stop tour of America that includes “Manhattan” and Old Cape Cod then travels down some “Country Roads” to the “Battle of New Orleans” and over “Route 66.”  The Duets Medley is also included with Sonny & Cher, Kenny & Dolly, Captain & Tennille, Johnny Cash and June Carter all in one show!

After dinner, return to the hotel to enjoy the indoor pool, whirlpool or fitness center, or head off to one of Joliet’s two Vegas-style Casinos.

Day Two

Start off your day with a relaxing extended continental breakfast at the hotel before heading off to travel along Rte. 66. 

Your Step-on Guide will join you for the day’s events, as you depart for a journey along Rte 66.  The guide will share her many stories about this historic highway as you travel past the Rte 66 Speedway and Chicagoland Speedway to the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. 

Tour Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, the second largest national cemetery in the nation behind Arlington in Washington DC.  Named in honor of Abraham Lincoln, this national cemetery and the State of Illinois have special connections to our 16^th President.  Lincoln is remembered for his successful law practice and elected service as a resident of Illinois.  In the midst of the Civil War, President Lincoln signature enacted a law authorizing the establishment of national cemeteries “…for the soldiers who shall die in the service of the country.”

The first stop of the day will be the “Route 66 Welcome Center” at the Joliet Area Historical Museum.  This state of the art museum features interactive exhibits that will walk you through many years of Joliet’s rich history.  You will receive a guided tour of the museum before heading off to a National Historic Landmark.

Happy days are here again at the Jacob Henry Mansion.  Enjoy a “50s Sock Hop” style lunch complete with poodle skirts and bobbi socks.  Relax as a personalized meal is placed before you in one of the 40 rooms that feature old world fixtures and Victorian charm.  You will marvel at the craftsmanship and warmth of this historic old home. Stay to talk and tour this 1873 Victorian mansion. Listen to the classic tale that brings this old home to life.

After lunch arrive at the Rialto Square Theatre, located in Joliet’s City Center.  This beautifully restored 1920’s Vaudeville theatre will have you in awe as you walk through the halls of the palace, stand under the dome of gold cherubs and take in every twinkle of the 22 foot Czechoslovakian hand cut crystal chandelier.

Bid a fond farewell to your Step On Guide as you board the motorcoach for your
trip home.