Route 66 defined a remarkable era in our nation's history, and it lives on today in Illinois' many roadside attractions, museums, restaurants and the shining ribbon of blacktop we call The Mother Road.

Stretching more than 301 miles (484 kilometers) across Illinois, Route 66 reveals gems like the Original Brick Road in Auburn or the Cozy Dog Drive-In, birthplace of the corn dog on a stick. In Atlanta, the town recently revived a historic diner, the Palm's Grill, and now visitors come from all over strictly for the award-winning pie.

Mile for mile, there are more of the kitschy, quirky and nostalgic things to do on Illinois Route 66 than anywhere else along this historic highway. Some highlights are:

• Route 66 Association Hall of Fame and Museum
• Brooks Catsup Bottle
• Gemini Giant
• Ariston Café