Braidwood, IL

Braidwood is the start of a great ride through a bunch of small, well preserved Route 66 towns, like Godley, Braceville, Gardner, Dwight and Odell. There is not much action in these gems, but the old route goes through the center of all of these towns. It's one of those great streaches of Route 66 that let travelers picture what the Mother Road was like at its inception, minus the traffic.

Braidwood is the home of the Polk-A-Dot Drive In, a 1950s diner featuring statues of James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley and the Blues Brothers. Inside, it is well preserved with period photos. There are some tiny booths designed for children. The wallpaper has old Polka Dot menus. Hamburgers for 30 cents. Yikes! The Men's Room has about 50 Marilyn Monroe photos. No report on the Women's Room decor.

The Korner Keg is the local biker spot. The food is excellent and is priced friendly.

There also are some classic Burma Shave signs (no doubt reproductions) and a 1939 gas station now housing Lucenta Tire.

Braidwood participates in the Route 66 Red carpet Corridor events each May.