Relaxing in retirement on concrete blocks, this Ohio River tugboat sits roadside near the Cave-In-Rock Ferry landing. A bright orange life ring hangs optimistically by the door, ready for a rescue mission that will never come. In this region full of ghost stories and river legends, I had to take a shot at trying to find something on the name. I tried to find a river myth or old timer story about the origins. Maybe even a connection to Mark Twain's Jim Smiley, but tugboats on

The original location opened in 1971 and this one in 1992. Easily the best pizza I've ever had, with it's unique charred, but not burnt, cheesy caramelized crust. The restaurant is named for the whaling ship from "Moby Dick" and has a shameless whale mascot, sipping a beer and wearing a thong, giving a nod to the "whale tail" fashion statement of the 90's. Located on Clybourn Avenue in Chicago, IL, it's worth the trip. When your pizza arrives, don't be surprised if you are mo

This muffler man can be found standing outside of Carl's Ice Cream Factory luring customers in with a giant ice cream cone in one hand and a giant cheeseburger in the other. He reminds us that life is too short not to enjoy custard and burgers. Carl's waiting to join you for a selfie on West College Avenue in Normal, IL

Near the entrance to the batting cages at Grady's Family Fun Park is this giant baseball glove. The glove mimics the real deal down to the stitched webbing, laces, and that classic tan hue. While it's not snagging any actual giant fly balls, it's mostly just a big chair for park visitor's photo ops. Snap one for yourself on Morrissey Drive in Bloomington, IL

Tucked away inside the tree shaded acres of Evergreen Memorial Cemetery sits a carefully preserved 19th century relic. Before mechanical diggers, backhoes, or heated shovels, Illinois winters meant frozen ground and no digging. So caskets were stored here temporarily, keeping the deceased "on ice" (quite literally), until spring allowed for proper interment. Built by local stone masons in 1888, the vault was used up until 1920. Stop by to see it and plenty of other history o

Opened in 1924, the Luna Cafe is said to have been frequented by mobsters like Al Capone. In addition to the cafe on the main floor, they...

Ringing the giant total up on our Route 66 trip to seven is another "Muffler Man". Wish I knew what this Harley man's history was, but...

Originally designed in 1968 as portable ski chalets, this "Futuro House" is one of the remaining examples of this iconic architecture...

Another unique giant at the Pink Elephant Antique Mall. At 27 feet tall, he stands outside of the Antique Mall which is in the gymnasium...

The Pink Elephant Antique Mall has several advertising giants on display. These two are advertising their Twistee Treat Diner which...

Definitely not something you see every day. This is a must see stop on Route 66. There's an old service station now gift shop, a...

Love these "giant" advertising gimmicks. Here's another one at Route 66 Storage and Markets on Route 66 in Staunton, IL

The Soulsby family opened this station in 1926 and served gas on Route 66 for 65 years. The current owner has restored it and it looks...

This was a bit out of the way on the 1926-1930 alignment of Route 66 but so worth the trip. A lot of twisting, turning, rough and bumpy...

A rare stretch of brick road that runs over a mile on the 1926-1930 alignment between Chatham and Auburn. We were pleasantly surprised at...

The second giant we saw in Springfield and the fourth of our trip is the Lauterbach Giant. He once held a tire but for several years now...

Mahan's Filling Station opened over 100 years ago and has been moved twice. First from it's original location to the now-closed Shea's...

Right past the main gate of the Illinois State Fairgrounds is a 30 foot, clean-shaven, young and skinny Abraham Lincoln statue. I had to...

This gas station from the 1930's has a great collection of Route 66 era gas station signs and pumps, with other classic signs and...

This funny distance road sign caught my attention. The photo is a little blurry, keep in mind that I was taking the photo from the back...