Classic Cars to Cruise Route 66, Begins and Ends in Naperville
July 21, 2009

Car enthusiasts and spectators alike will get their kicks along Route 66 on Saturday, August 1 when Double K Productions presents a classic car cruise from Naperville, through Joliet to the Route 66 Museum in Pontiac and then back to Naperville’s Freedom Cruise Night at Freedom Commons, the north Naperville retail and restaurant center at the I-88 Naperville exit. The cruise is free of charge and self-paced, allowing drivers to enjoy several historic sites along the way. Spectators along the route will enjoy the daylong passage of classic automobiles of all vintages.

The Route 66 Cruise departs from the Omega Restaurant Kars ‘n Koffee, 4S040 N Route 59 in Naperville at 9:30 am. The tour will travel down Route 30 (Lincoln Highway) to Joliet. Then stops include the Rialto Theatre, Joliet; The Launching Pad, Wilmington; Ambler's-Becker's Texaco, and the Dwight Downtown Cruise, before arriving in Downtown Pontiac.

"Traveling Route 66 is a sincere attempt to harness life's travels of yesteryear. It's been called the Main Street of America and the Mother Road,” says organizer Kerry Kirkley. “The highway is entwined with the rich history of the automobile industry and even today, Route 66 holds fond memories for many.”  

Cruisers will receive Pontiac goodie bags and lunch can be enjoyed at four different locations. Participants’ admission to the Route 66 Museum is at no charge. In addition to many shops in Downtown Pontiac, there is also a photo opportunity at Pontiac's new Route 66 mural. Return trip stops include Odell Station, Odell; Two Cell Jail, Gardner; Riviera Roadhouse, Gardner and the Polk-a-Dot Drive In, in Braidwood.

Cruisers will return to Naperville via Route 55 to Route 59, arriving at 5:00 pm at the Freedom Cruise, Diehl Road and Freedom Drive to enjoy music of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s as well as ample parking and eight restaurants including Maggiano’s Little Italy, Morton’s Steakhouse, The White Chocolate Grill, Jason’s Deli, Taco Fresco, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Froots and Subway open for dinner and refreshments. The Freedom Cruise will continue until 9:00 pm with five awards and a variety of classic, custom, muscle and antique cars.

The Freedom Cruise is held every Saturday evening except Labor Day through September 12 at Freedom Commons. Clubs are always welcome and admission is free. For more information on the Route 66 Cruise, visit www.DoubleKProductions.com. For information on Freedom Commons and Freedom Cruise Nights visit www.freedomcommons.com.