So Much to See, So Little Time

While poking through Goggle Plus last night I came across a guy looking for Route 66 sites to see between Chicago at St. Louis. I of course gave him some of the more major ones but as I was trying to decide which spots to list it hit me that there are a lot of landmarks to see on 66. 

Just between Chicago and St. Louis alone there must be a 100 plus places outside of the normal ones worth seeing, either on, or close to the route. So in a way when you visit the route you can see not only the normal landmarks but a bit more depending on your interest. 

Route 66 has points of interest for agri-tourism, culinary tourism, paranormal tourism, American history, automotive history, aviation history, railway history, sport tourism, American Kitsch, and spa's. The list goes on, yet also the list tends to stay family friendly. 

Bachelors Grove Cemetery is a renowned ghost hunting sight near 66, one of many on the route

The Greek Islands in Chicago legendary Route 66 restaurant and gourmet paradise

St. James Winery a Route 66 must stop for wine lovers. 

Agri-tourism? Funks Grove is an excellent example. 

Love aviation? The Planes of Fame Museum in Chino, CA has to be on your list. 

Into art tourism, a luxury stay, railroad history, or fine dining? Then the La Posada is the place for you for any or all that apply.

As usual feel free to contact me and join my site if you are looking for something in particular for you and your family to see. 

Route 66 Kids Picks - #7 Funks Grove Maple Sirup

A Kids Opinion - James 9 Years Old

"We where driving down Route 66 near the big highway after leaving a big town. My dad turned into a driveway that bought us to a farm and we parked in front of the house. I thought we where stopping to see someone. Then my parents got out of the car and went into a little building that was actually a store. The store had a bunch of Route 66 stuff, and books, and candy, and pancake mix and Sirup. What I really liked was learning about where the Sirup came from, I hope see it happen up close some day. That and the Sirup is the best I ever had."

No we aren't misspelling it Sirup is how the syrup from Funks Grove is spelled. Actually a unique branding strategy before the term "branding strategy" was even coined. Funks Grove  is as James said a farm that can easily be mistaken for being a private farm rather then a business, yet it is a great business. The syrup or sirup producing farm and town of Funks Grove pre-date Route 66 by some time, dating to the 1850's.

Although Funks Grove may not prove to be as fun as some of the the other kids picks, it is still a selection that most kids walk away from with a memory. Many kids like learning as James did where maple syrup or sirup comes from, and most are shocked to find it doesn't come from Aunt Jamima out of a factory, but from trees. Of course kids also love the fact that they can enjoy the Sirup, and other items available in the shop made right there on the farm. Trust me once you buy a bottle of Sirup you kid(s) wont stop pestering you till you make pancakes or waffles to put the Sirup on. 

As parents though here are a few other benefits to stopping at Funks Grove like;

Agri-tourism - Going where the product made and buying direct, while supporting the farmer(s) directly, and understanding how the product is made

Gourmet Tourism - buying the real thing, without preservatives, and from the maker directly. 

No matter what way you view it Funks Grove is a great little adventure on 66, and worth a stop.