The stunning Rialto Theatre in Joliet, Illinoi is home to the Duchess, one of the largest handcut crystal chandeliers in the country. ©Jim Hinckley’s America
The Duchess, one of the largest hand cut crystal chandeliers in the United States, in the renovated Rialto Square Theatre is an example of the gems and treasures awaiting discovery in Joliet, Illinois. This stunning movie palace that dates to 1926 is one more reason to set aside at least a day on your Route 66 odyssey to explore this amazing city.
Joliet, the Duchess, and the story of the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 were a few of the highlights in this mornings conversation with Ron Romero on Coffee With Jim. Romero is the visionary CEO and the Board of Directors Chairman at the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66.
Coffee With Jim
Coffee With Jim, the Podbean based podcast from Jim Hinckley’s America, is another way that we share America’s story. And it is another manifestation of our focus on inspiring road trips by telling people where to go. The comments received from guests as well listener’s leave little doubt.
We have been successful on both counts. And that has inspired us to focus on reaching a bigger audience for the podcast. It has also given added incentive to further develop our YouTube channel with new video series.
What I didn’t expect was how the program would transform my perspective. This mornings program is just one example. Ron Romero’s infectious enthusiasm for the museum, for building a sense of community, and the story how that is transforming Joilet led me to look at my adopted hometown of Kingman, Arizona just a bit differently.
Coming Soon
With that said, these are few things that we have on the schedule. On Sunday, March 10, our guest on Coffee With Jim will be Scott Piotrowski. Piotrowski, president of the California Historic Route 66 Association, has updates on highway closures in the Mojave Desert, and on plans for the Route 66 centennial.
Then on March 17, we will be talking with the folks from the Texas Route 66 Visitor Center in Amarillo, Texas. This promises to be another road trip inspiring program as there are big things happening in the Lone Star State.
And for the In Search of Lost Highways series on YouTube, work is under way on an exciting episode. We will sharing a drive, and a bit of time travel, along Route 66 in the Black Mountains. This promises to be our best episode yet and as this drive in western Arizona has a personal touch. In addition to sharing the history of the road and communities in these picturesque mountains, I will introduce viewers to the remote desert homestead my pa and I built more than fifty years ago.
Come Along For The Ride
Roadrunner Lodge, Tucumcari, New Mexico, a Jim Hinckley’s America sponsor.
The best adventures are those that are shared with friends. So, I encourage you to become a follower of our blog posts, of Coffee With Jim, and our YouTube channel. Then invite your firends. And feel free to share ideas, thoughts, and suggestions.
One more item on today’s agenda. If you or a friend are planning an adventure on Route 66 or another back country highway, start here at Jim Hinckley’s America. The list of recommended businesses and attractions, and our sponsors all come with the Jim Hinckley’s America seal of approval. You are assured that before we make that recommendation, we have tested the pillows, tasted the enchiladas, and walked that trail.
