The First Hundred Miles Event Held At Joliet Area Historical Museum

The Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau held a press conference Friday outside the Joliet Area Historical Museum to unveil its new travel guide cover and officially launch The First Hundred Miles.

The First Hundred Miles brand, which readers may recognize from its regular appearance in Shaw Media’s Weekender section, is dedicated to celebrating the businesses, restaurants, museums and roadside attractions that stretch between Chicago and Pontiac along Historic Route 66.

Lori Carmine, the city of Joliet Cultural Affairs Manager and CVB board member, was the master of ceremonies for the event, which was held next to the museum’s newly installed Route 66 photo-op. Speakers included CVB President & CEO Bob Navarro, Joliet Area Historical Museum Director and CVB Board Vice Chair Greg Peerbolte, Joliet City Center Partnership Chair and Joliet Public Library Director Megan Millen, and Herald-News Publisher Steve Vanisko.

Joliet Mayor Bob O’Dekirk, Will County and CVB Board Member Rachel Ventura, Grundy County and CVB Board Member Jake Olson, Lemont Economic & Community Development Director and CVB Board Member Jason Berry, and Holly Barker and Tully Garrett from The Launching Pad Drive-In were also in attendance.

A reveal of the grand prize winner of The First Hundred Miles’ Dining Package giveaway and a bundle of restaurant and lodging offers valued at over $750 rounded out the event. This bundle included a $75 gift certificate for each of the following restaurants: Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket, Wine & Cheese Co, MyGrain Brewery, the Launching Pad Restaurant, the Polk-A-Dot Drive In, the Old Route 66 Family Restaurant and the Old Log Cabin. This package also included a complimentary two-night stay at Harrah’s Joliet Casino and Hotel. The winner of the prize package was Joliet resident Glen Shelton.

After the press conference, the museum played host to a sold-out concert by Strung Out, the popular cello-fronted 1970s cover band, as part of the popular Rooftop Summer Music Series. In honor of the First Hundred Miles launch, the CVB sponsored the concert and served free popcorn while distributing complimentary The First Hundred Miles merchandise and copies of their brand new Travel guide.

To have a copy of this new guide sent directly to your door, visit www.heritagecorridorcvb.com/Request-Info.

Be sure to follow The First Hundred Miles on Facebook and Instagram to hear about their latest offers and events.