We did Route 66 in Springfield, MO, including the National Route 66 Centennial Centennial Kickoff Concert.
We started our day getting coffee at Trailer Perk Coffee, which even had a Route 66 Centennial menu.
Next we planned to go to Springfield Visitor Center, but it was too early for it to be open, so we drove over to the Birthplace of 66 Roadside Park. Not much there, but there is a replica of the famous Gaint Hamburg sign.
Next we headed to the Springfield Visitor Center, which turns out to have recently moved to near the Gillioz Theatre, but because the square was shut down for The Today Show filming, the staff was there and had the stamp for The Mother Road passport.
Our next stop was the Route 66 Car Museum, which I hear is closing next year as the owner is retiring and selling his collection.
For lunch, Dad was confused why I choose Steak 'n Shake. He understood once we got there as it has been there from 1962 and has not modernized its look.
After lunch, it was late enough for The Today Show filming to be done and the square reopened so we could go to the History Museum on the Square. They have a good exhibit about Route 66 along with local history exhibits.
Next we took a little side trip from Route 66 to find the World's "Largest" Fork. Apparently, it is not actually the largest, but maybe is largest by mass or something.
We finished our day with the Route 66 Centennial Kick-off Concert, which included a Fan Fest outside before. The performers included The Haygoods, Sixwire, Gretchen Wilson, Chris Janson, Gary Levox from Rascall Flatts, and Little Big Town.
After the concert, we drove by The History Museum on the Square to see it lit up at night.
