Join Darley in Springfield on November 11 for the inaugural Mother Road Conference, an exclusive Route 66 episode screening, and the Illinois Route 66 Centennial Celebration
One hundred episodes of Travels with Darley meet 100 years of Route 66!
On Wednesday, November 11, I’m heading to Springfield, Illinois, to join Route 66 enthusiasts, preservationists, tourism leaders, and local storytellers for the inaugural Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Mother Road Conference.
During the conference, I’ll present a special preview of the 100th episode of Travels with Darley, “Route 66: America’s Mother Road.” Following the screening, I’ll participate in a live Q&A and share behind-the-scenes stories from our journey along Illinois Route 66.
The day will culminate with the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Centennial Celebration, featuring a live concert by STARSHIP Featuring Mickey Thomas.
Both events take place at the Route 66 Motorheads Bar & Grill, Museum & Entertainment Complex in Springfield, making it a full day celebrating the history, people, music, and enduring appeal of America’s Mother Road.
Previewing the 100th Episode of Travels with Darley
Reaching the 100th episode of Travels with Darley is an incredible milestone, and I cannot imagine a better way to celebrate it than with an episode dedicated to Route 66 during its centennial year.
In “Route 66: America’s Mother Road,” I travel from Chicago toward St. Louis, exploring the communities, attractions, and people who continue to preserve the spirit of the Mother Road.
The episode features classic cars, nostalgic diners, colorful roadside giants, glowing neon signs, Abraham Lincoln history, and local legends working to keep Route 66 alive for future generations.
This special Illinois Route 66 episode will premiere nationally in March 2027, but Mother Road Conference attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive preview before its television debut.
Behind the Scenes of Our Illinois Route 66 Road Trip
Route 66 is much more than a historic highway. It is a collection of communities, family businesses, roadside attractions, museums, restaurants, and deeply personal stories.
While filming the episode, I met people who have dedicated their lives to protecting historic landmarks, restoring beloved attractions, welcoming travelers, and ensuring that the next generation can experience the freedom and nostalgia that have defined Route 66 since 1926.
Following the screening, I’ll answer questions about filming the episode, the places we visited, and the characters we met along the way. I’ll also share what it means to mark both the centennial of Route 66 and the 100th episode of Travels with Darley through this journey.
The Inaugural Mother Road Conference
The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway’s first annual Mother Road Conference will take place from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Motorheads in Springfield.
The conference brings together people who are passionate about Route 66 to celebrate its heritage, exchange ideas, build partnerships, and discuss the future of the historic highway.
The day’s sessions will explore Route 66 history, preservation, tourism, economic development, and storytelling. Conference registration also includes breakfast, lunch, educational programming, and networking opportunities.
My episode preview and audience Q&A are scheduled from 12:45 to 1:30 p.m.
Tickets are $75 for Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway members and $125 for nonmembers.
View the Mother Road Conference schedule and register
Celebrate 100 Years of Route 66 With STARSHIP Featuring Mickey Thomas
The celebration continues at 6:00 p.m. with the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Centennial Celebration.
STARSHIP Featuring Mickey Thomas will headline the evening with songs that have defined generations, including “We Built This City,” “Sara,” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.”
The celebration will feature food, festivities, and a full live concert experience inside the Motordome at Motorheads. The event also serves as a fundraiser supporting the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway’s nonprofit mission to preserve and promote the Illinois Route 66 corridor.
Purchase tickets for the Route 66 Centennial Celebration
Illinois Route 66 Event Details
Date: Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Location: Route 66 Motorheads Bar & Grill, Museum & Entertainment Complex
City: Springfield, Illinois
Mother Road Conference: 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Episode screening and Darley Newman Q&A: 12:45 to 1:30 p.m.
Illinois Route 66 Centennial Celebration: Beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Concert headliner: STARSHIP Featuring Mickey Thomas
Join Me in Springfield
Whether you are a longtime Route 66 traveler, a history lover, a preservation advocate, or a fan of Travels with Darley, I hope you’ll join me for this special day in Springfield.
I’m excited to share an early look at our 100th episode with the people who know and love Illinois Route 66. I’m also looking forward to celebrating the communities and local legends who keep the Mother Road’s history, character, and sense of adventure alive.
Visit the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway to learn more, register for the conference, and purchase tickets for the Centennial Celebration.
See you on the Mother Road!
