Pontiac at Last!

Twilight, again. Another ending. No matter how perfect the day is, it always has to end.

--Stephanie Meyer, Twilight

First advertisement for Meramec Caverns on Route 66

Look! The sign on that old barn is the first of many advertisements for Meramec Caverns, one of the most famous attractions on The Route, which is still 285 miles down the road. The barn billboard itself is a 66 Roadside Attraction, as indicated by the small blue sign to the left of the fence.

A few miles farther, we see the Old Log Cabin Restaurant at the junction of Historic Route 66 and Aurora Street, which signals the turnoff to Pontiac. The last dregs of light fade from the horizon, and the streets blacken as we finally arrive in town.

But the day is not done until we find a place to stay for the night.

Our lodging choices on The Route do not look promising as we cruise through town on Historic Route 66.

Even in the gathering darkness, the Fiesta Motel looks like it has seen better days. Plus, the TripAdvisor reviews are mixed at best. One reviewer claims that “the hotel appears to be the long-term lodging for several families, which give the motel an especially sketchy vibe.” We agree—and keep driving.

As we continue along The Route, we see The Palamar Motel south of downtown near the access road to I-55. What a disappointment to see the place looking so shabby—and scary. The Palamar was once a thriving establishment, its huge neon sign beckoning countless weary travelers like us driving the Mother Road. In the motel’s heyday, Saturday night crowds packed the adjacent supper club, swinging to the sound of the big bands. The bar was also a popular half-way watering-hole for politicians who commuted between Springfield and Chicago on Route 66. Not anymore. Somebody needs to dream big to bring this place back to life.

No wonder the National Trust for Historic Preservation has collectively placed classic Route 66 lodgings like The Palamar Motel on the list of America’s most endangered historic places. Too many of these national treasures are succumbing to poor maintenance; plus, demolishing and redeveloping ramshackle properties is often cheaper than renovating.  In addition, most are independently owned and simply cannot compete with hotel chains, which offer more amenities and loyalty-program benefits.

Tonight, however, we are left to pick from the hotel chains. Super8? No way—might as well head back to the Fiesta. Comfort Inn? Mixed reviews, so no thanks. The Best Western will have to do. Hope I can stay awake long enough to write my postcards!