Random Attractions: Dwight, IL

These sights are just one of the many little attractions that makes Route 66 charming.

Just down the street from the Texaco station in Dwight, stands this structure. As you can it is all decked out in vintage gas pumps and other memorabilia.

And directly in front of that, lies a "Historic Route 66" painted shield on the road. It keeps you in check and lets you know you're still cruising on the Mother Road.

Dwight, IL: Ambler's Texaco Station

Ambler's Texaco Station was built in 1933 by Jack Shore. It featured the common architectural gas station design know as the "house and canopy" or domestic style.



The filling station had many owners over the years, but the most prominent one remains Basil "Tubby" Ambler who owned and operated the station between 1938-1966. Today the station is still refered to as the "Ambler's Texaco Station."



Even with that, the Station is also known as Becker's Marathon Gas Station when Phil Becker took over in 1970. For 26 years, Becker and his wife Debbie operated the station. In 1996, the couple leased the building to an auto repair business.



The station last dispensed gasoline in 1999 and was the longest operating gas station along the Route.



The building was donated to the village of Dwight. It took between to 2005-2007 for the station to be restored to its 1940s look. The station was placed on the National Register of Historical Places in 2001. Today, it serves as a welcome center to travelers on the Route.

Big Al's Hot Dogs: Dwight, IL

Big Al's Hot Dogs. I really don't know much about this establishment. I could have swore it was opened last year. But the last time I went by, there was a "For Sale" posted.



Definitely not an original hot dog stand on Route 66...



But it was modeled as being a throwback to all those great food stops on the way.



Unfortunately, like most places on the Mother Road, it's slowly fading away.



Get your "Kicks on Doghouse 66."