Community Spotlight Series: Plainfield

The First Hundred Miles of Route 66 is home to a number of unique communities offering exciting attractions, delicious dining and comfortable lodging options. This week, we’ll be highlighting the village of Plainfield, located just West of Joliet!

Unique Location

What most Mother Road enthusiasts may not know, is that Plainfield has the unique distinction of hosting two historic routes, Old Route 66 and the Lincoln Highway. Look for the ‘Historic Road Alignment’ sign where these two transcontinental roads share a three-block stretch. Great photo opportunity at this unique signpost bearing both the Route 66 and Lincoln Highway shields.

Stay For Less

With plenty of name brand hotels lining Interstate 55 on your trip out of the city, why not consider alternate housing while touring the Mother Road. Plainfield offers everything from cozy sleeping rooms to entire executive homes, some with water views, large enough to accommodate your entire family. Want something historical? Then don’t miss The Plainfield Inn (15106 S Fox River St, 815-666-9243). Look for their beautiful blue façade and you’ll know you’ve reached your destination. Reviews include ‘Very clean, comfortable and modern in an historic building….’ and ‘Perfect location smack dab downtown and walking distance from everything.’ For lodging visit us at TheFirstHundredMiles.com and we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the selection and price points.

Dine

Home to the first ice cream sundae, Plainfield ensures you’ll enjoy both sweet and savory treats while visiting their downtown historic district. Start your experience at Wine and Cheese Company (24104 Lockport St 815-436-3499) good anytime of the day. Construct your own meat and cheese charcuterie board or choose small plates for sharing. Indoor and outdoor seating, you’ll love their eclectic décor. For a more expansive menu, hop on over to HopScotch & Vine (24047 W Lockport St, 815-230-5609). Vast wine menu for flights and tastings as well as upscale entrée selections and desserts. Looking for some throwback Irish fare? Then drop by Irish Tyme Pub (24027 Lockport St, 815-733-5280) where the fish n’ chips, shepherd’s pie and bangers and mash get rave reviews. With over 40 Irish whiskeys to choose from, we guarantee you’ll come away with a warm, fuzzy feeling. But if the kids want pizza and you want freedom from cooking, then head on over to Freedom Brothers Pizzeria and Alehouse (11914 Illinois Rt 59, 815-733-5626). Offering a ‘family friendly, rock and roll themed’ environment while churning out authentic brick oven pizza proves they’re serious about the food. And, with 24 craft beers on tap and over 300 whiskeys, the adults will love it too. And no matter if it’s the top o’ the mornin’ or the ending to a beautiful day, drop in at Krema Coffee House (24038 W Lockport St, 815-616-6933). All day brunch includes bagel sandwiches and salads or choose from their fresh pastries, great any time of day.

Play

You can hone your skills while trying out one of America’s newest pastimes at Axe Factor Throwing (13717 S Route 30, 779-252-1300). Staff is dedicated to proper throwing techniques and safety in a fun and entertaining environment. Couples, groups or business team building courses available. If you’re looking for a more soothing activity, there is nothing better than ‘Yoga At The Farm’ at Bronkberry Farms & Greenhouse (18061 Bronk Road, 815-436-6967). Offering an extensive activity calendar, check them out online at BronkberryFarms.com. Now considered a sport, craft brewing at it’s finest can be found right here in Plainfield at Garage Band Brewing (15025 S Des Plains St, 815-592-4055). Offering 14 fresh brews on tap (and even more in cans) you can do your own tasting and get your favorite to go. But if you want to do more than just sample beer, fill out their online application and you can be that night’s garage band! If beer is not your thing, then head out to Sable Creek Winery (14912 S Eastern Ave, 815-214-9463) and enjoy everything this first-rate tasting room has to offer. Menu selections are natural wine parings, charcuterie and cheese plates as well as composed salads and desserts. Check out their website for music, tasting events and even wine bingo! Don’t forget to take a bottle (or case) home.

Shop

Cruising through Plainfield, look for the intersection of Route 66 and Lockport Street and you’ll know you’ve stepped back in time. This turn of the century stretch of ‘old town’ offers everything from eateries and clothing stores to secondhand shops and antiques. Start with a freshly brewed cup of tea and a gourmet shopping experience all at the same time at The Tea Tree (24041 Lockport St, 815-733-6267). Offering a wide selection of dipping oils, vinegars, spices and fine teas that you won’t find anywhere else, you can take a break in their relaxing environment and ‘…kick back and enjoy a tea’. For a wider range of edibles, grab a soup, salad or deli sandwich to go from Hufendick Farm Market (24032 Lockport St, 815-436-8997). All their products are farm fresh, free range and contain no antibiotics or GMO grain feed. Get some free-range chicken, turkey, goat, lamb or beef for the grill and we guarantee you’ll taste the difference farm to table makes. And if all this shopping has you low on funds, visit Heartland Bank and Trust (14901 S Route 59 815-254-6800) with multiple ATM locations all along the Mother Road.