I know Pixar’s 2006 Cars brought a huge resurgence in interest to Route 66 and while I did love the movie, it wasn’t until I stepped into Carsland in Disney’s California Adventure that the little town of Radiator Springs, once a :glorious jewel strung on the necklace of Route 66,” really came alive. And I was hooked!

During the summer of 2020 when far flung travel ground to a halt, I carved out day trips to drive portions of Route 66 through Oklahoma, Kansas, and parts of Missouri that were close to home.

It wasn’t until 2022 that I fully committed to driving THE WHOLE THING. 2500 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.

And it was quite the trip. There’s nothing like seeing America…from the wheatfields of the midwest to the ranches of Texas and Oklahoma to the vast western landscapes of New Mexico and Arizona…through the windshield of your car as you roll through small town after small town.

Let the rest of them “fly over.” I’ll take the Mother Road.

Cars Route 66 Road Trip

Now I’m not going to lie…the whole time in my mind I had this vision of taking a trip back to Disneyland after I finished Route 66 to see Carsland again. Comparing all the beloved spots in Radiator Springs to the real life inspiration along Route 66 and taking in all the little details.

And I did! And now I’m going to take you with me.

I spent a LOT of time researching, watching the movie, documentaries, pouring over photos, and reading articles of the places that inspired the Pixar filmmakers. And I used a lot of that to shape my Route 66 trip.

So whether you’re planning your own Route 66 road trip and you want to visit all of the places that inspired Cars, or you’re just curious about what was real and what was made up…this post is for you!

Is Radiator Springs a real town? 

That’s the first question most people ask…where is the real life Radiator Springs? Well, it doesn’t really exist, but instead it’s a composite of a lot of different places along Route 66.

When the Pixar animators and story developers were researching Cars, they actually took a couple of Route 66 road trips (led by Route 66 historian Michael Wallis who ended up voicing the Sheriff in the movie). Their trips mostly explored the stretch of Route 66 between Tulsa, OK and Kingman, AZ which is the more “western” portion of the route.

While the name “Radiator Springs” may draw inspiration from places like Baxter Springs, KS or Peach Springs, AZ, the physical setting of Radiator Springs seems to be placed somewhere in Arizona. The scenery is pretty iconic, especially when Sally and Lightning McQueen go for their drive on the open road. They pass places that seem reminiscent of Havasu Falls and Monument Valley, neither of which are on Route 66 but they’re both popular side trips from the route in Arizona. And Ornament Valley likely seems to refer to real life Monument Valley.

But while Radiator Springs is fictional, it’s rumored to be most closely based on Seligman, AZ. Seligman was once a thriving Route 66 town that all but withered away when it was bypassed by the interstate.

When Sally takes Lightning McQueen for a drive and they end up on top of a mesa looking down on the twists and turns of Route 66 as it runs through Radiator Springs with the interstate stretching out forever in the distance, this scene unfolds:

Lightning McQueen: Whoa. Look at that. They’re driving right by. They don’t even know what they’re missing!

Sally Carrera: Well, it didn’t use to be that way.

Lightning McQueen: Oh yeah?

Sally Carrera: Yeah. 40 years ago, that Interstate down there didn’t exist. Back then, cars came across the country a whole different way.  The road didn’t cut through land like that Interstate. It moved with the land, you know? It rose, it fell, it curved. Cars didn’t drive on it to make great time. They drove on it to have a great time.

[ We see Radiator Springs as a bustling little town in its heyday. Busy with visitors from dawn to dusk. ]

Lightning McQueen: Well, what happened?

Sally Carrera: The town got bypassed just to save ten minutes of driving.

[ We see the interstate finally open and the town excited to greet the new travelers. But nobody comes. Radiator Springs disappears from the map. Businesses start to close and friends have to leave town. Some are able to stay open, hoping to hang on as long as they can. ]

Lightning McQueen: How great would it have been to see this place in its heyday!

Sally Carrera: Oh, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve dreamed of that. One of these days, we’ll find a way to get it back on the map.

Lightning McQueen: Yeah. Hey, listen, thanks for the drive. I had a great time. It’s kinda nice to slow down every once in a while.

For me, that scene is the emotional heart of the movie. And it’s almost entirely based on Angel Delgadillo’s story. He’s interviewed in a behind the scenes Making of Cars documentary that was featured on the Cars DVD.

Angel Delgadillo was a barber and business owner in Seligman for decades (his brother opened the famous Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In). In an interview with John Lasseter, he tells the story of how Seligman went from seeing 9000 cars a day to just a few as soon as the interstate opened. It dried up their town and they sat forgotten and wasting away for almost 10 years.

But Delgadillo decided to do something about it. The few visitors they were getting every day seemed to appreciate the history of the road and he realized that there were people who still wanted to drive it as a holiday, stopping at all the old places.

Delgadillo rallied small business owners along the route in Arizona to draw more attention to their stretch of old Route 66 and founded the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona. The state of Arizona designated the 159 miles of uninterrupted road as Historic Route 66 in 1987 and in 1988 it was officially dedicated in Seligman with a ceremony full of pomp and circumstance in true Route 66 style…everybody turned on their neon and classic cars drove up and down the street ; ) Sound familiar?

But they didn’t stop there! Delgadillo and his band of supporters were instrumental in getting the ball rolling to get ALL of Route 66 declared a historic highway. It brought back the visitors and saved countless little small towns across America that still have the claim to fame of being on the Mother Road.

So while Radiator Springs doesn’t look just like Seligman (it draws inspiration from sooooo many real life places), the Seligman story is the heart and soul of “the cutest little town in Carburetor County.”

Radiator Springs \\ Carburetor County \\ Ornament Valley

There’s a reason they call it “the cutest little town in Carburetor County” and it’s got to partially be because of the setting…it’s just so iconic!

They call this “Tailfin Ridge” and it’s easy to see why….the shape for the peaks of the mountain range closely resembles the profile of Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, TX.

You’ll recognize Tucumcari Mountain (New Mexico) pretty distinctly (they swapped out the “T” for “RS”.

Radiator Springs Racers is built back into the mesa in a way that reminds me of Chief Yellowhorse Trading Post in Lupton, AZ. I don’t have a great photo of the Radiator Springs Racers area because it was closed during my last trip (of course!), but it looks carved out of a cliff like this.

I think Yellowhorse Trading Post was also the inspiration for the abandoned Wheel Well Motel outside of town (not featured in Carsland), although the name seems to be a nod to the Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, MO.

And you can’t forget about those classic Burma Shave signs! These small red signs with their catchy jingles were a staple up and down Route 66 back in the day. There are a few places to see them along the route now mostly in historic parks, but the BEST place to see them “in the wild” is coming into and leaving Seligman, AZ.

They don’t photograph well because they’re so spread out, but here were a few of the jingles around Seligman:

“If hugging on highways is your sport, trade in your car for a Davenport…”

“If daisies are your favorite flower, keep pushin’ up those miles-per-hour…”

And a few more from a museum exhibit in Kingman, AZ:

I think it makes sense for these to be in Seligman as a nod to Angel Delgadillo and his work reviving the route (he was a barber and Burma Shave was a shaving cream). There are 3 or so sets of signs on each side of Seligman that stay maintained.

The ones outside of Radiator Springs Racers are for “Rust-eze” (one of Lightning McQueen’s original sponsors.

“Mind your speed as you go, sheriff is old, but he’s not slow…”

“Dang near fainted, looked like he had just been painted…”

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Cozy Cone Motel

Okay! Let’s start with what’s arguably the best part of Radiator Springs (at least my favorite ; )

The Cozy Cone Motel! Sally Carrera’s place is the perfect example of an old Route 66 place that’s been lovingly restored and kept up and running.

The Cozy Cone Motel draws inspiration from quite a few actual places on Route 66…some obvious and some more subtle.

The most obvious is the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico. The Blue Swallow is probably the most iconic motel on Route 66. It’s been immaculately preserved and maintained in its original 1939 condition even as it has passed from owner to owner.

The lobby of Sally’s Cozy Cone Motel is a near replica of the front of the Blue Swallow.

Sally’s “Cones” are surely a nod to the two Wigwam Motels that call Route 66 home. There used to be seven Wigwam Motels across America, but now only three remain. The two on Route 66 are located in Holbrook, Arizona and San Bernardino, California. The third is somewhere in Kentucky.

I think the name “Cozy Cone Motel” is likely a reference to the Cozy Dog Drive In in Springfield, Illinois that’s been serving Cozy Dogs (aka corn dogs) to Route 66 travelers since 1949.

While the Blue Swallow Motel certainly has some of the most phenomenal neon on Route 66, I think the style of the Cozy Cone Motel sign reminds me more of the Munger Moss Motel in Lebanon, Missouri.

Or even TeePee Curios in Tucumcari, New Mexico.

And then we’ve got the inspiration for Sally herself! Sally Carrera, a shiny blue Porsche from California who visited Radiator Springs, fell in love, and never left seems to be based on Dawn Welch who owns the Rock Cafe in Stroud, Oklahoma. While Welch is a native Oklahoman, she went out to see the world before coming back to settle down on Route 66.

Welch bought the historic Rock Cafe (originally built in 1939) in 1993 and it’s a must stop for Cars fans. They’re closed on Sundays and Mondays, but stop by any other day for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

And don’t miss the Cars memorabilia on the walls including a signed sketch of Buzz and Woody by John Lasseter!

Ramone’s Body Shop

I think Ramone’s Body Shop is the most fantastic example of the Pixar crew just lifting a real life Route 66 place right off the Mother Road and plopping it down in Radiator Springs.

Ramone’s is a nearly identical copy of the U Drop Inn in Shamrock, Texas which just so happened to be one of my FAVORITE stops on my Route 66 trip. Going back through my photos, I surprisingly didn’t get many full shots of Ramone’s, but boy do I have plenty of photos of the U Drop Inn ; )

The old diner/service station was built in 1936 and has fabulous art deco details.

Today, the service station side is home to the Shamrock Chamber of Commerce where they host a lovely visitor center and gift shop and the original cafe has been restored to serve lunch and ice cream. The cafe has limited hours (when I was there in June 2022 they were serving lunch Tuesday through Saturday 11-2 with ice cream/shakes available later in the evenings) but it’s definitely worth planning around. Call ahead to verify hours during your trip!

Lizzie’s Curios Shop

Curio shops were once a dime a dozen on Route 66…selling every little tchotchke you could think of and there are still a handful left.

Lizzie’s seems to be most closely modeled after the Hackberry General Store in Hackberry, Arizona with its wild collection of memorabilia covering every square inch of the outside and inside. Hackberry is still a going concern and it’s situated on a stretch of Route 66 where there isn’t a lot else to see so it’s definitely worth a stop. You’ll find plenty of souvenirs, trinkets, and snacks.

The Sandhill Curiosity Shop in Erick, Oklahoma has also got to be on the shortlist for inspiration. Harley Russel is a character in himself (possibly part of the inspiration for Mater) and if he’s around he’ll invite you into the store to look around and be entertained by one of his “bits.” It’s a shop in name only, there isn’t anything for sale here so if you do get a “show” a tip is appreciated.

One of my favorite touches in Carsland is the “here it is” sign with the tractor on it. This is a direct nod to the Jack Rabbit Trading Post in Joseph City, Arizona. You’ll find the original billboard out in front of the store.

Back in the day, the Jack Rabbit Trading Post had a series of billboards along Route 66 from Missouri to Arizona with the silhouette of a rabbit and a mileage number counting you down until you got to the trading post and the big “here it is” sign.

Jack Rabbit is still an operational curio shop.

And I just have to mention my FAVORITE curio shop along Route 66 here…TeePee Curios in Tucumcari, New Mexico. Lizzie’s doesn’t seem to draw inspiration from it directly, but it’s totally worth a stop.

Flo’s V8 Cafe

Flo’s is the hub of activity in Radiator Springs in the movie and also in Carsland where it’s the land’s main dining establishment.

Flo’s character is reportedly based on Fran Hauser who owned and operated the Midpoint Cafe in Adrian, Texas for years.

Adrian is the midpoint of Route 66 between Chicago and Los Angeles and the diner sits right on the line. The outside doesn’t resemble Flo’s much, but the spirit of the place does. You’ve got to stop in for a piece of pie.

The inside of Flo’s looks like every classic 1950s diner you’ve ever seen. Chrome, bright colors, neon, vinyl booths, a jukebox.

And the gas pumps outside remind me dozens and dozens I saw at restored and decaying service stations up and down the route. Here are some of my favorites:

Mater’s Junkyard

Mater just might be the most lovable car in Radiator Springs!

The inspiration for his character allegedly came from a rusty tow truck spotted in Galena, Kansas.

The whole town has really embraced their connection to the movie and you can now visit Cars on the Route which features three different spots in the small town where you’ll find replica cars from the movie.

And we can’t forget about the little tractors in the movie (that you’ll find at Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree in Carsland) that seem to be based on the Oatman burros!

This tiny little town on the other side of Sitgreaves Pass between Kingman AZ and the California border is famous for their wild burros who are very comfortable greeting visitors in hopes for a little food.

The road through Sitgreaves Pass is called the Sidewinder for all its twists and turns and I think it’s one of the most magnificent stretches of old Route 66. It’s hard to imagine driving this in an old car in the 30s and 40s.

Fillmore’s Taste In

Groovy!

Fillmore’s Taste In is most likely based on Meteor City, AZ. A geodesic dome that I didn’t stop to take a photo of because it’s getting pretty crumbling and it’s in a sketchy spot along the road, but Fillmore himself is famously based on artist Bob Waldmire who famously traveled up and down Route 66 in his old VW van.

The van is now on display at the Illinois Route 66 Museum in Pontiac, Illinois which is a great stop.

Luigi’s Casa Della Tires

Luigi’s tire shop brings a bit of European flair to Radiator Springs and it just might be the snazziest spot in town.

While the leaning tire tower obviously is reminiscent of the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, maybe…just maybe…it’s also a tiny bit inspired by the leaning water tower of Groom, Texas.

More Route 66 Inspiration

Those are all of the “big” places and references I’ve got for you, but there are a TON of tiny details you’ll notice sprinkled into Radiator Springs…

There’s a drive in theater that’s shown in the post credit scenes of the original movie that’s a reference to the MANY drive in theaters that sat on Route 66. It’s probably most closely based on the Route 66 Drive In in Carthage, Missouri, but my favorite is the newly reopened TeePee Drive In in Sapulpa, Oklahoma that has an AMAZING new neon sign.

The scene I described at the beginning of this post about business closing down and people moving away also references the many ghost towns now found along the route. “Glenrio” is shown on one of the windows and it was by far the most interesting ghost town that I encountered on my trip.

Also, while he’s not present in Radiator Springs, “Tex Dinoco” seems directly inspired by the Cadillac Coupe de Villes with longhorns outside of the Big Texan in Amarillo, Texas. The ones currently outside of the Big Texan seem a little newer, but this one I saw at the Fort Worth Stockyards is a dead ringer.

We’ve got Route 66 signs on the pavement!

And of course…my favorite part of Route 66 and Carsland…all the neon!!

A few favorites from the route:

Want more Disneyland posts? Check these out…

Disneyland 101: Advice I’d Tell a Friend Going the First Time

One Day at Disneyland: MY Perfect Day

Cars Route 66 Road Trip: The Real Life Places Behind Radiator Springs in Disneyland

The post Cars Route 66 Road Trip: The Real Life Places Behind Radiator Springs in Disneyland appeared first on Mousin' Around.

I love books (and movies) with a strong sense of place and Cabot makes good use of the city’s backdrop by using a ton of real life locations around NYC.

So I scoured the books and pulled together a pretty comprehensive list of places from the books. Now some of these spots were pivotal to events in the book, and some were just mentioned in passing.

Princess Diaries in NYC

On my latest trip to NYC, I did a little Princess Diaries tour to some of the big spots around the city so if you’re a fan, follow along and maybe you’ll even pick up some inspiration for your own tour of Mia Thermopolis’ New York City…

Greenwich Village

In the books, Mia and her mother (Helen Thermopolis) live in Greenwich Village in an “artist loft.” The area has long been known as a bohemian hub and it still has that vibe today. The books don’t mention the exact location of Mia and Helen’s loft, but it’s easy to imagine it as you wander the neighborhood.

Also, don’t miss Washington Square Park! The scene of an early episode of Lilly Tells It Like It Is where they filmed a Blair Witch Project spoof making fun of the tourists who call it “Green Witch Park.”  The area is also the scene of the (as far as I can tell fictional) Village Cinema where the whole gang dressed up for a showing of Rocky Horror Picture Show on Halloween in the second book.

The Plaza Hotel

The Plaza Hotel is probably the most central real life location in the entire book series. It’s where Mia’s “Grandmere”, the Dowager Queen of Genovia, and her father Prince Philippe (yes, he’s actually alive in the book series) live when they’re in NYC.

Mia’s father revealed to her that she was a princess over tea in the Palm Court (stunning!) and then she promptly locked herself in the ladies’ room to write in her journal.

Grandmere planned a lavish affair for Helen and Mr. G’s wedding in the White and Gold Room at the Plaza (before they eloped and skipped town).

And it’s where Mia attended princess lessons every day after school.

The Plaza hotel sits right on the corner of Central Park and it’s such an icon. At high traffic times during the day, sometimes there’s a doorman posted to discourage looky lous.

My mom and I booked afternoon tea at the Palm Court for a fun treat. It’s not cheap ($385 for two including tip), but you wouldn’t expect it to be. It was such a fun time, and pretty much the whole place seemed to be filled with other groups having “once in a lifetime” experiences.

The Penguin House at the Central Park Zoo

After shockingly finding out that she is in fact a princess, Mia runs away from the Plaza Hotel and goes to the Central Park Zoo where she hides in the penguin house trying to process the news.

It’s a quaint little zoo with the penguins and the sea lions being the show stoppers. But I’m partial to the snow leopard and the red panda.

Albert Einstein High School

The private school Mia and her friends attend is on the Upper East Side (quite the commute from Greenwich Village) at 75th & Madison. While Albert Einstein High School (AEHS) is a fictional school, the Hewitt School (a private K-12 girls school) is actually located on that block as well as the Frick Museum.

Beauty and the Beast on Broadway

Mia’s favorite Broadway show, she mentions it quite often and she went to a performance with JP (blech) right after Michael left for Japan (so questionable Mia!).

Beauty and the Beast is no longer of Broadway, but there are sooooo many other shows to choose from if you want to see one when you’re in town.

The lights and sounds around Times Square are really something else.

Shopping on 5th Avenue

Whether it’s Bergdorf Goodman with Grandmere or (the now closed) Henri Bendel with Lana and Trisha, even though she hates shopping, Mia has been known to frequent some pretty noteworthy spots on 5th avenue.

Central Park

So many scenes from the books happen in or around Central Park, which really isn’t surprising given the location of Mia’s school and the Plaza Hotel.

Some specific spots: running around the Reservoir in gym class, graduation at Sheep Meadow, lunch with Michael at the Boathouse when he came back from Japan followed by that scandalous horse and carriage ride, and post graduation lunch at Tavern on the Green.

Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Rink

The whole gang went ice skating at Rockefeller Center in the third book. Mia had a pretty awful time…she fell over Kenny and slit her tongue and then thought Michael and Judith were a couple. Yikes.

But if you’re in NYC during the holiday season, it’s pretty magical. And if you’re there during warmer months, you can roller skate!

Empire State Building

After Grandmere’s poodle Rommel causes a disturbance at Mia’s birthday dinner at Les Hautes Manger and Jangbu the busboy gets fired, it led to a citywide busboy strike and the prom was inadvertently canceled.

But Grandmere came through by snagging the Empire State Building at the last minute and Mia convinced Michael to go by getting his band a slot to perform.

Now, I can’t imagine going to a prom at the top of the Empire State Building, but it must’ve been pretty magical because the ESB at night is pretty dang magical.

Columbia University

After graduation from AEHS, Michael moves uptown to Columbia University where his dorm is in Engle Hall.

Hotels Fit for a Princess

The Plaza is the mainstay, but when it underwent part of the hotel underwent it’s famous conversion to private residences, the Queen had to briefly endure a series of horrendous stays at around luxury hotels in Manhattan like the W Hotel and the Ritz Carlton ; )

The SoHo Grand is also where Philippe paid to put up Helen’s parents (Mawmaw and Pawpaw Thermopolis and Mia’s cousin Hank when they came to visit).

And the Waldorf Astoria was the location of Mia’s Senior Prom.

Fictional Places from the Books

Ho’s Deli: The bodega across from AEHS school is often reference (especially in the first book where Lilly tries to organize a boycott) but appears to be fictional. But don’t worry, if you want the bodega experience, there’s one on practically every corner.

Paolo’s International House of Hair: Paolo from the books isn’t quite as exciting as Paolo from the movie, but nevertheless he was responsible for Mia’s transformation.

Other Places Mentioned Briefly

(Mostly in Order of Appearance)

D’agostinos: Family owned specialty grocery store chain.

Bigelows: Pharmacy located near AEHS.

Jefferson Market: Gourmet grocery store in business since 1929 (now closed).

Gristedes: Supermarket chain

Monte’s: The spot where Mia’s mother Helen and Mr. G (her Algebra teacher) go on their first date.

Hard Rock Cafe: The scene of Josh & Lana’s breakup after everyone finds out Mia is a princess and Josh wants to take her to the big dance.

Nobu: Mia’s dad offers to send his limo driver to Nobu to get Mia some blacked sea bass when she finally comes home after she ran away from the Plaza.

Balducci’s: Grocery store where the Moscovitzes’ housekeeper gets Mia vegetable lasagna

Big Wong Dumplings: They order takeout from here for lunch at school.

Four Seasons Restaurant: Grandmere tips off the press about Mia before they have dinner here.

Emerald Planet: Mia likes the veggie wraps here.

St Vincent’s Maternity Ward: Where Mia’s little brother Rocky is born.

Great Shanghai Dim Sum in Chinatown: A spot where Mia, Kenny, Lilly and Boris go before finals.

Manhattan Muffin Company: Michael brings Mia cinnamon mini muffins for her birthday.

Wu Liang Ye: They order cold sesame noodles takeout for Mia’s birthday lunch at school.

Ray‘s Pizza: Mia goes with Lilly after a soccer game in Central Park.

Cafe 212: Dinner with Michael.

Number One Noodle San: Where Michael tells Mia he’s moving to Japan.

Corner Bistro: For burgers in West Village.

Magnolia Bakery: From Lazy Sunday on SNL

Lunch at Nobu 57

Blue Ribbon Sushi with JP

Pinkberry and Nobu with Lana and Trish

Caffe Dante for coffee with Michael when he comes back from Japan

Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa to prep for prom

The post The Complete Princess Diaries Guide to NYC: ALL of the Places Mentioned in the Books appeared first on Mousin' Around.

I’d never been to Chicago before, so I really wanted to make it count. I poured over options for things to do. Thought about this or that. And in the end, I decided that it was hard to plan a better day in Chicago than Ferris Bueller did.

So that’s what I did! After rewatching the movie for some inspiration, I made a quick list of Ferris approved activities and they fit surprisingly well into one whirlwind day in Chicago.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off in Chicago

So if you’re looking for the ultimate day off in Chicago, here’s how to do it (Ferris style):

Breakfast at Goddess and the Baker

Ferris started his day off trying to convince his parents that he was too sick to go to school, but I like to start mine off with BREAKFAST.

The Goddess and the Baker was right next to my hotel (they have several locations across Chicago) so it drew me in with its convenience, but it was GOOD.

Yes, they have the Insta aesthetic down, but they also have great coffee, a dazzling array of sweet options, and really solid hearty breakfast dishes.

Check Out the View from the Willis Tower’s Skydeck on the 103rd Floor

Formerly (and forever to be known as) the Sears Tower, when Ferris, Cam, and Sloan checked out the view from the top, it was the tallest building in the world.

It has since lost that alcolade, but it’s still impressive.

Lines can get long later in the day so it’s the perfect thing to do first thing in the morning (I believe the first time slot is 9AM).

I booked tickets online in advance and we were able to walk right up. You’ll go through security first and then there’s quite a few exhibits to walk through that kind of help keep the line regulated. Some people buzz right through and some stop to read everything and take pictures so even within your ticket time slot, it helps disperse the crowds so you’re not all waiting for an elevator at the same time.

We didn’t wait long at all for an elevator to the top. Now I’ll be honest…I don’t love heights (I would say I have a moderate fear) and the elevator ride up was a little rough for me, but it’s pretty quick.

Once you’re on the 103rd floor, you can walk around three sides of the building at your own pace. It’s floor to ceiling glass and they have panels set up on each side to show you what you’re looking at.

And for all you Ferris Bueller fans…they have the spot where Ferris and the gang stood in the movie so you can recreate your little scene.

Once you’ve seen all you want to see, you get in line for the…duh duh dum….the Ledge!

This is the main attraction at the Willis Tower and why everybody comes, but it’s not for the faint of heart.

One one side of the building they’ve built these glass boxes so you can step OUT OF THE BUILDING.

You wait in line and when a box opens up they usher your party into it, take your picture, and then start a timer. You only get about a minute in the box and they keep it moving.

I was too chicken to actually step out onto the box, but it was still pretty cool getting to peer over the edge and look down and just see the whole thing.

Adult tickets (12+) range from $30-44 per person depending on time of day (sunset times are more expensive) and crowd levels. Children tickets (3-11) range from $22-36 and 3 and under are free.

They sell an expedited entry option (more $$ of course, but I don’t think I would pay extra for it). Go earlier in the day if you want the shortest wait possible, but they really keep the line moving pretty well at all times.

Also, check the weather before you go! It was pretty dreary the day I visited, but I didn’t have any other options (only in town for one day) so I went up anyway and I would say it was still “worth it” even though I’m sure it’s much more beautiful on a clear, sunny day.

BUT if it’s so rainy/foggy that you can’t see the sky boxes when you’re down on the street looking up, then you won’t be able to see out once you’re up there and I wouldn’t go up.

Go on a Chicago Architecture River Cruise

Okay, I know Ferris and the crew didn’t do this in the movie, but this is easily the most recommended thing to do in Chicago and if you only have one day, I think it’s a must.

Plus I think it can sub for the big parade scene in the movie ; )

There are a lot of options for companies to go with, but I went with the Chicago Architecture Foundation Center since it’s an architecture cruise and it seems like they probably have the best tour guides.

Tickets are about $52/adult for daytime cruises and a little more for the sunset ones. Cruises last about 1.5 hours.

And now I know why so many people recommend this! It’s a great way to learn about the history of the city of Chicago (skyscrapers were pretty much invented here), sightsee, but also just have a really pleasant time.

This is 100% a better way to see the city than the double decker bus tours that most big cities offer.

And our tour guide was actually a docent at the Chicago Architecture Foundation so she really knew her stuff.

And she gave us some tips on other things to see and do around the city. She tipped us off to walking around the Chicago Tribune building where they’ve incorporated pieces from famous buildings and sites from around the world into the building.

Eat Deep Dish Pizza

The debate about the best deep dish pizza in Chicago is about as fierce as the debate between New York and Chicago style. For the record, I’m a New York style kind of girl, but when in Rome…

Like I said, everybody has their favorite, but I went with Lou Malnati’s (a longtime local place that’s now a Chicago area chain).

Stroll through the Art Institute of Chicago

One of the most iconic scenes in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is when the gang heads to the Chicago Art Institute.

Most of the scenes in the movie take place in the museum’s impressionist collection, which is truly impressive.

I believe the Chicago Art Institute actually has the largest collection of impressionist paintings in the world outside of the Louvre.

The Art Institute of Chicago is a great place to get lost in for a few hours (especially if the weather is cold or rainy) and it’s truly a world class art museum but I think it’s on a more approachable scale than say, the MET in New York.

It does get crowded though, especially in some of the more popular areas of the museum so either go first thing when they open (11AM) or just be prepared to have to filter through crowds to see the most famous paintings.

Tickets to the museum are $25/adult, $19/seniors, students, and teens, and children are free.

Also, Cloud Gate (aka the Bean) is part of the museum’s outdoor sculpture park in Millenium Park (accessible without admission) and that’s a can’t miss Chicago spot. Can you just imagine a Ferris Bueller scene with the Bean?

See the Cubs Play at Wrigley Field 

What better way to cap off the perfect day in Chicago than a Cubs game? I’m not even a big Cubs fan, but it’s such an iconic Chicago thing to do. Plus Wrigley Field is the second oldest major league baseball stadium in the country (Fenway in Boston is the oldest) so if you’re a sports fan at all it’s a must.

And even if you’re not a big sports fan, there’s just nothing better than a summer night sitting in the ballpark.

Tickets to most games are surprisingly affordable (sometimes starting around $25). I had actually looked at doing a tour of Wrigley Field, but tours are about $30/person and on days when the Cubs are playing you don’t get to see a whole lot behind the scenes anyways.

If it’s your first game at Wrigley Field, stop by the First Timer’s Booth to get a certificate.

If you’re staying in downtown Chicago, it’s really easy to get to Wrigley on the L train and even coming back after dark seems pretty safe since there’s so many people coming back from the game. A one day CTA pass is $5 (3 days for $15) plus $5 to buy the Ventra Card (a durable, reusable plastic card instead of a paper ticket).

And that’s a wrap, folks! One whirlwind day in Chicago, Ferris Bueller style. I had a blast and saw enough to know that I’ll be back!

If you’re a serious Ferris Bueller’s Day Off fan and want to see a full list of sites from the movie pulled together by a true Chicagoan that actually knows what they’re talking about, check out this post. Next time I’m in town, maybe I’ll check a few more spots off the list.

The post A “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” in Chicago: The Willis Tower’s Skydeck, Art Institute of Chicago & a Cubs Game! appeared first on Mousin' Around.

And hey…if you’re planning a trip to the Virgin Islands just because you HAD to get to the place where the “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems” music video was shot, you’ll get no judgment here! 

That crystal clear turquoise water, those white sand beaches, and those lush green mountains are the stuff paradise is made of, and if you throw a little Kenny Chesney spotting in, you’ve got the makings of a great vacation!

First, a little disclaimer: Kenny Chesney in no way “discovered” the Virgin Islands but when he bought a house on St. John, started shooting music videos there, and frequently worked the mention of local places into his song lyrics; he did a lot to popularize them. So, if you’re a fan (and if you’re not, I’m not sure we can be friends!) here’s a little tour of the Virgin Islands that includes plenty of places that you’ll find referenced in his songs (and music videos):

St. John

Apart from being Kenny Chesney’s home away from home (his home on Peter Bay was reportedly destroyed during 2017’s Hurricane Irma), St. John is an island with quite a few magical spots. Just a short ferry ride away from St. Thomas, St. John has a super laid back vibe and it’s just plain gorgeous. 

People who really want to see the Virgin Islands make St. John their hub (as opposed to nearby bustling St. Thomas). For this stop on the tour, check out:

Cinnamon Bay: One of St. John’s prettiest beaches is a great place to sit back and watch the boats sail in and out of. At least that’s what Kenny sings in “Old Blue Chair.” And I agree. I could stay here all day.

Quiet Mon Pub: A second story Irish pub overlooking a bustling street in Cruz Bay, this is a local spot (a great place to grab a beer and watch a game).

“Hang with the locals at the Quiet Mon” like Kenny does in “Be As You Are.”

Woody’s Seafood Saloon: Never mentioned in a song, but featured in the “When I See This Bar” music video, Woody’s is a St. John institution. Stop by for happy hour…it’s when this place is really hopping.

St. Thomas

You won’t hear a lot about St. Thomas in any Kenny Chesney songs (probably because it’s too crowded), but if you’re on the island off a cruise ship, check out this spot:

Latitude 18: This is the only St. Thomas reference I found from Chesney, but it’s a

good one! Featured in his “When I See This Bar” music video, this is a good spot to wile the hours away.

St. Croix

Another island that doesn’t get much love is St. Croix, although it’s referenced in “Island Boy.” He sings, “He’s an island boy. Just a stone’s throw from St. Croix,” which is funny because St. Croix is actually one of the most isolated islands in the Virgin Islands and has to be reached by plane, not ferry! Most people traveling to St. Croix don’t island hop much.

Tortola

Tortola is the hub of the British Virgin Islands and because of its location, it’s usually visible from whatever island you’re on so it makes for great island gazing. 

“Tortola, a full moon, shining down on a blue lagoon” makes me want to do a little island gazing. That one’s from “Key Lime Pie.”

Virgin Gorda

If you’re on Virgin Gorda, you’ll most likely find Kenny “floating around Gorda Sound with a cooler and a bong.” Whatever Kenny. The North Sound (opposite end from the Baths) is THE place to be on Virgin Gorda. Reached only by boat, hang out at either Saba Rock or the Bitter End Yacht Club. Bong optional.

Norman Island

It’s not technically on the island, but Willy T’s is a floating bar just off Norman Island that is famous for general debauchery and pirate like behavior. So of course, it was featured in the “When I See This Bar” music video. There’s also a mention of a “Willy T in Abilene” in “Like Me” but I don’t really think there’s any relation. Being as one is in Abilene and one is in the Caribbean.

Jost Van Dyke

Well folks, I’ve saved the best for last! Not only is it arguably the prettiest (and most fun) island in the BVIs, it’s also home to the most references in song lyrics! “Oh I wish I was there tonight, on Jost Van Dyke. Sipping some of Foxy’s firewater rum.” That one’s from “Somewhere in the Sun” and yes…I have heard it played while sitting at Foxy’s, sipping their firewater rum. Mind blown. Also, when you have to say “Adios to Jost” you just might have a tear in your eye (that’s from “It’s That Time of Day.” Here are some other spots to hit:

Sandy Spit: Not referenced in a song, but you’ll see this perfect little “spit” of sand plenty in the “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem” music videos. It’s straight out of heaven.

Ivan’s Stress Free Bar: This place must be Kenny’s FAVORITE spot because he sure talks about it a lot. You’ll find him “kicking back with Ivan” in “Somewhere in the Sun” and you’ll also recognize it from the “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem” and “When I See This Bar” music videos.

Foxy’s: Foxy’s is a Jost Van Dyke institution as mentioned above is referenced in “Somewhere in the Sun.” It also makes an appearance in the “When I See This Bar” music video. We’re talking about Foxy’s Tamarind, not to be confused with Foxy’s Taboo, which is great also but to the best of my knowledge not featured in a Kenny Chesney song or music video. Yet.

Soggy Dollar Bar: This place is epic and so of course was featured in the “When I See This Bar” music video. It’s probably the most famous beach bar in the Caribbean so it definitely deserves a stop on your tour.

One Love: And finishing up our tour, you’ve got to make a stop at One Love on White Bay (just down from the Soggy Dollar), which is also featured in the “When I See This Bar” music video.

So there you have it folks! If you’re embarking on a Kenny Chesney inspired tour through the US and British Virgin Islands, you know where you need to go. But here’s a tip: don’t “pass out from too much Cruzan and diet or you’ll wake up to a hundred mosquito bites”. And if you do, Kenny Chesney has a song for you. He probably wrote it while he was sitting in his Old Blue Chair.

P.S. Y’all know while I’m an equal opportunity beach goer, I’m a Hawaii girl at heart and I think Kenny is too. Check out his “Paia, Maui” hat in the “When I See This Bar” music video!!!

More posts about this area:

Virgin Islands Itinerary: How I Spent 2 Weeks Island Hopping the USVI & BVI

The Best Beaches (& Snorkeling Spots) on St. John

14 Things to Do on Jost van Dyke (+ the Best Beach Bars)

Visiting the Virgin Gorda Baths (+ a Few Other Places)

Things to Do on Anegada (the BVIs Least Visited Island) 

Glamping on Anegada, British Virgin Islands

The post A Kenny Chesney Guide to the Virgin Islands: All of the Spots from the Songs appeared first on Mousin' Around.