Darley Newman, host and executive producer of “Travels with Darley,” will join the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway inaugural Mother Road Conference on Nov. 11 at Motorheads Bar & Grill in Springfield, Illinois, for a special preview screening of the series’ 100th episode, celebrating Illinois Route 66.
Titled “Route 66: America’s Mother Road,” the episode follows Newman on a journey along Route 66 from Chicago to St. Louis, exploring the people, places and stories that make the Mother Road an American icon.
The episode features classic cars, nostalgic diners, roadside giants, neon signs, Abraham Lincoln history and local legends dedicated to preserving Route 66 for future generations.
More about the episode can be found here. “Travels with Darley” can be seen on PBS-TV and Amazon Prime.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Darley Newman to our inaugural Mother Road Conference and to host a special preview of her 100th episode, celebrating Illinois Route 66,” said Casey Claypool, executive director of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway.
“It’s incredibly exciting that this milestone episode shines a spotlight on our very own stretch of the Mother Road, highlighting the communities, attractions, and people who make Route 66 so special. To share this experience with our conference attendees ahead of its national television premiere in March 2027 is a wonderful way to celebrate the Route 66 centennial.”
After the screening, Newman will participate in a question-and-answer session, offering attendees an opportunity to hear more about making the episode and her experiences exploring Illinois Route 66.
The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway’s Mother Road Conference will bring together Route 66 enthusiasts to celebrate its heritage, explore opportunities for collaboration and look ahead to the future of the Mother Road.
Conference registration includes breakfast, lunch, educational sessions and networking opportunities. Tickets are $75 for Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway members and $125 for nonmembers.
For more information or to register for the conference, go here.
(Image of Darley Newman at the Route 66 Experience at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield)