Veteran WJOL Morning Host Scott Slocum Releases Book Inspired by His Route 66 Travels

Heritage Corridor Destinations and The First Hundred Miles are inviting travelers, history buffs, and Route 66 enthusiasts to celebrate the launch of The Great American Road Trip: Route 66 Adventures, a new book from celebrated 1340 AM WJOL radio host Scott Slocum and co-author Lisa Bakewell. 

Slocum will debut The Great American Road Trip: Route 66 Adventures at a book launch and signing event on Thursday, June 4, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Joliet Area Historical Museum (204 N Ottawa St, Joliet, IL 60432). The co-authors will discuss their writing process and Slocum will share stories from his Route 66 journey. Guests who preordered copies may pick them up during the event, and books will also be available for purchase and signing. 

The Great American Road Trip: Route 66 Adventures chronicles Slocum’s travels along historic U.S. Route 66, documenting the people, places, roadside attractions, and communities that define America’s iconic Mother Road. Through stories gathered during two cross-country expeditions sponsored by The First Hundred Miles, readers are introduced to the rich history and enduring appeal of the Route 66 road trip. 

Slocum’s westbound journey began in Chicago and concluded at the Santa Monica Pier in California. A second installment, “Road Trip 2.0,” followed the route eastbound through the American Southwest and back to Joliet, Illinois. Slocum broadcasted live from destinations along the route, sharing interviews, travel experiences, and historic insights with listeners across the region. 

The road trip broadcasts became signature spots for WJOL, culminating in celebrations at both the Santa Monica Pier and Joliet’s historic Rialto Square Theatre, where listeners gathered to hear highlights from Slocum’s journey. 

The First Hundred Miles partnered with WJOL to sponsor and promote both cross-country road trips, highlighting the important role the historic highway continues to play in preserving regional history, supporting tourism, and connecting travelers with authentic Americana experiences throughout Illinois and beyond. 

The Great American Road Trip: Route 66 Adventures is available online through Amazon and at lisabakewell.com. 

For more information about The First Hundred Miles of Route 66 and upcoming centennial events, visit TheFirstHundredMiles.com.