On the Map

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks with Amy Beadle of Visit Springfield Illinois about why Springfield and the Illinois stretch of the iconic Route 66 should be at the top of your travel list during the 2026 centennial year! During their conversation, Amy highlights a packed season of Route 66-themed experiences including David Schwartz’s “The Road That Takes You” photo exhibit, the Route 66 Bob Waldmire Exclusive Art Exhibition, the Centennial Route 66 5K sending runners onto the world’s fastest dirt mile track, and the Route 66 Submerged pontoon tour over the sunken section of the Mother Road. Amy also reminds listeners and visitors to leave ample time during their travels to explore Springfield’s rich history from Frank Lloyd Wright’s Dana-Thomas House and Abraham Lincoln’s presidential museum and tomb to the Illinois State Capitol. For more information, visit VisitSpringfieldIllinois.com

Arney Silverstri, owner of four iconic destinations on Lake Como, Wisconsin, joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about the best getaways just across the border. From celebrating the warmer weather and enjoying an old fashioned, famous ribs, Friday Night Fish Fry and Prime Rib Saturdays at the century-old Mars Resort to enjoying scenic stays at the historic French Country Inn and savoring a meal at The Getaway Restaurant, Arney takes us through his legacy of lakeside escapes. Plus, get the scoop on his newest venture: Lakeside Coffee, the perfect spot to kickstart your day by the water. Visit mars-resort.com, thegetawayrestaurant.com and thefrenchcountryinn.com

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier is joined by Claudia Coffey, Emmy-Winning Journalist, host of Countdown to Derby with Claudia Coffey on Spotify and Kentucky Derby Insider with Churchill Downs Incorporated, about next week’s race, the activities, the horses, the traditions, and more.

This week on On The Map, Dave Plier welcomes WGN Radio’s very own Dave Schwan while they invite the Chair of Illinois’ Route 66 Centennial Celebration Commission, Cory Jobe, to join the show to talk about the legacy of Route 66. Listen in while Cory shares details surrounding the celebration showcasing the nation’s most iconic highway and how people can get involved. For more information, visit illinoisroute66.org.

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to Bob Prosser, owner of Ishnala Supper Club, now celebrating its 73rd season on Mirror Lake. Fresh off winning the Best of the Midwest Award from Midwest Living magazine, Bob shares what’s new this year, including appetizers like duck wontons, walleye bites, and deep-fried pickle chips, along with five spirit-free elixirs. The kitchen remains as consistent as ever, with a head chef of 17 years and a prep cook of 27 years keeping the roast duck, prime rib, and butterflied prawns as mouth-watering as ever. And yes, the Old Fashioneds are still flowing by the tens of thousands. In this insightful reminder of why visitors can’t get enough of Ishnala, Bob urges listeners to leave their phones in the car, unplug, and take in the breathtaking views of Mirror Lake from one of Ishnala’s four bars and three decks. For more information, visit Ishnala.com.

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to Pierce Hutchings of The Chicago Hotel Collection about the 100th anniversary of the Ambassador Gold Coast, Chicago’s first boutique hotel. Once a hangout for silver-screen icons like Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, and even John F. Kennedy, the Ambassador Gold Coast and its star-studded history still shapes the guest experience a century later. Pierce previews the hotel’s centennial celebration that includes luxury cars from Fields Automotive, paparazzi photos for guests, flapper girls, DJs, and a red-carpet arrival fit for a Hollywood ending. Pierce also honors longtime staff and discusses must-experience details like the building’s brewery-era tunnels and how they are planning on bringing back fanfare and glamour for the next 100 years. For more information, visit TheChicagoHotelCollection.com.

Jon Hansen, in for Dave Plier, takes a trip to The Big Easy for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and is joined by Kia Robinson Hatfield, Director of Programs, Communications & Initiatives. Kia paints a vivid picture of the eight jam-packed festival days with 14 stages of music that ranges from jazz to rock, country to gospel, reggae to soul, and more. Taking place at the historic Fair Grounds Race Course in the Gentilly neighborhood, Kia highlights the blockbuster acts performing for thousands of fans including Eagles, Stevie Nicks, T-Pain, and plenty of beloved local acts. To experience this magical, Caribbean-flavored American city where music, food, and history spill into the streets, Kia tells listeners that the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation is the best way for first-timers to feel like honorary New Orleanians.

For festival tickets, schedules, and travel info, visit www.nojazzfest.com

Joining Jon Hansen, in for Dave Plier, is Lyndsi Hale, Assistant Hotel Manager of Mountain Lake Lodge, the picturesque mountaintop resort in Pembroke, Virginia where much of Dirty Dancing was filmed. The property, which stood in for Kellerman’s, embraces its movie legacy while also offering a one-of-a-kind Blue Ridge getaway. Hale shares the rich 1800s history, the cabins and cottages, farm-to-table cuisine, hiking trails, and sweeping views. And for fans of the iconic 1987 film, Mountain Lake Lodge provides Dirty Dancing-themed weekends all spring and summer as well as a Dirty Dancing Days Festival on August 15, 2026 featuring lookalike contests, dance parties, live music, a watermelon race and eating contest, and a VIP experience for fans.

For tickets, lodging packages, and festival details, visit www.mtnlakelodge.com

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier chats with Jason Lesniewicz from Choose Chicago about the best spots in town to celebrate Easter Sunday with a fabulous brunch or enjoy a memorable Passover dinner. Whether you’re planning a festive feast or just looking for the perfect place to relax with family and friends, Jason has all the insider tips you need. For more delicious ideas, visit ChooseChicago.com.

Katie Anderson from Anderson’s Candy joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to share all the delicious details about their Easter goodies! From chocolate bunnies to handmade chocolate bars, learn about the perfect treats to fill your Easter baskets. Sweeten up your holiday and visit Andersonscandyshop.com for more!