Gemini Giant

Wilmington remains the home for Gemini Giant

Published by admin on Wed, 03/20/2024 - 4:06pm

The iconic Gemini Giant will stay on Route 66 in Wilmington after being auctioned off earlier today with a high bid of $275,000.

The Joliet Area Historical Museum placed the winning bid just before the 10 a.m. cutoff, and then announced that the 30-foot tall statue would be donated to the City of Wilmington. 

Launching Pad, Gemini Giant up for sale

Published by admin on Tue, 12/05/2023 - 5:39pm

As a Route 66 attraction, some might say the Launching Pad and its green guardian the Gemini Giant are priceless.

But it turns out those local landmarks—which hold no official landmark status but are thought of as such by residents—do have a price tag.

A $1.4 million price tag.

On Nov. 10, Launching Pad owner Holly Barker announced via X (formerly Twitter) that she was selling the restaurant.

City’s hands tied in Launching Pad debate

Published by admin on Tue, 12/20/2022 - 5:21pm

For more than 60 years, the Gemini Giant has served the city of Wilmington as the unofficial greeter to travelers on Route 66.

Shuttered for more than five years and with the restaurant and giant both in disrepair, the site was purchased by Holly Barker and Tully Garrett in 2019, and reopened in 2021.

But since then, there has been controversy—predominantly playing out on social media—regarding the restaurant’s hours, business practices, and most recently messages painted in the windows and a car blocking the Gemini Giant.

Launching Pad has new owners

Published by admin on Thu, 10/05/2017 - 7:07pm

    The Launching Pad’s new owners, Tully Garrett and Holly Barker, have big ideas for the iconic Route 66 Drive-In, but also want it to be The Pad the community cherishes.
    The couple came to Wilmington to visit the antiques district in early September. They came south on Route 53 and rounded Kangley’s Curve, and felt like they were in Tennessee, with its relaxed atmosphere and slow pace.