I'm back from Texas so can reply more in depth and sensibly now.
Chicago is great for museums. I spent a week there several years ago and didn't see everything.
Sean can probably give better insider tips since he's moved to the windy city.
Here's a link to a must see.
http://www.route66university.com/busdir/hubblereplica.phpIt's just off the highway in Marshfield, Missouri and will just take about 20 minutes of your time to see it and take a snap or two if you like.
The Hubble Space Telescope replica sits on the courthouse lawn in Marshfield, which was the home of Edwin Hubble.
Amarillo is a good choice for an overnight stop.
The stockyard cafe there serves up some tasty food.
http://stockyardscafeamarillo.com/The fried catfish is great, and so is the chicken fried steak.
But Amarillo also has the gaudy Big Texan restaurant just off I-40 and it's worth going in because everyone does and the food isn't too bad considering it's a huge tourist trap.
My most favorite place in Amarillo to take a camera is the old Helium Plant just west of town. It's a rusty relic of better days. You can't go in, but there are some easy shots to be had with little walking.
Route 66 meanders through downtown Amarillo and is bricked in places. There are sculptures along the way and some painted ponies.
Tucumcari is probably my favorite place in New Mexico to go to and just wander around. Lot's of neon and kitchy stuff of the Route 66 era.
As mentioned in an earlier post, I always stay at the Safari Motel. The beds are fab and the art deco styling of the rooms is just perfect for a good nights rest.
We can meet up when you are in Albuquerque and I'll give you some tips about places to go around town that aren't on maps and tourists usually just don't go to the trouble to go to, or they don't realize they are here.
BTW- When will you be here?
I'll dig out the maps and info I said I would send to you earlier and circle some of the things I think you might like.
Becky