No resolutions for Fat Man

Steve Vaught of thefatmanwalking.com has posted his latest journal entry (scroll down to the Dec. 31 portion). There's not much Route 66 content, but his musings, which still are interesting.

Rivett’s Route 66 Cafe renamed Al’s Route 66

The Daily Oklahoman interviewed Allen and Susan Shamburg of Colorado, who bought Rivett's Route 66 Cafe in Sapulpa. They're renaming it Al's Route 66 and instilling other changes. The family plans to keep diner staples of cheeseburgers and fries but will start offering healthier sandwiches. To bring a classic feel, Shamburg next month is having … Continue reading Rivett’s Route 66 Cafe renamed Al’s Route 66

Petrified Forest facilities get a face-lift

The Holbrook (Ariz.) Tribune-News is reporting developments in store for the Petrified Forest National Park, namely: -- The Painted Desert Inn will reopen after nearly 18 months of renovations. -- "Along with the inn’s reopening in 2006, the park will open a Route 66 pullout. This point overlooks the Painted Desert, the inn and the … Continue reading Petrified Forest facilities get a face-lift

Missouri town considers Route 66 park or museum

The Waynesville Daily Guide reports that nearby St. Robert, Mo., is considering converting a Missouri Department of Transportation motor pool island on old Route 66 into a park, or a museum, or a Trail of Tears memorial, or ... Lawrence suggested that the park could include a monument to Fort Leonard Wood soldiers, and Heard … Continue reading Missouri town considers Route 66 park or museum

“Remember the Alvarado!”

During the ongoing El Vado Motel saga, I've been struck by Albuquerque residents' willingness to fight to preserve this historic property on Route 66. That's because their energies are fueled by regret. A little background: The Alvarado was one of the fabled Fred Harvey Houses that served railroad passengers. According to the Albuquerque Convention and … Continue reading “Remember the Alvarado!”

Jumping on the bandwagon

Star Gonzales, executive director of the Grants-Cibola County Chamber of Commerce, told the Gallup (N.M.) Independent that she wants to establish a county-line-to-county-line "gateway" to draw travelers onto old Route 66. "We want to see it extend from (the Bernalillo) county line to (the McKinley) county line by establishing a gateway at the east end … Continue reading Jumping on the bandwagon

Calendar of events page is up

I'm not sure why I didn't compile this earlier, but I finally have a Route 66 calendar of events for 2006. I placed it on a separate page, and you can peruse it here. I managed to include all the big gatherings, including the Fun Run, Route 66 Rendezvous and big festivals in Springfield, Ill., … Continue reading Calendar of events page is up

Fat Man back on the road

Steve Vaught of thefatmanwalking.com is back walking on Route 66 in the Missouri Ozarks after a short break back home in San Diego to spend time with his family during Christmas. Here's his latest journal piece (scroll down to the Dec. 29 entry).

Notes from the El Vado hearing

I acquired a draft of the minutes from the City of Albuquerque Landmarks and Urban Conservation Commission's Dec. 14 meeting regarding an application to recommend El Vado Motel as a city landmark. The commission approved the application by a 5-0 vote, and the measure goes to the city council in January. The minutes include verbatum … Continue reading Notes from the El Vado hearing

The Berghoff in Chicago is closing

The Berghoff, a 107-year-old German dining institution in downtown Chicago, will shut down for good Feb. 28. Route 66 enthusiast David Clark, aka The Windy City Warrior, says The Berghoff is on westbound Route 66, about two blocks from the Mother Road's start. Here are stories from Reuters, AP, Chicago Tribune and Crain's Chicago Business … Continue reading The Berghoff in Chicago is closing