Motel reopens in Atlanta, Ill.

The Bloomington Pantagraph reports that a motel that had been closed for eight months near Interstate 55 in the Route 66 town of Atlanta, Ill., has reopened as an America's Best Value Inn. I believe the motel had been called the I-55 Motel, where I had stayed once several years ago. New owner Narish Desai … Continue reading Motel reopens in Atlanta, Ill.

Lincoln Museum is a must-see

While visiting my parents in Illinois, my father strongly urged that I visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, which is on Route 66 in Springfield. Because Dad isn't easily impressed, I thought I'd better get there. Dad was right. It is the best Lincoln tourist attraction out of many in that city. It … Continue reading Lincoln Museum is a must-see

I’m back

I returned tonight from seeing family in Illinois and checking out a few road attractions -- some on Route 66 and some not. I'll get some rest tonight after logging about 1,100 miles in the past three days or so. In the meantime, I thank Emily profusely for filling in on the news-reporting duties while … Continue reading I’m back

Another Foyil athlete

The little Oklahoma Route 66 town of Foyil has turned out some spectacular athletes over the years. First there was Andy Payne, the distance runner who crossed the finish line first in the 1928 "Bunion Derby," and now there's NFL player Josh Brown, who will play for the Seattle Seahawks in next Sunday's Super Bowl. … Continue reading Another Foyil athlete

Rick and Jane update

Rick and Jane McKinney, the evangelists walking Route 66 as part of their Walk to Reclaim America campaign, posted an update yesterday about their recent adventures, including a memorable experience on the Hualapai reservation in western Arizona. Route 66 is kind of a microcosm of American culture, in all its fascinating diversity, as the McKinneys … Continue reading Rick and Jane update

Pain Walker reaches Vega

Dennis Kinch, the spokesman for the National Pain Foundation who is walking the length of Route 66 as part of an awareness-raising campaign, has reached Vega, Texas, home of the Vega Motel and Dot's Mini-Museum. According to his Web site, Kinch has walked 1,124 miles. He should hit the halfway point of Route 66 in … Continue reading Pain Walker reaches Vega

Pixar in the news

The San Francisco Chronicle has an article about John Lasseter and Ed Catmull of Pixar, the animation studio behind the upcoming film Cars. The article talks about Disney's recent $7.4 billion purchase of Pixar and the synergy between Lasseter -- the "creative spirit," as the article calls him -- and Catmull, whose technological wizardry helps … Continue reading Pixar in the news

Return to Route 66

"Return to Route 66," a touring exhibit of Mother Road photographs by Shellee Graham -- Steinbeck award winner, author and graphic designer extraordinaire -- is coming to St. Louis this spring. The exhibit will be on display Feb. 12 through April 12 at the Old Courhtouse, 11 N. 4th St. in St. Louis. An opening … Continue reading Return to Route 66

Rick and Jane reach Seligman

Rick and Jane McKinney, the evangelists walking the length of 66 as part of their "Walk to Reclaim America" crusade, reached Seligman, Ariz., today, ending their fourth week on the road, according to their Web site. They've logged 449 miles since they started. If they're smart, they'll grab a chiliburger at the Snow-Cap and go … Continue reading Rick and Jane reach Seligman

Be careful out there.

The Waynesville (Mo.) Daily Guide reports that in the span of two days, six cars were damaged in four crashes around the area -- including at least one on Route 66. According to the article: Shortly after noon Thursday, a two-vehicle crash on Historic Route 66 just east of the Pulaski County Courthouse snarled traffic … Continue reading Be careful out there.