Exotic Animal Paradise to close

Exotic Animal Paradise, a drive-through animal park that's operated on old Route 66 for nearly 35 years near Strafford, Mo., announced Thursday it is set to close Oct. 1, according to the Springfield News-Leader. The animal park was sold to a real-estate developer, the newspaper said. It will make way for a golf course and … Continue reading Exotic Animal Paradise to close

Idol worship at the Edwardsville festival

The 10th annual Festival 66 in Edwardsville, Ill., is taking a page from the wildly popular TV show "American Idol" and holding a singing contest, reports the Belleville News-Democrat. The big event, however, will be the car cruise at 7 p.m. Saturday. More than 200 classic vehicles participate each year. I was stopped in the … Continue reading Idol worship at the Edwardsville festival

Legends of America site marks third anniversary

The EMediaWire reports that the Legends of America site is marking its third year of existence this year. Legends owner Kathy Weiser of Lenexa, Kansas, became consumed by her creation, quitting her full time job two years ago to focus full time on the website. Full of facts and fancy about destinations in the American … Continue reading Legends of America site marks third anniversary

Riding the 844 train

  Ace Jackalope of The Lope blog not only went to see Union Pacific Railroad's historic No. 844 steam engine when it made a recent stop in the Route 66 town of Claremore, Okla., but he also rode it clear to Kansas City. Click here for the story and a lot more great photos.