Exotic Animal Paradise may be saved after all

A few weeks ago, it was announced that Exotic Animal Paradise in Strafford, Mo., just off Route 66, would close down its drive-through zoo, auction the animals, and luxury homes would be built on the site. However, the Springfield (Mo.) News-Leader reported Tuesday that the new owner is partially reconsidering the plan: The new owner … Continue reading Exotic Animal Paradise may be saved after all

New Super business in Missouri

Route66TVonline.com, which is turning into quite a Route 66 resource for the Missouri-Kansas-Oklahoma tri-state area, reports that a new business has opened on the Mother Road in Carterville, Mo. It's the Superman on 66 Ice Cream Parlor and Museum. Owned and operated by Larry Tamminen, a 44-year resident of Carterville, this unique business features a … Continue reading New Super business in Missouri

Q&A with “The Mother Road” director

Here's my e-mail question-and-answer session with Lauren Cardillo, director of "The Mother Road" documentary that airs on PBS-TV stations this month. In the film, Cardillo and her mother, Irene, take a full-length trip down Route 66 together. I contacted Lauren shortly after I watched an advanced copy of the film. Here are the questions and … Continue reading Q&A with “The Mother Road” director

Twin Oaks sign damaged by storm

The historic Twin Oaks Gas for Less sign along the Old Chain of Rocks Road, aka Route 66, in Granite City was damaged apparently by the series of severe storms that ravaged the St. Louis area about 10 days ago. The gas station itself has been long gone, but the sign remained as a nice … Continue reading Twin Oaks sign damaged by storm

Sinkhole endangers historic tavern

The 114-year-old building on old Route 66 in Galena, Kan., that houses the Green Parrot tavern likely will become a memory because of a rapidly enlarging sinkhole that's already collapsed part of the structure. Authorities were able to evacuate the tavern's owners, who lived on the second floor, before the building became too structurally compromised. … Continue reading Sinkhole endangers historic tavern