Cozy Dog makes finals

The Cozy Dog Drive-In along Route 66 in Springfield, Ill., has advanced to the finals in the Central Division in the Seven Wonders of Illinois contest sponsored by the Illinois Department of Commerce. The Cozy Dog is going up against fellow finalist Allerton Park of Monticello. Strong lobbying by the Route 66 community helped the … Continue reading Cozy Dog makes finals

Joliet to launch Route 66 campaign

After seemingly much indifference to the Mother Road for years, the city of Joliet, Ill., is embracing Route 66 tourism in a big way when it launches its Joliet Kicks on Route 66 campaign on June 2. According to the Herald-News: The Joliet Area Historical Museum will have a bunch of interactive displays, including watching … Continue reading Joliet to launch Route 66 campaign

Illinois House passes police headquarters bill

The Illinois State Senate approved a bill Friday that would transfer ownership of the historic Illinois State Police District 6 building from the state to Livingston County for $1, reported the Bloomington Pantagraph. The Senate Bill 768 goes on to the House. The pistol-shaped building, built on Route 66 near Pontiac in 1941, was recently … Continue reading Illinois House passes police headquarters bill

Busy first day for Skywalk

Nearly 2,000 people visited the Grand Canyon Skywalk during its first day open to the public on Wednesday, according to a news release from Grand Canyon West. At a minimum of $25 a pop, Skywalk grossed at least $50,000 on its first day. Not bad. The release also gives some details about future plans at … Continue reading Busy first day for Skywalk

Arson damages Winslow railroad bridge

At least one local teen has 'fessed up to starting a fire that damaged a BNSF railroad bridge just east of La Posada in Winslow, Ariz., reports the Winslow Daily Mail. Repair workers had the bridge shored up enough that train traffic resumed within a day.

End of era at Totem Pole Trading Post (UPDATED)

The Totem Pole Trading Post on Route 66 just west of Rolla, Mo., isn't going to close. But new ownership is taking over Friday afternoon, and the name -- which has been there since 1933 -- won't stay, according to the Rolla Daily News. According to this Rolla Chamber of Commerce release, Jones did not … Continue reading End of era at Totem Pole Trading Post (UPDATED)

Photographer’s exhibit in Kingman

Michael Campanelli's well-traveled collection of more than 150 photographs from Route 66 has made its way to the Mother Road city of Kingman, Ariz., according to the Kingman Daily Miner. The exhibit will be at the Mohave Museum of History and Arts through June 10.

Severe storms strike Texas Panhandle

According to the Amarillo Globe-News: [T]hree tractor-trailers were tangled together when what is believed to be a tornado crossed Interstate 40 between Groom and McLean. According to DPS, there were two injuries out of one of the trucks, one with serious injuries and the other with critical injuries. The westbound lane was closed. At least … Continue reading Severe storms strike Texas Panhandle

A whole lotta shakin’

The Alibi, an alternative newspaper in Albuquerque, examines a Duke City issue that likely hasn't occurred to many people -- the area is prone to earthquakes and volcanoes. Route 66 travelers are at least vaguely aware about earthquakes when they travel Southern California. In fact, portions of the San Andreas Fault can be seen from … Continue reading A whole lotta shakin’

Grand Canyon Skywalk opens

The much-ballyhooed Grand Canyon Skywalk opened to the public Wednesday. Lines were long, and more than 700 people strolled on the Skywalk in the first two hours. Here's a report by KVOA-TV in Tuscon, Ariz., including video. Here's a report from the Arizona Republic. Here's a recent CNN video about the pros and cons of … Continue reading Grand Canyon Skywalk opens