King and Krall

There's nice interplay between Natalie Cole and jazz singer/pianist Diana Krall during this version of "Route 66." In case you youngsters didn't know, Cole is the daughter of Nat King Cole, who popularized the Bobby Troup classic.

Rose Bowl back in the pink

As predicted here a few weeks ago,the Rose Bowl in Tulsa has been repainted back to some semblance of its original pink color, eschewing the red, white, blue and purple colors that it sported briefly before it closed, reports KOTV. Chris Whinery of Whinery Mortgage is the owner of the Rose Bowl, which was built … Continue reading Rose Bowl back in the pink

Vega restaurant set to open in June

Rory Schepisi, the runner-up on the CMT reality show "Popularity Contest," told me today that her Boot Hill Saloon & Grill on Route 66 in Vega, Texas, will tentatively open on June 3 for a private party and on June 4 to the public. Schepisi said the only thing needed are private-club permits, and she … Continue reading Vega restaurant set to open in June

Route 66 license plates from New Mexico are available

If you're licensed to drive in the state of New Mexico, now's your chance to acquire the state's new Route 66 plates. The plate has "Get Your Kicks on Route 66" written on the top. A New Mexico "U.S. 66" seal is also on it. The design was submitted by Route 66 preservationist Bob Audette. … Continue reading Route 66 license plates from New Mexico are available

Hesperia’s Old Town Shops being renovated

Hesperia, Calif., is growing quickly, but a developer is seeking to preserve at least part of the town's roots by renovating the dilapidated Old Town Shops that were built in the 1950s, according to the Victorville Daily Press. (Hesperia is just south of Victorville.) Roofing work on the buildings began earlier this spring, and plans … Continue reading Hesperia’s Old Town Shops being renovated

Preserve those gas stations

The Joplin (Mo.) Globe has a story about how Route 66 communities in southwest Missouri, southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma are making greater efforts to restore their vintage gas stations. The story goes over territory that Route 66 News has already covered, but it does confirm that there indeed seems to be a movement afoot. … Continue reading Preserve those gas stations