Double your book fun

The Joliet Area Historical Museum on Sunday is featuring not one, but two Route 66 authors from 2 to 4 p.m. Dave Clark's recently published "Route 66 in Chicago," and John and Lenore Weiss' new "Traveling the Historic Three," a guidebook about the Lincoln Highway, Dixie Highway and Route 66 in the Chicago area, each … Continue reading Double your book fun

Wigwam Motel is among world’s quirkiest

The TripAdvisor travel community released its list of the world's quirkiest motels, and a Route 66 establishment made the top 10. At the No. 9 slot is the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Ariz.: Its second year on the top ten quirky hotel list and with a unique price to match, the Wigwam Motel is a … Continue reading Wigwam Motel is among world’s quirkiest

County can take over Route 66 police station

The Bloomington Pantagraph reports that Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich signed legislation on Thursday that gives Livingston County the option to take over ownership of the old Illinois State Police headquarters on old Route 66 near Pontiac. The county has the option to pay $10 for the unique gun-shaped building, built in 1941, and the land. … Continue reading County can take over Route 66 police station

Who will own Red Rock Park?

The Gallup (N.M.) Independent published a fascinating story about future-ownership controversy over nearby Red Rock Park. The city owns the park, which hosts the popular Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial and other events each year. But maintaining the park has put a strain on the city's budget -- and Red Rock needs millions of dollars more … Continue reading Who will own Red Rock Park?

Filling the holes

It wasn't long ago that if one wanted to find historic Route 66, vintage maps, old-timers and make plenty of guesses were required. Now there are maps and guidebooks. Realizing that Route 66 was a tourist attraction, states for the most part installed enough road signs to direct novice travelers. However, there are stretches of … Continue reading Filling the holes

What’s cooking at Boot Hill?

Here in Oklahoma, I haven't been able to go to Vega, Texas, and check out Rory Schepisi's recently opened Boot Hill Saloon & Grill on Route 66. However, the Amarillo Globe-News visited, and published a story about it Tuesday (free registration required). Some tidbits from the well-rounded article: Schepisi is considering opening another restaurant, in … Continue reading What’s cooking at Boot Hill?

Wallis and Colbert

Author Michael Wallis was on the Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report" last week to plug his new book, "The Lincoln Highway." Here is the video clip of the interview: Wallis also is well-known for the best-selling "Route 66: The Mother Road" and mentions ol' 66 during the bantering. UPDATE 8/23/07: YouTube removed the video because … Continue reading Wallis and Colbert

Storms wash out part of Route 66

The remnants of Tropical Storm Erin were hard on the ol' Mother Road in at least one spot this week. According to the Lebanon (Mo.) Daily Record: A portion of Route 66, west of the Gasconde River is missing after Monday’s flooding when the culverts that normally allowed water to flow through with each were … Continue reading Storms wash out part of Route 66

Winslow takes it easy

The Christian Science Monitor tells the story of how the Route 66 town of Winslow, Ariz., has capitalized on The Eagles' song "Take It Easy" and its mention of a certain corner. The Monitor says Winslow didn't start to cash in on the song until 1997. I'm surprised it waited that long, as "Take It … Continue reading Winslow takes it easy

Magazine names best road tunes

The folks at American Road magazine have just published their "Rhythm and Cruise" issue, in which they've listed the "Best American Road Songs" of the past century. Here are the Rules of the Road for the song listings: 1) The song must have been written about an American road, street, or destination. That is, songs … Continue reading Magazine names best road tunes