Barstow museum to mark eighth anniversary

The Barstow Route 66 Mother Road Museum in Barstow, Calif., will mark its eighth anniversary with a special event on Saturday, June 14, reports the Desert Dispatch. There will be a car and motorcycle show from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day. A registration form for those wanting to participate is here. One of … Continue reading Barstow museum to mark eighth anniversary

Memorial Day tribute

Here are the soldiers from Route 66 towns who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan. ILLINOIS Chicago Staff Sgt. Oscar D. Vargas-Medina, died May 1, 2004 1st Sgt. Edward Smith, died April 5, 2003 Sgt. Ivory L. Phipps, died March 17, 2004 Pfc. Torry D. Harris, died July 13, 2004 Sgt. Sirlou C. Cuaresma, died … Continue reading Memorial Day tribute

POPS doubles Arcadia’s sales-tax revenue

I can't say that I'm surprised by this story from the Edmond (Okla.) Sun: The most recent Oklahoma Tax Commission figures indicates that Arcadia’s sales tax revenue has doubled since POPS opened there last August. [...] August to January sales tax revenue is $123,365 compared to $59,137 for those months of the previous calendar year. … Continue reading POPS doubles Arcadia’s sales-tax revenue

Route 66 winery wins top award

Summerside Vineyards and Winery, right on Route 66 in Vinita, Okla., won the coveted Double Gold award at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition in New York earlier this month, reports the High Plains Journal. Summerside's big winner was its cream sherry. "We've always known this was a special wine," said Marsha Butler, Summerside Vineyards … Continue reading Route 66 winery wins top award

Upcoming TV drama takes place in Albuquerque

The USA Network is about to air a new crime drama called "In Plain Sight," with the premiere on June 1. The gist of the story is that U.S. marshal Mary Shannon (played by Mary McCormack) is part of the Federal Witness protection program in the Albuquerque/Santa Fe, N.M., region. Media Blvd. magazine interviewed "In … Continue reading Upcoming TV drama takes place in Albuquerque

“Rise up … c’mon, rise up”

This song has been echoing through my head since the Rock Cafe was destroyed by fire. The Boss often has been likened to a revival preacher at his fiery shows. But here, he truly shows his gospel side. This is dedicated to Dawn and the rest of the Rock Cafe gang.

Skateboard kicks

Here's a short video of a bunch of skateboarders who took a trip on Route 66, looking for adventure. At one point, you'll see them at a certain landmark in Holbrook, Ariz.

POPS will launch soda-buying kiosk on Tuesday

In case the 500 or so brands of soft drinks in the coolers at POPS in Arcadia, Oka., aren't enough, the Route 66 business is set to launch a kiosk that will allow customers to ship 700 brands of soda anywhere nationwide. The ceremonial first order will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday by Oklahoma first … Continue reading POPS will launch soda-buying kiosk on Tuesday

Rock Cafe will be rebuilt

This sort of became buried in amid all the happenings and photos in yesterday's post about the fire that destroyed the Rock Cafe in Stroud, Okla., but it bears repeating: Owner Dawn Welch plans to rebuild the historic Route 66 restaurant. According to the Daily Oklahoman: "There's no way I will let the Rock Cafe … Continue reading Rock Cafe will be rebuilt

UPDATED: Rock Cafe destroyed by fire

The Rock Cafe of Stroud, Okla., which has served hungry travelers on Route 66 since the 1930s, burned to the ground late Tuesday night. Dawn Welch, who has owned the Rock Cafe since 1993, called us late Tuesday to let us know about the blaze. As of this writing, shortly after 1 a.m., firefighters were … Continue reading UPDATED: Rock Cafe destroyed by fire