Bowling alley reopens in St. Clair

The Meramec Lanes bowling alley in St. Clair, Mo., which closed for a year, has just reopened as Route 66 Lanes & Lounge, reports the St. Clair Missourian. The new owners reconditioned the lanes so that leagues would resume. The snack bar was refurbished, a grill was added, and the building's heating and air-conditioning units … Continue reading Bowling alley reopens in St. Clair

Getting their old-fashioned kicks

Most caravans on Route 66 are of the motorized variety. But there is ongoing tour of Route 66 from St. James, Mo., to Springfield, Mo., that harkens back to the days before the horseless carriage. The Ozark Mountain Mule and Donkey Days Wagon Trail will be going through Lebanon, Mo., on Wednesday with about 15 … Continue reading Getting their old-fashioned kicks

Forest being thinned around Flagstaff

If you're driving on Route 66 in Flagstaff, Ariz., and see logging going on, don't worry -- the Coconino Forest around the city isn't being clear-cut. The Arizona Daily Sun says the forest is being thinned to reduce the risk of severe wildfires that could damage homes. Surrounded on all sides by trees, Flagstaff is … Continue reading Forest being thinned around Flagstaff

Taking that California trip

This is a well-produced video of a Harley-Davidson group from Germany driving the Mother Road, with a couple of side trips to Las Vegas and the California ghost town of Calico. Angel "Guardian Angel of Route 66" Delgadillo plays a prominent role in this video.

Hello from Spain

Here's million-selling artist Chenoa singing a vigorous version of Bobby Troup's "Route 66."

Tucumcari loses bid for ‘racino’

Word came down Monday afternoon that the New Mexico Racing Commission approved a horse-racing and casino license application to Raton, and not the Route 66 town of Tucumcari, reports the Quay County Sun. It was a unanimous decision. Santa Fe also lost out on its bid to get a "racino" license. The Sun reported: In … Continue reading Tucumcari loses bid for ‘racino’

A crown on the Blue Dome

In a story by the Greater Tulsa Region Newspapers about Tulsa's preparations for the upcoming National Preservation Conference on Oct. 21-25, those who come to town during that time will be treated to a rare sight -- the copper spire that once graced the Blue Dome gas station on Route 66 near downtown will be … Continue reading A crown on the Blue Dome

Historic store in Victorville closes

Western Outdoor Equipment Co. in the Old Town section of Victorville, Calif., has closed after 85 years in business, reports the Daily Press. It was founded as Victorville Hardware in 1923 and moved to its current location on Seventh Street, aka Route 66, in 1938. It became a Western Outdoor store in 1950. This is … Continue reading Historic store in Victorville closes

Hello from France

This is a jazz group called Bather's Mood, doing Bobby Troup's "Route 66."

Pontiac tries to save its prison

The Associated Press has published a very good story about the Route 66 town of Pontiac, Ill., and its efforts to keep the state from shutting down its prison. The article spells out the stakes: The roughly 12,000 people here find themselves in a struggle for their economic lives as they try to talk Illinois … Continue reading Pontiac tries to save its prison