Get your kicks in a Lincoln hybrid

Here is a combination I never thought I'd see together: a 1959 Lincoln Continental, hybrid technology and rock musician Neil Young. But it's happening. Undercover.com reports that the Lincvolt is a new project by Young's Shakey Pictures. Together, they are transforming the engine of a 1959 Lincoln Continental Mk IV convertible into a new series … Continue reading Get your kicks in a Lincoln hybrid

A hike up Tucumcari Mountain

Tucumcari Mountain, near Tucumcari, N.M., has long been one of the Mother Road's most-recognized natural landmarks. It was first mentioned in journals in the 1700s, and can be seen for miles from Route 66 and Interstate 40. For the weary traveler looking forward to a night's sleep in Tucumcari, the sight of the mountain has … Continue reading A hike up Tucumcari Mountain

More of this, please

CBS4.com in Florida is reporting that a group is pushing for historic designation of U.S. Highway 1. The Florida Keys Scenic Corridor Alliance is a volunteer group that thinks the Key's portion of U.S.1 should be on the list of historic highways. CBS4's news partners at the Miami Herald report the group has spent more … Continue reading More of this, please

Attendance at Springfield festival remains stable

Crowd numbers at the International Route 66 Mother Road Festival in Springfield, Ill., this past weekend were about the same as last year, reports the Springfield Journal-Register. The three-day event, which ended Sunday, had an attendance of about 70,000 people, with 847 paid, registered cars on display and more than 1,000 vehicles participating in the … Continue reading Attendance at Springfield festival remains stable

‘That’s a really good sandwich’

A couple of fellows hear about a sandwich-maker at the historic Star Cash Grocery on old Route 66 in Commerce, Okla., who's been there for 66 years. The two decide to hit to road to order one. They came away impressed. Note: There also are really good hand-made sandwiches at Eisler Bros. Store in Riverton, … Continue reading ‘That’s a really good sandwich’

“Never Been to Spain”

But I've been to Oklahoma. And Needles, too. This is Elvis Presley, in 1972.

Paul Newman, R.I.P

Here's a startling fact about actor Paul Newman, who died Friday of cancer at the age of 83. "Cars," the hit Disney-Pixar animated film in 2006 that helped spur new interest in Route 66, wound up being Newman's last acting film role. Not long after that film's release (plus a "Cars" short titled "Mater and … Continue reading Paul Newman, R.I.P

“Half a World Away”

By R.E.M., circa 1991.

That tears it

We've heard for many months about Route 66 travelers being treated rudely by the proprietors of Indian Harvest Trading Post, near Sullivan, Mo. We did a story about this. Theft had been a problem, so it was understandable why the owners felt the need to vigilant. Nevertheless, we implored the owners to be more hospitable. … Continue reading That tears it

Art exhibit pays tribute to the road trip

The San Jose Museum of Art in San Jose, Calif., is hosting a major exhibit this fall called "Road Trip," a sometimes-whimsical exploration of that uniquely American experience. The museum's associate curator, Kristen Evangelista, put it together. According to this report from the San Jose Mercury News: The artists Evangelista chose for "Roadtrip" not only … Continue reading Art exhibit pays tribute to the road trip