Upcoming video golf game features Route 66 course

Golden Tee Golf, maker of video golf games commonly found in taverns and arcades, soon will release a new game called Golden Tee 2012 that features the Dusty Bend golf course built along Route 66. Here's a sneak preview released today: https://youtu.be/8NQ5YuJIgaY I spotted replicas of the Wigwam Motel, a Bunyon Muffler Man, and a … Continue reading Upcoming video golf game features Route 66 course

Joliet prison may become tourism attraction

The long-closed Joliet Correctional Center, located off Route 66 in Joliet, Ill., and the setting for the opening scene of "The Blues Brothers," is seriously being considered as a tourism site, according to a report in the Chicago Tribune. The Joliet prison opened in the 1850s, and during the early years, inmates were used to build the … Continue reading Joliet prison may become tourism attraction

John Mayer talks about recording “Route 66”

Recording artist and guitar hotshot John Mayer talks about recording Bobby Troup's "Route 66" for the first "Cars" movie in 2006: https://youtu.be/0h5ZpCrHJxk Mayer's performance is part of the "Cars" soundtrack.

San Bernardino County will sign part of Route 66

San Bernardino County in California plans to designate a portion of historic Route 66 as "County Highway 66" as a way to kick-start its County Route Marker Program. According to a news release from the county: Vice-Chairman Mitzelfelt is using $45,000 of his office’s discretionary funding to pay for the signage on the route. No federal dollars … Continue reading San Bernardino County will sign part of Route 66

Rose Bowl Events Center put up for sale

The Rose Bowl Events Center, formerly known as the Rose Bowl bowling alley in Tulsa, has been placed on the market for $1.1 million, according to a flyer received from Kevin Anderson & Associates. The distinctively shaped building at 7419 E. 11th St. (aka Route 66) was built as a bowling alley in 1961 until … Continue reading Rose Bowl Events Center put up for sale

Tucumcari will try again for racino

Investors in will apply Wednesday to the New Mexico Racing Commission for a horse-racing track and casino license in Tucumcari, reported the Clovis News-Journal. Coronado Partners' plans to develop the $60 million Coronado Park on 300-acres, featuring live racing from May to August each year during the heart of the triple-crown racing season nationally, and … Continue reading Tucumcari will try again for racino

No friend of Route 66 — again

You have to admit, at least Sen. Tom Coburn is consistent. The Republican U.S. senator from Oklahoma has targeted the National Park Service's Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program in his newly published "Oklahoma Waste Report" (pdf document) -- his latest salvo against the much-praised Mother Road program. In one chapter of the report, "Get Your Federal … Continue reading No friend of Route 66 — again

Texas Route 66 group gives donation to Joplin tornado relief

On behalf of the Old Route 66 Association of Texas, Ron Hart of the Route 66 Chamber of Commerce gave a $500 check to the Joplin Salvation Army for tornado relief efforts in Joplin, Mo. More than 150 people died and hundreds were injured in the May 22 twister, which destroyed a third of the town. … Continue reading Texas Route 66 group gives donation to Joplin tornado relief

Springfield takes closer look at motel as museum

The city of Springfield, Ill., again is thinking about converting the ramshackle Bel-Aire Motel into a Route 66-themed visitors center and museum, reported the State Journal-Register today. Springfield is considering other options for the Sixth Street motel after a recent inspection uncovered fire, electrical, and structural code violations. Mayor Tim Davlin first proposed the idea of … Continue reading Springfield takes closer look at motel as museum

2011 cost-share grant awards announced

Today, the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program announced the awarding of 10 cost-share grants to Route 66 property owners for the 2011 fiscal year. Here's the listing, straight from the agency: Route 66 Motel sign and roof rehabilitation, Kingman, Ariz. ($10,319 federal grant, $10,319 match by owner) -- The Route 66 Motel has been a welcoming … Continue reading 2011 cost-share grant awards announced