“Billy Connolly’s Route 66,” Episode 3

Here's the third episode of "Billy Connolly's Route 66," which aired across the pond earlier today on ITV. It goes from Oklahoma City to eastern Arizona. Here's the complete episode in five parts: https://youtu.be/_V-L6VSddlQ https://youtu.be/_4I7Yip_l04 https://youtu.be/0dDxv2NHfVM https://youtu.be/yRKXATPOAEs https://youtu.be/ZpOGFeBI-fQ

Rancho overpass project nearly done

Some good news and bad news for Route 66 travelers going through the Los Angeles area this weekend. First, the bad news. Travelers should avoid Foothill Boulevard (aka Route 66) on the west side of Rancho Cucamonga this weekend. Construction workers are finishing a big road-widening and overpass project there, the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin … Continue reading Rancho overpass project nearly done

New preview video for Route 66 fitness program

Health Enhancement Systems, which has touted a "Get Fit on Route 66" program for workplaces or groups for several years, recently concocted a new video about it. It's a well-designed clip: https://youtu.be/QPS-R6Q6Jzo Here's my story about the program from 2009.

“Man vs. Food Nation,” Route 66 edition

The Travel Channel's "Man vs. Food Nation" recently did a Route 66 segment that included Ted Drewes Frozen Custard in St. Louis, Idle Spurs Steakhouse in Barstow, Calif., and Elote Cafe in Tulsa. Here's the full episode, in two parts: https://youtu.be/Z1Q7Rk29aYg https://youtu.be/qF5K4aO8Xv0 The segment includes Elote's formidable Puffy Taco Challenge.

Is The Mill haunted?

I doubt it. But a Spirit of Tours ghost-investigation event on Oct. 8 at the Route 66 landmark in Lincoln, Ill., is bound to be entertaining, reported the Lincoln Courier. Spirit of Tours, based in nearby Bloomington, wants to check out The Mill, a 1929 restaurant that's being renovated for future use as a tourism … Continue reading Is The Mill haunted?

New toys, iPad app allow you to cruise Radiator Springs

A new Disney toy line and an Apple iPad app allow you or your kids to cruise the fictional Route 66 town of Radiator Springs as portrayed in the Disney-Pixar films "Cars" and "Cars 2," according to Mashable Entertainment. From the report: The new toys, called Disney Appmates, interact directly with a free app for … Continue reading New toys, iPad app allow you to cruise Radiator Springs

Getting kicks on an old Jeep

Global Content Partners is producing videos to mark Jeep's 70th anniversary. Here's a clip about two fellows he did the Mother Road in a 60-year-old Jeep. https://vimeo.com/29595465

City Museum founder dies in industrial accident

Bob Cassilly, founder of the popular City Museum in St. Louis, died in an apparent construction accident Monday on the north side of town, reported the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The newspaper reported that Cassilly died while operating a bulldozer at the construction site of his Cementland amusement park, formerly the Missouri Portland Cement Co., in north … Continue reading City Museum founder dies in industrial accident

Tough miles ahead for old theaters, drive-ins

Michael Phillips of the Chicago Tribune tells about an upcoming development that likely will lead to a rough era for drive-in theaters and older movie houses -- digital film distribution. According to the article, the Route 66 Twin Drive-In in Springfield, Ill., remains the state's only digital-projection drive-in. Obviously, the SkyView Drive-In on Route 66 in … Continue reading Tough miles ahead for old theaters, drive-ins

Relighting date of Luna Cafe sign announced

The official relighting ceremony of a refurbished Luna Cafe neon sign in Mitchell, Ill., will be about 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 22, according to organizers. That time is approximate, depending on how cloudy it is at dusk. According to data from sunrisesunset.com, sunset in nearby Granite City on that date is 6:14 p.m. So plan accordingly. From … Continue reading Relighting date of Luna Cafe sign announced