Bel-Aire Motel’s owner faces $141,000 in fines

The owner of the Bel-Aire Motel, located along old Route 66 in Springfield, Ill., has been slapped with $141,000 in fines for more than 400 building code violations, reported the Springfield State Journal-Register. The city inspected nearly the entire 80-room hotel over three days this year — Jan. 9, Feb. 3 and March 1, said … Continue reading Bel-Aire Motel’s owner faces $141,000 in fines

Billboard near Round Barn will be removed

The Arcadia Historical and Preservation Society announced Wednesday it had reached an agreement with the City of Arcadia, Okla., and land owner Fred Mazaheri to remove a tall billboard just east of the historic Round Barn on Route 66, reported the Edmond Daily Sun. According to the newspaper: “We are sure thankful to Mr. Mazaheri … Continue reading Billboard near Round Barn will be removed

Longtime Pig Hip restaurant owner dies

Ernie Edwards, longtime owner of the Pig Hip restaurant along Route 66 in Broadwell, Ill., died in his sleep Wednesday night at age 94, according to a news release from the Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau of Logan County. Edwards died at St. Clara's Manor in Lincoln, Ill. He had recently been moved from his Broadwell … Continue reading Longtime Pig Hip restaurant owner dies

A walk through the Bottle Tree woods

Here's a new video about Elmer Long's Bottle Tree Ranch, located off Route 66 near Oro Grande, Calif. https://youtu.be/ZDwXs4BJoc8 I wouldn't be surprised if the site is eventually declared a national landmark or something like that. I would hope so, anyway.

Hello from Iceland

More proof that the Route 66 influence ranges far -- the opening of a 66 Grill in Iceland. https://vimeo.com/40147446 The Icelandic description of the restaurant, via Google Translate: Grill 66 is a new barbecue place for the whole family. The brand refers directly to the labeling of the legendary "Route 66". Diverse restaurant offering hamburgers, steak sandwiches and other foods that are all named after cities and towns of the "Route 66".