Albuquerque will fix its Route 66 neon signs by June

Albuquerque will repair and convert to LED all of its Route 66-themed neon archways and signs by June, including a defective one on the city's west side has read "Route 6" instead of "Route 66" for almost a year. KOAT-TV in Albuquerque reports the repairs and conversion will cost the city about $151,000. Repairs on one of the … Continue reading Albuquerque will fix its Route 66 neon signs by June

Talk heats up about restoring Herring Hotel in Amarillo

Long-simmering talk of restoring the long-closed Herring Hotel in Amarillo reached a boiling point the past week or so, according to several media outlets. KFDA-TV in Amarillo reported Wednesday the owner is talking to investors who want to restore the stately building: Robert Goodrich plans to formally announce the renovation in the next few weeks. In … Continue reading Talk heats up about restoring Herring Hotel in Amarillo

A new view of the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge

Jeff Pierson recently took his drone copter onto the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in St. Louis and got some fascinating footage from the air. Not only do you get an overhead view of the 1929 bridge, but also the two remarkably close looks of the intake towers in the Mississippi River that once helped supply water … Continue reading A new view of the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge

Cars on the Route put up for sale

Cars on the Route of Galena, Kansas, which helped usher in a revival of its downtown, is being put up for sale. It will remain open, however, for at least a few more weeks to greet Route 66 tourists. Renee Charles, one of the founders of the business almost 10 years ago, and partner Brian Jordan … Continue reading Cars on the Route put up for sale

Munger Moss Motel to mark 70th birthday Saturday

The Munger Moss Motel in Lebanon, Missouri, will be marking its 70th birthday Saturday with music, food and dancing. There's a triple reason for the celebration, however. The Route 66 motel's owners, Bob and Ramona Lehman, will mark their 45th year along Route 66. And Route 66 itself will mark its 90th anniversary later this year. … Continue reading Munger Moss Motel to mark 70th birthday Saturday

“American Indians and Route 66” guide published

A 68-page "American Indians and Route 66" guide for tourists recently was published, along with its companion website. "American Indians and Route 66" is a partnership between the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association and the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program, which awarded a cost-share grant for the publication. Lisa Hicks Snell, a member of the … Continue reading “American Indians and Route 66” guide published

Midewin Tallgrass Prairie now leading bison tours

Rangers at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie off Route 66 near Chicago now will lead hikes to a pasture that contains recently introduced bison. The Rangers will be available from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends through October, reported the Kankakee Daily Journal. If you go this month, chances are good you'll see baby buffalo. The … Continue reading Midewin Tallgrass Prairie now leading bison tours

El Vado Motel project may begin construction by summer

A long-awaited redevelopment of the landmark El Vado Motel in Albuquerque may begin by summer, and part of the property will reopen as a boutique motel by summer 2017. The Albuquerque Journal reports a $16 million, scaled-back plan for the long-closed Route 66 motel and a nearby piece of land recently was greenlighted by the … Continue reading El Vado Motel project may begin construction by summer

Daughter revives Gary Turner’s Gay Parita station

The daughter of Gary Turner reopened the much-loved Gay Parita gas station west of Halltown, Missouri, 15 months after its patriarch died at age 70. Barbara Turner moved into her father and mother's home behind the Route 66 landmark less than two weeks ago. She quit her longtime job as a theater manager and sold … Continue reading Daughter revives Gary Turner’s Gay Parita station

Braidwood resident wants preservation ordinance for Route 66

A resident of Braidwood, Illinois, asked the city council to come up with a preservation ordinance for the town's historic buildings, especially ones on Route 66. Chris Earley said those properties "need to be landmarked for historical reasons and preservation reasons, now, for the future," reported Free Press Newspapers. Earley said he's been working with the … Continue reading Braidwood resident wants preservation ordinance for Route 66