Cozy Dog Drive-In earns Gold Award from county for outstanding food-safety practices

The Cozy Dog Drive-In in Springfield, Illinois, was one of several dining establishments that received a Gold Award for 2022 from the Sangamon County Department of Health. According to the Springfield State Journal-Register, the Route 66 landmark and other restaurants met these criteria from the health department: Being certified food manager compliant; No more than … Continue reading Cozy Dog Drive-In earns Gold Award from county for outstanding food-safety practices

New sign for Cozy Dog Drive-In in Springfield is a throwback to its earlier days

On Friday, Ace Sign Co. installed a new sign at the Cozy Dog Drive-In in Springfield, Illinois, that is a throwback to the Route 66 landmark's earlier days. The restaurant posted this photo of the sign, stating it wasn't yet completely functional but should be next week: About a week before the installation, Ace Sign … Continue reading New sign for Cozy Dog Drive-In in Springfield is a throwback to its earlier days

‘Archaeological dig’ scheduled in Illinois barn to find Bob Waldmire artifacts

Longtime Route 66 enthusiast Jim Conkle is scheduling a so-called "archaeological dig" at a barn in Rochester, Illinois, to find artifacts that belonged to late Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire. The barn belongs to Buz Waldmire, Bob's brother. Bob also spent time there off and on during his lifetime, and he died there in 2009 … Continue reading ‘Archaeological dig’ scheduled in Illinois barn to find Bob Waldmire artifacts

New art space at Powerhouse Visitors Center in Kingman to feature Bob Waldmire

New art space at the Powerhouse Visitors Center in Kingman, Arizona, will feature the works of late Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire when it opens March 14. According to a news release from the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona, the art space will feature Route 66 artwork on a rotating basis. The news release … Continue reading New art space at Powerhouse Visitors Center in Kingman to feature Bob Waldmire

Cozy Dog Drive-In offering its own sodas

The Cozy Dog Drive-In in Springfield, Illinois, is famous for its Cozy Dog, reputedly the forerunner of the modern-day corn dog. Now it is selling four flavors of soda in bottles featuring the Cozy Dog logo. It offers cola, diet cola, root beer and diet root beer. The restaurant announced the new offerings on its … Continue reading Cozy Dog Drive-In offering its own sodas

Honeymooners’ trip down Route 66

The good folks at the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, flagged this video the other day on Facebook, saying: Giacomo and Giulia from Italy traveled Route 66 on their Honeymoon earlier this year, and we were honored to have them as our guests. They've just released this fun video of their trip. I … Continue reading Honeymooners’ trip down Route 66

Tony Waldmire of Cozy Dog Drive-In dies

Tony Waldmire, 31, a co-operator of the landmark Cozy Dog Drive-In in Springfield, Illinois, and grandson of its founder, died Saturday, according to a post from the restaurant's Facebook account. The post read: This is the hardest post I have ever had to make. With a heavy heart I am sad to announce the passing of my … Continue reading Tony Waldmire of Cozy Dog Drive-In dies

A word from our sponsor …

If you're not already stuffed from your Thanksgiving dinner, you might have an appetite after viewing this advertisement from a Route 66 classic in Springfield, Illinois. https://youtu.be/Jc38qN0VMrw The Cozy Dog Drive-In has operated along Route 66 on Springfield's south side since 1949. although it dates back further than that. More about the restaurant's history and … Continue reading A word from our sponsor …

“Route 66 in Illinois”

The "Route 66 in Illinois" presentation by Joe Sonderman and Cheryl Eichar Jett -- who co-wrote a book by the same name -- during the Miles of Possibility conference in Edwardsville, Illinois, contained a few tidbits of information even veteran roadies might not have known, such as: An explosion in 1942 at the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant … Continue reading “Route 66 in Illinois”

Book review: “Waldmire”

It seems a bit odd to call William Crook Jr.'s publication about his memories of the life of Bob Waldmire a book, as it's a slim 28 pages and staple-bound. Regardless, "Waldmire" (subtitled "An Artist's Life on Route 66") contains details about the hippie, environmentalist and Route 66 artist that might have escaped those who even … Continue reading Book review: “Waldmire”