Needles Chamber breaks ground on a new office, visitors center in El Garces

The Needles, California, Chamber of Commerce last week broke ground to build a new office and visitors center in a seemingly ideal location -- the historic El Garces train depot. The Mohave Valley Daily News had more details about the 1,200-square-feet project, which had been years in the making: The chamber will operate a full-service … Continue reading Needles Chamber breaks ground on a new office, visitors center in El Garces

First Avenue Bridge in Barstow scheduled to be torn down

The historic First Avenue Bridge in Barstow, California, that leads to the Harvey House and one of its tenants, the Route 66 Mother Road Museum, will be demolished after a new bridge is built because it's a liability to the city. If the old bridge fell onto the BNSF railroad tracks, the railroad could bill … Continue reading First Avenue Bridge in Barstow scheduled to be torn down

Castaneda Hotel’s south wing likely will open April 1

The south wing of the historic Castaneda Hotel in Las Vegas, New Mexico, likely will open to overnight travelers for the first time in decades on April 1. The hotel's Facebook page posted this brief announcement on Monday: Friday we passed our elevator and fire inspections 😇. We should be able to open the south wing … Continue reading Castaneda Hotel’s south wing likely will open April 1

Castaneda Hotel plans to fully reopen by June 21

Workers plan to finish a multiyear restoration of the historic Castaneda Hotel in Las Vegas, New Mexico, by spring and fully reopen it by June 21, according to a video posted Tuesday on the hotel's blog. The hotel hopes to have the south wing ready for overnight occupancy by March and will take reservations for … Continue reading Castaneda Hotel plans to fully reopen by June 21

Replica of Hotel Castaneda sign unveiled

Hotel Castaneda in Las Vegas, New Mexico, on Sunday unveiled a new replica of a sign that graced the historic hotel's main tower for decades. The 1898 hotel hasn't reopened yet, but the big moment Sunday serves as a major sign of the imminent revival of the former Harvey House. Hotel Castaneda probably will reopen … Continue reading Replica of Hotel Castaneda sign unveiled

Author traveling Route 66 in 1930 Ford Model A for book project

Noted author and retired professor T. Lindsay Baker is traveling Route 66 in a 1930 Ford Model A as part of research into a book he'll be writing about restaurants and dining along the Mother Road. Tulsa World columnist Ginnie Graham caught up with Baker last week in Tulsa. The article is far-ranging and ought … Continue reading Author traveling Route 66 in 1930 Ford Model A for book project

La Posada to begin restoration of east grounds, depot next month

La Posada Hotel in Winslow, Arizona, will begin a $2 million first phase of restoration of its east grounds and railroad depot in July. According to a Facebook post a few days ago from hotel owner Allan Affeldt, the project eventually will become the Winslow Arts Museum. More details: The Winslow Art Museum will explore … Continue reading La Posada to begin restoration of east grounds, depot next month

Bones of Route 66 motel being used for mining monument in Kingman

A history buff is using stones from a demolished Route 66 motel in Kingman, Arizona, to re-create a mining monument that stood more than 100 years ago in the city. C. Russell collected stones from the recently razed Bells Motel, aka Desert Lodge Apartments and Bel Air Motel, to help build a Miners Mineral Monument near … Continue reading Bones of Route 66 motel being used for mining monument in Kingman

El Garces now open for tours

El Garces, the former Harvey House in Needles, California, now is open for guided tours after a long and expensive rehabilitation in recent years. A reader passed along a new flyer that advertises tours for $5 per person. All money goes toward maintenance of El Garces. One may schedule tours by calling 760-326-2344 and asking … Continue reading El Garces now open for tours

La Posada owner commits to buying Plaza Hotel

Allan Affeldt, co-owner of the historic La Posada hotel in Winslow, Arizona, announced Tuesday night in a Facebook post that he signed a contract to buy the historic Plaza Hotel in downtown Las Vegas, New Mexico. Affeldt's wish to own the Plaza Hotel had been known for weeks. He had said owning the Plaza would … Continue reading La Posada owner commits to buying Plaza Hotel