A relighting ceremony for the restored West Winds Motel neon sign in Erick, Oklahoma, is scheduled for 8 p.m. Friday, May 22. The sign has been lighted nightly since it was rejuvenated and reinstalled several weeks ago. The relighting serves as more of a celebration: More from KECO radio: The lighting ceremony will begin at … Continue reading Relighting ceremony for West Winds Motel sign in Erick set for Friday night
Son of Bottle Tree Ranch’s founder is struggling to preserve the Route 66 landmark
The son of the founder of Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch along Route 66 near Oro Grande, California, is "miserable" and struggling to maintain the site in the wake of his father's death. Elliott Long became the caretaker of the Route 66 landmark after its creator and his father, Elmer Long, died of cancer at age … Continue reading Son of Bottle Tree Ranch’s founder is struggling to preserve the Route 66 landmark
Firehouse 66 project in Clinton awarded a $650,000 Route 66 grant
The so-called Firehouse 66 project, planned for a historic fire station in Clinton, Oklahoma, recently received $656,928 through the Route 66 Revitalization Grant Program. According to the Clinton Daily News (subscription required), project architect Andrew Stone described what he wanted to do with the Works Progress Administration building. “It’s basically restoring the service of the … Continue reading Firehouse 66 project in Clinton awarded a $650,000 Route 66 grant
Route 66 exhibit opening on May 23 at Illinois State Museum in Springfield
The “Miles of Memories: Stories of Route 66” exhibit at the Illinois State Museum in Springfield is scheduled to open to the public on May 23. According to the Springfield State Journal-Register, it will show "what it was like to live, work and travel along U.S. Route 66 during its peak years, drawing on personal … Continue reading Route 66 exhibit opening on May 23 at Illinois State Museum in Springfield
Several Route 66-related books have been released in recent weeks
I've been made aware that three books -- with Route 66 as a central theme -- have been released in recent weeks, coinciding with the highway's centennial. One is Crystal Sershen's "Dust & Dreams: Roadmap of the American Soul" (Amazon affiliate link). She describes her book this way: A lyrical memoir, Dust & Dreams is told in … Continue reading Several Route 66-related books have been released in recent weeks
Albuquerque soon will unveil a large neon sign on Route 66 on the city’s east side
A 25-foot-long. double-sided neon sign will soon be installed along East Central Avenue (aka Route 66) in Albuquerque. KRQE-TV in Albuquerque reports that city councilor Renee Grout said the sign will be installed west of Tramway Boulevard. “Well, I love the silhouette of the different buildings. And then it’s going to be the backdrop is … Continue reading Albuquerque soon will unveil a large neon sign on Route 66 on the city’s east side
Oklahoma Route 66 Association’s official centennial T-shirt features Bob Waldmire artwork
The Oklahoma Route 66 Association recently announced that its 2026 Route 66 centennial T-shirt features artwork from late Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire. Waldmire, a well-traveled hippie whose intricate pen-and-ink drawings were beloved by the Route 66 community, was also the inspiration for Fillmore the Volkswagen minibus in Disney-Pixar’s 2006 "Cars" film. He was also … Continue reading Oklahoma Route 66 Association’s official centennial T-shirt features Bob Waldmire artwork
Via Booking.com, travelers can take a Route 66 road trip in a vintage car for $1
Booking.com, an Official Travel Partner of the Route 66 Centennial, is offering a road trip experience this spring that puts travelers behind the wheel of a movie-inspired classic car. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity arrives as road trips continue to rise in popularity. Booking.com's research shows the U.S. is one of the top road-trip markets in the world. … Continue reading Via Booking.com, travelers can take a Route 66 road trip in a vintage car for $1
“The mOTHER Road: Stories of the African American Experience on Route 66” to open next month
Missouri State University's new exhibit, titled "The mOTHER Road: Stories of the African American Experience on Route 66," will open June 3 at the Benton Avenue AME Church in Springfield, Missouri. The exhibit will be up through Aug. 29. The renovated church, located on the Drury University campus, is at 830 N. Benton Ave. (Google Maps … Continue reading “The mOTHER Road: Stories of the African American Experience on Route 66” to open next month
Whimsy Waypoint, which includes Flintstones-styled cabin, soon will open near Vinita
Whimsy Waypoint, which features a "The Flintstones"-inspired cabin and three other uniquely designed ones, is set to open this year a few miles east of the Route 66 town of Vinita, Oklahoma. The "Flintstones"-styled getaway is called Bedrock Grotto, containing one bath, one kitchen, a fire pit and a hot tub. It will allow up … Continue reading Whimsy Waypoint, which includes Flintstones-styled cabin, soon will open near Vinita