Route 66 sites nominated to Illinois’ Seven Wonders

This is going to be a tough choice for some Route 66 fans. The Illinois Bureau of Tourism is having the people vote on the Seven Wonders of Illinois, and Route 66 attractions are among the nominees. The voting starts with 12 nominees in each of the seven regions. The number of attractions narrow each … Continue reading Route 66 sites nominated to Illinois’ Seven Wonders

Booze and book tours don’t mix

I don't care how good this guy's math is -- this is a bad idea. Sy Nazif, author of "Never Mind the Track," plans for a month-long ride from Los Angeles to Chicago along old Route 66, and continuing on to New York City promoting his book. In the spirit of the novel, which features … Continue reading Booze and book tours don’t mix

Better-quality “Our Town” scene from “Cars”

Someone has posted a better-quality version of the "Our Town" scene from the hit summer movie, "Cars." The Academy Award-nominated song was written by Randy Newman and sung by James Taylor. The previous "Our Town" scene posted on YouTube was OK. But this one is letterboxed, with better quality and sound.

Route 66 root beer maker bought out

According to a news release, Route 66 Soda & Bottling Co. of Wilmington, Ill., was acquired by Route 66 Sodas LLC on March 1. The company was founded by Larry Tarantolo in 1996, a longtime supporter of the road. The rechistened company is led by Scott A. Cameron. The acquisition includes the soft drink formulas … Continue reading Route 66 root beer maker bought out

Storm blows down “Rattlesnakes” sign

Bob "Crocodile" Lile, president of the Texas Old Route 66 Association, reported that a severe storm blew down the historic "Rattlesnakes -- Exit Now" sign which stood for decades off old Route 66 near the Lela exit of Interstate 40. The sign advertised the Regal Reptile Ranch, which has been in ruins for many years … Continue reading Storm blows down “Rattlesnakes” sign

Town may take over Caprock Amphitheater

San Jon, a small Route 66 town in New Mexico near the Texas border, says it wants to take over the operations of the Caprock Amphitheater south of town, reports the Quay County Sun. The amphitheater, which has a concession stand, bleachers and stage, could be used for weddings and other gatherings, as it has … Continue reading Town may take over Caprock Amphitheater

Albuquerque approves funds for La Posada

A few days ago, the City of Albuquerque approved issuing $8.9 million in industrial revenue bonds to help renovate the historic La Posada de Albuquerque in downtown, reported the Albuquerque Journal. Owner Gary Goodman was supposed to reopen the hotel this spring, but renovation costs were higher than anticipated. It's now anticipated to open in … Continue reading Albuquerque approves funds for La Posada

Public service announcement

"Wild Hogs," the motorcycle-trip movie that was partly shot on Central Avenue (Route 66) in Albuquerque, opens today in theaters. It has received a dreadfully low approval rating of 19 percent so far on the Rotten Tomatoes Critics Tomatometer, and is trending downward. You have been warned.

Route 66 News banned in China

But I'm not the only Internet site about Route 66 to be blocked by China's servers. I found this from the Tulsa-based Batesline blog. There is a site, Great Firewall of China, in which you can type in a URL to find out whether China blocks the site to its citizens. There is a disclaimer … Continue reading Route 66 News banned in China