The story behind Ozark Trail obelisks

The Plainview (Texas) Daily Herald posted a fascinating story about the obelisks that once dotted the length of the Ozark Trail highway system, which parts of which became early alignments of Route 66. According to the Drive The Old Spanish Trail Web site (www.drivetheost.com), various trail associations were formed early in the 20th century to … Continue reading The story behind Ozark Trail obelisks

Next on the Mother Road

Next, a fashion website based in Great Britain, recently had a film shoot on Route 66 in West Hollywood to the Mojave Desert. Here's a behind-the-scenes video: Here's the finished product: Dig the soundtrack by the Dandy Warhols.

Catching up on my biblical road trips

A reader noted that I'd missed a couple of new installments of "Route 66: A Road Trip through the Bible." The first is about the Book of Micah, in which God must be one heck of an accountant: The second is a hep-cat installment from the Book of Nahum. It reminds me why many people … Continue reading Catching up on my biblical road trips

Notes from the road

Richard Talley of the Motel Safari in Tucumcari, N.M., says a lot has been happening in his town lately. Here's what he said by e-mail (with some minor editing): Here's a shot of the new AutoPros auto care center across the street from us on Route 66 (used to be Tucumcari Tire Co., closed for years). … Continue reading Notes from the road

Bob’s last ride

Dave Bakke at the Springfield (Ill.) State Journal-Register has the details about the burial Sunday of the cremains of Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire at the family plot near Rochester, Ill. The other half of his ashes are to be released along the Mother Road. True to Bob’s wishes, some of his ashes have been … Continue reading Bob’s last ride

What’s next for the Bird Creek Bridge?

A public meeting by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation on Tuesday evening left little doubt that the historic but deteriorating Bird Creek Bridge near Catoosa will be soon closed to traffic or dismantled entirely -- the latter of which would greatly alter that scenic "Three Bridges" vista on Route 66. However, after the meeting, an … Continue reading What’s next for the Bird Creek Bridge?

Volcano disrupts Europeans’ travel to 66

I was afraid that the eruption of the Icelandic volcano that sent ash over a wide swath of Europe and grounded flights would eventually make an impact on Route 66 tourism, and it has. Ellie Alexander, tourism director for the City of Pontiac, Ill., told me by e-mail that several European travelers had to cancel … Continue reading Volcano disrupts Europeans’ travel to 66

Book review: “Appetite for America”

The last of the Harvey Houses closed more than 40 years ago, and they barely register a blip in the current public consciousness. But author Stephen Fried makes a compelling case in "Appetite for America" (Bantam, 544 pages, $27) that Fred Harvey and his restaurants and resorts made an impact on tourism, dining and the hospitality … Continue reading Book review: “Appetite for America”

A talk with the Donut Man

A reporter from the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin sat down to chat with Jim Nakano, owner of the famed Donut Man stand on Route 66 in Glendora, Calif. In a region that really likes its doughnuts, the Donut Man stands out -- especially because of its strawberry doughnut. It's a split pastry piled generously with … Continue reading A talk with the Donut Man

High-stepping

Manu Cuadra, the Frenchman who aims to walk Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica on stilts, arrived in Pontiac, Ill., on Friday evening, according to the The Community News of Pontiac. Cuadra is hoping to cover about 40 to 60 miles per day.  His entire trip is expected to take around two to two … Continue reading High-stepping