Government shutdown closes several sites on or near Route 66

The ongoing shutdown by the U.S. federal government shuttered National Park Service sites on or near Route 66 this weekend, with no resolution in sight. An exception is Grand Canyon National Park, which remains accessible because of a partnership with the state of Arizona. Businesses there that include lodging, restaurants and retail stay open. Within … Continue reading Government shutdown closes several sites on or near Route 66

Route 66 Village Visitors Center in Tulsa may be finished by spring

The Route 66 Village Visitors Center under construction in southwest Tulsa probably will be finished by springtime, according to a report on a variety of Route 66 projects in Tulsa. Tulsa World columnist John Klein reported the visitors center, designed to look like a vintage gas station, should be finished in a few months. According … Continue reading Route 66 Village Visitors Center in Tulsa may be finished by spring

Premiere of “Breaking Bad” marks 10th anniversary

Ten years ago today, the first episode of the acclaimed AMC drama "Breaking Bad" aired. Although "Breaking Bad" -- now considered one of the best dramas in television history -- concluded its run more than four years ago, "Breaking Bad" fans continue to flock to Albuquerque to see its shooting sites, including a few on … Continue reading Premiere of “Breaking Bad” marks 10th anniversary

ROUTE Magazine teases cover image of inaugural issue

This week, the folks at ROUTE Magazine teased out an image of the cover of its first issue, which is slated to land in bookstores across America in a matter of days. Brennen Matthews, who is shepherding the bimonthly, Route 66-centered magazine, said in an email Friday: The magazines will be in motels and hotels … Continue reading ROUTE Magazine teases cover image of inaugural issue

Fire damages Silver Spur Motel in Amarillo

A fire Thursday morning damaged the historic Silver Spur Motel in Amarillo, Texas, causing about $60,000 in losses. The motel, noted for its vintage cowboy-boot neon sign, is at 4011 Amarillo Blvd. East (aka Route 66). According to a local television station, the fire began about 11 a.m.: Officials say the owner of the motel … Continue reading Fire damages Silver Spur Motel in Amarillo

Joplin History Guide re-released and expanded

The Joplin (Missouri) Convention and Visitors Bureau expanded and re-released its Joplin History Guide -- the first update to that free publication in 15 years. According to the Joplin Globe newspaper: The guide is is not entirely new but is an enlarged version of one that was printed for the convention bureau in 2003. "It's … Continue reading Joplin History Guide re-released and expanded

Architect of Tulsa’s Rose Bowl dies at 93

Bill Ryan, a longtime Tulsa architect who designed the distinctive Rose Bowl bowling center and other landmarks in that city, died Saturday. He was 93. Ryan began his career in 1953 after graduating from the University of Oklahoma. He also designed East Central High School in 1964 (another Route 66 landmark in Tulsa) and many … Continue reading Architect of Tulsa’s Rose Bowl dies at 93

Route 66: The Road Ahead board meeting, stakeholder reception set for next month

The Route 66: The Road Ahead Partnership's board of directors will hold its annual meeting next month in Tulsa, along with a reception for stakeholders and a partnership update after the meeting. The meeting will be Feb. 16 and 17 at the Tulsa City County Library at 400 Civic Center (map here) in downtown Tulsa. The … Continue reading Route 66: The Road Ahead board meeting, stakeholder reception set for next month

Rocket launch near Amboy now set for Feb. 3

"Mad" Mike Hughes, whose quest in November to launch a self-made, steam-powered rocket over Amboy, California, was halted because he lacked a permit, set a new date for blastoff -- 3 p.m. Feb. 3, the day before the Super Bowl. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management, upon learning of Hughes' bid less than a week … Continue reading Rocket launch near Amboy now set for Feb. 3

Classen Circle site sold, avoids wrecking ball

Two area businessmen purchased the Classen Circle business complex in Oklahoma City a few months after the historic site was slated to be torn down for a Braum's ice cream and grocery store. The Oklahoman newspaper reported Classen Circle LLC, owned by Josh Thomas and Scott Mueller, closed Friday on the $1.3 million purchase of … Continue reading Classen Circle site sold, avoids wrecking ball