Andrea Pruett, the longtime owner of the landmark Bagdad Cafe along Route 66 in Newberry Springs, California, died on Jan. 13. She was 85. Mead Mortuary in nearby Barstow, California, is handling arrangements, which are incomplete at this time. Many veteran Route 66 travelers have written tributes to her on social media. Her grandson, Greg … Continue reading Andrea Pruett, longtime owner of Bagdad Cafe, dies at 85
Bloomington-Normal tourism bureau announces year-long Route 66 centennial events
The Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau recently announced a yearlong celebration of the centennial of Historic Route 66 in McLean County, Illinois. From Chenoa to McLean, special events along the Mother Road — including a two-day party weekend in June — will commemorate each community's connection to the most famous highway in America, hosted … Continue reading Bloomington-Normal tourism bureau announces year-long Route 66 centennial events
Report: 15 rooms at Munger Moss Motel soon will be available for overnight stays
The Lebanon-Laclede County Route 66 Society reported that 15 rooms of the landmark Munger Moss Motel in Lebanon, Missouri, will soon be available for overnight rentals. Lebanon City Administrator Troy Schulte made the announcement at the society’s annual membership meeting, according to a Facebook post. The Dels Corp., which bought the motel following the deaths … Continue reading Report: 15 rooms at Munger Moss Motel soon will be available for overnight stays
Ideastream Public Media features Route 66 photographer David Schwartz
Ideastream Public Media recently published and uploaded a story about Ohio photographer David Schwartz, whose images will be featured in forthcoming U.S. postage stamps about Route 66's centennial. Here's the seven-minute video documentary: https://youtu.be/gAJf50T5NM8?si=tal3xL3A8UiRq-G4 Schwartz said he's made over 40 trips on Route 66 over the past two decades to document the highway. In the … Continue reading Ideastream Public Media features Route 66 photographer David Schwartz
Oklahoma Educational Television Authority airs “Route 66: The First 100 Years”
Recently, the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority debuted a 27-minute documentary, "Route 66: The First 100 Years," on many PBS stations in the Sooner State. The entire documentary can be viewed online here. Below is a trailer: https://youtu.be/flXNvvYjiN8?si=uRavDz98KO68MawA In it, you'll find many Oklahoma Route 66 authorities such as Jerry McClanahan, Jim Ross, Rhys Martin, Michael … Continue reading Oklahoma Educational Television Authority airs “Route 66: The First 100 Years”
New Mexico Route 66 Centennial Speaker Series begins on Jan. 24
The New Mexico Route 66 Centennial Speaker Series is launching on Jan. 24 in the Albuquerque metro area and will continue throughout the year. The first day of the series will have a dozen speakers lined up, with additional ones each successive month. All events are free. The lectures repeat throughout the locations. In addition … Continue reading New Mexico Route 66 Centennial Speaker Series begins on Jan. 24
Historic Highway Hustle in Illinois features three 6.6K footraces this summer
This summer, the Historic Highway Hustle will commence, which is a series of three 6.6-kilometer footraces along Route 66 in northern Illinois. The Historic Highway Hustle kicks off with the Run the Rock 6.6K at the Old Joliet Prison on May 3. Participants will weave through the historic prison grounds where towering limestone walls echo with stories of … Continue reading Historic Highway Hustle in Illinois features three 6.6K footraces this summer
Owners of St. Cloud Hotel in Chandler fighting the city’s condemnation action
The owners of the century-old St. Cloud Hotel in Chandler, Oklahoma, are contesting the city council's decision to condemn the property. According to KFOR-TV in Oklahoma City, the city council in April voted to condemn the building because it "lacks necessary repairs and is in a state of decay to such an extent, it is … Continue reading Owners of St. Cloud Hotel in Chandler fighting the city’s condemnation action
Longhorn Ranch Motel sign near Moriarty resurfaces in Tucumcari
The Longhorn Ranch Motel sign that once stood on Route 66 near Moriarty, New Mexico, recently resurfaced 150 miles to the east in Tucumcari. William Cooke posted on Facebook a few days ago: The Longhorn Ranch Motel sign is at its new home at 1010 East Route 66, Tucumcari New Mexico. . Originally built as … Continue reading Longhorn Ranch Motel sign near Moriarty resurfaces in Tucumcari
Skyliner Motel in Stroud is available for bookings after extensive renovations
The historic and remodeled Skyliner Motel in Stroud, Oklahoma, is now taking bookings for stays after Feb. 1. Bookings are available through this website. Rates are $120 a night. Here is the description of the property: Under new ownership, this classic roadside motel has been fully remodeled from the ground up, blending vintage character with … Continue reading Skyliner Motel in Stroud is available for bookings after extensive renovations