A few months ago, the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge that connects old Route 66 from Madison, Ill., to north St. Louis closed its parking lot on the Missouri side because of vandalism and burglaries. Trailnet, the nonprofit group that runs the bridge as a walking and bicycling trail, has announced that the Missouri-side parking … Continue reading Old Chain of Rocks Bridge to provide paid parking
Author: Ron Warnick
I'm the editor and publisher of Route 66 News, a clearinghouse of events, information, and entertainment pertaining to historic U.S. 66, the Mother Road.
Atlanta’s Downey Building update
The good folks of Atlanta, Ill., have been working to renovate the historic Downey Building in downtown, which is part of old Route 66. The Bloomington Pantagraph reports that a circa-1938 Palms Grill Cafe will be part of the complex and a local history museum. Around 6:30 p.m. April 24, the replica Palms Grill Café … Continue reading Atlanta’s Downey Building update
Sunset at John’s Modern Cabins
Redforkhippie has composed a thoughtful photo essay about the deteriorating ruins of John's Modern Cabins along old Route 66 west of Rolla, Mo.
Williams theme park update coming tonight
The Arizona Daily Sun in Flagstaff reports that the Williams City Council will provide an update Thursday evening about a proposed theme park. The council will hold a behind-closed-doors executive session at 6 p.m. regarding the "purchase, sale or lease of real property" for Grand Canyon Northland Amusements & Entertainment. During the council's regular meeting … Continue reading Williams theme park update coming tonight
Route 66 Malt Shop isn’t closing
Diane Avila, owner of the Route 66 Malt Shop at 1720 Central Ave. in Albuquerque, misinterpreted a legal document she received and thought she was being evicted by a landlord that is redeveloping the area. However, the restaurant is closing only temporarily as the building it occupies is renovated, reports the Albuquerque Tribune. Chris Calott … Continue reading Route 66 Malt Shop isn’t closing
Grand Canyon Skywalk opens to media
The Grand Canyon Skywalk was opened to reporters and dignitaries on Tuesday. It will be open to the public March 28. For those unfamiliar with it, the Skywalk is a gigantic, horseshoe-shaped structure made of steel and glass that juts 70 feet into the yawning canyon. You can actually see through the floor to 4,000 … Continue reading Grand Canyon Skywalk opens to media
College students bring their ideas to Mother Road
This Associated Press story tells about Oklahoma's Scenic Byways program and how its federal funds can benefit towns and attractions along Route 66. It sounds like ideas are being kicked around, such as a Will Rogers statue in Bethany and an information kiosk in El Reno that looks like a vintage gas station. The more … Continue reading College students bring their ideas to Mother Road
Albuquerque’s unusual museums
This story from the Rocky Mount Telegram in North Carolina focuses on a few of the more unusual museums that are in the Duke City, including the Turquoise Museum, the Rattlesnake Museum, the Explora children's science museum, and the Unser Racing Museum (Al Unser is a native of Albuquerque).
Stones-cold version of “Route 66”
Here's a good-quality video clip of the Rolling Stones performing Bobby Troup's classic, "Route 66," during a concert in 1976. This is the lineup that features Ron Wood on lead guitar. Nothing against Ronnie, but I'd sure like to hear previous lead guitarist Mick Taylor rip into that tune. You can skip the chit-chat after … Continue reading Stones-cold version of “Route 66”
A look back at the Roller Rapper’s tour
Robby Love, aka the Roller Rapper, has posted a montage of video clips from last year's Route 66 tour, including a few spills while roller-skating on the Mother Road that make you wonder how he kept his teeth. And here's the original music video that got the Roller Rapper's music career started. The song was … Continue reading A look back at the Roller Rapper’s tour