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
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.
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
Frankoma Pottery to make centennial plate
Oklahoma is celebrating its centennial this year. In this story in the Tahlequah (Okla.) Daily Press, local artist Murv Jacob has designed an Oklahoma Centennial clay plate. Who is producing the plate? Why, Frankoma Pottery on Route 66 near Sapulpa, of course. The plate should be available for sale "in a couple of months."
Road to Albuquerque was a “joke”
It's hard to believe now, but from 1926 until 1937, driving Route 66 from eastern New Mexico to Albuquerque was hardly a straight line. Near Santa Rosa, one had to drive north to Santa Fe, then drop southward, following a mostly parallel path of the Rio Grande, to the Duke City. The Free New Mexican … Continue reading Road to Albuquerque was a “joke”
Don’t be a cheapskate here
The Austin Chronicle took a trip up to the Route 66 town of Groom, Texas, to eat at the Blessed Mary's Restaurant. The restaurant isn't all that different compared to others in that part of the country. You can order coffee, cheeseburgers or enchiladas -- typical diner fare. The restaurant is unique in that you … Continue reading Don’t be a cheapskate here
A lodging option for Old Town tourists
Here's a place very close to historic Route 66 and the Old Town neighborhood of Albuquerque that I was previously unaware -- Bottger Mansion of Old Town. According to this travel article in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Bottger, built in 1910, is the only survivor of four mansions built in Old Town. The B&B's … Continue reading A lodging option for Old Town tourists
Vintage gas station being restored
KOTV in Tulsa has a short article about a vintage Phillips 66 gas station in downtown being restored to its former appearance, including photos. The Vickery Phillips 66 station is located at 602 S. Elgin Ave. It's going to be converted into a rental-car business. In September 2006, it was awarded a grant from the … Continue reading Vintage gas station being restored