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.

Editorial urges more Route 66 involvement by Joplin

In an opinion piece by the Joplin (Mo.) Globe, the newspaper reports that Ron Hart of Route 66  TV Online is urging the city to pay more attention to its Route 66 roots. Hart would like to see more signs to mark the route and the use of the Route 66 logo downtown that would … Continue reading Editorial urges more Route 66 involvement by Joplin

Litchfield cafe-motel complex named to National Register

The Belvedere Cafe and Motel on 817 Old Route 66 in Litchfield, Ill., was named to the National Register of Historic Places on March 2. The Belvedere is better-known as the former home of the Route 66 Cafe before it moved down the street a few years ago. Last I heard, the restaurant building was … Continue reading Litchfield cafe-motel complex named to National Register

Pig Hip Museum destroyed by fire

The Pig Hip Museum, a longtime restaurant on Route 66 in Broadwell, Ill., before owner Ernie Edwards converted it into a museum, burned to the ground Monday, reports the Bloomington Pantagraph. I also received a forwarded e-mail from Kathy Miller, publisher and co-editor of the 66 News by the Illinois Route 66 Association: My heart … Continue reading Pig Hip Museum destroyed by fire

Route 66 sites nominated to Illinois’ Seven Wonders

This is going to be a tough choice for some Route 66 fans. The Illinois Bureau of Tourism is having the people vote on the Seven Wonders of Illinois, and Route 66 attractions are among the nominees. The voting starts with 12 nominees in each of the seven regions. The number of attractions narrow each … Continue reading Route 66 sites nominated to Illinois’ Seven Wonders

Booze and book tours don’t mix

I don't care how good this guy's math is -- this is a bad idea. Sy Nazif, author of "Never Mind the Track," plans for a month-long ride from Los Angeles to Chicago along old Route 66, and continuing on to New York City promoting his book. In the spirit of the novel, which features … Continue reading Booze and book tours don’t mix

Better-quality “Our Town” scene from “Cars”

Someone has posted a better-quality version of the "Our Town" scene from the hit summer movie, "Cars." The Academy Award-nominated song was written by Randy Newman and sung by James Taylor. The previous "Our Town" scene posted on YouTube was OK. But this one is letterboxed, with better quality and sound.

Route 66 root beer maker bought out

According to a news release, Route 66 Soda & Bottling Co. of Wilmington, Ill., was acquired by Route 66 Sodas LLC on March 1. The company was founded by Larry Tarantolo in 1996, a longtime supporter of the road. The rechistened company is led by Scott A. Cameron. The acquisition includes the soft drink formulas … Continue reading Route 66 root beer maker bought out

Storm blows down “Rattlesnakes” sign

Bob "Crocodile" Lile, president of the Texas Old Route 66 Association, reported that a severe storm blew down the historic "Rattlesnakes -- Exit Now" sign which stood for decades off old Route 66 near the Lela exit of Interstate 40. The sign advertised the Regal Reptile Ranch, which has been in ruins for many years … Continue reading Storm blows down “Rattlesnakes” sign

Town may take over Caprock Amphitheater

San Jon, a small Route 66 town in New Mexico near the Texas border, says it wants to take over the operations of the Caprock Amphitheater south of town, reports the Quay County Sun. The amphitheater, which has a concession stand, bleachers and stage, could be used for weddings and other gatherings, as it has … Continue reading Town may take over Caprock Amphitheater