UFO on Route 66?

Apparently someone reported seeing a mysterious cigar-shaped aircraft in the Mojave Desert settlement of Amboy, Calif. Here's the report posted at the National UFO Reporting Center. I wonder whether this was seen in the vicinity also. 

“Ghost Light” short will be in “Cars” DVD

Best-selling author Michael Wallis has confirmed that a Pixar animated short based on the real-life "Spooklight" near Route 66 in Kansas will be included with the eventual "Cars" movie DVD. Wallis voices the part of the sheriff in the "Cars" full-length movie, set to be released wide on June 9. He and his character, along … Continue reading “Ghost Light” short will be in “Cars” DVD

Coliseum Ballroom in Benld is for sale

The historic Coliseum Ballroom, located on the 1926-34 alignment of Route 66 in Benld, Ill., is for sale, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The asking price: $210,000.  And maybe, just maybe, the Coliseum will be returned to its original incarnation -- a live-music venue. And both of two prospective buyers would like to see … Continue reading Coliseum Ballroom in Benld is for sale

State Farm is touting “Cars”

It looks like State Farm Insurance has become a major sponsor of Pixar's "Cars" movie, according to the Auto Channel. This makes some sense, as State Farm is based in the Route 66 town of Bloomington, Ill. State Farm's CARS promotion is underway with this week's launch of the "State Farm Countdown to CARS" Giveaway, … Continue reading State Farm is touting “Cars”

Funks Grove general store will reopen

This is great news. The Bloomington Pantagraph is reporting that the long-closed general store near the railroad tracks in the Route 66 settlement of Funks Grove, Ill., will reopen this weekend as Anna Rey's at Funks Grove Country Store. The store, which opened in 1913, had been shuttered for about 30 years. It will be … Continue reading Funks Grove general store will reopen

The countdown begins …

ComingSoon.net has an exclusive look at a countdown poster for Pixar's "Cars" movie, which roars into theaters on June 9. In related news, "Cars" will be a sponsor for the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, Calif., this weekend, according to ILikeRacing.com.  

Illinois Route 66 bike trail project may be delayed

The Bloomington Pantagraph is reporting that funding delays may put two major bicycle trail projects in Illinois on hold -- including the Route 66 Bikeway. I've excerpted a chunk of the story here, but it looks like you can blame the state and Washington for the problems.  Officials expected IDOT to announce grants by late … Continue reading Illinois Route 66 bike trail project may be delayed

Help wanted

Our good friend Jack Patel, who runs the well-preserved Desert Hills Motel on Route 66 in Tulsa, is looking for part-time office help (answering phones, checking in guests, etc.) for evenings. Apply in person; make an appointment by calling 918-834-3311.

Here are damage photos of Pacific Liquors sign

Kent Sanderson sent photos of the former 66 Liquors sign in Pacific, Mo., after it was heavily damaged by the severe storms that wreaked havoc in the Midwest last week. Damage to the sign was initially reported here. Here's a "before" shot of the sign: Here are the "after" shots: The Route 66 Association of … Continue reading Here are damage photos of Pacific Liquors sign

Trout Fishing in Miami

Route 66 got a hefty dose of music and humor Tuesday night as the Coleman Theatre Beautiful in Miami, Okla., hosted Trout Fishing in America. Trout, for the uninitiated, is a two-man folk band made up of guitarist Ezra Idlet and bass player Keith Grimwood. The pair, who look about like Mutt and Jeff (Idlet … Continue reading Trout Fishing in Miami