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.

Root around on Route 66

Xeltifon works as a doorman in Albuquerque and writes a blog called Random Musings, Cont'd. Today, he waxes ecstatic about a blue-cheese green chile burger he ate at a place on Central Avenue. It's right up there with the Owl Cafe in San Antonio in terms of sheer distinctiveness -- I've never encountered anything like it … Continue reading Root around on Route 66

Chow down the Big Texan’s history

Kathy Weiser, who owns the very cool Legends of America site, also has a Legends of America blog. Today, she writes about the storied history of the Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo, of the "free 72-ounce steak if you eat it in an hour" fame. Check it out.

Route 66 artwork holds exhibit’s center stage

The Associated Press is reporting that about 150 pieces of art from Los Angeles' Bohemian art scene of the 1960s are going on display at a high-rise residential tower in L.A. That includes the centerpiece -- Dennis Hopper's Route 66 photograph titled "Double Standard," shown above (hat tip to Art Collections for Educators). Hopper, as … Continue reading Route 66 artwork holds exhibit’s center stage

“Disgusting” El Vado for sale for $3.25 million

Owner Richard Gonzales testifed under oath during Landmarks Commission hearings that El Vado Motel on Albuquerque's Route 66 was "disgusting" and "not viable." But I got word today from an Albuquerque source that I trust implicitly that Gonzales has put the "disgusting" and "not viable" El Vado up for sale with an asking price of … Continue reading “Disgusting” El Vado for sale for $3.25 million

Council will decide on El Vado on Feb. 6

Ed Boles with the City of Albuquerque today said the recommendation to designate El Vado Motel on Route 66 a city landmark will be introduced at the next council meeting Jan. 18 and the council will vote on it Feb. 6. You can use this handy contact form to let the councilors know you want … Continue reading Council will decide on El Vado on Feb. 6

Fat Man will be on “Today Show”

Steve Vaught, who's walking across American in an effort to lose weight, says on his thefatmanwalking.com home page today that he will appear on NBC's "Today Show" on Wednesday, Jan. 18. There's no mention of what time slot. On for his journal, he writes that he's been dealing with physical problems (that mostly have been … Continue reading Fat Man will be on “Today Show”

Postcards from the Mojave

Ace Jackalope from the lope blog took a trip in August on Route 66 through the Mojave Desert towns of Essex and Amboy. The photographs alone make it worth visiting the site. But Ace also added some history to it as well, including the horrifically bad idea in the 1960s of nuking the mountains in … Continue reading Postcards from the Mojave

Profile of the owner of Barney’s Beanery

The Palisadian-Post weekly newspaper of Pacific Palisades, Calif., published a terrific article about David Houston, the owner of Barney's Beanery, a Route 66 institution in West Hollywood. The article also contains tidbits about Barney's history, including with original owner John "Barney" Anthony, who started the restaurant on Santa Monica Boulevard in 1927. The area was … Continue reading Profile of the owner of Barney’s Beanery

Arms around the armory

The Daily Oklahoman has a story about a "human chain" at 11 a.m. Saturday to kick off the restoration of a historic National Guard armory in Chandler, Okla. The building will be converted into a Route 66 interpretive center, and it's hoped to be open in about a year. The building also will serve as … Continue reading Arms around the armory