The Trade Winds Inn motel in Clinton, Oklahoma -- best known for its Elvis Room where Elvis Presley stayed during his cross-country road trips -- may be demolished with the possibility the local school district might use the property. The Clinton Daily News (subscription required) reported last week the Clinton Economic Development Authority will discuss … Continue reading Trade Winds Inn in Clinton, best known for its Elvis Room, may be demolished
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.
Frank and Lynne Kocevar’s 2022 video Christmas card
In what has become a tradition on Route 66 News, we are posting the annual video Christmas card that Frank and Lynne Kocevar shot in Arizona. The Kocevars once owned the Historic Seligman Sundries in Seligman. The latest contains footage from the recent Christmas tree lighting ceremony in downtown Williams, right along the Route 66 … Continue reading Frank and Lynne Kocevar’s 2022 video Christmas card
“Today” show to feature Route 66 Christmas Chute in Sapulpa
NBC's long-running morning "Today" show will feature the inaugural Route 66 Christmas Chute in downtown Sapulpa, Oklahoma. The Tulsa World had some of the details: Filming will be at 6:15 a.m. Friday, according to an event posting for the attraction. Those interested in taking part are asked to wear warm attire and gather at the … Continue reading “Today” show to feature Route 66 Christmas Chute in Sapulpa
Local investors, Chickasaw Nation to buy historic Skirvin Hotel in Oklahoma City
Two local investors and the Chickasaw Nation tribe are joining forces to buy the historic Skirvin Hotel in downtown Oklahoma City. Steve Lackmeyer of The Oklahoman newspaper reported Andy Burnett and Mark Beffort of Oklahoma City, who own eight other hotels across the country, will pay $32.5 million for the city's oldest hotel. Other investors … Continue reading Local investors, Chickasaw Nation to buy historic Skirvin Hotel in Oklahoma City
Conservatory, a former Irv’s Burgers site, will close permanently on New Year’s Day
Conservatory, a bar and restaurant complex in West Hollywood, California, at the former home of the iconic Irv's Burgers stand, will close for good after New Year's Eve after just four years there. LA Eater reported: Owner Paul Kalt of real estate development firm the Kalt Group says on Instagram that he’s going to “dedicate more time … Continue reading Conservatory, a former Irv’s Burgers site, will close permanently on New Year’s Day
Conceptual plans unveiled for Center of the Universe site in Tulsa
The Tulsa Downtown Partnership recently showed conceptual plans for the Center of the Universe, an odd echo-bounceback site in downtown that's near an old alignment of Route 66. According to the Tulsa World: The proposed improvements include a shade structure over the Center of the Universe, shaded seating near the north and south entrances to … Continue reading Conceptual plans unveiled for Center of the Universe site in Tulsa
Mel’s Drive-In restaurant marks its 75th anniversary
Mel's Drive-In restaurants, which includes a location at the actual western terminus of Route 66 in Santa Monica, marked its 75th birthday on Dec. 14 at its eight locations in the San Francisco and Los Angeles regions. On its birthday, the regional chain offered 75% off classic food items, including the Mel burger, country eggs, … Continue reading Mel’s Drive-In restaurant marks its 75th anniversary
The backstory of the Eagles’ seminal hit “Take It Easy”
Recently, Professor of Rock took a deep dive behind the genesis of "Take It Easy," the 1972 song co-written by Jackson Browne that became a key hit single for the Eagles and their first. The host touches on obscure facts behind the tune, then wraps it up in a poignant way with memories about his … Continue reading The backstory of the Eagles’ seminal hit “Take It Easy”
The man behind the scrap-metal elephant sculpture in Lexington
Along the side of Route 66 in Lexington, Illinois, is an 11-foot-tall elephant sculpture made of scrap metal, titled "American Standard." It's become a photo-op, as it's listed on the Roadside America website and the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway site. According to a recent profile by NPR affiliate WGLT Radio, the artist behind the … Continue reading The man behind the scrap-metal elephant sculpture in Lexington
Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau honored for Route 66 mural trail
The Illinois Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism recently honored the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau with a Cooperative Partnership award for The Last 100 Miles of Route 66 Postcard Mural Trail. More about the honor from The Alton Telegraph newspaper: Working with 12 different Route 66 communities to create a vivid Route 66 … Continue reading Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau honored for Route 66 mural trail