The Great Rivers Greenway on Saturday held a groundbreaking ceremony for long-awaited improvements, including security additions, to the Missouri side of the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in St. Louis. Construction actually will begin early next year, with completion slated for early 2024. An artist's rendering of the Missouri side of the bridge can be … Continue reading Groundbreaking held for improvements to Old Chain of Rocks Bridge on the Missouri side
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.
Freddie’s BBQ and Steakhouse in Sapulpa to close on Dec. 31 after 60 years
Freddie’s BBQ and Steakhouse of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, one of several old-school Lebanese steakhouses that dotted the region, will close permanently on Dec. 31 after its longtime owner died earlier this year. The New Sapulpa Road (aka Route 66) restaurant on Sapulpa's north side made the announcement in a Facebook post on Sunday. It attributed the … Continue reading Freddie’s BBQ and Steakhouse in Sapulpa to close on Dec. 31 after 60 years
Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita to host another Mobil 1 world-record attempt
The Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita, Oklahoma, on Nov. 5-12 will attempt another Guinness world record with the most stickers placed on a car. The Route 66 restaurant on Friday posted on Facebook that it needs some help with the attempt: We are now looking for volunteers for two very important roles. We need:1) People to … Continue reading Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita to host another Mobil 1 world-record attempt
Hear Orson Welles perform in “The Hitchhiker” radio drama from 1942
Here's a fun 30 minutes or so for the Halloween season. It's Orson Welles using his terrific voice for "The Hitchhiker" radio drama for CBS Radio about 80 years ago. Route 66 content: A good portion of the story takes place on the Mother Road. The first line of the suspenseful tale is “I’m in … Continue reading Hear Orson Welles perform in “The Hitchhiker” radio drama from 1942
Miles of Possibility Conference names Springfield, Illinois, as host city in 2026
Route 66's centennial still is a few years away, but the annual Miles of Possibility Route 66 Conference announced this week it will hold its 11th event in Springfield, Illinois, in 2026. More from the news release: To celebrate the Route 66 centennial, the Miles of Possibility organization along with Visit Springfieldwill be creating a … Continue reading Miles of Possibility Conference names Springfield, Illinois, as host city in 2026
Restoration of Hi-Way Cafe sign among newest Route 66 Corridor cost-share grants
The restoration of the Hi-Way Cafe neon sign near Vinita, Oklahoma, was among the newest cost-share grants announced this week by the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program. Four of the grants involved neon signs. In addition to the Hi-Way, grants went to the Henning Motel sign in Newberry Springs, California; the Road Runner's Retreat sign … Continue reading Restoration of Hi-Way Cafe sign among newest Route 66 Corridor cost-share grants
Nearly century-old Krtek Building in Carthage destroyed by fire
A building that stood along Route 66 in Carthage, Missouri, for nearly a century was destroyed by fire over the weekend. The Krtek Building, built in 1927 at Grant Street and Central Avenue (aka Route 66), also was known Henson Metal Building Supply and Stanley Lumber Co. Google Street View captured an image of the … Continue reading Nearly century-old Krtek Building in Carthage destroyed by fire
Broken elevator at Grand Canyon Caverns strands people 200 feet underground for more than a day
Five people became stranded for more than 24 hours about 200 feet underground after the elevator at Grand Canyon Caverns near Peach Springs, Arizona, malfunctioned Sunday evening. According to ABC News: Several people were able to walk up the 21 flights of stairs to get out, but five others were either unable to safely do … Continue reading Broken elevator at Grand Canyon Caverns strands people 200 feet underground for more than a day
Sapulpa will open Route 66 Christmas Chute in its downtown area on Nov. 3
The elaborate and ambitious Route 66 Christmas Chute will open the evening of Nov. 3 in downtown Sapulpa, Oklahoma, on a stretch of original Route 66. The Route 66 Christmas Chute essentially is 10 themed outdoor pavilions being constructed on the outer lanes of three closed-off blocks of Dewey Avenue (aka Route 66) in Sapulpa, … Continue reading Sapulpa will open Route 66 Christmas Chute in its downtown area on Nov. 3
TeePee Drive-In theater in Sapulpa to screen movies for the first time in 20 years
The TeePee Drive-In on the west side of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, will hold screenings of movies for the first time in more than 20 years on Halloween weekend. The theater will show "Halloween End" on Friday night and "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" on Saturday. It would be the first time movies have been shown at the venue … Continue reading TeePee Drive-In theater in Sapulpa to screen movies for the first time in 20 years