A small test program for a solar-powered walkway at a Route 66-themed rest stop in Conway, Missouri, remains in limbo after the state couldn't reach an agreement with the Idaho contractor. St. Louis Public Radio reports the Missouri Department of Transportation had concerns about whether Solar Roadways would meet its obligations after striking an initial … Continue reading Solar walkway project in Missouri hits a snag
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.
Oklahoma now has a Route 66 license plate for motorcycles
The state of Oklahoma, effective last week, began to offer Route 66 license plates for motorcycle owners, and each purchase of one will benefit the Oklahoma Route 66 Association. According to a news release from association executive director Marilyn Emde: The final design is pending approval by the State. The design has a Route 66 … Continue reading Oklahoma now has a Route 66 license plate for motorcycles
The story behind the rise of The Road Crew
Bandleader Joe Loesch recently uploaded a series of four videos about the genesis of The Road Crew, a quartet that's written a slew of Route 66-related songs and performed at Route 66 events and festivals. It's fascinating, because the videos show Loesch's roots with the Mother Road are deeper than you might expect, dating all … Continue reading The story behind the rise of The Road Crew
Powerhouse Visitors Center in Kingman finishes renovations
The Powerhouse Visitors Center in Kingman, Arizona, late last month finished $250,000 in remodeling officials believe will increase the facility's revenue. The Kingman Daily Miner reported the city funded the renovations, along with contributions from the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona. The same contractor, T.R. Orr, performed initial renovations on the facility 20 years ago. … Continue reading Powerhouse Visitors Center in Kingman finishes renovations
Tally’s Good Food Cafe opening second location in Tulsa
Tally's Good Food Cafe, a Tulsa Route 66 landmark for 30 years, is opening a second restaurant in the southern part of the city. But dont' worry -- Tally's will continue to operate at its Route 66's 11th Street site at Yale Avenue. Here's the story from Fox23 in Tulsa: The second Tally's at … Continue reading Tally’s Good Food Cafe opening second location in Tulsa
Formosa Cafe wins Partners in Preservation grant
The Formosa Cafe in West Hollywood, California, and 10 other historic sites -- including a fire station in Las Vegas, New Mexico -- earned Partners in Preservation: Main Streets grants after a monthlong online vote by the public to decide the winners. The 11 sites will receive a total of $1.5 million in grants to … Continue reading Formosa Cafe wins Partners in Preservation grant
Lexington hosting tour of three businesses Saturday
The city of Lexington, Illinois, is hosting a tour and specials Saturday for three new businesses in town along its Route 66 corridor. The town is known for its Memory Lane of original Route 66 and its neon arrow directing travelers on newer Route 66 into its downtown. According to a news release from the … Continue reading Lexington hosting tour of three businesses Saturday
Grants microbrewery fighting trademark lawsuit over its Route 66 name
The Route 66 Junkyard Brewery in Grants, New Mexico, is being sued by a European firm that claims to own the "Route 66" trademark and name for its beer. Because Henry Lackey's Grants brewery is on a junkyard on Route 66, he wants to keep the name and vows to fight the suit from Lodestar Anstalt, … Continue reading Grants microbrewery fighting trademark lawsuit over its Route 66 name
La Castaneda shoots for a summer 2019 reopening
Allan Affeldt, known for restoring La Posada in Winslow, Arizona, is hoping for a summer 2019 reopening of his latest project, La Castaneda in Las Vegas, New Mexico. The Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper published a long article about the former Harvey House restaurant and hotel built in 1898. Affeldt so far has spent about … Continue reading La Castaneda shoots for a summer 2019 reopening
Mitla Cafe in San Bernardino marks 80th year
The Milta Cafe, one of the oldest Mexican restaurants in the Los Angeles metro area, market its 80th birthday earlier this month. According to the San Bernardino County Sun, the San Bernardino restaurant marked the milestone with a banquet attended by 200 longtime patrons, family members and musician Poncho Sanchez. Commemorative pins, mugs and shot glasses … Continue reading Mitla Cafe in San Bernardino marks 80th year