Fewer international travelers came to the United States during the first quarter of 2017. But two Route 66 landmarks that keep visitor records reported stable or higher numbers for the year to date over the previous year. U.S. Department of Commerce data show a decrease of 4.2 percent of international visitors during the first three … Continue reading Is Route 66 immune from the international travel slump?
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.
Dozens protest plan to demolish Classen Circle
Representatives from Braum's got an earful from dozens of people Monday night who protested the Oklahoma company's plan to demolish historic Classen Circle in Oklahoma City to make way for one of its restaurants. However, Braum's reps said the company would move forward with the plan after meeting with its officials to report the details … Continue reading Dozens protest plan to demolish Classen Circle
George Strait concert booked in Tulsa with a Route 66 twist
The BOK Center in Tulsa announced Monday that country-music superstar George Strait would perform a concert there June 2, 2018. But it's not just any concert. Strait retired from touring a few years ago and plays only a handful of dates annually. He's booked only two shows in 2018, so this will be a hot … Continue reading George Strait concert booked in Tulsa with a Route 66 twist
Interior Secretary recommends no changes to Mojave Trails National Monument
Ryan Zinke, the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, recommended shrinking six national monuments after a review ordered by President Donald Trump. But the Mojave Trails National Monument wasn't one of them, nor did Zinke recommend any other changes to the Southern California site in his memo. The Zinke's report to the president wasn't supposed to … Continue reading Interior Secretary recommends no changes to Mojave Trails National Monument
Co-owner of Irv’s Burgers in West Hollywood dies
Sean Hong, co-owner of irv's Burgers in West Hollywood, California, died Sept. 3 of an unexpected medical issue. The death led to the temporary closing of the Route 66 restaurant until Sept. 25, according to a post on the restaurant's Facebook page. Hong's private funeral is Thursday. WeHoville.com reported: A sign posted on the door … Continue reading Co-owner of Irv’s Burgers in West Hollywood dies
Angel Delgadillo appears in “We Blew It” documentary
Angel Delgadillo, known as the Guardian Angel of Route 66, makes a prominent appearance in the French-directed documentary "We Blew It," that examines the long-lasting effects of the turbulent 1960s. "We Blew It," directed by Jean-Baptiste Thoret, gets its title from a line uttered by Peter Fonda near the end of the now-classic 1969 counterculture film … Continue reading Angel Delgadillo appears in “We Blew It” documentary
Leon Russell’s Church Studio named to National Register
Church Studio in Tulsa, once owned by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Leon Russell, recently earned a designation to the National Register of Historic Places. The designation became effective Sept. 8, according to an email Friday from the National Park Service. It had been widely expected after its National Register submission to Washington … Continue reading Leon Russell’s Church Studio named to National Register
What to do about the deteriorating Hotel Beale in Kingman?
The century-old Hotel Beale and its rooftop sign in downtown Kingman, Arizona, are one of the most-photographed landmarks in the city, but it has been closed for nearly 20 years and deteriorating because of it apparently neglectful and intractable owner. Kingman Daily Miner columnist Hubble Ray Smith lays out the problems with Hotel Beale, citing … Continue reading What to do about the deteriorating Hotel Beale in Kingman?
Illinois governor to lead motorcycle ride on Route 66 from Chicago area to Springfield
Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner will lead his annual Governor's Ride to Springfield of motorcycles on Sept. 23, this time on Route 66 from Chicagoland, The DuKane and Lincoln Land A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois chapters are the official escorts for the ride, according to news release from the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway. The ride's finish Sept. … Continue reading Illinois governor to lead motorcycle ride on Route 66 from Chicago area to Springfield
Two big bicycle events to roll across Route 66 in Missouri, Oklahoma
Two large bicycle events are set for hundreds of miles of Route 66 in Missouri and Oklahoma in 2018, and Joplin, Missouri, plays a vital role in both. The annual Oklahoma Freewheel, after beginning in June 10 in the eastern Texas Panhandle, will end its tour June 16 in Joplin. The annual Big BAM, or … Continue reading Two big bicycle events to roll across Route 66 in Missouri, Oklahoma