The long-awaited redevelopment project for the historic El Vado Motel in Albuquerque will begin by summer, reported KOAT-TV, citing sources with the city. The plan is to turn part of it into a boutique motel with an amphitheater, a pool, shops and a food court. Construction for an affordable apartment building next door will begin … Continue reading Construction on El Vado project will begin by summer
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.
Nob Hill unveils centennial mural
Nob Hill doesn't celebrate its 100th anniversary until next year, but that didn't stop the Albuquerque Route 66 neighborhood east of downtown from celebrating a bit early with a new mural, according to a report by KOAT-TV. Stretched across the side of Satellite Coffee, the mural takes viewers on a historical ride though Nob Hill, … Continue reading Nob Hill unveils centennial mural
“How to Make Your Community a Route 66 Destination Hot Spot”
By Emily Priddy Pontiac, Illinois, was struggling in 2008. The nearby Vermilion River overflowed its banks in January. A local prison closed. And the country had fallen into a recession. A year later, about 150 muralists known as the Walldogs gave the community a much-needed boost, Pontiac tourism director Ellie Alexander said during a panel … Continue reading “How to Make Your Community a Route 66 Destination Hot Spot”
China, Hollywood studios to produce “US 66” film
China-based Road Pictures and the U.S.-based Kingsgate Films are partnering on an action-comedy film titled "US 66," reported Variety magazine in an exclusive. The action comedy will be written by the Oscar-winning Roger Avary, and casting of a Chinese-American actor is proceeding. “The concept behind ‘US 66’ was to have Chinese and American protagonists who … Continue reading China, Hollywood studios to produce “US 66” film
DVD review: “Exit Zero”
The new 26-minute film "Exit Zero" doesn't so much explore the history of the Route 66 ghost town that straddles the Texas-New Mexico border as give an atmospheric look of what's there now and glimpses of what was there before. Here's the trailer for the film: https://youtu.be/0ClyUztE_FM Like Unoccupied Route 66's previous film about the deserted Painted Desert … Continue reading DVD review: “Exit Zero”
“Father of Route 66: Cy Avery”
Author Susan Croce Kelly began her "Father of Route 66: Cy Avery" presentation during the Miles of Possibility Conference in Edwardsville, Illinois, by imagining what would have happened if Edwardsville hosted a good-roads conference 100 years ago. The city, which had about 5,000 residents, probably would have drawn a number of attendees well beyond the town's … Continue reading “Father of Route 66: Cy Avery”
More Route 66 miniatures from Willem Bor
Willem Bor of the Netherlands, who has gained renown for his exacting miniatures of Route 66 landmarks, recently has completed or is about to finish three more small-scale sites on the Mother Road. Bor recently finished another Route 66 trip, which you can read here. I have to admit, the reproductions are so good, I … Continue reading More Route 66 miniatures from Willem Bor
“Route 66 in Illinois”
The "Route 66 in Illinois" presentation by Joe Sonderman and Cheryl Eichar Jett -- who co-wrote a book by the same name -- during the Miles of Possibility conference in Edwardsville, Illinois, contained a few tidbits of information even veteran roadies might not have known, such as: An explosion in 1942 at the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant … Continue reading “Route 66 in Illinois”
Williams renews Route 66 Zipline lease for five years
The Route 66 Zipline in Williams, Arizona, which had a cloudy future as recently as 18 months ago, was renewed for a five-year lease last month, according to the Williams News. The final vote was 4-3, with the mayor casting the tie-breaker. Logan Checketts' Route 66 Zipline, which takes riders over downtown Williams and the Route … Continue reading Williams renews Route 66 Zipline lease for five years
“Route 66 Bicycle Tourism”
By Emily Priddy Route 66 communities looking for ways to attract tourists with a fondness for mom-and-pop businesses might want to start courting cyclists. S.J. Morrison, director of marketing and planning for Madison County Transit in Illinois, said trail users in his area spend an average of more than $30 each at restaurants, gas stations … Continue reading “Route 66 Bicycle Tourism”