Pontiac, Illinois, doesn't have a Hampton Inn hotel. However, that soon will change, and much of that is because of the surge in Route 66 tourism in that town. Hampton Inns is building a 79-room hotel near Deerfield Road and Interstate 55, reported the Bloomington Pantagraph. The hotel chain projects it will be open by … Continue reading Route 66 tourism draws Hampton Inn to Pontiac
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.
The Tropics, Steve’s Cafe inducted into Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame
The Tropics Restaurant and Lounge of Lincoln, Illinois, and Steve's Cafe of Chenoa, Illinois, recently were inducted into the Route 66 Hall of Fame of Illinois. Both businesses now are defunct. Nominees must have made "significant contributions to the character or history of the Illinois portion of Route 66 from 1926 to 1977 while it … Continue reading The Tropics, Steve’s Cafe inducted into Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame
Reporter wants to track down Phillips 66 cottage stations on OKC area
A reporter for The Oklahoman newspaper in Oklahoma City wants to track down all of the old Phillips 66 cottage-style gas stations in the Oklahoma City metro area. Business writer Brianna Bailey wrote about that quest during a recent column: With their jaunty gabled roofs, chimneys, and arched entryways, there’s something that draws me to … Continue reading Reporter wants to track down Phillips 66 cottage stations on OKC area
Circle Inn Malt Shop marks 60th year
The Circle Inn Malt Shop on old Route 66 in Bourbon, Missouri, is in the midst of its 60th year in business, according to Sullivan Independent News. Originally built in 1955 by Bud and Marie Ware, the malt shop was passed on to son Bob Ware and now is currently owned and operated by 3rd … Continue reading Circle Inn Malt Shop marks 60th year
Joplin city council OKs architectural study on century-old garage
The city council of Joplin, Missouri, voted 6-3 to approve a $14,000 architectural study on a circa-1920 garage that's envisioned as a Route 66 welcome center, according to the Joplin Globe. The money for the study will come from motel tax money and be used by the Joplin Convention and Visitors Bureau. The dilapidated garage is … Continue reading Joplin city council OKs architectural study on century-old garage
Haunted House restaurant in Oklahoma City soon will reopen
The Haunted House restaurant near Route 66 in Oklahoma City reopened during the July 4 weekend with a slightly different name but the same unique decor, according to the new owner's website, its Facebook page and a recent article by Dave Cathey, food editor at The Oklahoman newspaper. In April, the restaurant was sold by … Continue reading Haunted House restaurant in Oklahoma City soon will reopen
Mr. Sam and the Arcadia Round Barn
This well-produced video is situated at the historic Round Barn in Arcadia, Oklahoma, but focuses more on the Route 66 landmark's longtime host, Mr. Sam. Arcadia from Stewart Perryman on Vimeo. Alas, Mr. Sam resigned as chairman of the Arcadia Historical Society in March. But I get the impression Mr. Sam won't stay away from … Continue reading Mr. Sam and the Arcadia Round Barn
King bridge in St. Louis closes Monday for months
The Martin Luther King Bridge that connects East St. Louis, Illinois, to St. Louis is expected to close starting Monday for months because of repairs, reported the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The bridge, built as a toll bridge in 1951, needs to have its decks rebuilt. The King Bridge, also known as the Veterans Bridge, served … Continue reading King bridge in St. Louis closes Monday for months
Former owner of Grand Canyon Cafe dies
Bill Yee, 93, an owner and operator of the historic Grand Canyon Cafe along Route 66 in downtown Flagstaff, Arizona, for more than 30 years, died June 28, according to an obituary in the Arizona Daily Sun. Diving into the obituary, Yee was not a native American, but his is the classic American success story: … Continue reading Former owner of Grand Canyon Cafe dies
New Mexico True Television focuses on Route 66
New Mexico Tourism & Travel recently uploaded two well-produced, 22-minute episodes from New Mexico True Television that focus on Route 66 in the Land of Enchantment. https://youtu.be/1uWzO_iDyqI https://youtu.be/Twh8U3AjwYY What's good about these episodes you may encounter some attractions that you may have been unaware that could help you plan your next trip on the Mother … Continue reading New Mexico True Television focuses on Route 66