One of the reasons people love traveling Route 66 is the unique characters they meet. Los Angeles Times columnist Bill Plaschke reports on another such character at the Peppertree Cafe in Glendora, Calif. She's a waitress who serves sports commentary along with breakfasts, and she's become so popular that some diners wait hours for a … Continue reading The waitress on Route 66 who loves sports
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.
“A Trucker’s Christmas”
Here's a holiday tune you probably haven't heard: https://youtu.be/3uW7yjo35ik Some background behind this hunk of vinyl: Legendary country D.J. Lee Arnold recorded this C.B. themed holiday novelty in 1976 while working evening drive at WHN in New York City. I'm not sure if any other station besides Arnold's flagship was playing it. WHN originally played … Continue reading “A Trucker’s Christmas”
Applications being taken to operate Palms Grill Cafe
The Palms Grill Cafe in downtown Atlanta, Ill., is taking applications from prospective full-time managers for the historic Route 66 business, according to a news release from the Atlanta Library Board, the restaurant's owner. The restaurant closed briefly in late October after its manager, Ronda McBride, stepped down because of an ongoing battle with cancer. … Continue reading Applications being taken to operate Palms Grill Cafe
A visit to the Silver Moon Cafe
KOB-TV in Albuquerque has started a series on "iconic" New Mexico restaurants. One of them is the Silver Moon Cafe, on Route 66 in Santa Rosa. Here's the video: As for claiming it is the first place where westbound travelers can get a true taste of New Mexico, there's at least one place in Tucumcari … Continue reading A visit to the Silver Moon Cafe
New Ford Mustang tested on Route 66
The 2015 Ford Mustang coming, and it was spotted actually on a road for the first time on Route 66 in Southern California's Mojave Desert, probably near Amboy. https://youtu.be/J7Kg8SBju2E According to Car Scoops: The V8 model featured in this clip sports an updated 5.0-liter unit cranking out 420 horses and 390 lb-ft (528 Nm) of maximum … Continue reading New Ford Mustang tested on Route 66
Merry Christmas from Seligman Sundries
The good folks at Historic Seligman Sundries in Seligman, Ariz., put together this video Christmas card for everyone. https://youtu.be/YhVXTRQw2Yo Frank and Lynne Kocevar are on break, but will return to making coffees around mid-March.
Festival resumes awards banquet, starts Route 66 Walk of Fame
Organizers in Kingman, Ariz., are well into their planning of the 2014 International Route 66 Festival in August, including the resumption of the annual awards banquet and a new Route 66 Walk of Fame. Route 66 author Jim Hinckley recently emailed a brochure from organizers for the Aug. 14-17 event. You can read the brochure here (PDF … Continue reading Festival resumes awards banquet, starts Route 66 Walk of Fame
The neon at the Blue Swallow Motel
Many things make the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, N.M., distinctive. One of the big things is its neon lighting. Co-owner Kevin Mueller talks about the motel's neon in this new video from KC Keefer's "Genuine Route 66 Life" series. https://youtu.be/WqZeqixWA1Y (Night image of the Blue Swallow Motel's neon sign by Nancy L. Stockdale via … Continue reading The neon at the Blue Swallow Motel
A closer look at the MacArthur Bridge
Rich Dinkela produced this video that takes an in-depth look at the long-closed MacArthur Bridge that connects East St. Louis, Ill., to St. Louis and served as an early alignment of Route 66. The bridge also has been called the St. Louis Municipal Bridge or Free Bridge. The bridge has been fenced off and part … Continue reading A closer look at the MacArthur Bridge
Carl’s last ride on Route 66
Eighty-four-year-old Carl Johns, a nursing home resident, was asked if there was anything he wanted to do before he died. He said he wanted to ride in a 1956 Chevrolet. Apparently he always admired the car, but never was able to buy one because of family responsibilities. On Wednesday, Johns received his wish with a … Continue reading Carl’s last ride on Route 66