An article in the Daily Oklahoman reiterates what we've been saying for months -- that Route 66 won't be as adversely affected by the weak U.S. economy as other tourism segments because of a boom in foreign visitors. "This year the overseas tourists are taking advantage of a weak U.S. dollar,” said Amanda Davis, Miami … Continue reading Route 66 draws in foreign travelers
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.
Atlanta’s Palms Grill should reopen by spring
The long-closed Palms Grill in downtown Atlanta, Ill., has been meticulously renovated its Route 66 glory days and should reopen by spring, reports the Peoria Journal-Star. The storefront restaurant has been restored according to a depiction in a photograph taken during the era when Johnson worked there as part of a new museum project of … Continue reading Atlanta’s Palms Grill should reopen by spring
A crash-landing near Route 66
The Hillsboro (Ill.) Journal-News has the remarkable story of two Air Force bombers that crash-landed in a field near Route 66 near Litchfield, Ill., on Feb. 15, 1945. The story was related by Terry Birkenkamp and Marge (Birkenkamp) Allen, who saw it all as children at the time. The bombers were supposed to be delivered … Continue reading A crash-landing near Route 66
Getting there
Construction on the new home of the historic Meadow Gold sign on Route 66 in Tulsa is progressing nicely. According to a release from the city, the support pavilion and metal truss system are scheduled to be completed by the end of the month. Re-erection of the Meadow Gold sign's restored neon letters will begin … Continue reading Getting there
New Mexico float in Rose Parade wins award
The state of New Mexico's float -- featuring Wile E. Coyote chasing after Road Runner on old Route 66 -- won the Bob Hope Humor Award at the 2009 Rose Parade on Thursday in Pasadena, Calif. You can see the artist's rendering of the float by Fiesta Parade Floats of Pasadena, which was contracted by … Continue reading New Mexico float in Rose Parade wins award
Swing set
I guess this proves that anything can be named after Route 66 these days. From the Amarillo Globe-News: About two dozen protesters organized by Repent Amarillo spent New Year's Eve carrying signs, singing and praying outside a business in downtown Amarillo that they claim is a swinger's club. A party organizer with the Route 66 … Continue reading Swing set
“Long May You Run”
With the new year, Neil Young's performance of this song in 1993 will serve as a message of good wishes to roadies everywhere. Young's longtime steel guitar player, Brian Keith, is on dobro. Sharp-eyed folks might see on guitar Nils Lofgren, a member of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band and a good solo act in … Continue reading “Long May You Run”
Dining in Albuquerque
The Examiner.com provides a decent overview of the wide diversity of cuisines seen in Albuquerque restaurants. The range is this -- New Mexican/Mexican, Native American, Asian, Barbecue, Brazilian and Just Plain Fun. The Route 66 Diner fills the latter. The article also says there is a "smattering" of Persian, French, and Greek. So if you … Continue reading Dining in Albuquerque
Last call coming at the Riviera
Chicago Sun-Times columnist and longtime roadie Dave Hoekstra paid a visit to The Riviera restaurant and roadhouse bar on Route 66 in Gardner, Ill., before it closes after New Year's Day. Longtime owners Bob and Peggy Kraft, both in their 80s, want to retire and haven't yet found a buyer for the property. Go read … Continue reading Last call coming at the Riviera
Motorcycle museum vandalized
Route 66 Vintage Iron, based in downtown Miami, Okla., was vandalized early Saturday when someone tossed a sledgehammer through one of the museum's front plate glass windows, reported the Miami News Record. Nothing was stolen, but two of the vintage motorcycles were damaged by the flying glass. A surveillance video is being checked by police. … Continue reading Motorcycle museum vandalized