Chicago Sun-Times columnist and longtime roadie Dave Hoekstra was asked to create a blue plate special. The term "blue plate special" came from the low-cost meals served by Fred Harvey Restaurants starting in the 1890s. But no, Hoekstra wasn't asked to fix dinner in the kitchen. He was one of nearly 50 Chicago residents who … Continue reading Blue plate specials
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.
Get a room at the Wagon Wheel soon
If you're traveling through the Ozarks during the holiday season, it may be wise to stay one night at the Wagon Wheel Motel on Route 66 in Cuba, Mo. The historic motel will continue to be operational and offer its amazingly inexpensive $17-a-night rooms for at least the next few weeks. But James Armstrong, son … Continue reading Get a room at the Wagon Wheel soon
Route 66 supporter honored by Wilmington chamber
The Wilmington (Ill.) Chamber of Commerce named Scott Cameron, owner of the Camz of Wilmington retro store, its Business Person of the Year, reports the Joliet Herald News. Here's the lowdown: Chamber President Eric Fisher said Cameron was selected for the honor because of his "commitment to bringing together the downtown merchants." Cameron was also … Continue reading Route 66 supporter honored by Wilmington chamber
Barney’s Beanery in Burbank reviewed
LA.com posted a fairly comprehensive and mostly positive review of the Barney's Beanery restaurant in Burbank, Calif. Barney's also has locations in Pasadena, Santa Monica and the original in West Hollywood, and has been a Route 66 fixture since 1927. A couple of things the article reports that are worth mentioning: Barney's menu is a … Continue reading Barney’s Beanery in Burbank reviewed
Meadow Gold sign will be re-erected next month
The Tulsa World today posted an update about the historic Meadow Gold sign on Route 66 in Tulsa, which was dismantled and put into storage several years ago after a local car dealership threatened to raze it. The new, brick pedestal on which the sign will sit is nearly done, and the re-erection of the … Continue reading Meadow Gold sign will be re-erected next month
Riviera set to close after New Year’s Day
A Route 66 icon, The Riviera Restaurant, in Gardner, Ill., is set to close after many years. Here's an e-mail from Route 66 advocate Lenore Weiss: The health and ages of Bob & Peggy Kraft, our most gracious host and hostess of the Riviera for over 36 years, are forcing them to close the doors. Unfortunately … Continue reading Riviera set to close after New Year’s Day
Fire destroys Bristow Motor Co. building
The historic Bristow Motor Co. building on Route 66 in Bristow, Okla., was destroyed by fire Thursday afternoon, reported the Daily Oklahoman. The building, built in 1923 at 500 N. Main St., was a Bolin Ford dealership. The Tulsa World reports that one firefighter was injured, but not seriously. The fire began in a car … Continue reading Fire destroys Bristow Motor Co. building
Movie-star sighting
Jaunted.com reports that "Men Who Stare at Goats," starring George Clooney, is currently filming a segment at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. The campus is right on Route 66. WizbangPop.com reports that the dark comedy also stars Ewan McGregor, Kevin Spacey and Jeff Bridges. WENN reports that Spacey and Clooney were treated to … Continue reading Movie-star sighting
Travel Channel host takes a bite out of Amarillo
KAMR-TV of Amarillo reports that Adam Richman, host of the Travel Channel's "Man v. Food," was in Amarillo recently for a taping of a tour of the city's most notable restaurants. Richman's chow-down schedule included \such Route 66 stalwarts as the Golden Light Cafe and the Big Texan Steak Ranch, the latter at which he … Continue reading Travel Channel host takes a bite out of Amarillo
A tour of Seligman
This is a "virtual tour" of the Route 66 town of Seligman, Ariz., put together by a Realtor. It misses a few places, such as the Copper Cart and Angel Delgadillo's barbershop. But it captures the flavor of Seligman well enough.