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.

Pontiac tries to save its prison

The Associated Press has published a very good story about the Route 66 town of Pontiac, Ill., and its efforts to keep the state from shutting down its prison. The article spells out the stakes: The roughly 12,000 people here find themselves in a struggle for their economic lives as they try to talk Illinois … Continue reading Pontiac tries to save its prison

Jazz group will tour Mother Road

It looks like another band is touring Route 66 in a few days. Joel Clemons and the Lemons, a jazz-fusion group based out of the Los Angeles area, will be undertaking its Route 66 Music Tour (site best seen in Internet Explorer) in a matter of days. From the Web site: ROUTE 66 MUSIC TOUR, … Continue reading Jazz group will tour Mother Road

“Sh-Boom”

A great scene in "Cars" from the fictional Route 66 town of Radiator Springs. A lot of people who didn't understand the allure of neon lighting "got it" after that scene. Music by The Chords, on what is arguably the first rock 'n' roll song.

Taking the Big Texan challenge

Kevin Connolly of BBC News Magazine decides to take the 72-ounce challenge at the Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo, Texas. As I prepared for my own attempt to consume 72oz (that's 4.5lb or just over two kilos) of beef in less than an hour - together with a prawn cocktail, a roll, salad and … Continue reading Taking the Big Texan challenge

Band to embark on a Route 66 tour

The Lost Dogs, a country-rock band based out of Nashville, will take a road trip on Route 66 in September and play a few gigs along the way. A news release from the band explains things: While visiting some of the most interesting places in America, their experiences will be captured in music and film. … Continue reading Band to embark on a Route 66 tour

Supai attractions damaged by flood

No one was injured or killed in the flooding in the Grand Canyon earlier this week. But there's little doubt the damage caused will hurt tourism in the small canyon floor village of Supai, Ariz. Reports the Arizona Republic: The trails leading to the village are not passable. The bridges crossing Havasu Creek are washed … Continue reading Supai attractions damaged by flood

Book review: “Fading Nostalgia: Polaroid Adventures on Route 66”

In an era where digital has become the dominant photography format, old-school cameras such as Holga, Diana and even Polaroid have made unexpected comebacks. These so-called lomographers like them because of their unpredictable images and often-vivid color. So when photographer Christopher Robleski (see his work here) told me about his new book "Fading Nostalgia: Polaroid … Continue reading Book review: “Fading Nostalgia: Polaroid Adventures on Route 66”

Dinner at White Dog Hill

Emily and I recently went to dinner at White Dog Hill ("Come for the view ... stay for the food") near Clinton, Okla. -- our first proper meal there since it opened last summer. It was very good. If you want to read more about it, surf on over to Route66Food.com for the review.

Yes, the Big Rocker actually rocks

On Monday, the owner of the World's Largest Rocker decided to show the world -- and the Guinness Book of World Records -- that his big rocking chair really does rock. Dan Sanazaro, owner of the Fanning U.S. 66 Outpost & General Store in the Route 66 hamlet of Fanning, Mo., installed the 42-foot-tall rocking … Continue reading Yes, the Big Rocker actually rocks