Using the upcoming Illinois Route 66 Red Carpet Weekend as a jumping-off point, the Bloomington Pantagraph takes a look at the current state of the Mother Road in the Land of Lincoln. And despite current problems like a faltering economy and high fuel prices, the future of Route 66 looks bright. "International travelers come from … Continue reading State of the road in Illinois
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.
‘American Idol’ contestant to perform at Berdoo Bikes fest
Amanda Overmyer, a recently deposed contestant on this season's "American Idol," will perform a show during the inaugural Berdoo Bikes & Blues Festival in San Bernardino, Calif., according to a news release today. Opening ceremonies will include her version of the Star Spangled Banner on Friday, May 2, on the Time Warner "D" Street stage … Continue reading ‘American Idol’ contestant to perform at Berdoo Bikes fest
Piano and voice
Here's singer-actress Priscilla Basque singing Bobby Troup's "Route 66" with Lee Stewart on piano. Basque is with the Hawaii music group Hot Lava 808.
Building in Chicago named to National Register
This is going to be obscure except for the most rabid of Route 66 enthusiasts in the Windy City. But it was announced a couple of days ago that the International Tailoring Company Building at 847 W. Jackson Blvd. in Chicago was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. It's also known as the … Continue reading Building in Chicago named to National Register
Lake Overholser Bridge
I can't tell whether this video is from someone hanging a camera out the car window or attaching it to a bicycle. But this is footage of someone crossing the Lake Overholser Bridge. It was built west of Oklahoma City in 1924, predating Route 66. But it became a prominent alignment of the Mother Road. … Continue reading Lake Overholser Bridge
Two roadside attraction designations added in Lincoln
The Mill restaurant and the Postville Courthouse State Historic Site in Lincoln, Ill., saw "Route 66 Roadside Attraction" signs erected at those sites this week, reported the Bloomington Pantagraph. A small ceremony was held at each landmark as Ladd christened the new signs with an official bottle of Route 66 Root Beer. He was joined … Continue reading Two roadside attraction designations added in Lincoln
Sunny tones
This is Nancy Williams and the SunTones playing Bobby Troup's "Route 66." One of the guitarists also has to double as a harmonica player.
Prime the pumps
The gas pumps at Roy's in Amboy, Calif., began working again in earnest on Thursday, reports the Inland Press-Enterprise. Hundreds of travelers, including motorcyclists on the annual Laughlin River Run, stopped in to cool off with sodas and water and to fuel their vehicles. Even before Okura formally reopened the restored gas station at 11:30 … Continue reading Prime the pumps
A taste of summer
Here's a video tribute to a Route 66 legend in St. Louis -- Ted Drewes Frozen Custard. It's the best place for frozen treats on the Mother Road, and maybe anywhere. Music is "The Sweetest Thing" by U2.
Nightclub on wheels
The Route 66 Casino Hotel near Albuquerque is constantly trying promotional gimmicks to draw customers. This one, I admit, is unique. It's a miniature replica of the casino's KXX nightclub -- complete with dancers, a bar, a dance floor, lounge chairs and disco lighting -- in a self-contained, street-legal truck. The party truck recently cruised … Continue reading Nightclub on wheels