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.

Highway of Broken Dreams — past tense

It was depressing to read Peter Kenter's story, "Highway of Broken Dreams," in the National Post of Canada about a trip he took on Route 66. He tells about how "hope gave way to despair." Finally ... ... Flagstaff, Arizona ... ... Don't forget Winona... As a matter of fact, we did forget Winona. And … Continue reading Highway of Broken Dreams — past tense

Virtual road trip

Andrew Wood completed a full-length trip of Route 66 a few weeks ago, and he's put his musings and adventures on a Web site here. It's chock-full of good writing and a ton of hyperlinked photos. Be prepared to spend a couple of fun hours on it. Wood, by the way, is the author of … Continue reading Virtual road trip

Wigwam makes list of Top 10 novelty hotels

This is getting to be old hat for the Wigwam Motel, but it recently made the "Our Favorite Novelty Hotels" list for Frommer's, the well-known international travel guide. Frommer's cited the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Ariz. It said: As someone who edits a number of travel guides each year, I often find myself wishing I … Continue reading Wigwam makes list of Top 10 novelty hotels

Upcoming book about Route 66 trip optioned for film

Michael Zadoorian has written a novel about a Route 66 trip, "The Leisure Seekers," that's not going to be published for almost another year, but it's already been optioned for film rights, says the Hollywood Reporter. The project, which has echoes of "The Bucket List" and "About Schmidt," revolves around an elderly couple who, to … Continue reading Upcoming book about Route 66 trip optioned for film

Michael Martin Murphey to perform benefit for Route 66 center

Michael Martin Murphey, best-known for his hits "What's Forever For" and "Wildfire," will perform a solo show in the historic Armory building in Chandler, Okla., at 7 p.m. Sunday, reports the Tulsa World. General admission tickets are $20 each, with reserved seating $30 each. All proceeds will go toward the Route 66 Interpretive Center, which … Continue reading Michael Martin Murphey to perform benefit for Route 66 center

So much for a good-ol’-boy network

Here's something I didn't know about the Route 66 town of McLean, Texas -- its mayor and five (ahem) aldermen are all women. According to the Associated Press, it's the only town in which all the elected officials are female. And, boy, there are some great quotes with that story: "We have people skills, and … Continue reading So much for a good-ol’-boy network

“Cars” sequel is confirmed; it will be in 3-D

Ending years of speculation, Disney-Pixar announced today that the sequel to the 2006 summer hit movie, "Cars," will be released in summer 2012. The movie prominently featured Route 66. And get this -- "Cars 2" will be released in 3-D format -- along with at least nine other Disney films over the next four years, … Continue reading “Cars” sequel is confirmed; it will be in 3-D

Arizona agency expands Route 66 redevelopment program

The first two paragraphs in a story in the Kingman (Ariz.) Daily Miner contains a subtle, but important, difference, with my emphasis in bold: KINGMAN - Kingman will host a conference to explore economic redevelopment opportunities for contaminated properties in all northern Arizona communities along historic Route 66. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, the … Continue reading Arizona agency expands Route 66 redevelopment program

Tucumcari applies for racetrack-casino

An application for a proposed horse-racing track and casino in the Route 66 town of Tucumcari, N.M., was officially filed on Friday, reports the Quay County Sun. Coronado Partners is the group applying for the state licenses. The racetrack and casino, called Coronado Park, would be on Route 66. Coronado Park would sport a one-mile … Continue reading Tucumcari applies for racetrack-casino