Arizona fee increase may jeopardize Winslow projects

A twentyfold increase in administration fees by the Arizona Department of Transportation may threaten Renaissance on Route 66 projects planned by the city of Winslow, according to the Arizona Journal. Winslow city councilors discussed the problem this week. Renaissance projects include beautifying and improving safety on Route 66 through town and a performance plaza at the Standin' on a Corner … Continue reading Arizona fee increase may jeopardize Winslow projects

Bloomington ponies up big dough for Route 66 museum

The McLean County Museum of History in downtown Bloomington, Illinois, this week received $250,000 donation spread over five years for a capital campaign for the museum, which includes a new and prominent Cruisin' with Lincoln on Route 66 visitors center, reported WJBC radio. “It’ll go to some very significant upgrades using digital technology, as well … Continue reading Bloomington ponies up big dough for Route 66 museum

Nob Hill unveils centennial mural

Nob Hill doesn't celebrate its 100th anniversary until next year, but that didn't stop the Albuquerque Route 66 neighborhood east of downtown from celebrating a bit early with a new mural, according to a report by KOAT-TV. Stretched across the side of Satellite Coffee, the mural takes viewers on a historical ride though Nob Hill, … Continue reading Nob Hill unveils centennial mural

“How to Make Your Community a Route 66 Destination Hot Spot”

By Emily Priddy Pontiac, Illinois, was struggling in 2008. The nearby Vermilion River overflowed its banks in January. A local prison closed. And the country had fallen into a recession. A year later, about 150 muralists known as the Walldogs gave the community a much-needed boost, Pontiac tourism director Ellie Alexander said during a panel … Continue reading “How to Make Your Community a Route 66 Destination Hot Spot”

“Route 66 in Illinois”

The "Route 66 in Illinois" presentation by Joe Sonderman and Cheryl Eichar Jett -- who co-wrote a book by the same name -- during the Miles of Possibility conference in Edwardsville, Illinois, contained a few tidbits of information even veteran roadies might not have known, such as: An explosion in 1942 at the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant … Continue reading “Route 66 in Illinois”

Williams renews Route 66 Zipline lease for five years

The Route 66 Zipline in Williams, Arizona, which had a cloudy future as recently as 18 months ago, was renewed for a five-year lease last month, according to the Williams News. The final vote was 4-3, with the mayor casting the tie-breaker. Logan Checketts' Route 66 Zipline, which takes riders over downtown Williams and the Route … Continue reading Williams renews Route 66 Zipline lease for five years

“Route 66 Bicycle Tourism”

By Emily Priddy Route 66 communities looking for ways to attract tourists with a fondness for mom-and-pop businesses might want to start courting cyclists. S.J. Morrison, director of marketing and planning for Madison County Transit in Illinois, said trail users in his area spend an average of more than $30 each at restaurants, gas stations … Continue reading “Route 66 Bicycle Tourism”

“Cultural Heritage Tourism: Why People Travel Route 66”

A marketing professor revealed a little-known word -- anemoia -- he'd discovered only in the past year that probably explains why many people explore Route 66. Nick Gerlich, a professor at West Texas A&M and an avid explorer of old Route 66, explained during his presentation Oct. 31 at the Miles of Possibility Conference in Edwardsville, Illinois, that anemoia … Continue reading “Cultural Heritage Tourism: Why People Travel Route 66”

Group wants to remove Cadillac Ranch

A group calling itself Erase Marsh Madness wants to remove all artwork in Amarillo linked to the now-deceased Stanley Marsh 3, including the famous Cadillac Ranch near Route 66. Before he died at age 76 last year, Marsh was criminally indicted on multiple counts of sexual abuse of underage teenage boys. And several family members … Continue reading Group wants to remove Cadillac Ranch

All aboard the Lincoln County Express

Occasionally, you'll find out about something you unwittingly passed dozens of time but never saw. One of those things is the so-called Lincoln County Express, a child-sized locomotive and other metal sculptures that apparently have sat off Route 66 east of Stroud, Oklahoma, for decades. Tulsa photographer Rhys Martin discovered it in June 2014; apparently vegetation conceals it from … Continue reading All aboard the Lincoln County Express