Mini Abe gets his kicks

You have to hand it to the folks at the Illinois Office of Tourism for coming up with novel campaigns. You'll see a miniature Abraham Lincoln take in multiple sights in his adopted state, including Route 66. https://youtu.be/7u1hYL-2quE Mini Abe reminds me of a more macho version of Mr. Bill. (Hat tip: Adweek)

“American Giants,” Episode 5

Joel Baker has posted the fifth episode of his "American Giants" series, an exploration of roadside fiberglass giants (aka Muffler Men). https://youtu.be/jgax82lhl0s This episode focuses on a couple of Muffler Men in Crystal Lake, Ill.

Route 66 already feeling effects of government shutdown

The shutdown of the United States government started only a few hours ago, and the Route 66 corridor is not immune to its effects. --- The office of the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program in Santa Fe, N.M., is closed. As part of the National Park Service, the office cannot offer help on grants and … Continue reading Route 66 already feeling effects of government shutdown

“American Giants,” Episode 4

Joel Baker has uploaded the fourth episode of his "American Giants" series, which delves into the history of roadside fiberglass giants (aka Muffler Men). https://youtu.be/LrlDvV7hgDQ Baker explained why this particular episode was shortened: Because I could not reach the owner of the Gemini Giant, I removed the second half of the episode that covered the … Continue reading “American Giants,” Episode 4

Winners announced for Route 66 Reinterpreted art project

The public has chosen five winners for the inaugural Route 66 Reinterpreted art project, sponsored by the Atlanta Betterment Group of Atlanta, Ill. A total of 32 works of art, where the canvas was in the shape of a Route 66 shield, were entered. Twelve finalists were selected, and the traveling public was invited to … Continue reading Winners announced for Route 66 Reinterpreted art project

Williams is adding a second welcome gateway

The City of Williams, Ariz., is installing a second welcome gateway over the east end of Route 66, reported the Williams-Grand Canyon News. The current gateway stands over Grand Canyon Boulevard, near Interstate 40. This one will be up in October, and cost no taxpayer money. The (Arizona State Railroad Museum) donated two cantilevers, which BNSF … Continue reading Williams is adding a second welcome gateway

Scenes from the 2013 Arizona Fun Run

This segment of "AAA Presents Highroads with Dan Davis," snagged by the Kingman Visitor Center, seems like a nice enough overview of the 2013 Arizona Historic Route 66 Fun Run -- which it is. But it also serves as a thumbnail guide to other tourist attractions of the Kingman area. Route 66 Fun Run ariving … Continue reading Scenes from the 2013 Arizona Fun Run

Thoughts on “Breaking Bad”

The acclaimed AMC television drama "Breaking Bad" has received a lot of attention in recent weeks because it is embarking on its fifth and last season. For those who are unfamiliar, "Breaking Bad" tells the story of Walter White, a mild-mannered high school chemistry teacher who morphs into a drug kingpin. A diagnosis of inoperable … Continue reading Thoughts on “Breaking Bad”

“Shadows on 66” trailer

A few days ago, the folks who produced the upcoming "Shadows on 66" paranormal series posted this trailer for the first episode, which features Galena's Murder Bordello. https://youtu.be/DGDmIOEMYxg The episode will be available Sept. 13 via download or DVD from iTunes or the "Shadows on 66" website. Other Route 66-related episodes reportedly are coming in … Continue reading “Shadows on 66” trailer

Will Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket supplant the Launching Pad?

Here's an interesting rumor that started the morning. A part of the report by WJOL radio in Will County, Ill.: The possibility calls for a new Dell Rhea's Chicken to go where the cuurrnt Launching Pad restaurant is located.  The only sidetrack for some Route 66 lovers is the possibilty that the big green Gemini … Continue reading Will Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket supplant the Launching Pad?