Mitchell Caverns vandalized after state closes it

Mitchell Caverns, part of the Providence Mountains State Recreation Area in Southern California's Mojave Desert, was extensively vandalized after it was closed last spring due to state budget cuts, reported the Los Angeles Times. The Times reported: Intruders cut fences, kicked doors off of hinges and shattered windows and display cases. They stole metal signs and … Continue reading Mitchell Caverns vandalized after state closes it

Round Barn marks 20th year of restoration in April

The historic Round Barn in Arcadia, Okla., will mark the 20th anniversary of its restoration on April 14 with a celebration, reported The Oklahoman newspaper. Apparently details is still being worked out. But live music is certain, as the second floor of the barn has hosted dances  for decades. The barn's first owner, William Odor, … Continue reading Round Barn marks 20th year of restoration in April

Updates on Cars Land

A number of updates came over in recent days about Cars Land being built at Disney's California Adventure. Cars Land takes its inspiration from the fictional Route 66 town of Radiator Springs seen in the Disney-Pixar films "Cars" and "Cars 2." Cars Land is scheduled to open sometime this summer. First, the Disney Parks Blog … Continue reading Updates on Cars Land

Logan County tourism director a busy man

Geoff Ladd, director of tourism in Logan County, Ill., seems to be a very busy -- and successful -- man at his job. This story today from LincolnDailyNews.com details all the things he's got going regarding Route 66, such as: A big Route 66 map of Illinois and other display panels at Lincoln's Postville Park. … Continue reading Logan County tourism director a busy man

Route 66 Station wants fees waived

A Tulsa city councilor is seeking a permanent waiver on inspection and permit fees regarding projects at the Route 66 Station Village in west Tulsa, reported the Tulsa World. The councilor, Jeannie Cue, is leading the effort: "This project, which is for the city, is the work of a lot of volunteers who have donated … Continue reading Route 66 Station wants fees waived

Blue Whale vandalized

It was discovered Saturday morning that the Blue Whale of Catoosa, Okla., was vandalized in recent days. According to KOTV in Tulsa: Vandals wrote what is believed to be their names on the cultural icon, which was built in 1972, and Catoosa police are investigating. Police are not releasing photos of the graffiti because they feel it … Continue reading Blue Whale vandalized

Cost overruns, late delivery of Route 66 statue irk councilor

A Tulsa city councilor expressed dismay Thursday over a large statue at Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza near downtown that is $83,000 over its initial cost and more than two years late, reported the Tulsa World. The $1.1 million statue, titled "East Meets West," is funded by the Vision 2025 sales tax. "This just seems like … Continue reading Cost overruns, late delivery of Route 66 statue irk councilor

The building of Ornament Valley

The Disney Parks Blog has posted this neat video of the Ornament Valley being constructed at Cars Land of the Disney California Adventure park: Led by Zsolt Hormay, our rockwork art director, this incredible team of artisans from around the world have spent approximately two years growing, sculpting and painting our mountain. It’s been fascinating … Continue reading The building of Ornament Valley

Missouri eatery named best British restaurant

Here's something I bet you never thought you'd see -- a restaurant in Springfield, Mo., has been named the best British eatery outside United Kingdom. The Telegraph, a major newspaper in England, bestowed that honor to Farmers Gastropub. Here's what The Telegraph said about the restaurant, just south of downtown Springfield: Described by its nominator … Continue reading Missouri eatery named best British restaurant

The latest Route 66 Village project

The Route 66 Village in southwest Tulsa contains an old steam locomotive, several rail cars, and a gigantic replica of an oil derrick. Here's the latest project that volunteers are working on, via KOTV: