Progress report on Rancho’s Route 66 Trailhead

Construction on the Route 66 Trailhead in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., has been ongoing. That's where an old overpass was replaced, and a new overpass is being built as part of the Pacific Electric Trail. Foothill Boulevard (aka Route 66) also is being widened. The old overpass is being used in a park nearby. Kevin Hansel, a … Continue reading Progress report on Rancho’s Route 66 Trailhead

Pontiac tourism rises 30 percent in one year

The Route 66 town of Pontiac, Ill., is seeing a 30 percent increase in tourists over a year ago, according to a report in the Bloomington Pantagraph. Tourism director Ellie Alexander keeps a regular tally of visitor numbers. So the boost in tourism isn't anecdotal. An increase in the number of tour groups is mostly … Continue reading Pontiac tourism rises 30 percent in one year

Two Route 66 projects will begin construction by 2013

The Route 66 Experience museum near downtown Tulsa and a new Route 66 gateway in west Tulsa should begin construction by 2013, according to a report in the print edition of the Tulsa County News. Quoting city planner Dennis Whitaker, the report says: There are firm plans in place for the Route 66 Experience "and … Continue reading Two Route 66 projects will begin construction by 2013

The man behind the bottles

Here's a new video about Elmer Long, proprietor of the Bottle Tree Ranch on Route 66 in Oro Grande, Calif. https://youtu.be/pwAFW0jyapE Elmer's Facebook page is here.

A word from our sponsor …

Cool Springs Camp, on old Route 66 between Kingman and Oatman, Ariz., is the setting for this Union Wireless commercial: https://youtu.be/bxAglRscwSE The premise is a good idea for a cell-phone company ... although even the best carriers have dead spots along Route 66 in New Mexico, Arizona, far western Oklahoma and in the east Missouri … Continue reading A word from our sponsor …

Route 66 makes a financial impact on Illinois towns

The Chicago Tribune tonight has posted a remarkable article about how Route 66 has financially impacted the towns along it. (The story's print edition will be on newsstands Saturday.) The report contains eye-popping data: While many small towns across the country are struggling to keep their downtowns afloat, Pontiac and a string of other Illinois … Continue reading Route 66 makes a financial impact on Illinois towns

The beauty of the Southwest

This is one of the best time-lapse videos I've seen. And much of it was shot in Route 66 country. And, yes, you do see stars in such proliferation in the Southwest. https://vimeo.com/29950141

West Hollywood’s Route 66 honored

Santa Monica Boulevard (aka Route 66) in West Hollywood, Calif., has been named one of the 10 Great Streets for 2011 by the American Planning Association. According to the APA: "There was a time, not too long ago, where "you took your life in your hands just to cross Santa Monica Boulevard," said Jeff Prang, … Continue reading West Hollywood’s Route 66 honored

Rancho overpass project nearly done

Some good news and bad news for Route 66 travelers going through the Los Angeles area this weekend. First, the bad news. Travelers should avoid Foothill Boulevard (aka Route 66) on the west side of Rancho Cucamonga this weekend. Construction workers are finishing a big road-widening and overpass project there, the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin … Continue reading Rancho overpass project nearly done

Route 66 like you’ve never seen before

I don't know much about the person posting these videos. His (or her) Vimeo account is known only as "martial." I think he's from France, judging by the language in one of the video descriptions. But he hasn't yet replied to my messages to him. But he uses a high-definition video camera that's attached to … Continue reading Route 66 like you’ve never seen before