A new billboard usually isn't anything special. But this one for the Route 66 town of Tucumcari, N.M., boasts a retro look that's difficult to ignore. Richard Talley, owner of the Motel Safari in Tucumcari, said in an e-mail: We’re helping to celebrate New Mexico’s Centennial 1912-2012 this time, with a turquoise colored background, much … Continue reading New “Tucumcari Tonite!” billboard
Category: Attractions
Man builds veterans monument near Oatman
Eighty-year-old Charles “Uncle Charlie” Hicks has built a monument to war veterans just off Route 66 south of Oatman, Ariz., reported the Mojave Daily News. There, on a high ridge of cliffs just off of Mile Marker 21, you’ll see an American flag blowing in the breeze. Next to it is a small stone monument … Continue reading Man builds veterans monument near Oatman
The nine monuments of Cajon Pass
Mark Landis, correspondent for the San Bernardino County Sun, posted a story today about the little-known nine monuments found along Cajon Pass, aka Interstate 15 and Route 66. American Indians, then pioneers, made their way down the pass for hundreds of years until roads finally were built. Most of the monuments pay tribute to the … Continue reading The nine monuments of Cajon Pass
Land deal expands Petrified Forest National Park
The Petrified Forest National Park in eastern Arizona is expanding by 26,500 acres following a land deal with the estate of a local rancher, reported the New York Times. The acquisition enlarges the park about 25 percent. The new land is to the east and west of its current boundaries. The Times had some details … Continue reading Land deal expands Petrified Forest National Park
The best overview yet of the Cars Land project
The Mouse Planet site posted today the best overview yet of the Cars Land amusement park that's being constructed at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calf. The post contains dozens of images of the plans, construction photos, and other displays from the recent D23 Expo for Disney enthusiasts. Cars Land is inspired by Radiator Springs, the … Continue reading The best overview yet of the Cars Land project
From eyesore to eyeful
Ed Klein at Route 66 World made a very good video about the recent repainting of an abandoned gas station in Tucumcari, N.M., into an old-time Phillips 66 station. https://youtu.be/EaXNYHfwid0 I've been told that the Tucumcari volunteers will repaint another building in the coming weeks.
How Stuff Works takes on Route 66
The HowStuffWorks.com podcast discussed "6 Cool Facts about Route 66," although the hosts acknowledged that many more cool things exist on the Mother Road than just a half-dozen. https://youtu.be/jgP-8maHUMA
Pale Blue Whale
Do not adjust your computer screen. No, the Blue Whale has not died, so you're not seeing a ghost. And the Blue Whale hasn't turned pale because he saw a giant harpoon. But the Route 66 landmark in Catoosa, Okla., is undergoing an extensive repair and repaint job by Bill Haynes Co. of nearby Tulsa. … Continue reading Pale Blue Whale
Mural painter keeps getting work in Needles
Back in April, the Needles Desert Star reported about Dan Louden, who's been painting murals and brightening the Route 66 town of Needles, Calif. Today, the Los Angeles Times caught up with him. Since the initial report, Louden and his girlfriend Vicky Bowden have painted a few more walls in town. A slideshow of his … Continue reading Mural painter keeps getting work in Needles
Requiem for The Coliseum
A story today by Jason Nevel in the Springfield State Journal-Register all but confirms what we've suspected -- that the historic Coliseum Ballroom in Benld, Ill., won't be rebuilt after a fire destroyed it a month ago. The story instead serves as a sort of requiem for the former music venue, which opened in 1924 … Continue reading Requiem for The Coliseum