Elmer Long, creator of the Bottletree Ranch along Route 66 near Oro Grande, Calif., has been filmed for a documentary, "Elmer's Factory," by Christopher Lee of Onward Films. Here's the trailer: Here's the summary of the film: Elmer's Factory (2010) is a portrait of bottle tree artist Elmer Long, whose colorful Bottle Tree Ranch along … Continue reading Bottletree Ranch creator is subject of documentary
Category: Attractions
The elf and the whale
On Saturday afternoon, we stopped by the Blue Whale near Catoosa, Okla., to see Santa Claus make an appearance at that famous historic site on Route 66. After a Christmas lightning ceremony last week, Catoosa volunteers are still taking advantage of the Yuletide season to bring a little holiday cheer and raise money for the … Continue reading The elf and the whale
Route 66 attractions guide now available for GPS
A touring company based in Oregon has just released a download for several Garmin global-positioning systems that will guide travelers to literally hundreds of attractions along the entire length of Route 66. River Pilot (yes, that's his name) of River Pilot Tours in Oakland, Ore., has developed a $9.99 download, "Route 66 Attractions," for Garmin … Continue reading Route 66 attractions guide now available for GPS
Parties still talking about Round Barn billboard
In late October, the parties in a dispute over a billboard that was erected near the historic Round Barn of Arcadia, Okla., said they would try to negotiate a settlement in 30 days. The 30 days have come and gone, and the parties are still talking, according to the Edmond Sun. But it seems that … Continue reading Parties still talking about Round Barn billboard
Vote on Mojave Trails National Monument seems likely in coming weeks
George Wuerthner, a writer for New West Community Blogs, reported today that a bunch of wilderness and parks bills likely will be bundled together as one big omnibus bill and voted on by the lame-duck Congress in the coming weeks. One of those bills would be the Mojave Trails National Monument, which follows the Route … Continue reading Vote on Mojave Trails National Monument seems likely in coming weeks
Blue Whale Christmas
On Friday evening, spectators witnessed a sight that had never before been seen in the nearly 40-year history of the Blue Whale of Catoosa, Okla. -- the Route 66 landmark was decorated for Christmas. Volunteers with Catoosa Arts and Tourism spent the past few weeks stringing LED lights along the Blue Whale, its souvenir stand, … Continue reading Blue Whale Christmas
A look inside Keepers of the Wild
Take a look at a good video by AAA Highroads magazine about the animals inside Keepers of the Wild animal sanctuary, on Route 66 north of Kingman, Ariz. The park contains more than 175 exotic animals, many of which would have been destroyed if it were not for Jonathan Kraft's facility. And Keepers of the … Continue reading A look inside Keepers of the Wild
Savior of Chicken Boy honored by governor
A team that saved a gigantic Chicken Boy mascot that once graced a restaurant in downtown Los Angeles will be given the 2010 Governor’s Historic Preservation award, according to a report in Blogdowntown.com, a blog about downtown L.A. The 22-foot-tall fiberglass man-chicken on top of the Chicken Boy restaurant on Broadway between Fourth and Fifth streets … Continue reading Savior of Chicken Boy honored by governor
San Bernardino considers retro streetscaping
The Route 66 town of San Bernardino, Calif., is considering "Modern Retro" and "Classic Simplicity" streetscape designs that partially take inspiration from its Route 66 past, according to the San Bernardino County Sun. The former theme would be a throwback to Route 66 and the highway travelers who came West after World War II. The … Continue reading San Bernardino considers retro streetscaping
Route 66 Center in Webb City opens
The Route 66 Center, located in a renovated gas station in Webb City, Mo., opened during a ceremony on Tuesday morning. The Webb City Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting at the station, located near Main and Broadway in downtown. Here are a few photos of the building and the interior during the event: You … Continue reading Route 66 Center in Webb City opens