Portrait of a Route 66 advocate

The Kingman (Ariz.) Daily Miner has a good story about Route 66 aficionado Jim Hinckley and his efforts to kick-start more Route 66 tourism in Kingman -- efforts which seem to be finally bearing fruit. The Kingman Route 66 Association recently reformed, and Kingman's historic downtown is being revitalized. He's been doing his part by … Continue reading Portrait of a Route 66 advocate

Great American Road Tripe

Following a premiere episode that showed potential, the second episode of NBC's "The Great American Road Trip" nosedived sharply in quality on Monday and probably will be this summer's television version of "Dead Man Walking" -- if it doesn't get canceled first. The first installment of the reality series that takes place on Route 66 … Continue reading Great American Road Tripe

Notes from the road

A few things to clear off my plate: -- Dawn Welch, owner of the Rock Cafe in Stroud, Okla., told me today that her restaurant would be closed for the July 4 holiday. Roadies who wish to go to their favorite Route 66 hangout on that day are advised to call ahead to make sure … Continue reading Notes from the road

This old road

This is a section of a very old alignment of Route 66 that goes through Petrified Forest National Park in eastern Arizona. It was the Mother Road until 1961. An information kiosk right off the park's main road tells about Route 66 through there. But veteran roadies, guided by the no-longer-used telephone poles, can see … Continue reading This old road

A good day to tour Land of Lincoln

If you live in northern Illinois or are driving through it on Sunday, you're going to have the chance of seeing some unusual things on the Mother Road. The historic railroad depot of Braidwood, Ill., will be moved from its current spot at Illinois 53 (aka Route 66) and Illinois 113 to Main and Center … Continue reading A good day to tour Land of Lincoln

Mural-painting begins in Pontiac

The painting of several murals by volunteer Walldogs artists in the Route 66 town of Pontiac, Ill., began Wednesday, reports the Pontiac Daily Leader. One of the murals will feature a Route 66 theme, on the wall of DeLongs' Casual Dining at 201 N. Mill St. The Walldogs should be done with the murals by … Continue reading Mural-painting begins in Pontiac

Big Catsup Bottle gets face-lift

The giant Brooks Catsup Bottle of Collinsville, Ill., actually a water tower painted to resemble a ketchup bottle, is being repainted starting today. The same contractor from nearby O'Fallon, Ill., that painted the tower 14 years ago has been hired for the job again. The Catsup Bottle is not owned by the city, as is … Continue reading Big Catsup Bottle gets face-lift

Back in business

The Kingman (Ariz.) Daily Miner has a story about the resurrection of the Kingman Route 66 Association. The goals, according to association President Tim McDonnell: The first is to establish a new Web site promoting the city's proximity to other Arizona attractions, including Oatman, Peach Springs and the Grand Canyon. The Web site, dubbed "Destination … Continue reading Back in business

POPS nominated for a Nickelodeon award

POPS on Route 66 in Arcadia, Okla., is a nominee for a Nickelodeon Parents Pick Award, and the ultimate winner is chosen via an online vote. POPS has been nominated for Best Tourist Spot in the Oklahoma City area. The other nominees are the Oklahoma City Zoo, Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, the Paseo … Continue reading POPS nominated for a Nickelodeon award

Route 66 Welcome Center

Here are some attractions at the new Route 66 Welcome Center off Interstate 44 near Conway, Mo. It was even better-conceived than I anticipated, especially the neon welcome sign that looks a lot like the Munger Moss Motel's in nearby Lebanon, Mo. The Missouri Department of Transportation is proud of it, and deserves to be.