The Gallup (N.M.) Independent published a fascinating story about future-ownership controversy over nearby Red Rock Park. The city owns the park, which hosts the popular Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial and other events each year. But maintaining the park has put a strain on the city's budget -- and Red Rock needs millions of dollars more … Continue reading Who will own Red Rock Park?
Category: Attractions
Winslow takes it easy
The Christian Science Monitor tells the story of how the Route 66 town of Winslow, Ariz., has capitalized on The Eagles' song "Take It Easy" and its mention of a certain corner. The Monitor says Winslow didn't start to cash in on the song until 1997. I'm surprised it waited that long, as "Take It … Continue reading Winslow takes it easy
Road hazard
This sort of thing you'll frequently encounter on Oatman Road, aka Route 66, between Oatman and Kingman, Ariz. The burros are wild descendants of the original working animals that were used in the gold mines decades ago. They aren't exactly tame, but they interact with locals and tourists so much that they're quite docile. They … Continue reading Road hazard
In the Land of Lincoln
A freelance writer for the Waterloo Record in Canada recently drove Route 66 in Illinois and filed this report. It contains a few minor errors, but overall it's a nice mix of Mother Road history and what the road is like now.
Book review: “Roadside Attractions”
Rating high on our wish list is an updated volume of "Roadside America." "New Roadside America," an irreverent but fond look at highway oddities, proved to be a critical influence to us at Route 66 News. The Roadside America site is still going strong, but the dead-tree version hasn't been updated since 1992. Brian and … Continue reading Book review: “Roadside Attractions”
Tow Tater vandalized
Tow Tater, the 1951 International boom truck (shown above in May) that was a primary inspiration for Mater in the movie "Cars," was vandalized late Friday or early Saturday in front of the 1940s-era gas station that's become a Route 66 welcome center in Galena, Kan. Melba Rigg, one of the Four Women on the … Continue reading Tow Tater vandalized
Hillbillee’s closes
While passing through Arcadia, Okla., on Tuesday to go to POPS, we learned that Hillbillee's, a colorful restaurant and bed-and-breakfast on Route 66 in Arcadia since 1993, had closed on Aug. 2. "We decided to retire," said Norma Braxton, former co-owner of the establishment with her husband, Wade. "It's bittersweet for us, but we're just … Continue reading Hillbillee’s closes
Top of the POPS
On Tuesday, Emily and I drove to the newly opened POPS convenience store and restaurant on Route 66 in Arcadia, Okla. In case you hadn't heard, POPS is the brainchild of Aubrey McClendon, CEO of Chesapeake Energy Corp. in Oklahoma City. POPS was a way to tie together his love of Route 66 and the … Continue reading Top of the POPS
“Easy Rider’s” opening credits
Many a road trip on Route 66 has been inspired by the opening credits of the 1969 movie, "Easy Rider," with its sweeping cinematography by Laszlo Kovacs (who died a few days ago) and Steppenwolf's "Born to Be Wild" pulsing over the soundtrack. Here it is: Longtime roadies will recognize a few Route 66 spots … Continue reading “Easy Rider’s” opening credits
Grand opening set for animal park
Animal Paradise Family Fun Park on old Route 66 near Strafford, Mo., is holding a grand opening -- or a grand re-opening, really -- this weekend, reports the Springfield News-Leader. The new owners of the former Exotic Animal Paradise have added new wrinkles to the operation, including a go-kart track called the Route 66 Speedway … Continue reading Grand opening set for animal park