Route 66 tattoo artist sues “Hangover Part II” studio

A tattoo artist based on Route 66 in Waynesville, Mo., is suing Warner Bros. Pictures for copyright infringement because a tattoo that actor Ed Helms sports in the upcoming comedy "The Hangover Part II" resembles the artist's original design, according to The Daily Mail in London. S. Victor Whitmill co-owns Paradox Studio and Gallery, which is … Continue reading Route 66 tattoo artist sues “Hangover Part II” studio

Historic Moriarty grocery will close next month

Mike's Friendly Store, which has graced Route 66 in Moriarty, N.M., for 62 years, will close for good next month, reported the Santa Fe New Mexican. Mike Anaya, 82, the longtime operator of the grocery, said it was time to retire. Anaya said the timing was right for the sale of his liquor license. The … Continue reading Historic Moriarty grocery will close next month

Wind farm being constructed near Kingman

Western Wind Energy began construction last week on wind turbines on land behind Nucor Steel on Route 66, southeast of Kingman, Ariz., last week, reported the Kingman Daily Miner. The turbines' tall columns can be seen from the top of El Trovatore Hill. It's a combined solar and wind farm, and its the second such … Continue reading Wind farm being constructed near Kingman

Frankoma Pottery, contents go on the auction block

Frankoma Pottery, which sits on old Route 66 near Sapulpa, Okla., will be auctioned on May 18, effectively ending a business that operated in Oklahoma since 1933, reported KOTV in Tulsa. Frankoma had been closed for over a year, and had gone through a series of owners who tried to revive the flagging business. Mary … Continue reading Frankoma Pottery, contents go on the auction block

A word from our sponsor …

This outfit is based in Scotland, but it filmed a chunk of this segment near the Santa Monica Pier. https://youtu.be/fGYK1V0PiI8 If you're across the pond and are interested, Route 66 Rider Training's website is here.

Maybe that’s not a good idea

The Route 66 town of Depew, Okla., is considering the annexation of 107 acres of land west of town that includes Charlie Elliott's Route 66 Biker Park, according to the Sapulpa Daily Herald. A public hearing on the proposal will be held 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 4, at the Depew Town Hall. Three of the … Continue reading Maybe that’s not a good idea

Local officials keep closer watch on Luna Cafe

A few weeks ago, a woman was shot in the right ear during karaoke night at the historic Luna Cafe, along old Route 66 in Mitchell, Ill. I didn't take much note of it, thinking it was random violence. However, this report in the Edwardsville Intelligencer indicates the Luna may be attracting a nastier clientele. … Continue reading Local officials keep closer watch on Luna Cafe

Online Route 66 magazine launches its first issue

66 The Mother Road launched its inaugural online issue on Friday. It's 36 pages, and you can view it online here. I spent some time surfing around on it, and it works very well. You can enlarge the full-color content, and turning the virtual pages is a snap. Stories in the magazine include: A feature … Continue reading Online Route 66 magazine launches its first issue

A desert oasis

Do read this wonderful article in the Los Angeles Times' business section about the historic Desert Market in the tiny Route 66 town of Daggett, Calif. It's owned by Yousuf "Joe" Khawaldeh, yet another non-native who's helping keep a slice of the old Mother Road alive. We've actually been to this store, and this excerpt in … Continue reading A desert oasis

Old business in Grants will be revived

Charlie's Radiator Service, which was established during the 1940s on Route 66 in Grants, N.M., will be renovated into an automobile museum and gift shop, according to an article in the Cibola County Beacon. The long-closed shop and diner at 1308-1310 W. Santa Fe Ave. faced the wrecking ball less than two years ago after … Continue reading Old business in Grants will be revived