A few years ago, we reviewed a terrific documentary, "Independent America," about independent businesses fighting back against corporations. The film included scenes on Route 66 in Seligman, Ariz., and Hackberry, Ariz. A leaner version of the film now can be watched on Hulu: https://www.hulu.com/watch/105821/independent-america This film is recommended viewing for all roadies.
Category: Businesses
Amusement park at Santa Monica Pier sold
Pacific Park, the iconic amusement park at the Santa Monica Pier, was sold for $34 million to a Florida-based real estate trust, according to the Los Angeles Times. CNL Lifestyle Properties Inc. said Thursday that it bought Pacific Park and a ground lease for the two-acre property from Santa Monica Amusements, a group of investors … Continue reading Amusement park at Santa Monica Pier sold
Golden Light Cantina reopens after renovations
The Golden Light Cantina, a music nightclub next to the historic Golden Light Cafe on Route 66 in Amarillo, Texas, reopened Friday after being closed since Jan. 2 for a face-lift, according to the Amarillo Globe News. The site, at 2209 S.W. Sixth Ave., has undergone renovations, including new bathrooms, extra seating, upgraded equipment and, … Continue reading Golden Light Cantina reopens after renovations
Lyons Indian Store moving to Tulsa’s Blue Dome District
Lyon's Indian Store, an American Indian memorabilia store that's been in Tulsa's art deco Warehouse Market Building on Route 66's 11th Street for decades years, is moving to the city's Blue Dome District in a matter of days. Ed Sharrer, a city planner, revealed the Lyon's impending move on his Twitter account today. Lyon's is moving … Continue reading Lyons Indian Store moving to Tulsa’s Blue Dome District
Former Parkey’s restaurant building razed
I received an e-mail Thursday afternoon from Randy Chevrier at Paintmaster Collision Center in Tulsa that the building that once housed Parkey's Restaurant along 11th Street (aka Route 66) near Sheridan Road in Tulsa was being torn down. I wasn't able to track much down about the location online, but Chevrier provided informative tidbits, including … Continue reading Former Parkey’s restaurant building razed
Maplewood adds Route 66 plaques to sidewalks
The St. Louis suburb of Maplewood, Mo., has added commemorative Route 66 metal plaques along its historic downtown area, according to an article in the Maplewood-Brentwood Patch. The markers are situated in the sidewalk in historic Maplewood, commemorating longtime and bygone sights from Route 66's heyday, including six businesses from those days that endure to … Continue reading Maplewood adds Route 66 plaques to sidewalks
Rancho’s Route 66 Memories store closes
The Route 66 Memories antique and memorabilia store in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., closed Tuesday after 15 years of operation because of a poor economy, according to the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin. The whimsical but rustic store in a century-old house at 10150 Foothill Blvd. (aka Route 66) was known for its water fountains, custom-made dinosaurs, … Continue reading Rancho’s Route 66 Memories store closes
Exploring ruins
This video by Krzysztof Snazyk features decaying remains of Route 66 businesses east of Amarillo, Texas, although you can see the restored U-Drop Inn in Shamrock here.
Christmas Eve at the Wagon Wheel Motel
I finally had the chance to stay overnight at the Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Mo., and am glad I did. This historic Route 66 motel has been transformed from a diamond in the rough into a gleaming jewel, thanks to the ongoing renovation efforts by new owner Connie Echols. I noted the Wagon Wheel … Continue reading Christmas Eve at the Wagon Wheel Motel
Historic building in Joliet will be torn down
The century-old White Store in downtown Joliet, Ill., will be razed to make way for a new building being erected by Joliet Junior College, reported the Herald-News. The four-story White Store at 235 Chicago St. (on the Illinois 53 alignment of Route 66) will be demolished in about 20 days, the newspaper reported. Workers will … Continue reading Historic building in Joliet will be torn down