This time of year, a number of Route 66 businesses reduce their hours or even close because revenues become too sluggish to justify staying open. It's also an opportunity for these owners to make repairs or get some R&R. One example is Ted Drewes Frozen Custard in St. Louis, which closes in January. It's common … Continue reading Closed for the winter
Category: Businesses
Route 66 Casino Hotel grand opening is Jan. 10
The Route 66 Casino Hotel in Albuquerque is set for a grand opening on Jan. 10. The casino's site is here, and the Route 66 connection is played up fairly significantly. The Pueblo of Laguna runs the casino. The site'ss 2008 Calendar Girls also contains a lot of vintage cars. In the June image, you'll … Continue reading Route 66 Casino Hotel grand opening is Jan. 10
Gas prices coming down in 2008?
Maybe so. This seems to go against the conventional wisdom that gasoline prices will keep inching upward. But an report last week by the Christian Science Monitor indicates that the price at the pump may fall modestly in the fast-coming year. Even if the winter is somewhat colder, the energy markets may have a greater … Continue reading Gas prices coming down in 2008?
Saying goodbye to a vet clinic
Springfield (Mo.) News-Leader columnist Sarah Overstreet tells the sad tale of Dr. C.C. Moore's Veterinary Clinic in downtown Springfield, which occupied a corner of Route 66 since 1929 and is about to close. Dr. Tedd Hamaker is moving from his current location, which has only a few parking spaces and little room for boarding animals. … Continue reading Saying goodbye to a vet clinic
Cool Springs Camp seeks rezoning
Looks like the local media has picked up on Cool Springs Camp's attempts to rectify its zoning hurdles. The Kingman (Ariz.) Daily Miner reports on the restored Route 66 property's attempts to rezone from agricultural residential to commercial business, so it will meet the county's General Plan. Here's an interesting wrinkle to the story: According … Continue reading Cool Springs Camp seeks rezoning
Book review: “The Big Book of Car Culture”
Disclosure: I'm not a big car nut. Sure, I learned during my years on the farm to change the oil, keep an eye on the gauges and how to use starter fluid into cold diesel engines. But if someone talked about a Gremlin, I'd relate to the little monsters in the Steven Spielberg film, not … Continue reading Book review: “The Big Book of Car Culture”
Edgewood may buy wildlife park
The Mountain View Telegraph reports that the city of Edgewood, N.M., may buy the property on which the Wildlife West Nature Park animal sanctuary sits, just off Route 66. The owner thinks having it municipally owned would mean a more stable long-term situation for the park's operations. The 122-acre park is owned by a group … Continue reading Edgewood may buy wildlife park
Cussing and discussing a sign ordinance
A while back, the city of Albuquerque was considering a strict sign ordinance that would severely curb the size, type and placement of businesses signs. Because of opposition from the business community and from a fair number of Route 66ers who fear for the fate of the neon along Central Avenue, the proposed ordinance has … Continue reading Cussing and discussing a sign ordinance
Old gas station will be restored
Here's a scoop from the December newsletter of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association: A couple have purchased the historic "half-building" on Route 66 in Commerce, Okla., will restore it to its original filling-station look, and turn it into a gift and snack shop. The building is on the southeast corner of Commerce and Main streets … Continue reading Old gas station will be restored
Popping over to POPS
The Travel section of the Dallas Morning News went to POPS convenience store and restaurant on Route 66 in Arcadia, Okla. Most of it you've already read about here. But this excerpt indicates that business is still going strong after POPS opened in August: Despite its out-of-the-way location, Pops was an instant hit. About 20 … Continue reading Popping over to POPS