New Mexico Route 66 Association’s motor tour goes on hiatus this year due to Tucumcari project

The New Mexico Route 66 Association last week announced it would pause its annual motor tour this year because of the complexities of moving its office to Tucumcari. Sue Montgomery, vice president and membership officer with the association, stated in an email: So good news is that the NM Rt 66 Association in conjunction with … Continue reading New Mexico Route 66 Association’s motor tour goes on hiatus this year due to Tucumcari project

Sugar Grove Nature Center in Funks Grove imposes sudden layoffs

The Sugar Grove Nature Center in Funks Grove, Illinois, imposed sudden layoffs and shut down its visitors center last week, shocking volunteers and former staff members. Sugar Grove Nature Center consists of over 1,000 acres of preserved forest, the nature center just off Route 66. It regularly hosted field trips and programs about Illinois history … Continue reading Sugar Grove Nature Center in Funks Grove imposes sudden layoffs

New Route 66 emblem emerges on Amarillo water tower

A long-planned Amarillo Route 66 emblem recently emerged on one of the city's large water towers located just off the Mother Road. Dora Meroney of Texas Ivy Antiques has posted a number of photos of the emblem on the tower, which is undergoing repainting: The Amarillo Route 66 water tower even has its own Facebook … Continue reading New Route 66 emblem emerges on Amarillo water tower

Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program opens its cost-share grant season for 2023

The Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program recently announced it has opened its cost-share grant application season for 2023. According to the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, this year's grant funding total is $120,000, with a $30,000 maximum. Eligible grant opportunities include preservation planning, National Register of Historic Places nominations, preservation and rehabilitation work on eligible historic … Continue reading Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program opens its cost-share grant season for 2023

City of Amarillo begins repainting water tower that will sport a Route 66 emblem

The City of Amarillo recently began repainting a water tower that will include a special Route 66 emblem, probably by early spring. KFDA-TV reported about the project last week: “You really don’t know if you’re on Route 66, unless you’re seeing those brown Route 66 signs that are pretty spread out. Having these markers will … Continue reading City of Amarillo begins repainting water tower that will sport a Route 66 emblem

Sunflower Station’s reopening will be delayed due to co-owner’s health issues

The reopening of Sunflower Station in Adrian, Texas, once scheduled for this spring, will be delayed while its co-owner recovers from serious health issues. Kelly Snyder said on a social media post that her husband Jason underwent major surgery on Jan. 1 and encountered some complications, including the need for a colostomy. Snyder said they … Continue reading Sunflower Station’s reopening will be delayed due to co-owner’s health issues

Closed Firestone shop in downtown Albuquerque to become a microbrewery site

A closed Firestone service station in downtown Albuquerque that dated to the early 1930s will become the future site of an Ex Novo Brewing Co. taproom this fall. Albuquerque-based Geltmore LLC, Ex Novo and a group of local investors on Thursday completed the purchase of the Firestone on Seventh Street and Central Avenue (aka Route … Continue reading Closed Firestone shop in downtown Albuquerque to become a microbrewery site

Pink Elephant Antique Mall plans changes, including converting Futuro UFO to Airbnb

The new owners of the Pink Elephant Antique Mall along Route 66 in Livingston, Illinois, plan a number of changes, including converting the Future UFO into an overnight Airbnb site. Roy Wayne Pickerell announced on Facebook he and Tonia recently closed on their deal with previous owners Dave and Bernice Hammond to purchase the mall. … Continue reading Pink Elephant Antique Mall plans changes, including converting Futuro UFO to Airbnb

Toy enthusiasts fuel the McLean Depot Train Shop in the town’s former depot

It's a business, but the McLean Depot Train Shop, housed in the former rail depot in McLean, Illinois, also serves as a passion for model train enthusiasts. The Pantagraph newspaper in nearby Bloomington recently published a feature about the train shop and the people who keep it going. Tom Ludlam owns the shop along Route … Continue reading Toy enthusiasts fuel the McLean Depot Train Shop in the town’s former depot

Owners of Shout & Sack convenience store in Vinita to retire at the end of the month

Chris and Jody Carter, owners of their Shout & Sack convenience store along Route 66 in Vinita, Oklahoma, since 1978, said they're going to retire at the end of January. Chris Carter, 72, told the Cherokee Phoenix they recently sold the property at 305 S. Wilson St. (aka Route 66) “We’ve seen a lot of … Continue reading Owners of Shout & Sack convenience store in Vinita to retire at the end of the month