Wayside Inn near Hazelgreen was a bar but never was a motel

The long-closed Wayside Inn bar near Hazelgreen, Missouri, reputedly once was said to be a motel, but recently uncovered evidence has refuted that claim. It goes to show that even as Route 66 approaches its centennial, new or obscure information can be unearthed about the highway and its businesses. Gary Sosniecki, a longtime journalist, posted … Continue reading Wayside Inn near Hazelgreen was a bar but never was a motel

Atlas Obscura podcast features Mary Beth Babcock and her Buck Atom statue in Tulsa

A recent podcast by the Atlas Obscura travel website featured Mary Beth Babcock, owner and creator of the Buck Atom's Cosmic Curios on 66 shop in Tulsa, and the landmark Buck Atom fiberglass statue that anchors the site. It's an entertaining 11-minute podcast, and Babcock's irrepressible personality comes through: Babcock commissioned the Buck Atom statue … Continue reading Atlas Obscura podcast features Mary Beth Babcock and her Buck Atom statue in Tulsa

Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona hands out four cost-share grants worth $10,000 each

The Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona recently awarded four cost-share grants worth $10,000 each to properties. The grant awards were announced in the association's newsletter, which was emailed this week. 1955 Texaco gas station, Winslow ($10,000): Plans include removing exterior paint to expose original white and green porcelain, replacing the garage door with a … Continue reading Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona hands out four cost-share grants worth $10,000 each

Angel Delgadillo announces retirement from barbering after 75 years in the trade

Angel Delgadillo, known as the Guardian Angel of Route 66, announced on Thursday he was retiring from the barber trade after 75 years in it, virtually all in Seligman, Arizona. The Angel and Vilma Delgadillo's Original Route 66 Gift Shop account on Facebook announced it: Angel always says the first day of his barbering career … Continue reading Angel Delgadillo announces retirement from barbering after 75 years in the trade

One of Logan County’s oldest bars rechristened as The Lodge Off 66

A bar about six miles north of the nearest alignment of Route 66 in Lincoln, Illinois, recently landed new owners and was rechristened as The Lodge Off 66. But the tavern contains some historical cachet that likely will make it attractive to Route 66 travelers, not including just its name. The Lodge Off 66 sits … Continue reading One of Logan County’s oldest bars rechristened as The Lodge Off 66

Brewery to convert historic OKC armory building into hotel, restaurant, events center

COOP Ale Works bought the historic armory building on Oklahoma City's 23rd Street corridor for $1.3 million and will convert it into a brewery, hotel, events center and restaurant. The Oklahoman newspaper reported the purchase included five adjacent buildings: The former Veterans Affairs building to the east will be converted into 12 villas with a basement … Continue reading Brewery to convert historic OKC armory building into hotel, restaurant, events center

Albuquerque officials sponsor a resolution to give $250,000 to improve Route 66

Two Albuquerque city councilors have introduced a resolution to earmark $250,000 to improve the city's 18 miles of Route 66, including the rehabilitation of iconic signs. City councilors Klarissa Pena and Renee Grout have sponsored the resolution. Rachael Hernandez, an aide to Pena, stated in an email the resolution first will go to the city's … Continue reading Albuquerque officials sponsor a resolution to give $250,000 to improve Route 66

Josey Records’ animated neon sign in Tulsa is 40th to go through Route 66 grant program

Josey Records in Tulsa recently became the 40th entity that's benefited from the city's Route 66 neon-sign grant program. Josey Records, at 1020 S. Rockford Ave. at East 11th Street (aka Route 66), and its new, animated neon sign were featured by the Tulsa Route 66 Commission on social media: A few days later, the … Continue reading Josey Records’ animated neon sign in Tulsa is 40th to go through Route 66 grant program

Third edition of Route 66 Passport now is available to travelers

Touch Media, best known for its Route 66 Navigation app, announced Thursday it has introduced the third edition of the Route 66 Passport for the 2022 and 2023 tourism season. The new edition, which comes with a dark blue cover and an embossed Route 66 shield on it, is available at many Route 66 distribution … Continue reading Third edition of Route 66 Passport now is available to travelers

Oklahoma Route 66 Commission becomes law after legislature overrides governor’s veto

The Oklahoma Route 66 Commission became law Friday after the state legislature overwhelmingly overrode the governor's veto on the measure. House Bill 4457, which promises millions in annual funding for the preservation and development of Route 66 through mid-2027 through the commission, initially had passed by a 72-6 vote in the state House and 39-6 … Continue reading Oklahoma Route 66 Commission becomes law after legislature overrides governor’s veto