Springfield, Missouri, is experiencing a boom in hotel business so far in 2016, and it appears one big reason for it is Route 66. According to the KY3 station in town: The Convention and Visitors bureau says the number of visitors so far...and the number of hotel rooms occupied, has surpassed last year. Tracy Kimberlin … Continue reading Springfield, Missouri, sees boom in hotel business
Category: Businesses
Who’s going to the European Route 66 Festival?
I have two questions for my American readers. Are you going to the first-ever European Route 66 Festival near Stuttgart, Germany, on July 15-17? If so, are you going under the auspices of a certain organization? If any of those are a "yes," please elaborate in the comments section. Those questions came to mind when I learned … Continue reading Who’s going to the European Route 66 Festival?
Use of shipping containers causes controversy in Kingman
One man's use of a shipping container as a colorful billboard to welcome tourists into Kingman, Arizona, before the 2014 International Route 66 Festival has blown up into a fight with city hall amid accusations of hypocrisy and selective enforcement. Pat McBrayer, a former city councilor, painted a Route 66-themed mural on a yellow container (pictured above) and … Continue reading Use of shipping containers causes controversy in Kingman
Grocery may move into Gold Dome in Oklahoma City
A Natural Grocers store likely will move into the historic Gold Dome building in Oklahoma City, reported The Oklahoman newspaper. The deal with the building's owner, Jonathan Russell, negotiated with the grocery chain and its developer to have it oversee the building's renovation, yet preserve its historical integrity. The deal must be approved by the … Continue reading Grocery may move into Gold Dome in Oklahoma City
Cars on the Route put up for sale
Cars on the Route of Galena, Kansas, which helped usher in a revival of its downtown, is being put up for sale. It will remain open, however, for at least a few more weeks to greet Route 66 tourists. Renee Charles, one of the founders of the business almost 10 years ago, and partner Brian Jordan … Continue reading Cars on the Route put up for sale
66 Bowl sign being resurrected in Chandler
The venerable 66 Bowl sign that once graced Route 66 in Oklahoma City for 50 years has resurfaced in Chandler, Oklahoma, at a future sports and entertainment complex that will include, yes, a bowling alley. A Facebook post of the sign by longtime Route 66 researcher and artist Jerry McClanahan caused a stir Monday. Marilyn Emde, director of … Continue reading 66 Bowl sign being resurrected in Chandler
Wildfires erupt near Topock, Needles
Wildfires on Wednesday threatened resorts on both sides of the Colorado River as more than 1,400 acres burned near Topock, Arizona, and Needles, California. The Havasu News in nearby Lake Havasu City reported: --- The Park Moabi Result and Pirate's Cove Resort were evacuated after hot embers buffeted by wind threatened them. A marketing manager at … Continue reading Wildfires erupt near Topock, Needles
Lawsuits filed against Albuquerque Rapid Transit
At least two legal challenges were filed Monday against the city's Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART) plan, including that the National Historic Preservation Act was violated, plus other state and federal laws. The Albuquerque Journal reported: The lawsuits allege that ART would choke traffic along Central Avenue and disrupt the character of old Route 66. Albuquerque is home … Continue reading Lawsuits filed against Albuquerque Rapid Transit
Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center draws 16,000 its first year
The Cruisin' with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center in Bloomington, Illinois, is rapidly approaching the first anniversary of its opening and reports more than 16,000 visitors since that time. The Bloomington-Normal region decided to build the Route 66-themed part of McLean County Museum of History because Route 66 tourists were bypassing the Twin Cities. More Route … Continue reading Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center draws 16,000 its first year
Webb City approves Cardinal Route 66 Park
Webb City, Missouri, approved an agreement this week with Cardinal Scale Manufacturing to build a Cardinal Route 66 Park on the city's east side. According to the Joplin Globe: It will have a pavilion, tables, landscaping, flag poles and signs. Cardinal Scale also will provide assistance with maintaining the park. The city has agreed to … Continue reading Webb City approves Cardinal Route 66 Park