The Santa Monica City Council approved a new lease for the 66 to Cali souvenir stand and ended months of uncertainty for owner Dan Rice, who feared he would lose his space on the Santa Monica Pier. Rice relayed the news Friday afternoon on the 66 to Cali Facebook page. Earlier in the month, Rice … Continue reading 66 to Cali stand will stay on Santa Monica Pier
Category: Businesses
The coming Chinese invasion (continued)
I've reported that Route 66 businesses and tourist centers should ready for what will likely be an influx of Chinese tourists in the coming years, due to that country's rising affluence. Here's more evidence over the weekend from the Amarillo Globe-News: An Amarillo company has become the first North American tourism destination to be promoted by … Continue reading The coming Chinese invasion (continued)
Medical marijuana dispensary opens in Williams, Ariz.
Commence with the silly stoner jokes. But, in all seriousness, a medical marijuana dispensary opened on Route 66 in downtown Williams, Ariz., in late January. Naturally, the clinic is called the Route 66 Wellness Center. According to the report in the Williams-Grand Canyon News, the dispensary serves about a dozen patients, although about 60 people … Continue reading Medical marijuana dispensary opens in Williams, Ariz.
Santa Monica Pier soon may undergo major renovations
The Santa Monica Pier, the traditional western endpoint of Route 66, will undergo major reconstruction that may start as soon as next month, according to the Santa Monica Mirror. According to the newspaper: In all, a 360-foot by 36-foot portion of the Pier, or 12,960 total square feet, will be demolished and then reconstructed over … Continue reading Santa Monica Pier soon may undergo major renovations
Retro car-rental company adds cheaper option to travel Route 66
Blacktop Candy's, a company that gained notice a few weeks ago for offering rentals of classic cars on which to drive Route 66, announced it has added an option that's more flexible and cheaper. Company president Scott Shinn says the new Standard option goes for $7,490 for two adults. The details: 19 days of car … Continue reading Retro car-rental company adds cheaper option to travel Route 66
Company makes replica Route 66 gas pumps
Well, this video in my YouTube feed certainly got my attention. Gas Pump Heaven, a company based in Omaha, Neb., posted this video today of its newest replica gasoline pumps: https://youtu.be/Hj-Zh5UqBUI Best of all, the pumps are made in America. I didn't see the pumps on the company's website, but similar commemorative gas pumps it … Continue reading Company makes replica Route 66 gas pumps
A profile of the folks behind Becky’s Barn
Mark Rivera of WAND-TV in Decatur, Ill., has been posting some of his stories to YouTube. The latest is his whimsical profile of Becky and Rick Hargett of Becky's Barn antique store, visitors center, and snack shop on an old brick alignment of Route 66 near Auburn, Ill. https://youtu.be/YMkBDotgH5s I think this video was made … Continue reading A profile of the folks behind Becky’s Barn
Albuquerque focuses on west side of Route 66
The City of Albuquerque is taking aim at revitalizing Central Avenue (aka Route 66) in the city's west end, reported the Albuquerque Journal. Mayor Richard Berry, Klarissa Peña of the Southwest Alliance of Neighbors, and other city officials revealed those plans during a ribbon-cutting for a new fire station. They briefly described to celebrants upcoming projects … Continue reading Albuquerque focuses on west side of Route 66
Seligman Sundries’ Year in Review
The good folks at Historic Seligman Sundries in Seligman, Ariz., put together this "Year in Review" video of some of the tourists who visited. Disclosure: I make an appearance in the film. Think tie-dye. https://youtu.be/5N1e7q4DypA Music is The Road Crew, doing their version of Bobby Troup's "Route 66." You can download the song here for … Continue reading Seligman Sundries’ Year in Review
Big Red at Henry’s Rabbit Ranch dies
Big Red, a long-eared mascot at Henry's Rabbit Ranch in Staunton, Ill., died in his sleep late Wednesday or early Thursday, reported his owner Rich Henry on the Route 66 yahoo group. Henry wrote: He was the perfect image of health. Tuesday afternoon, during his annual comprehensive exam, received a clean bill of health. Yesterday … Continue reading Big Red at Henry’s Rabbit Ranch dies