New play takes its inspiration from the road

If you're traveling into Pasadena, Calif., anytime soon, you're advised to go to the Theatre@Boston Court and see Carlos Murillo's new play, "Unfinished American Highwayscape #9 & 32 or The Broken Tractor Graveyard." Janja J. Monji of Pasadena Weekly describes why it would be of interest to roadies: In the summer of 2003, Murillo traveled … Continue reading New play takes its inspiration from the road

Galena sinkhole update

There's not much good news to report about the historic Green Parrot tavern's almost-certain demise because of a collapsing underground mine, except that the town's police chief rescued a pet bird from the building. The Joplin (Mo.) Globe reports that Galena, Kan., Police Chief Larry Delmont took the risk of entering the 114-year-old, crumbling building … Continue reading Galena sinkhole update

Sinkhole endangers historic tavern

The 114-year-old building on old Route 66 in Galena, Kan., that houses the Green Parrot tavern likely will become a memory because of a rapidly enlarging sinkhole that's already collapsed part of the structure. Authorities were able to evacuate the tavern's owners, who lived on the second floor, before the building became too structurally compromised. … Continue reading Sinkhole endangers historic tavern

Route 66 photo exhibit on display in Nevada casino

Photographer Michael Campanelli drove the length of Route 66 and took more than 1,000 photos. He chose 166 of the best ones, and they are now on display at John Ascuaga's Nugget in Sparks, Nev., during the Hot August Nights weeklong celebration. The Reno Gazette-Journal has the story.

Interesting nuggets from the 2008 festival

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch's story about the Route 66 Preservation Foundation's annual festival in 2008 in Edwardsville contained a couple of interesting new items: O'Reilly Auto Parts, based in the Route 66 town of Springfield, Mo., will be a partner in that festival. The 2010 festival will tentatively be in Joliet, Ill.

Mark your calendars

A work day has been set to help owner Alan McNeil rehab the long-shuttered Triangle Motel in Amarillo, Texas. The work day is Saturday, Aug. 19, with work beginning between 7 and 7:30 a.m. You'll not only be doing a good deed, but you'll be able to see a historic property up close. The motel … Continue reading Mark your calendars

Popularity of road trips strong despite gas prices

Voice of America reports: Surveys show that half of all Americans still prefer the car for summertime vacation travel — instead of a plane, bus, or train — despite rising gasoline prices. There appears to be a resurgent nostalgia for the great American road trip, a motorized odyssey that’s long been part of the popular … Continue reading Popularity of road trips strong despite gas prices

All aboard the neon tour

The Museum of Neon Art in Los Angeles conducts weekly nighttime tours of neon lighting in the area, including along old Route 66, using a double-decker bus. Cindy Chang tagged along on a tour for the Los Angeles Times. To get a taste, go to the museum's Web site, click on the button for the … Continue reading All aboard the neon tour

Grand opening set for Elk City museum

The Route 66 Transportation Museum in Elk City, Okla., will have its grand opening Aug. 5 from 7 to 9 p.m. It's reportedly going to be a casual event, and Borden's ice cream will be served. The Transportation Museum is next-door to the town's National Route 66 Museum. Kathy Anderson, former president of the Oklahoma … Continue reading Grand opening set for Elk City museum

Reunited and it feels so good

Here's a neat story by the Bloomington (Ill.) Pantagraph from the Rock 'N Rods on Route 66 festival this weekend. A fellow who restored a 1950 Buick Sedanette (here's what one looks like) in the 1970s but hadn't seen the car for 35 years was reunited with it Saturday. Go read about it here.