The Holbrook (Ariz.) Tribune-News is reporting developments in store for the Petrified Forest National Park, namely: -- The Painted Desert Inn will reopen after nearly 18 months of renovations. -- "Along with the inn’s reopening in 2006, the park will open a Route 66 pullout. This point overlooks the Painted Desert, the inn and the … Continue reading Petrified Forest facilities get a face-lift
Category: History
“Remember the Alvarado!”
During the ongoing El Vado Motel saga, I've been struck by Albuquerque residents' willingness to fight to preserve this historic property on Route 66. That's because their energies are fueled by regret. A little background: The Alvarado was one of the fabled Fred Harvey Houses that served railroad passengers. According to the Albuquerque Convention and … Continue reading “Remember the Alvarado!”
The Berghoff in Chicago is closing
The Berghoff, a 107-year-old German dining institution in downtown Chicago, will shut down for good Feb. 28. Route 66 enthusiast David Clark, aka The Windy City Warrior, says The Berghoff is on westbound Route 66, about two blocks from the Mother Road's start. Here are stories from Reuters, AP, Chicago Tribune and Crain's Chicago Business … Continue reading The Berghoff in Chicago is closing
Tucumcari motor lodge declared a landmark
The mostly shuttered Cactus Motor Lodge on Route 66 in Tucumcari was voted to the New Mexico Register of Cultural Properties, according to a Quay County Sun report. The place had a long history as a gambling haven as well as a place for travelers to sleep. Here's an image of a vintage postcard of … Continue reading Tucumcari motor lodge declared a landmark
“Culinary heritage” on Route 66?
Nicole Weston of the Slashfood blog writes about the Food Network's Alton Brown hitting Route 66 this spring for a new show, "Feasting on Asphalt." Brown will ride the Mother Road on his motorcycle to find good food on the road's truck stops, obscure diners and barbecue shacks. Weston remains a bit skeptical about the … Continue reading “Culinary heritage” on Route 66?
Residents of Atlanta, Ill., come through
Today's Bloomington Pantagraph reports that a group of Atlanta, Ill., residents has made a $10,000 matching offer toward the Atlanta Library centennial campaign. The centennial celebration is raising funds to restore the Downey building (ed. note: it houses the Palms Grill), a National Register property located along old Route 66 in downtown Atlanta. The building … Continue reading Residents of Atlanta, Ill., come through
Gallop to Gallup
The Salt Lake Tribune has two features in its weekend travel section about the Route 66 town of Gallup, N.M., with emphasis on the El Rancho Hotel, Red Rock State Park, the High Desert Trail System, Mentmore Rock Climbing Area and Earl's Restaurant.
Water lines made of … wood???
The Quay County Sun in Tucumcari, N.M., has this report about the city receiving federal grants to help replace aging water lines, including along Route 66. Yeah, it's not a sexy story. But then there's this snippet here: (Charlie) Sandoval did point out, however, he and his crew came across some really ancient waterlines down … Continue reading Water lines made of … wood???
Help the big doughnut
The Route 66 Mother Road Museum of Barstow, Calif., is raising money to move the historic 1948 Winchell's Donut sign to the Museum of Neon Art of Los Angeles. The sign is being displayed at Soutar's Dodge in Barstow until Dec. 21. A small story about the fundraising effort is here. There's a good picture … Continue reading Help the big doughnut
Grand Canyon Caverns
Hesperia Star columnist Richard Doornbos writes a nice summary about Grand Canyon Caverns, on old Route 66 near Peach Springs, Ariz. You also can learn about the caverns at its Web site here.