A few days ago, a YouTube account called hudson501 posted a video from the 1990s of the long-gone Coral Court Motel in St. Louis and the now-closed Tri-County Truck Stop in Villa Ridge, Mo. Today, the account-holder uploaded a video of the induction of the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame on June 8, 1991. … Continue reading Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame induction from 1991
Category: Motels
Memories of the Coral Court and Tri-County Truck Stop
A YouTube account by the name of Hudson501 uploaded this video from 1991 of the Coral Court Motel in St. Louis and the Tri-County Truck Stop in Villa Ridge, Mo. -- both of them Route 66 landmarks. The art deco-inspired Coral Court met its demise with a wrecking ball in 1995, and the truck stop … Continue reading Memories of the Coral Court and Tri-County Truck Stop
New “Route 66 Dining & Lodging Guide” is available
The updated 16th edition of "The Route 66 Dining & Lodging Guide," published by the National Historic Route 66 Federation, is now available to order. The federation didn't have the book listed on its 0nline store as of Saturday. However, it can be ordered from Amazon for $15.95 -- although it's "temporarily" out of stock. In early … Continue reading New “Route 66 Dining & Lodging Guide” is available
Springfield chamber honors owner of Route 66 Rail Haven hotel
The Springfield, Mo., Area Chamber of Commerce honored Gordon Elliott as its 2013 Springfieldian during its annual meeting Friday, according to a news release. For those who don't know who Elliott is, his Route 66 connection will become quickly apparent. To the news release: As CEO of Elliott Lodging and Oak Ridge Properties, Elliott owns and … Continue reading Springfield chamber honors owner of Route 66 Rail Haven hotel
Carlyle Motel sign disappears
On a trip Saturday to check the Green Chile Kitchen on Route 66 in Yukon, Okla., we were dismayed to find that the historic Carlyle Motel neon sign on Oklahoma City's west side had been removed. The sign had been replaced with a nondescript, orange-and-white lettered backlit sign. A source I checked with the Oklahoma … Continue reading Carlyle Motel sign disappears
Boots Motel sets “Raze the Roof” volunteer days
The owners of the Boots Motel in Carthage, Mo., have set dates for "Raze the Roof" weekend, where it's hoped enough volunteers will show up to remove the gabled roof of the historic Route 66 motel so the original flat roof can eventually be restored. From the motel's Facebook page: Priscilla and Debye have settled … Continue reading Boots Motel sets “Raze the Roof” volunteer days
Two Tucumcari motels earn TripAdvisor awards
Not just one, but two motels in the Route 66 town of Tucumcari, N.M., were given 2013 Traveler's Choice Awards by TripAdvisor.com for being rated among the top 25 bargain hotels in the United States. The Blue Swallow Motel was ranked No. 3 in its category, and the Motel Safari was No. 20. Both motels sit … Continue reading Two Tucumcari motels earn TripAdvisor awards
Spectacular views of the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona has long been a popular side trip for Route 66 travelers. Here's likely best video of the park you'll see, courtesy of Lee Kirchner and Kevin Rossi of GOTM Films. Grand Canyon : Blink of Time from GOTM Films on Vimeo. Another excellent video, shot by Dan Carter … Continue reading Spectacular views of the Grand Canyon
Year in review at the Blue Swallow Motel
Kevin and Nancy Mueller of the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, N.M., put together this slide show of happenings in 2012 at the historic landmark. From the description: Our second year of operation was a whirlwind of activity and restoration work. We had so many wonderful guests, and wish we could show every one of … Continue reading Year in review at the Blue Swallow Motel
Memories of the Arrow / Strufe Motel
The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway this week posted more "Route 66 Stories" videos. This one features Fred Strufe, whose family ran the Arrow / Strufe Motel in Dwight, Ill., for many years. Strufe packed in a slew of fascinating stories, including a hilarious one about a honeymooning couple, in five minutes: https://youtu.be/jjo8Xha6K7Y The Strufe … Continue reading Memories of the Arrow / Strufe Motel