The Arizona Republic newspaper recently published several articles about the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona, and revealed details about the Route 66 landmark even longtime roadies may not know. It's worth reading the articles in full, starting here. But a few things stood out, plus a couple of observations from me: --- The motel closed … Continue reading Deep background on the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook
Category: Movies
Route 66 makes an appearance in Mercedes Super Bowl ad
The Super Bowl ad for the Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster takes a cue from the 1969 film "Easy Rider" and Steppenwolf's hit song from the movie, "Born to Be Wild." Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the visual punchline. https://youtu.be/BvHFM8c7cPM The Super Bowl is Feb. 5. The advertisement is directed by the Coen Brothers, … Continue reading Route 66 makes an appearance in Mercedes Super Bowl ad
“Most Amazing Views of Route 66”
If you have an hour or so, check out this new video by Roamin' Rich Dinkela and Jamie Jessop showing views of Route 66 landmarks with the help of a drone. Interspersed occasionally in the footage are old images to give context. Jessop also was the music director for the well-edited and produced video. The … Continue reading “Most Amazing Views of Route 66”
Best Picture nominee was filmed in three Route 66 towns
"Hell or High Water," one of nine films nominated Tuesday for Best Picture in the Academy Awards, lists the New Mexico Route 66 towns of Tucumcari, Moriarty and Albuquerque as among the locations where the movie was shot. The movie also was nominated for three other Oscars. The Western bank-heist movie stars Jeff Bridges, … Continue reading Best Picture nominee was filmed in three Route 66 towns
‘The Founder’ movie tells story about the rise of McDonald’s
"The Founder" movie, which details the rise of longtime McDonald's restaurant magnate Ray Kroc, opens in U.S. theaters today. Oscar-nominated actor Michael Keaton stars in the film, who appears to put his intense, charismatic and fast-talking style to good use. Here's the trailer for "The Founder": https://youtu.be/N1adu1VkU_w The film earns an 80 percent "fresh" rating … Continue reading ‘The Founder’ movie tells story about the rise of McDonald’s
Bad news, good news for Formosa Cafe in West Hollywood
Fans of the historic Formosa Cafe along Route 66 in West Hollywood, California, have endured a mix of good news and bad news this month. The bad news is the restaurant, which dates to 1925 at 7156 Santa Monica Blvd., closed abruptly not long after New Year's Day. However, the Formosa building remains protected by … Continue reading Bad news, good news for Formosa Cafe in West Hollywood
Two prominent Kingman figures named to Arizona hall of fame
Late actor Andy Devine and artist-author Bob Boze Bell, both whom had long and enduring links to Kingman, Arizona, and Route 66, were named to the Arizona Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame a few weeks ago. Late western author Zane Grey also was inducted. The Kingman Daily Miner reported about the inductions a few days ago: … Continue reading Two prominent Kingman figures named to Arizona hall of fame
Missouri History Museum sees highest attendance since 1930s
The Missouri History Museum in St. Louis finished 2016 with its highest attendance in about 80 years, and a Route 66 exhibit is being partially credited for that. KSDK-TV in St. Louis reports the museum logged more than 500,000 visitors in the just-finished year. The station reported: "Most museums rely on one big exhibit, … Continue reading Missouri History Museum sees highest attendance since 1930s
More details revealed about “Cars 3”
In recent days, more details have emerged about the Disney-Pixar animated film, "Cars 3," slated for a mid-June release in theaters. The big reveal was an extended trailer for the film, released by Disney: https://youtu.be/U1eQYk74R1g Scenes indicate "Cars 3" at least briefly returning to the desert Southwest and the Route 66 town of Radiator Springs. … Continue reading More details revealed about “Cars 3”
Desert Sands Motel in Albuquerque torn down
The closed Desert Sands Motel of Albuquerque, perhaps best known for being used in a scene in the Oscar-winning movie "No County for Old Men," was torn down last month after three fires since May. The Albuquerque Journal reported the Route 66 motel was razed in early December. Construction equipment reappeared on the site last week, … Continue reading Desert Sands Motel in Albuquerque torn down