The owner of the historic Motel Safari in Tucumcari, New Mexico, announced on social media this week he soon would put the Route 66 establishment on the market. Larry Smith, who has owned the motel at 722 E. Route 66 Blvd. for six years, stated he was "feeling that my time here at the Safari … Continue reading Owner of Motel Safari in Tucumcari is putting it up for sale
Category: People
Michael Wallis talks about Route 66, “Cars” film and writing career in a recent TV interview
Bestselling author Michael Wallis recently sat down with a Tulsa TV station to talk about his long writing career, the "Cars" movie and his personal and professional connection to Route 66. Wallis, 77, was plugging an appearance at the recently completed Route 66 Road Fest in Tulsa. A lot of young people remember his small … Continue reading Michael Wallis talks about Route 66, “Cars” film and writing career in a recent TV interview
Aussie devours Big Texan’s 72-ounce steak dinner in the second-fastest time ever
At least he got it for free. An Australian competitive eater recently gobbled down the Big Texan Steak Ranch's 72-ounce steak dinner in a little less than 6 1/2 minutes, according to WFAA-TV. However, James Webb's effort wasn't a record. Nebraska competitive eater Molly Schuyler (who weighed only 120 pounds) inhaled the enormous platter in … Continue reading Aussie devours Big Texan’s 72-ounce steak dinner in the second-fastest time ever
Keynote speakers announced for 2023 Miles of Possibility Route 66 Conference
The organizers for the Miles of Possibility Route 66 Conference, scheduled for Oct. 19-22 in Bloomington-Normal, announced the keynote speakers for the event a few days ago. The theme for the eighth conference will be "The Great American Road Trip," and the speeches will be on Oct. 20-21. The conference will be headquartered at the … Continue reading Keynote speakers announced for 2023 Miles of Possibility Route 66 Conference
Food not being served at Bagdad Cafe as the owner approaches her 83rd birthday
The California Historic Route 66 Association reports the Bagdad Cafe in Newberry Springs, California, currently is not serving food but is open for visits by tourists and is selling T-shirts, Route 66 souvenirs, soda, beer and coffee. The association and her son also plan something special for owner Andrea Pruett on her 83rd birthday on … Continue reading Food not being served at Bagdad Cafe as the owner approaches her 83rd birthday
Supermodel Cindy Crawford stars in a photo shoot at Roy’s in Amboy
The Roy's Motel and Cafe complex in Amboy, California, has seen a lot of fashion photo shoots over the decades. But last week saw a particularly notable one by Cindy Crawford, one of the most popular supermodels in history. According to SI Lifestyle and other media outlets, the 57-year-old Crawford was participating in a project … Continue reading Supermodel Cindy Crawford stars in a photo shoot at Roy’s in Amboy
George Maharis, co-star of the ‘Route 66’ television drama of the 1960s, dies at 94
George Maharis, the co-star of the CBS-TV "Route 66" drama during the early 1960s, died several days ago. He was 94. The story first was broken Saturday by ExtraTV.com, and The Hollywood Reporter confirmed it hours later. Marc Bahan, Maharis' caretaker and friend, reported his death in a Facebook post. He said he died on … Continue reading George Maharis, co-star of the ‘Route 66’ television drama of the 1960s, dies at 94
Springfield plans to reopen Bill Shea’s Gas Station Museum
The City of Springfield, Illinois, recently accepted a $623,000 state grant to reopen Bill Shea's Gas Station Museum along Route 66. According to the Springfield State Journal-Register, Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau director Scott Dahl wants to make the closed station on Peoria Road (aka Route 66) an "Instagram-able stop," especially for international travelers. Dahl elaborated on … Continue reading Springfield plans to reopen Bill Shea’s Gas Station Museum
Couple who walked across America in 2006 writes a book about their experiences
Very longtime readers of Route 66 News may remember Rick and Jane McKinney, an evangelical couple who walked across the United States -- including much of Route 66 -- in 2006 in an effort to share their Christian faith. Seventeen years later, the McKinneys published a book "And ... So We Walked" (Amazon link) about … Continue reading Couple who walked across America in 2006 writes a book about their experiences
Local historian talks about Mrs. Orcutt and her home and driveway near Newberry Springs
Andy Jones interviewed local historian Paul Deel about his experiences with Bonnie Margaret Orcutt of Newberry Springs, California, as they explored the remains of her long-abandoned home. Jones said he was prompted to interview Deel after viewing a Sidetrack Adventures video, posted on this website, about Orcutt's infamous 4-mile-long driveway. Here's Jones' interview, which contains … Continue reading Local historian talks about Mrs. Orcutt and her home and driveway near Newberry Springs