Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway picks new director

The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway chose Casey Wichmann, a veteran of marketing and nonprofit organizations, as the group's new executive director. The byway's board of directors made the decision to tap Wichmann for the post. According to a news release from the byway: Wichmann brings to the byway a wealth of knowledge and an … Continue reading Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway picks new director

Route 66 Navigation launches “Keep Calm and Travel Route 66 (Later)” campaign

Touch Media on Thursday announced the launch of a "Keep Calm and Travel Route 66 (Later)" campaign in the wake of President Trump's 30-day ban of travelers from Europe because of the coronavirus pandemic. Touch Media, which created the Route 66 Navigation app, started the campaign because of some grim data in the wake of … Continue reading Route 66 Navigation launches “Keep Calm and Travel Route 66 (Later)” campaign

Improvements coming to Andy Payne Park in Foyil

The town of Foyil, Oklahoma, soon will embark on improvements to Andy Payne Park -- best-known for its statue of Payne running -- off old Route 66 in the village. According to the Claremore Daily Progress newspaper in nearby Claremore: The improvements, budgeted at $11,000, will include three new picnic tables covered by a large … Continue reading Improvements coming to Andy Payne Park in Foyil

Bob Mullen, creator of Bob’s Gasoline Alley, dies at 67

Bob Mullen, who parlayed his massive collection of gas-station and other old-time memorabilia into Bob's Gasoline Alley for about 20 years near Cuba, Missouri, died suddenly at his home Sunday night. He was 67. Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus, 7057 Old 66, in Cuba. The funeral will … Continue reading Bob Mullen, creator of Bob’s Gasoline Alley, dies at 67

Afton Station in Afton is up for sale again

The landmark Afton Station in Afton, Oklahoma, is on the market again after being sold at auction less than a year ago. A sharp-eyed Route 66 enthusiast noticed the property recently listed on Facebook Marketplace by Teresa McCoin. Contacted via Facebook Messenger, McCoin stated she wanted $174,000 for it but would consider renting out the … Continue reading Afton Station in Afton is up for sale again

Chef at The Turquoise Room at La Posada will retire later this year

John Sharpe, chef at The Turquoise Room at La Posada in Winslow, Arizona, will retire in September after 20 years at the helm of the acclaimed restaurant and is looking for a replacement. Sharpe made the announcement Saturday afternoon during his regular newsletter for the restaurant: After 20 years Patricia and I will move over … Continue reading Chef at The Turquoise Room at La Posada will retire later this year

How about Harley and Annabelle Russell for the Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame?

The Oklahoma Route 66 Association a few days ago sent out an email asking for nominations -- one living and one deceased -- for the upcoming Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame inductions, held every two years. The Hall of Fame ceremony will be June 20 at the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton. Here … Continue reading How about Harley and Annabelle Russell for the Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame?

Living Kitchen near Depew named a Beard Award semifinalist

The chef at Living Kitchen Farm & Dairy near Depew, Oklahoma, on Wednesday was named a semifinalist for the prestigious James Beard Award that honors culinary excellence. Living Kitchen chef Lisa Becklund was listed in the Best Chef: Southwest division. The restaurant sits about a half-mile south of old Route 66 in a log cabin. … Continue reading Living Kitchen near Depew named a Beard Award semifinalist

New art space at Powerhouse Visitors Center in Kingman to feature Bob Waldmire

New art space at the Powerhouse Visitors Center in Kingman, Arizona, will feature the works of late Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire when it opens March 14. According to a news release from the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona, the art space will feature Route 66 artwork on a rotating basis. The news release … Continue reading New art space at Powerhouse Visitors Center in Kingman to feature Bob Waldmire

Daredevil “Mad” Mike Hughes killed in rocket crash near Barstow

Daredevil "Mad" Mike Hughes, probably best known for his homemade rocket launch near the Route 66 town of Amboy, California, two years ago, died in a rocket crash Saturday near Barstow after its parachute apparently separated from the craft after liftoff. Hughes, who resided in Apple Valley, California, was 64. The San Bernardino County Sun … Continue reading Daredevil “Mad” Mike Hughes killed in rocket crash near Barstow