This has been in the works for a while. But on Monday, Denver-based photographer KC Keefer launched his "Genuine Route 66 Life" channel on YouTube. The channel is subtitled "American Stories from the Route," and this is what the series is about: "Genuine Route 66 Life" is a celebration of people from around the world … Continue reading “Genuine Route 66 Life” video series launched
Category: Restaurants
Last day for Irv’s Burgers is Oct. 30
The last day of operation for Irv's Burgers at its historic Route 66 site in West Hollywood, Calif., will be Oct. 30, according to a person close to the situation. Dave White wrote on his Facebook page on Wednesday night: They are officially closing their doors on October 30. That's the last day. The lawyers … Continue reading Last day for Irv’s Burgers is Oct. 30
Will Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket supplant the Launching Pad?
Here's an interesting rumor that started the morning. A part of the report by WJOL radio in Will County, Ill.: The possibility calls for a new Dell Rhea's Chicken to go where the cuurrnt Launching Pad restaurant is located. The only sidetrack for some Route 66 lovers is the possibilty that the big green Gemini … Continue reading Will Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket supplant the Launching Pad?
A western Missouri side trip
Those who are traveling Route 66 in western Missouri between Springfield and Carthage may want to consider a side trip, according to longtime roadie Tonya Pike. Pike emailed me about the Hangar Kafe, which opened in May in rural Miller, Mo., near the Route 66 hamlets of Avilla and Spencer. I'll let her explain: It … Continue reading A western Missouri side trip
Whirl-A-Whip reopens with new owners
The historic Whirl-A-Whip restaurant near an old alignment of Route 66 in Girard, Ill., reopened under new ownership after a two-year hiatus, reported the Springfield State Journal-Register. Brent and Anita Barnes recently reopened the walk-up stand. It first opened in 1957. It's the special ice-cream maker that gives the restaurant its name: It still uses … Continue reading Whirl-A-Whip reopens with new owners
A visit to Louie’s Drive-In
Here's a video by the Springfield News-Leader about Louie's Drive-In (formerly Vaughn's Drive-In), which has served West Division Street in Springfield, Mo., since 1966: And this is the restaurant's specialty: One of the drive-in’s specialties is the Hillbilly Sandwich, a deep-fried beef tenderloin topped with the secret sauce. “That sandwich was floating around different places,” … Continue reading A visit to Louie’s Drive-In
Cost-share grants announced from Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program
The Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program announced six cost-share grants for 2013, totaling about $81,000. Since the program started in 2001, 114 projects have been awarded $1.6 million, with a $2.7 million in cost-share money from the recipient, totaling $4.3 million in public-private investment toward the preservation and revitalization of properties along historic Route 66 … Continue reading Cost-share grants announced from Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program
Wagon Wheel Restaurant in Needles marks 35th year
The Wagon Wheel Restaurant on Route 66 in Needles, Calif., marked its 35th anniversary on Aug. 1, according to the Needles Desert Star, although a restaurant has been on that site for longer than that. The restaurant used the day for various special meals and drinks to commemorate 35 years. Customers also could get added … Continue reading Wagon Wheel Restaurant in Needles marks 35th year
Mural artist creating Route 66 artwork in Needles
Robin Morrow, who already has painted Route 66-themed artwork on walls in Needles, Calif., also is offering to help businesses in town rejuvenate existing artwork, the Needles Desert Star reported. The newspaper also explained what is planned with the city's future mural projects: Morrow was hired by the Needles Economic Development Corporation to create a … Continue reading Mural artist creating Route 66 artwork in Needles
Big Texan restaurant will be subject of documentary
The Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, and its colorful history will be the subject of a documentary by a Tennessee-based filmmaker, reported the Amarillo Globe-News. Audrey Kalivoda of Mesquite 90 Productions has been gathering footage at the 53-year-old restaurant the past several weeks. Co-owner Bobby Lee hired Kalivoda to make the film, which promises … Continue reading Big Texan restaurant will be subject of documentary