The pie maker at Palms Grill Cafe

Meet Lumi Bekteshi, a Macedonia native who's an award-winning pie maker at the Palms Grill Cafe, along old Route 66 in Atlanta, Ill. https://youtu.be/49OObDEIQXQ This is part of the ongoing "Route 66 Stories" series from the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway.

A chat with Heleen Thanas at Lou Mitchell’s Restaurant

Here's the latest in a series of "Route 66 Stories" video interviews by the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway. The subject is Heleen Thanas, a longtime employee at Lou Mitchell's Restaurant in Chicago, near the start of Route 66. https://youtu.be/IgNAs6-fKuk Thanas claims she's a "neophyte" of Lou Mitchell's, but she knows a lot about the … Continue reading A chat with Heleen Thanas at Lou Mitchell’s Restaurant

Topock 66 Spa project resumes after delays

The Topock 66 Spa & Resort project in Topock, Ariz., announced with considerable fanfare more than two years ago, soon will resume construction after long delays, according to an announcement on its Facebook page. Owner Chet Hitt said the first phase of Topock 66 should be finished by March 2013. The announcement read: Many said … Continue reading Topock 66 Spa project resumes after delays

El Trovatore Motel’s owner offering Route 66 tours

Sam Frisher, owner of the recently refurbished El Trovatore Motel in Kingman, Ariz., soon will offer day trips on Route 66 on a bus he purchased, according to Kingman-based writer and roadie Jim Hinckley. Hinckley wrote in an email: The centerpiece is twofold, as it will be a full Route 66 immersion that includes a … Continue reading El Trovatore Motel’s owner offering Route 66 tours

It’s that time of year

In towns along Route 66 in Texas, New Mexico and Arizona during this time of the season, you'll find roadside stands where freshly picked Hatch green chile peppers are roasted and sold. This stand is in the parking lot of Mr. D'z Route 66 Diner, in Kingman, Ariz. https://youtu.be/M-PuxrnU7F0 We got big batch of green … Continue reading It’s that time of year

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard on NPR

As part of its "Summer Nights" series, National Public Radio's "All Things Considered" program took a trip down Route 66 to check out Ted Drewes Frozen Custard in St. Louis.

A visit to Ted Drewes Frozen Custard

There's no shortage of videos about Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, an honest-to-goodness landmark in St. Louis and Route 66 for about 80 years. But this one, produced by All About Business, is the best I've seen. It delves into the custard stand's history and includes an interview with Mr. Drewes himself. And the Ted Drewes … Continue reading A visit to Ted Drewes Frozen Custard

A visit to Doc’s Soda Fountain in Girard

Here's the latest "Route 66 Stories" video for the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway. It's an interview with the Deck brothers and their Doc's Soda Fountain in downtown Girard, about 1 1/2 blocks off Illinois Highway 4, the 1926-32 alignment of Route 66. It's also home to the Deck's Drug Store museum. The store's history … Continue reading A visit to Doc’s Soda Fountain in Girard

Rockwood Court restaurant reborn as Tubby’s Diner

A restaurant review in the Springfield News-Leader revealed that the historic Rockwood Court Restaurant in Springfield, Mo., recently was reborn as Tubby's Diner. The new owner, Jason Russell, remodeled the restaurant, improved the food, and restored its Route 66 charm, the newspaper reported. The site housed the first restaurant and motel on Route 66 in … Continue reading Rockwood Court restaurant reborn as Tubby’s Diner

Midpoint Cafe making improvements to midpoint sign

Dennis Purschwitz, new owner the Midpoint Cafe in Adrian, Texas, said on a Facebook post he's making improvements to the "midpoint of Route 66" sign across the road from his restaurant. The project involves installing paver stones to make a more park-like setting, wheelchair / ADA access to the sign, and a platform immediately behind … Continue reading Midpoint Cafe making improvements to midpoint sign