POPS closes in on 1 million bottles sold

POPS, the restaurant/convenience store on Route 66 in Arcadia, Okla., is fast approaching its 1 millionth bottle of soda sold since opening in 2007, reported The Oklahoman's BAM's Blog. Whoever buys the fateful bottle will earn prizes of 66 scoops of ice cream, free soda for a year, 66 free burgers and fries, and 2,400 … Continue reading POPS closes in on 1 million bottles sold

Fan of classic Carthage burger joint becomes its owner

Drew Evans frequently ate hamburgers at the Whisler's Drive-Up at 300 N. Garrison Ave. in Carthage, Mo., since he was child. Now, according to the Carthage Press, Evans recently took over ownership of the restaurant, which has occupied a spot on a Route 66 alignment since 1953. Whisler’s is an absolute Carthage landmark, he continued. … Continue reading Fan of classic Carthage burger joint becomes its owner

BBQ in Tucumcari

On a recent visit to Tucumcari, N.M., we noticed a battered pickup parked at the corner of Route 66 and Lake Street, with a sandwich-board sign on its bed advertising Watson's Bar-B-Que two blocks north. Tucumcari had long boasted good dining options, but barbecue was not one of them in the dozens of times in … Continue reading BBQ in Tucumcari

Waynesville is hopping

This story in the Pulaski County Daily contains several interesting items that indicate the Route 66 town of Wayneville, Mo., is on the verge of an economic revival, if it isn't already. The city’s sales-tax revenue rose 7 percent last year -- a big contrast to many area towns that are seeing double-digit decreases. And … Continue reading Waynesville is hopping

More Route 66 in miniature

Here is Willem Bor's latest Route 66 miniature creation -- the Little Juarez diner in the ghost town of Glenrio, Texas. It is in 1/25 scale. You can read more about Bor's creations here.

Notes from the road

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has nominated the Route 66 city of St. Louis as one of its Dozen Distinctive Destinations, it was announced this week. Such destinations "offer cultural and recreational experiences different from those found at the typical vacation destination. From dynamic downtowns and stunning architecture to cultural diversity and a commitment … Continue reading Notes from the road

Rock Cafe owner will be on “Today” show

Dawn Welch, owner of the Rock Cafe on Route 66 in Stroud, Okla., will make an appearance on NBC-TV's "Today" show at 8:49 a.m. Central on Thursday. According to her "Dollars to Donuts" blog, Welch will be making her three-cheese white lasagna on the show. Welch is there to plug her new book, "Dollars to … Continue reading Rock Cafe owner will be on “Today” show

Notes from the road

The Pontiac Walldog Committee, which has helped beautify downtown Pontiac, Ill., with a series of murals and related festivals, now wants to open a Walldog Mural and Sign Art Museum  in Pontiac, according to news release from the city's tourism department. The primary purpose of the museum is to pay homage to the men and … Continue reading Notes from the road

Logan County sees huge jump in tourism dollars

Geoff Ladd, tourism director for Logan County, Ill., saw an unprecedented jump of 30 percent in tourism revenue in 2009, and Route 66 played a role in that, reported the Lincoln Courier. There were a number of reasons cited in the rise in motel tax revenue: the opening of a Hampton Inn and the reopening … Continue reading Logan County sees huge jump in tourism dollars

Notes from the road

Since Paul Newman's death in 2008, speculation has run rampant on whether Disney-Pixar will revive his Doc Hudson character for the "Cars" sequel. Larry the Cable Guy, who portrayed Mater in the original "Cars," told the Whig Standard of Kingston, Ontario, that the Doc Hudson character has been essentially retired: "It's a shame he's still … Continue reading Notes from the road