Notes from the road

--- The bad news in Oklahoma is that the state's turnpike authority will raise toll-road prices an average of 16 percent. The good news is that this probably means more traffic on old Route 66 in the Sooner State. --- On Monday we briefly visited with Dawn Welch, owner of the Rock Cafe in Stroud, … Continue reading Notes from the road

They’re Cozy Dogs, not corn dogs

Dave Bakke of the Springfield (Ill.) Journal-Register explains that in Springfield, you order "cozy dogs," not corn dogs at the Cozy Dog Drive-In on Route 66 in south Springfield. “We usually give them funny looks when they say (corn dog),” says the Cozy Dog’s Sue Waldmire. The newspaper decided to do an update about the … Continue reading They’re Cozy Dogs, not corn dogs

‘Man v. Food’ host takes on Springfield eateries

Adam Richman, host of the Food Network's "Man v. Food" series, will film an episode at three Route 66 restaurants in Springfield, Ill., starting Friday, reports the Springfield Journal-Register. Richman's big task is to eat a record five bowls of Firebrand chili in one sitting from Joe Rogers' Original Recipe Chili Parlor. Richman and his … Continue reading ‘Man v. Food’ host takes on Springfield eateries

Gull wing gathering

A group of DeLorean car owners from Oklahoma recently went to POPS on Route 66 in Arcadia, Okla. One of them even had his DeLorean decked out to resemble the time-traveling car from the "Back to the Future" films. Awesome.

Chicken-fried bacon

In this warm review by Columbus Alive of Roadhouse 66 Bar & Grille in Worthington, Ohio, this excerpt caught my eye: If you're snacking with your nightcap, an appetizer menu is served until 11:30 p.m. This means you can get a pint of beer with Betty Boop's Tickle Pickles - battered and fried dill wedges … Continue reading Chicken-fried bacon

Former Dixie Truckers Home gets a face-lift

The Dixie Travel Plaza in McLean, Ill., formerly known for decades as the Dixie Truckers Home on Route 66, recently finished a $500,000 remodeling, reported the Bloomington Pantagraph. Remodeling is 90 percent complete and among the most visible improvements is a new awning bearing Dixie and Route 66 logos, Kletz said. Also new is a … Continue reading Former Dixie Truckers Home gets a face-lift

Let’s celebrate The Mill’s 80th year

The Mill, a former restaurant on Route 66 in Lincoln, Ill., will mark its 80th anniversary on July 25 with several events, reports the Springfield Journal-Register. Route 66 Heritage Foundation of Logan County is hosting the festivities that day, beginning at noon. Music and food will be served beginning at 1 p.m., with an informal … Continue reading Let’s celebrate The Mill’s 80th year

New restaurant in an old package

Roadies traveling in the Cuba, Mo., area have a new dining option, but it's housed in a historic building on the Mother Road. Road House 66, on Highway UU off Interstate 44, recently opened in the former Wagon Wheel Restaurant -- a fixture on Route 66 since 1954, according to a newspaper article by the … Continue reading New restaurant in an old package

“Great American Road Trip” premieres Tuesday

NBC's newest reality-television show, "The Great American Road Trip," which reportedly takes place on Route 66, is ginning up publicity for the series that begins at 8 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday. In case you haven't heard, the premise is that seven families are given an RV in which to travel. During their journeys, they have … Continue reading “Great American Road Trip” premieres Tuesday

Notes from the road

A few things to clear off my plate: -- Dawn Welch, owner of the Rock Cafe in Stroud, Okla., told me today that her restaurant would be closed for the July 4 holiday. Roadies who wish to go to their favorite Route 66 hangout on that day are advised to call ahead to make sure … Continue reading Notes from the road