The Oklahoma Route 66 Association a few days ago announced it is replacing about a dozen "Roadside Attraction" signs erected by Hampton Inn at Route 66 sites across the state nearly 20 years ago. The association stated in a news release it was identifying the location, the sign's status and whether descriptive text needs to … Continue reading Oklahoma Route 66 Association replacing “Roadside Attraction” signs in state
Category: Restaurants
Wayside Inn near Hazelgreen was a bar but never was a motel
The long-closed Wayside Inn bar near Hazelgreen, Missouri, reputedly once was said to be a motel, but recently uncovered evidence has refuted that claim. It goes to show that even as Route 66 approaches its centennial, new or obscure information can be unearthed about the highway and its businesses. Gary Sosniecki, a longtime journalist, posted … Continue reading Wayside Inn near Hazelgreen was a bar but never was a motel
Tail O’ the Pup hot dog stand reopens along Route 66 in West Hollywood
The iconic Tail O' of the Pup hot dog stand that was in storage for 17 years recently reopened -- along Route 66, appropriately -- in West Hollywood, California. The hot dog-shaped stand at 8512 Santa Monica Blvd. (aka Route 66) was purchased late last year by the 1933 Group, which also holds the Formosa … Continue reading Tail O’ the Pup hot dog stand reopens along Route 66 in West Hollywood
Launching Pad Drive-In in Wilmington closes; future of restaurant appears uncertain
The landmark Launching Pad Drive-In restaurant in Wilmington, Illinois -- famous for its Gemini Giant fiberglass statue that stands next to Route 66 -- has closed, and its future appears to be uncertain. Several reports of the restaurant's closing have surfaced on various Route 66 social media groups in recent days, including unconfirmed rumors the … Continue reading Launching Pad Drive-In in Wilmington closes; future of restaurant appears uncertain
High Country Motor Lodge opens in a former Howard Johnson in Flagstaff
A few weeks ago, the High Country Motor Lodge boutique hotel in a former Howard Johnson and a Days Inn along Route 66 in Flagstaff, Arizona, held its grand opening. The hotel was described in a lengthy story (plus lots of photos) by The Points Guy and MSN.com. The rustic aesthetic was elevated by luxurious … Continue reading High Country Motor Lodge opens in a former Howard Johnson in Flagstaff
Springfield history museum launches exhibit about Route 66 restaurants
The History Museum on the Square in downtown Springfield, Missouri, just a few days ago launched an exhibit called "Order Up: The Restaurants of Route 66." The exhibit was made public shortly before this weekend's Birthplace of Route 66 Festival in Springfield. According to the Springfield News-Leader, it features a variety of eateries -- past … Continue reading Springfield history museum launches exhibit about Route 66 restaurants
Alderman says Ted Drewes Frozen Custard site to get crosswalk, barriers after 2 pedestrian deaths
A St. Louis city alderman said Chippewa Street in front of Ted Drewes Frozen Custard will undergo safety changes after two pedestrians died in accidents in three months this summer. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch had some of the details: Alderman Tom Oldenburg said police are increasing traffic enforcement to try and slow cars down in … Continue reading Alderman says Ted Drewes Frozen Custard site to get crosswalk, barriers after 2 pedestrian deaths
Second pedestrian in three months dies in front of Ted Drewes, prompting calls for more patrols
A second pedestrian in three months has died while crossing the street in front of Ted Drewes Frozen Custard's flagship stand in south St. Louis, prompting calls for more police to patrol that area and other action. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that Matthew Nikolai, 17, a senior at Christian Brothers College High School, was … Continue reading Second pedestrian in three months dies in front of Ted Drewes, prompting calls for more patrols
Chicago Coin’s Band-Box in the Pancake Hut in Carthage shipped to California for restoration
The historic Chicago Coin's Band-Box robotic band in the Pancake Hut restaurant in Carthage, Missouri, has been shipped to a company in California so it can be repaired and restored. Wanda Baugh, owner of the restaurant, has set up a donations fund for the Band-Box with an SMB bank in Carthage called the "Pancake Fund." … Continue reading Chicago Coin’s Band-Box in the Pancake Hut in Carthage shipped to California for restoration
The Chicken Shack completes its move down Route 66 from Luther to Arcadia
The Chicken Shack restaurant in Luther, Oklahoma, recently finished its move down Route 66 to Arcadia, Oklahoma. The Chicken Shack announced the move was complete in a Facebook post: The restaurant's owner, Eddy Gochenour, announced the move 7 1/2 miles to the west earlier this year. He is leasing a portion of the defunct Hillbillee's … Continue reading The Chicken Shack completes its move down Route 66 from Luther to Arcadia