Otter Cove Diner in Miami to close at end of today

The Otter Cove Diner along Route 66 in Miami, Oklahoma, announced this week it will have its last day of business today after less than four years in existence. The restaurant at 230 S. Main St. (aka Route 66) will shut down after 2:30 p.m. today "or while supplies last," it stated in a Facebook … Continue reading Otter Cove Diner in Miami to close at end of today

National Trust announces a total of 25 Route 66 Legacy Business Grant awards

The National Trust for Historic Preservation on Wednesday announced the latest selections for its Route 66 Legacy Business Grant Program, part of its Preserve Route 66 initiative. Twenty-five grants were awarded in all eight states that Route 66 goes through for a total of $227,323. Here is the list of awarded projects and dollar amounts: … Continue reading National Trust announces a total of 25 Route 66 Legacy Business Grant awards

Cattleman’s Club neon sign in Amarillo removed for restoration

The large neon sign for the Cattleman's Club & Cafe along Route 66 in Amarillo, Texas, was removed a few days ago so it can be restored and relighted for the first time in decades. Neon signs for The Nat and Eastridge Lanes, also on Route 66 in Amarillo, also are due for rejuvenation. NewsChannel10 … Continue reading Cattleman’s Club neon sign in Amarillo removed for restoration

Grants again available from Backing Historic Small Restaurants program

The Backing Historic Small Restaurants grant program, presented by American Express in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, is back for its fifth round of funding. This year, 50 restaurants across the United States will each have the opportunity to receive a $50,000 grant. These funds can be used for exterior preservation projects … Continue reading Grants again available from Backing Historic Small Restaurants program

Red’s Giant Hamburg sold for $575,000 at auction

Red's Giant Hamburg, a re-creation of the original that once stood along Route 66 in Springfield, Missouri, sold a few days ago at auction for $575,000. The identity of the restaurant's new owner remains unknown, though KLOR-TV in Springfield reported it is a local investor. No one knows what he or she intends to do … Continue reading Red’s Giant Hamburg sold for $575,000 at auction

Landing Pad shop opens near new Gemini Giant location in Wilmington

The Landing Pad, a Route 66-themed souvenir shop, opened in early May just steps from the new location of the Gemini Giant in Wilmington, Illinois. The shop will be open from Thursday through Monday from noon to 6 p.m. through November. It's at 110 S. Park St. (map here), just off Route 66 in Wilmington. … Continue reading Landing Pad shop opens near new Gemini Giant location in Wilmington

Relighting ceremony for Road Runner’s Retreat neon sign set for Nov. 8

The years-long quest to restore the long-dark neon sign at the defunct Road Runner's Retreat truck stop near Chambless, California, soon will become a reality. The Facebook account for the site announced a few days ago that it would host a relighting ceremony for the sign on Nov. 8. It stated that more details would … Continue reading Relighting ceremony for Road Runner’s Retreat neon sign set for Nov. 8

New version of Red’s Giant Hamburg will be auctioned

The resurrected version of Red's Giant Hamburg in Springfield, Missouri, will be auctioned on May 15 after opening about six years ago. OzarksFirst.com first reported that the property on the south side of Springfield (not on Route 66), along with its fixtures and equipment, will be auctioned starting at 1 p.m. on May 15. The … Continue reading New version of Red’s Giant Hamburg will be auctioned

City of St. Louis to celebrate Ted Drewes Day on Friday

The City of St. Louis on Friday is officially recognizing Ted Drewes Day, in honor of the landmark Ted Drewes Frozen Custard stands. On that day, the stand at 6726 Chippewa St. (aka Route 66) will offer 96-cent single-scoop cones or 96-cent single scoops of custard in a "hometown baseball team helmet" -- presumably the … Continue reading City of St. Louis to celebrate Ted Drewes Day on Friday

Route 66 hotel project, “Cry Baby Cry” statue placed on hold by City of Tulsa

A Route 66-themed hotel project and a controversial "Cry Baby Cry" statue -- both near Tulsa's Arkansas River -- have been put on the back burner by the city after a new mayor recently took office. An interactive digital storytelling experience about Route 66 also has been put on hold. The Tulsa World newspaper gleaned … Continue reading Route 66 hotel project, “Cry Baby Cry” statue placed on hold by City of Tulsa