More books to ponder during Route 66’s centennial year

We've been made aware of several more books that Route 66 fans may consider cracking open during the highway's centennial year. The first is Michael Kenney's historical novel, "Summer of 66" (Amazon affiliate link), which was published in May. Kenney dexcribed the book to Route 66 News via email: "The story takes place in the … Continue reading More books to ponder during Route 66’s centennial year

State Historical Society of Missouri releases videos of Route 66 road trip series

The State Historical Society of Missouri recently uploaded onto YouTube five videos documenting historic Route 66 in the Show-Me State. Kathleen Seale, regional director of the Rolla and Springfield Research Centers of the historical society, stated: Beginning at the Chain of Rocks Bridge over the Mississippi River in St. Louis, we traveled to the state … Continue reading State Historical Society of Missouri releases videos of Route 66 road trip series

Take a noshing trip on the Route 66 Cheese Trail

A cheese-championing organization has compiled a Route 66 Cheese Trail, where travelers can stop along or near the Mother Road during its centennial to sample cheese varieties. CheeseTrail.org, a site for artisan cheese lovers and professionals, created a map. A perusal of the site turns up these cheese makers or servers. You may notice a … Continue reading Take a noshing trip on the Route 66 Cheese Trail

Take a fictional road trip with these three Route 66 historical novels

Missouri-based 66 Roadies Press has published three historical novels set on Route 66 from author, artist and preservationist Jamie Jessop. They're part of the Mother Road Mysteries series. "The stories use maps, signs, ledgers, photographs and preservation history as fictional evidence while clearly separating invented crimes and characters from real landmarks and people," Jessop stated … Continue reading Take a fictional road trip with these three Route 66 historical novels

Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway launches family activity book

The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway invites families to experience the Mother Road in a fun and interactive way with the launch of its new "Color Your Way Down Route 66" activity book. Developed by the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway in partnership with Ace Sign Company and illustrated by Macie Wright, a Millikin University student and graduate … Continue reading Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway launches family activity book

John Paget’s “Route 66: The Main Street of America” full-length documentary to begin screenings on Sept. 1

"Route 66: The Main Street of America," a documentary by award-winning filmmaker John Paget, begins its roadshow on Sept. 1 in Chicago, the starting point of Route 66. This rolling premiere will travel more than 2,400 miles through all eight of Route 66's states, concluding in Los Angeles on Nov. 7. The Main Street of … Continue reading John Paget’s “Route 66: The Main Street of America” full-length documentary to begin screenings on Sept. 1

The Church Studio in Tulsa opens new exhibit exploring the music of Route 66

As Route 66 celebrates its 100th anniversary, The Church Studio in Tulsa has opened a new exhibit exploring the Oklahoma music and musicians that traveled along America’s most famous highway. “One for the Road: Oklahoma Music and Route 66” fills The Church Studio’s revolving exhibit wall and continues into newly developed exhibit space along the … Continue reading The Church Studio in Tulsa opens new exhibit exploring the music of Route 66

Four more books to read during Route 66’s centennial

I reckoned that a bunch of books would be released during Route 66's centennial, and I wasn't wrong. Here are four titles that I was made aware of in recent weeks. First is Cheryl Eichar Jett's "Aprons Away: Women's Work on Route 66" (Amazon affiliate link). A description of the book: We’ve all heard of … Continue reading Four more books to read during Route 66’s centennial

New musical road on Route 66 goes live in Santa Rosa

A new musical road on Route 66 in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, recently went online, but not at the spot originally planned. The rumble strips that sound out the melody of "My Country 'Tis of Thee" while being driven over at a certain speed were installed on the east side of town, not the west … Continue reading New musical road on Route 66 goes live in Santa Rosa

Heritage Corridor Destinations releases 2026 Route 66 Travel Guide

Heritage Corridor Destinations recently unveiled its 2026 Route 66 Travel Guide at City Square in downtown Joliet, Illinois. The 2026 guide provides travelers with a new resource for exploring the first 100 miles of Route 66 as the iconic highway celebrates its historic centennial anniversary.  The announcement took place during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for City Square, Joliet's new … Continue reading Heritage Corridor Destinations releases 2026 Route 66 Travel Guide