Jerry McClanahan, author of the "EZ 66 Guide for Travelers," announced last week an updated fifth edition of the guidebook has been published. The guide, which contains turn-by-turn directions on how to navigate Route 66 both eastbound and westbound, is published by the National Historic Route 66 Federation. McClanahan said in a Facebook post the … Continue reading Updated fifth edition of “EZ 66 Guide for Travelers” published
Category: Road trips
Springfield, Missouri, poised to break record for hotel stays in 2022
The city of Springfield, Missouri, is on track to break its record of hotel stays in 2022 -- a mark set a year ago. The Springfield News-Leader reported the numbers via Tracy Kimberlin, leader of the city's Convention and Visitors Bureau: In 2021, Springfield set a record with 1,439,619 occupied hotel rooms. And the city … Continue reading Springfield, Missouri, poised to break record for hotel stays in 2022
Trade Winds Inn in Clinton, best known for its Elvis Room, may be demolished
The Trade Winds Inn motel in Clinton, Oklahoma -- best known for its Elvis Room where Elvis Presley stayed during his cross-country road trips -- may be demolished with the possibility the local school district might use the property. The Clinton Daily News (subscription required) reported last week the Clinton Economic Development Authority will discuss … Continue reading Trade Winds Inn in Clinton, best known for its Elvis Room, may be demolished
Mel’s Drive-In restaurant marks its 75th anniversary
Mel's Drive-In restaurants, which includes a location at the actual western terminus of Route 66 in Santa Monica, marked its 75th birthday on Dec. 14 at its eight locations in the San Francisco and Los Angeles regions. On its birthday, the regional chain offered 75% off classic food items, including the Mel burger, country eggs, … Continue reading Mel’s Drive-In restaurant marks its 75th anniversary
The backstory of the Eagles’ seminal hit “Take It Easy”
Recently, Professor of Rock took a deep dive behind the genesis of "Take It Easy," the 1972 song co-written by Jackson Browne that became a key hit single for the Eagles and their first. The host touches on obscure facts behind the tune, then wraps it up in a poignant way with memories about his … Continue reading The backstory of the Eagles’ seminal hit “Take It Easy”
“Magic and history”: Participant recounts her experience in the Route 66 UltraRun
One of the participants of last month's 140-mile Route 66 UltraRun in western Arizona wrote about her experiences in Ultra Running Magazine. Jodi Weiss, who has competed in almost three dozen ultramarathons, said "Guardian Angel of Route 66" Angel Delgadillo, 95, waved the starting flag for the Route 66 Ultrarun in Seligman. Temperatures were about … Continue reading “Magic and history”: Participant recounts her experience in the Route 66 UltraRun
Old Route 66 now is open between Barstow and Ludlow
A section of old Route 66 between Barstow, California, and Amboy, California, that was closed for several years due to bridge washouts is open again. The Facebook accounts of the California Historic Route 66 Association and Roy's Motel & Cafe this week both reported the road being reopened by San Bernardino County, which holds jurisdiction. … Continue reading Old Route 66 now is open between Barstow and Ludlow
Recent example of Uranus Missouri shows why Route 66 sites shouldn’t ignore tour buses
The Uranus Missouri complex near St. Robert, Missouri, recently hosted 17 tour buses in 12 days -- another sign that Route 66 sites should ignore that tourism sector at its own risk. A news release earlier this month contained a smidge of Uranus owner Louie Keen's usual and unapologetic juvenile humor: The industry has been … Continue reading Recent example of Uranus Missouri shows why Route 66 sites shouldn’t ignore tour buses
New Mexico PBS puts its archive online, including “¡Colores! Route 66 in New Mexico”
New Mexico PBS stations recently completed digitization of their archives since 1963, including a one-hour special about Route 66 in that state. "¡Colores! Route 66 in New Mexico" aired in August 2001. I recommend you spend time with it during the Thanksgiving holiday. You'll probably see vintage photos and footage you've never seen before. The … Continue reading New Mexico PBS puts its archive online, including “¡Colores! Route 66 in New Mexico”
Book review: “Eating Up Route 66”
Fill your gas tank and bring your appetite. T. Lindsay Baker's new book, "Eating Up Route 66" (Amazon link), takes readers on a culinary and historic adventure down the Mother Road. It's safe to say the 448-page volume -- subtitled "Foodways on America's Mother Road" -- instantly is a definitive work about Route 66 restaurants. … Continue reading Book review: “Eating Up Route 66”