1985’s “Route 66” film being shown online on Queen’s Film Theatre

If you have a couple of hours to kill this weekend, I strongly recommend you watch John T. Davis' 1985 documentary film "Route 66," which can be played on the Queen's Film Theatre IPlayer through Sunday. The description of the film: John T. Davis' Route 66 is an epic road film chronicling the history and … Continue reading 1985’s “Route 66” film being shown online on Queen’s Film Theatre

U.S. travel restrictions with foreign countries may begin to ease by mid-May

The Biden Administration may start relaxing U.S. COVID-19 travel restrictions with Mexico, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe and Brazil by the middle of May -- giving hope to foreign travelers they might be able to explore Route 66 by summer for the first time in more than a year. The CNBC report Thursday cited two sources … Continue reading U.S. travel restrictions with foreign countries may begin to ease by mid-May

U.S. Bicycle Trail bill in Oklahoma may face tough slog in legislature

A bill that would designate Route 66 in Oklahoma as part of the U.S. Bicycle Route faced skepticism from several lawmakers in the state legislature. According to a report in the Tulsa World, the Oklahoma Legislature's Transportation Committee advanced the bill "reluctantly": ODOT Director Tim Gatz and several legislators expressed concern about doing so given … Continue reading U.S. Bicycle Trail bill in Oklahoma may face tough slog in legislature

COVID-19 pandemic cancels Arizona Route 66 Fun Run for a second straight year

The Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona announced its annual Fun Run car cruise, usually slated for early May, has been canceled for a second consecutive year because of the coronavirus pandemic. The association put out this message on its website: We want to start by thanking everyone for the overwhelming support. Like many of … Continue reading COVID-19 pandemic cancels Arizona Route 66 Fun Run for a second straight year

Should we sound a pessimistic note for summer tourism on Route 66 in 2021?

Though two COVID-19 vaccines have been rolling out in the United States and worldwide for several weeks, Route 66 business owners perhaps shouldn't be too high-flying in their optimism for a normal tourism season. Frank Gifford, a photographer and longtime explorer of the Mother Road, had a pessimistic take in "Life in the Time of … Continue reading Should we sound a pessimistic note for summer tourism on Route 66 in 2021?

Videos document nearly every town on Route 66

John Wise is a YouTuber who "tries to visit everywhere in the world and drink every flavor of slushie." He completed a Route 66 trip a few months ago with the goal to document -- even for just a few seconds -- every town on the route. That includes the lesser-traveled 1926-1932 alignment south of … Continue reading Videos document nearly every town on Route 66

Lawmakers seek to designate Oklahoma Route 66 as U.S. Bicycle Route

An Oklahoma state legislator has introduced a bill that would designate all of Route 66 in the Sooner State as a U.S. Bicycle Route. State Rep. John Talley (R-Stillwater) listed in the Stillwater News Press a bunch of bills he has introduced for the legislative session that begins Feb. 1. This one caught my eye: … Continue reading Lawmakers seek to designate Oklahoma Route 66 as U.S. Bicycle Route

Oklahoma Tourism claims 163-to-1 return on RoadTripOK video series

The Oklahoma Department of Tourism said its recently completed 52-episode RoadTripOK video series generated nearly $11.8 million in projected lodging revenue and a 163-to-1 return on investment. The Retrospec Films crew visited attractions, accommodations and events in 67 cities and towns around the state, with a several-month break because of the COVID-19 pandemic. They featured … Continue reading Oklahoma Tourism claims 163-to-1 return on RoadTripOK video series

Comedian Kevin Hart stars in upcoming “Route 66” show for Discovery+ streaming

Comedian and movie star Kevin Hart will star in a television adventure series tentatively titled "Route 66" for the forthcoming Discovery+ streaming service that launches Jan. 4. Several media outlets had details about the Discovery+ platform that was announced Wednesday, but it was Deadline.com that had the most details about Hart's show: Route 66 (working title): … Continue reading Comedian Kevin Hart stars in upcoming “Route 66” show for Discovery+ streaming

Lonely Planet features a Route 66 trip through Arizona and New Mexico

Lonely Planet, which publishes a bunch of travel guides and has a popular website, posted this three-minute video of an Atlanta couple who traveled Route 66 in Arizona and New Mexico. Lonely Planet said this about the video: Historic Route 66 is full of hidden gems -- towns that seem frozen in time from the … Continue reading Lonely Planet features a Route 66 trip through Arizona and New Mexico