A TV reporter’s takes on Route 66

In recent days, Mark Rivera, a reporter for WAND-TV in Decatur, Ill., has posted on YouTube a few of his Route 66-related stories from central Illinois. They're all pretty good. The first is Bill Shea's Gas Station Museum in Springfield: https://youtu.be/kLpM0m43tnw Next is the Palms Grill in Atlanta, Ill.: https://youtu.be/7gYG8BvP0w8 And finally is Funks Grove … Continue reading A TV reporter’s takes on Route 66

Northern Arizona University’s report on Route 66

A television program, "Inside NAU," by the Northern Arizona University Network takes a look at Route 66. The Mother Road goes through the university's backyard in Flagstaff. Among the people interviewed is Angel "The Angel of Route 66" Delgadillo and NAU archivist (and Route 66 News reader) Sean Evans. https://youtu.be/SDmHWTnN4YU Unlike history professor Michael Amundson, I don't … Continue reading Northern Arizona University’s report on Route 66

Route 66, 20 years ago

Wayne Freedman, a reporter for KGO-TV in San Francisco, on Wednesday tweeted about these two videos from 1992 about Route 66. The first video prominently features Angel "The Angel of Route 66" Delgadillo. https://youtu.be/IJF_wFgqX8M The second video from the same time period spotlights the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Ariz. https://youtu.be/7wbkgcUHFOM Remember, these videos were shot … Continue reading Route 66, 20 years ago

“Route 66” meets The Simpsons

Russ Johnson of Canon City, Colo., noticed something familiar between Nelson Riddle's  "Route 66" theme for the original 1960s television show and Danny Elfman's main theme for "The Simpsons." So he created a mashup of the two. It's a bit disorienting at times, but it does contain a few striking similarities in its melody and … Continue reading “Route 66” meets The Simpsons

A visit to Ted Drewes Frozen Custard

There's no shortage of videos about Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, an honest-to-goodness landmark in St. Louis and Route 66 for about 80 years. But this one, produced by All About Business, is the best I've seen. It delves into the custard stand's history and includes an interview with Mr. Drewes himself. And the Ted Drewes … Continue reading A visit to Ted Drewes Frozen Custard

Waylan’s Ku-Ku will appear on Travel Channel

Waylan's Ku-Ku Burger, a mainstay restaurant on Route 66 in Miami, Okla., will appear on the Travel Channel's "Food Paradise" show this fall, reported KODE / KSN-TV in nearby Joplin, Mo. Crews filmed the restaurant this weekend. Waylan's KU KU Burger has been around for nearly 50 years. Owners say they see customers from all over the … Continue reading Waylan’s Ku-Ku will appear on Travel Channel

Cozy Dog will be subject of Food Network program

The Cozy Dog Drive-In, a fixture along Route 66 in Springfield, Ill., for six decades, soon will host a camera crew from the Food Channel to show how the restaurant's cozy dogs are prepared, reported the Springfield State Journal-Register in a story about tourism in the city. According to the newspaper, filming will take place on … Continue reading Cozy Dog will be subject of Food Network program

TV ad denigrates Wigwam motels

A new television commercial by the Microtel motel chain conveys an unflattering light on the three surviving Frank Redford-designed wigwam-style motels, including two on Route 66, says at least one of their owners. The manager of the Wigwam Motel in Rialto, Calif., is considering a defamation suit or other legal action against the chain, and … Continue reading TV ad denigrates Wigwam motels

Vancouver tourism chief writes book about Route 66

Stumbled onto this today ... Rick Antonson, president and CEO of Vancouver Tourism, talks about his new book, "Route 66 Still Kicks," on the "Urban Rush" television show in Canada: https://youtu.be/aTfIEKr7l-U According to Amazon, the book won't be available until September. However, it appears you can order it direct from the publisher, Dundurn Press, or … Continue reading Vancouver tourism chief writes book about Route 66

New reality series takes a Route 66 road trip

Jeff Schroeder and Jordan Lloyd, who starred in the reality series "The Amazing Race" and "Big Brother," are starring in a new CBS.com web-only series, "Jeff & Jordan Do America," where they drive Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles to begin a new life. Here's a preview of the show, which begins July 18: … Continue reading New reality series takes a Route 66 road trip