Joplin’s Seventh Street may see a rebirth

The Joplin (Mo.) Globe reports an upswing in developer interest in Seventh Street, a prominent alignment of historic Route 66. In the past three years, the city has issued 38 commercial building permits for work on Seventh Street — for a total of more than $6 million in new construction and renovation of existing structures. … Continue reading Joplin’s Seventh Street may see a rebirth

Wearing of the green

St. Patrick's Day is coming up. That means it's time for the annual 61st St. Patrick's Day Celebration in the Route 66 town of Shamrock, Texas, this weekend. The Amarillo Globe-News has a preview story. For a festival schedule of events, go here.

Moriarty takes a shot at beautification

Here's another Route 66 town in addition to the previously mentioned Victorville, Calif., that's trying to spruce itself up -- Moriarty, N.M., east of Albuquerque. A firm presented a master plan to the Moriarty City Council, reported the Mountain View Telegraph. "The big idea behind it is looking at ways to use landscaping and public … Continue reading Moriarty takes a shot at beautification

Victorville’s Old Town tries to lure artists

This is rather bold. Tired of vacant storefronts in the Old Town area, the City of Victorville, Calif., recently purchased a laundry business so it can tear it down and erect a complex of 10 artist-friendly lofts in an effort to spark residential and retail development, the Victorville Daily Press reports. Developers already are showing … Continue reading Victorville’s Old Town tries to lure artists

Hamel launches Web site

The Route 66 town of Hamel, Ill., recently launched an Internet site. It's not only touting the town to potential future residents, but also is playing up its Route 66 heritage, reports the Belleville (Ill.) News-Democrat. Hamel also is holding a biannual festival. This year's Hamel Heritage Days is June 10, with much of the … Continue reading Hamel launches Web site

Yet another travel story about Albuquerque

Beverly Beyette of the Chicago Tribune writes about Albuquerque as a travel destination. I swear, this is the third or fourth story in the past year about the larger, less-sexy sister city to Santa Fe suddenly becoming a belle of the ball. I'm not knocking it. After all, Albuquerque was once seen as a rather … Continue reading Yet another travel story about Albuquerque

Route 66 development encounters opposition

The Arbors at Route 66 is a planned mixed-use development along Foothill Boulevard (Route 66) and Grove Avenue in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. But the project is encountering resistance from residents, mostly because of traffic concerns, reports the Ontario (Calif.) Daily Bulletin. The proposal is for 23 single-family homes, 75 townhomes and more than 12,600 square … Continue reading Route 66 development encounters opposition

West Hollywood cited as a Distinctive Destination

The Route 66 city of West Hollywood, Calif., has been cited as one of America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, reported a news release today from the city. Here's the citation by the National Trust: In a sprawling metropolis nicknamed the City of Angels, West Hollywood, Calif., maintains a unique … Continue reading West Hollywood cited as a Distinctive Destination

Editorial urges more Route 66 involvement by Joplin

In an opinion piece by the Joplin (Mo.) Globe, the newspaper reports that Ron Hart of Route 66  TV Online is urging the city to pay more attention to its Route 66 roots. Hart would like to see more signs to mark the route and the use of the Route 66 logo downtown that would … Continue reading Editorial urges more Route 66 involvement by Joplin

Town may take over Caprock Amphitheater

San Jon, a small Route 66 town in New Mexico near the Texas border, says it wants to take over the operations of the Caprock Amphitheater south of town, reports the Quay County Sun. The amphitheater, which has a concession stand, bleachers and stage, could be used for weddings and other gatherings, as it has … Continue reading Town may take over Caprock Amphitheater