Mike Anton of the Los Angeles Times wrote an excellent story about the attempts by Albert Okura, owner of the Juan Pollo restaurant chain, to resuscitate the historic Roy's in the lonely Route 66 desert down of Amboy, Calif. Okura hoped to be further along in fixing up the property, but progress has been slow: … Continue reading An update on Roy’s of Amboy
Category: Towns
Garage sale would go for miles and miles
Bruce Huskins wants to start an annual garage sale along the shoulder of old Route 66 from Elkhart to Atlanta, Ill., on Memorial Day weekend, reports the Lincoln (Ill.) Courier. That's about 25 miles. Huskins is trying to get a thumbs-up from the Lincoln City Council and Logan County Board. Several area politicians reportedly have … Continue reading Garage sale would go for miles and miles
Route 66 in Vega
On Sunday, the Amarillo Globe-News (free registration required) published an article about nearby Vega, Texas, and its Route 66 heritage. The article contained some updates on a few longtime favorites: Dot Leavitt, founder and caretaker of Dot's Mini-Museum, died about a month ago. But the museum was willed to her daughter, Betty Carpenter, and she's … Continue reading Route 66 in Vega
“Albuquerque Rising”
That is the title of this excellent travel article from the Los Angeles Times. Click here and find out why.
The other side of Arizona
Having traveled Route 66 a few times, I often forget that people who've never traveled the northern part of the state don't know that much of it is a land of pine trees and mountain air, not cacti and blistering desert. For those who want to be in Arizona but escape the summer heat, the … Continue reading The other side of Arizona
Three Route 66 additions to the National Register of Historic Places
Three pieces of Route 66 were recently added to the National Register of Historic Places. One is the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, which links Madison, Ill., to north St. Louis over the Mississippi River. It was designated on Dec. 1. This story in the Suburban Journals of St. Louis provides a nice overview of … Continue reading Three Route 66 additions to the National Register of Historic Places
A new big frog for Waynesville?
There's a big, painted stone frog on Waynesville Hill just off old Route 66 in Wayneville, Mo. It's been a local landmark for years, and its name is W.H. Croaker. According to the Waynesville Frog Fest site, this is how the frog was created: You see, several years ago the Missouri Department of Transportation was … Continue reading A new big frog for Waynesville?
Tucumcari train station in line for $400,000 grant
The train station in Tucumcari, N.M., isn't on Route 66, but it and the railroad are so strongly linked to the Mother Road that any news about it is noteworthy. The Quay County Sun in Tucumcari reports that the historic train station is set for $400,000 worth of improvements to become a centerpiece of downtown's … Continue reading Tucumcari train station in line for $400,000 grant
Missouri town is getting a huge interchange
The Joplin (Mo.) Globe reports that the nearby Route 66 town of Carterville, Mo., is getting a new Highway 249 interchange that helps connect to Highway 171, U.S. 400, U.S. 71 and Interstate 44. Locals predict it will give Carterville's economy a big shot in the arm. Larry Tamminem, a longtime resident and owner of … Continue reading Missouri town is getting a huge interchange
A visit to Williams, Ariz.
Paul Sullivan writes a feature about the Route 66 town of Williams, Ariz., for the Fredericksburg (Va.) Free Lance-Star and does a good job capturing the city's friendly charm, natural attractions and -- one thing that's often overlooked -- its walkability. Williams is practically a bedroom community for those who are checking out the nearby … Continue reading A visit to Williams, Ariz.