Tulsa adding 29 historical markers along Route 66

Tulsa will erect a total of 29 historical markers along Route 66 in the next few weeks, continuing that city's embrace of its Mother Road heritage. The markers first were envisioned back in 2005 as part of the original Vision 2025 sales tax for Route 66 projects. The markers will cost $111,000, which included about … Continue reading Tulsa adding 29 historical markers along Route 66

Former Randall’s Route 66 Diner in Sapulpa likely to be a marijuana processing facility

The site of the closed Randall's Route 66 Diner in downtown Sapulpa, Oklahoma, likely will become a marijuana processing facility. KTUL-TV in nearby Tulsa reported this development. At least one downtown business owner isn't too pleased with it: "I'll be concerned with safety and people walking by," said downtown Sapulpa business owner Pamela Manuel.A business … Continue reading Former Randall’s Route 66 Diner in Sapulpa likely to be a marijuana processing facility

ABQ city council OKs tourism package that includes money for Route 66 visitor center

The Albuquerque City Council this week approved a $30.5 million sports tourism bond package that includes $2.5 million for a proposed Route 66 visitor center on the city's west side. Coincidentally, designers for the nearly $13 million Route 66 visitors center gave a presentation during the same city council meeting. You can start the video … Continue reading ABQ city council OKs tourism package that includes money for Route 66 visitor center

Tulsa approves three more applications for neon grants

Three more applications for neon-sign grants in Tulsa were approved along the Route 66 corridor, along with their designs. The ones approved were: Cities Service, West 17th and Southwest BoulevardFlo’s Burger Diner, 2604 E. 11th St.Renaissance Brewing Company, 1147 S. Lewis Ave. Dennis Whitaker, a planner for the Indian Nations Council of Governments, emailed the … Continue reading Tulsa approves three more applications for neon grants

Another Route 66 sign disappears from Grants

I received word Friday from a reader that another sign from a long-defunct Route 66 motel was taken down and hauled away. Here's the email I received from Keith Kofford: Grants lost another Route 66 sign last week (9-10-19) when the Los Alamitos Motel sign was taken. A crew with large equipment was spotted by … Continue reading Another Route 66 sign disappears from Grants

Railsplitting Festival in Lincoln will try to break world record of Abe lookalikes

This weekend's 49th annual Abraham Lincoln National Railsplitting Festival in Lincoln, Illinois, will attempt to break a world record for the most people dressed as Honest Abe in one place. According to a news release about the Sept. 21-22 festival: The public is invited by the Logan County Tourism Bureau to help break the World … Continue reading Railsplitting Festival in Lincoln will try to break world record of Abe lookalikes

Couple wants to eventually open a winery in Vega

Talk about a long-term project -- a couple in Vega, Texas, is growing about 3 acres of grapes in the Route 66 town, and they hope to open a winery there within five to 10 years. A reporter from ABC-7 in nearby Amarillo recently caught up with Thomas Johnson, who moved to Vega from Wyoming … Continue reading Couple wants to eventually open a winery in Vega

Roy’s neon sign in Amboy should be relighted in mid-November

The neon in the iconic Roy's Motel and Cafe sign in Amboy, California, will glow again in mid-November, according to a roadie who contacted the complex's manager. Frank Gifford posted the news on the route66 yahoogroup a few days ago: According to a phone conversation with Roy's manager Manny Lopez, the sign will be re-lit … Continue reading Roy’s neon sign in Amboy should be relighted in mid-November

New Mexico Route 66 Association wades into, then retreats from sign-preservation issue

The New Mexico Route 66 Association on Sept. 5 posted a statement about the thorny issue of historic neon signs disappearing along the highway, particularly in New Mexico, then deleted the post days later. The post, which I'd monitored to read the responses, generated more than 150 comments at last count and plenty of dissatisfaction … Continue reading New Mexico Route 66 Association wades into, then retreats from sign-preservation issue

Elbow Inn operators lose lease; owners will restore look to 1950s

Some good news and bad news emerged this week about the Elbow Inn in Devil's Elbow, Missouri. First, the bad news. The operators of the barbecue restaurant and tavern since 2006 stated in a Facebook post Thursday the owners gave them notice they "would like to take the place in a different direction" and that … Continue reading Elbow Inn operators lose lease; owners will restore look to 1950s