Time magazine published an article online about Asian-Americans who own motels along historic Route 66. The article mentions the Asian-Americans who brought back dignity to the Wigwam Motel in Rialto, Calif., and who continue to improve their properties, such as the Desert Hills Motel in Tulsa. But then ... ... [I]t's a shame that the … Continue reading All-American motels
Retro fest
A few Oklahoma City aficionados of rockabilly and punk music, hot rods and pinups have been going to festivals of such ilk for years. Now they've decided to organize an annual festival of their own -- at the 66 Bowl on Route 66 in OKC, reports the Daily Oklahoman. The Okie Twist-off Kustom Culture Extravaganza … Continue reading Retro fest
A tour of the Gillioz Theatre
I haven't yet visited the recently restored Gillioz Theatre in Springfield, Mo., but this video tour will do nicely in the meantime. It reminds me of the Coleman Theatre Beautiful in Miami, Okla. Incidentally, the Gillioz is on an alignment of Route 66, as is the Coleman.
“RV” cast gets its kicks
The film "RV" was a critical bomb, but one of its bright spots was that its cast sang Bobby Troup's "Route 66" at the end. Co-star Kristin Chenoweth is from Oklahoma, so she does the yodeling thing pretty well.
Notes from the road
Seaba Station near Wellston, Okla., has been put up for sale. I'd been aware that Sue Preston and her husband, Sonny, had moved nearly 50 miles away to Yukon and that the operating hours of the Route 66 antique store had become sporadic. The well-maintained Seaba Station sits on more than an acre, and the … Continue reading Notes from the road
Hillbillee’s closes
While passing through Arcadia, Okla., on Tuesday to go to POPS, we learned that Hillbillee's, a colorful restaurant and bed-and-breakfast on Route 66 in Arcadia since 1993, had closed on Aug. 2. "We decided to retire," said Norma Braxton, former co-owner of the establishment with her husband, Wade. "It's bittersweet for us, but we're just … Continue reading Hillbillee’s closes
Food Network has a hanging chad problem
Rory Schepisi is readying her Boot Hill Saloon & Grill on Route 66 in Vega, Texas, for opening this weekend. It will be fully operational for food service at 4 p.m. Saturday, with a dance at 10 p.m. with music by Blue Steel. But equally newsworthy is that according to the Second Helpings blog, the … Continue reading Food Network has a hanging chad problem
Top of the POPS
On Tuesday, Emily and I drove to the newly opened POPS convenience store and restaurant on Route 66 in Arcadia, Okla. In case you hadn't heard, POPS is the brainchild of Aubrey McClendon, CEO of Chesapeake Energy Corp. in Oklahoma City. POPS was a way to tie together his love of Route 66 and the … Continue reading Top of the POPS
POPS is now open
The POPS convenience store / restaurant on Route 66 in Arcadia, Okla., tried to do what is called a "soft opening" on Monday and keep it low-key. However, travelers and the media got wind of it quickly, including the Daily Oklahoman. So much for low-key. The crowds continued throughout the day, confounding McClendon's plans for … Continue reading POPS is now open
“Easy Rider’s” opening credits
Many a road trip on Route 66 has been inspired by the opening credits of the 1969 movie, "Easy Rider," with its sweeping cinematography by Laszlo Kovacs (who died a few days ago) and Steppenwolf's "Born to Be Wild" pulsing over the soundtrack. Here it is: Longtime roadies will recognize a few Route 66 spots … Continue reading “Easy Rider’s” opening credits