The Springfield (Mo.) News-Leader published an informative article about the recent reopening of the former Exotic Animal Paradise near Strafford, Mo., now the Animal Paradise Family Fun Park. The park reopened in April after it was sold at auction last year. It sounds like a lot of improvements have been made: [T]hey brought in new … Continue reading Paradise returns
Flooding may cut off Miami, Okla.
Those who are traveling Route 66 through northeastern Oklahoma may need to make alternative plans over the next few days because of flooding. According to the Tulsa World: By the evening of July 4 the Neosho River is expected to crest 1.25 feet higher than it was during historic floods in 1986, Spurgeon said in … Continue reading Flooding may cut off Miami, Okla.
Old station keeps holding on
The Edmond (Okla.) Sun has a story about the history of a long-defunct Conoco gas station on Route 66 between Luther and Arcadia, Okla. The station dates to 1926 -- the very beginnings of Route 66. It also has a less-than-sedate past: Unsolved mystery looms there where the body of a murdered man was found … Continue reading Old station keeps holding on
A self-correcting situation
I saw this story, "Disappearing Fast: Route 66, Chicago-Los Angeles," on the Los Angeles Times' Daily Travel Deal Blog a few days ago, but didn't plug it here because it contained some inaccuracies. The story makes it sound like Route 66 is going to quickly disappear after the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program sunsets in … Continue reading A self-correcting situation
Report from the festival
Brent Weber of KOKH-TV in Oklahoma City interviewed Michael Wallis and Emily at the beautification project for the former Ray's Motel in Clinton, Okla., during the recent National Route 66 Festival.
Gunfight at Oatman
OK, not really. But every day at 1:30 p.m., Old West gunfighters do a show on Route 66 in Oatman, Ariz. As this video shows, it's all pretty tongue-in-cheek and done for entertainment instead of historical re-enactment. The sound quality of the video is erratic, but it's almost as good as being there if you … Continue reading Gunfight at Oatman
Cozy Dog featured on Rand McNally guide
The Cozy Dog Drive-In restaurant, a landmark on Route 66 in Springfield, Ill., is listed as a "can't miss" stop in the Rand McNally Midwest Getaway Guide, published this month. According to the news release: Cozy Dog Drive In, locally owned and operated since 1946, has been a Route 66 attraction drawing travelers from around … Continue reading Cozy Dog featured on Rand McNally guide
Asleep at the Wheel not feeling drowsy
Last year, I had a YouTube video of Western swing band Asleep at the Wheel performing Bobby Troup's "Route 66." YouTube took it down some months ago, but a new one has been posted. Check it out:
Keep that bridge open
The historic bridge that takes an older alignment of Route 66 into Devil's Elbow, Mo., needs repairs. Without it, many residents of the town would have to drive miles out of their way. This sounds like a slamdunk for state road assistance. But the Waynesville (Mo.) Daily Guide says the county isn't taking chances: Pulaski … Continue reading Keep that bridge open
Hear Michael Wallis’ keynote speech
If you missed author Michael Wallis' keynote speech at the National Route 66 Festival in Clinton, Okla., last week, you can listen to it on this page. The QuickTime sound file is about 33 minutes. Rod Harsh at Route66TVonline.com and Visit66.com recorded it. Harsh also has a bunch of photos from the festival.