There's nice interplay between Natalie Cole and jazz singer/pianist Diana Krall during this version of "Route 66." In case you youngsters didn't know, Cole is the daughter of Nat King Cole, who popularized the Bobby Troup classic.
Rose Bowl back in the pink
As predicted here a few weeks ago,the Rose Bowl in Tulsa has been repainted back to some semblance of its original pink color, eschewing the red, white, blue and purple colors that it sported briefly before it closed, reports KOTV. Chris Whinery of Whinery Mortgage is the owner of the Rose Bowl, which was built … Continue reading Rose Bowl back in the pink
Vega restaurant set to open in June
Rory Schepisi, the runner-up on the CMT reality show "Popularity Contest," told me today that her Boot Hill Saloon & Grill on Route 66 in Vega, Texas, will tentatively open on June 3 for a private party and on June 4 to the public. Schepisi said the only thing needed are private-club permits, and she … Continue reading Vega restaurant set to open in June
Route 66 license plates from New Mexico are available
If you're licensed to drive in the state of New Mexico, now's your chance to acquire the state's new Route 66 plates. The plate has "Get Your Kicks on Route 66" written on the top. A New Mexico "U.S. 66" seal is also on it. The design was submitted by Route 66 preservationist Bob Audette. … Continue reading Route 66 license plates from New Mexico are available
Hesperia’s Old Town Shops being renovated
Hesperia, Calif., is growing quickly, but a developer is seeking to preserve at least part of the town's roots by renovating the dilapidated Old Town Shops that were built in the 1950s, according to the Victorville Daily Press. (Hesperia is just south of Victorville.) Roofing work on the buildings began earlier this spring, and plans … Continue reading Hesperia’s Old Town Shops being renovated
Preserve those gas stations
The Joplin (Mo.) Globe has a story about how Route 66 communities in southwest Missouri, southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma are making greater efforts to restore their vintage gas stations. The story goes over territory that Route 66 News has already covered, but it does confirm that there indeed seems to be a movement afoot. … Continue reading Preserve those gas stations
Not just a “morgue”
Here's a story from The Oklahoman about the Saturday opening of the Route 66 Interpretive Center in Chandler, Okla. Choice excerpt: Anthony McDermid, principal designer at Tap Architecture of Oklahoma City, said they didn't want the center to be a morgue for old memorabilia. It was designed to complement other Route 66 stops, but be … Continue reading Not just a “morgue”
Same as it ever was
One time, while dining at a dairy bar on Route 66 in Commerce, Okla., I chatted with this older gentleman who was traveling through the region. We started talking about vintage businesses along the Mother Road. "Just down the street, there's a place that when I walked in, it was like being in my hometown's … Continue reading Same as it ever was
Preservation — $2 at a time
There's been a lot of discussion on the Internet about the Associated Press story about neglected historic motels along Route 66. Yesterday came this plea on the Route 66 yahoogroup from Bob Kelley, owner of the Grand Motel in Williams, Ariz.: I have seen the same problems others have that own older Route 66 motels. … Continue reading Preservation — $2 at a time
Riding for charity
Mark Schultz is a platinum-selling and Dove Award-winning Christian musician. Right now, he is undertaking a bicycle tour across America -- part of it on Route 66 -- to raise money for the James Fund to help orphans and widows. The Gallup (N.M.) Independent caught up with him over the weekend. Apparently the bicycle trip … Continue reading Riding for charity