The Cozy Dog Drive-In in Springfield, Illinois, was one of several dining establishments that received a Gold Award for 2022 from the Sangamon County Department of Health. According to the Springfield State Journal-Register, the Route 66 landmark and other restaurants met these criteria from the health department: Being certified food manager compliant; No more than … Continue reading Cozy Dog Drive-In earns Gold Award from county for outstanding food-safety practices
Santa Monica Pier was saved from destruction 50 years ago
It's unthinkable now, but the iconic Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, California, once was very much in danger of being torn down a half-century ago. The Santa Monica Daily Press recently published an article about the history of the pier, including a successful grass-roots effort in 1973 to preserve it after the city council … Continue reading Santa Monica Pier was saved from destruction 50 years ago
Missouri budget plan includes $6 million to rebuild the bridge at Route 66 State Park
Among proposed spending bills being considered by the Missouri Legislature is a $6 million plan to build a pedestrian bridge at an existing historic span at Route 66 State Park near Eureka. That item was flagged deep in a story by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that focused on the Missouri Department of Transportation headquarters in … Continue reading Missouri budget plan includes $6 million to rebuild the bridge at Route 66 State Park
“The Other Side” Route 66 photo exhibition opens April 7 in Tulsa
The Tulsa Artists’ Coalition in April will present “The Other Side,” a body of photographs documenting the changes occurring along Route 66 over the course of five years. A collaborative project, “The Other Side” is an ongoing project by two artists based in Route 66 states, Melinda Green Harvey of Texas and VC Torneden of Oklahoma. … Continue reading “The Other Side” Route 66 photo exhibition opens April 7 in Tulsa
Forthcoming brewery in Amarillo wants to take advantage of Route 66 tourism
The Old Tascosa Brewing Company wants to open a tap room by mid-April along the historic Sixth Street District in Amarillo, Texas, and capitalize on Route 66 tourism, especially with centennial celebrations leading up to the highway's big year in 2026. Channel 7 in Amarillo published a story about the brewery and the Route 66 … Continue reading Forthcoming brewery in Amarillo wants to take advantage of Route 66 tourism
American Giants Museum planned for downtown Atlanta, Illinois
Joel Baker, a Muffler Man aficionado who has created a website and documentary shorts about his obsession, announced this week he is planning an American Giants Museum site along Route 66 in Atlanta, Illinois, The museum will be almost directly across the street from the Bunyan Giant Muffler Man in downtown that once stood along … Continue reading American Giants Museum planned for downtown Atlanta, Illinois
New, Route 66-themed mural unveiled for Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet
The Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet, Illinois, recently held a private unveiling of the "Twin Centennial" mural that will be installed later this month outside of the historic theater. Dante DiBartolo's mural honors both the theater and Route 66, both of which will mark their 100th year in 2026. The theater showed what the mural … Continue reading New, Route 66-themed mural unveiled for Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet
New Mexico Route 66 Association’s motor tour goes on hiatus this year due to Tucumcari project
The New Mexico Route 66 Association last week announced it would pause its annual motor tour this year because of the complexities of moving its office to Tucumcari. Sue Montgomery, vice president and membership officer with the association, stated in an email: So good news is that the NM Rt 66 Association in conjunction with … Continue reading New Mexico Route 66 Association’s motor tour goes on hiatus this year due to Tucumcari project
Former Eat-Rite Diner in St. Louis attracts notice from two area publications
Fleur STL, better known as the former Eat Rite Diner, recently received more attention from two St. Louis-area publications, including a favorable review from the daily newspaper. Experienced local chef Tim Eagan, who acquired the building not long after it closed in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, opened the small eatery primarily as a brunch spot in … Continue reading Former Eat-Rite Diner in St. Louis attracts notice from two area publications
National Trust offering another round of grants for historic small restaurants
The National Trust for Historic Preservation and American Express are offering another opportunity for restaurants to receive up to $40,000 from the Backing Historic Small Restaurants Grant Program. The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership stated in a news release it is encouraging the many small, historic restaurants along Route 66 to apply for the grant, … Continue reading National Trust offering another round of grants for historic small restaurants