"First Snow," the thriller starring Guy Pearce that was filmed almost entirely in the Route 66 town of Albuquerque, opened to limited release on Friday. According to some stories I read, the film will gain wider release later. Here's the premise: Stranded after an accident outside a desolate town, Jimmy Munson (Guy Pearce) visits a … Continue reading “First Snow” opens to limited release
Lawmaker wants to protect old police building
The Pontiac (Ill.) Daily Leader reports that state Sen. Dan Rutherford, R-Chenoa, has introduced a bill that would protect the long-closed Illinois State Police District 6 headquarters on Route 66 in Pontiac. Senate Bill 768 would transfer ownership of the unique gun-shaped building to Livingston County for $10. The building recently had been declared state … Continue reading Lawmaker wants to protect old police building
Tucumcari’s neon damaged
Severe thunderstorms struck the border lands of Texas and New Mexico on Friday, resulting in tornadoes in Logan and Clovis, N.M., and hailstorms in the Route 66 town Tucumcari, N.M., that knocked out many of the famed neon signs in town, according to the Quay County Sun. Bill Kinder, co-owner of the Blue Swallow Motel … Continue reading Tucumcari’s neon damaged
Tucumcari applies for racetrack, casino permit
The Route 66 town of Tucumcari, N.M., has applied for the state's last remaining permit for a horse-racing track and casino that would be on the Mother Road, reports the Quay County Sun. The ownership would be a joint effort between the county, Tucumcari and the nearby towns of House, San Jon and Logan. The … Continue reading Tucumcari applies for racetrack, casino permit
Pared-down theme park proposed
Developers for a proposed theme park outside of Williams, Ariz., brought out a leaner, revised plan during the City Council meeting on Thursday night, reports the Arizona Daily Sun. [I]t appears the land on which the project will be built has been secured and financing from private investors -- to the tune of $250 million … Continue reading Pared-down theme park proposed
Canyon views
This is basically a slide show with classical music in the background (it sounds familiar, but I can't place the composer). But the images aren't ordinary. Oh my. This is why many people love the Southwest. The YouTube poster described this clip as such: From Nevada Red Rock Canyon to Zion, Bryce, North Rim, Glen, … Continue reading Canyon views
Old Chain of Rocks Bridge to provide paid parking
A few months ago, the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge that connects old Route 66 from Madison, Ill., to north St. Louis closed its parking lot on the Missouri side because of vandalism and burglaries. Trailnet, the nonprofit group that runs the bridge as a walking and bicycling trail, has announced that the Missouri-side parking … Continue reading Old Chain of Rocks Bridge to provide paid parking
Atlanta’s Downey Building update
The good folks of Atlanta, Ill., have been working to renovate the historic Downey Building in downtown, which is part of old Route 66. The Bloomington Pantagraph reports that a circa-1938 Palms Grill Cafe will be part of the complex and a local history museum. Around 6:30 p.m. April 24, the replica Palms Grill Café … Continue reading Atlanta’s Downey Building update
Sunset at John’s Modern Cabins
Redforkhippie has composed a thoughtful photo essay about the deteriorating ruins of John's Modern Cabins along old Route 66 west of Rolla, Mo.
Williams theme park update coming tonight
The Arizona Daily Sun in Flagstaff reports that the Williams City Council will provide an update Thursday evening about a proposed theme park. The council will hold a behind-closed-doors executive session at 6 p.m. regarding the "purchase, sale or lease of real property" for Grand Canyon Northland Amusements & Entertainment. During the council's regular meeting … Continue reading Williams theme park update coming tonight