Wi-fi being installed at Texas rest stops

The Texas Department of Transportation announced it is installing wireless Internet access to all rest stops in the state, including the one in the Texas Panhandle that pays homage to Route 66, reports KXAN-TV in Austin. RoadConnect.net is the firm installing the wi-fi. "We've installed wireless internet service at 102 rest areas in Texas," said … Continue reading Wi-fi being installed at Texas rest stops

Wigwam Motel named one of 10 quirkiest

TripAdviser.com named its top 10 quirkiest motels from around the world. A Route 66 establishment made the final cut: 7. Chief Light-Wallet: Wigwam Motel, Holbrook, Arizona Operating along the historic U.S. Route 66, the Wigwams are actually teepee-style, cement tents. The bargain motel features the authentic feel of a 50s desert town -- from the … Continue reading Wigwam Motel named one of 10 quirkiest

“Cars” moves to No. 2 in box-office grosses

During the weekend, "Cars" moved into the No. 2 slot this year in domestic box office receipts with a total of $234 million, according to Box Office Mojo. It edged out "X-Men: The Last Stand" for the runner-up spot. "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" is the runaway winner in the domestic box office … Continue reading “Cars” moves to No. 2 in box-office grosses

Fontana’s Route 66 motels cling to survival

Route 66 through Fontana, Calif., has one of the biggest clusters of vintage motels in Southern California. According to an article Sunday by the Press Enterprise, about a dozen independently owned motels still stand along a stretch of Foothill Boulevard. "There are your cities along 66 that have motels left, but I don't think anything … Continue reading Fontana’s Route 66 motels cling to survival

Which town truly earns the “Redneck” title?

Harley Russell, during the course of his entertaining and sometimes eccentric Mediocre Music Makers shows with wife Annabelle, will tell his audience, "Welcome to Erick, Oklahoma, the Redneck Capital of the World." But the Oklahoman newspaper, in a lighthearted article, reports that East Dublin, Ga., was bestowed the "redneck capital" title by the "Jeopardy" game … Continue reading Which town truly earns the “Redneck” title?

Joplin makes a case for Mickey Mantle Museum

Perhaps growing impatient at the slow progress of a Mickey Mantle Museum in his Route 66 hometown of Commerce, Oka., Joplin Globe guest columnist Scott Haar makes a pitch for putting the Mick museum in nearby Joplin, Mo., instead. I'm not persuaded by Maar's argument. I'd rather have the museum in Mantle's actual home state … Continue reading Joplin makes a case for Mickey Mantle Museum

Videos spotlight southwest Missouri and Kansas

The good folks at Route 66 TV Online tell us about two 25-minute films about Route 66 in southwest Missouri and Kansas filmed by Passport America, which is a site geared to RV users. If you don't mind sitting through the obligatory RV plugs, the videos are pretty good. They contain stories about the Joplin … Continue reading Videos spotlight southwest Missouri and Kansas

El Rancho Motel in Barstow catches fire

The historic El Rancho Motel on Route 66 in Barstow, Calif., caught fire late Friday night, reports the town's Desert Dispatch. There were no injuries to residents, although a firefighter suffered an ankle injury. The extent of the damage to the motel remains a bit sketchy. However, the Dispatch's report indicates the roof collapsed on … Continue reading El Rancho Motel in Barstow catches fire

“Route 66” film to begin shooting this fall in Oklahoma

The OUDaily.com reports: A romantic comedy centering on the chance encounter between a Greek and a Native American will begin filming this fall in Oklahoma. The film, called “Route 66,” was written by Andrew Horton, the director of the Film and Video Studies program at OU. [...] The film is about Panos, a Greek soap … Continue reading “Route 66” film to begin shooting this fall in Oklahoma