“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

“The Mother Road” airs next month on PBS

Award-winning filmmaker Lauren Cardillo always wanted to do a documentary about Route 66, but was having trouble thinking of an original angle in which to shoot it. Then she realized that her mother, Irene, was born in 1926 -- the same year the Mother Road was certified. So mother and daughter hit the road together. … Continue reading “The Mother Road” airs next month on PBS

Bent Door will become a diner again

The historic Bent Door along old Route 66 in Adrian, Texas, has been closed for years. However, a couple purchased the property on July 21, and they say they're committed to reopening it as a diner / malt shop again. Linda Drake of the Oldham County Chamber of Commerce helped put me in touch with … Continue reading Bent Door will become a diner again

Mark your calendars

A work day has been set to help owner Alan McNeil rehab the long-shuttered Triangle Motel in Amarillo, Texas. The work day is Saturday, Aug. 19, with work beginning between 7 and 7:30 a.m. You'll not only be doing a good deed, but you'll be able to see a historic property up close. The motel … Continue reading Mark your calendars

New book about Oklahoma Route 66 is out

An enticing coffee-table book about Oklahoma's Route 66 was recently published by New Forums Press. It's "Once Upon a Highway: Route 66 in Oklahoma" by Oklahoma State University architecture instructor John Womack. Womack's book contains more than 150 of his detailed pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations of Route 66 sights in the Sooner State. Womack's illustration … Continue reading New book about Oklahoma Route 66 is out

A new place to tee it up

The Stonebridge Golf Club recently opened in Claremore, Okla., at the intersection of Oklahoma 266 and old Route 66, reports WorldGolf.com. Award-winner Randy Heckenkemper designed the 6,510-yard course, and it's managed by Billy Casper Golf. Here's the golf club's Web site. The Tulsa area already is blessed with superb courses. Southern Hills Country Club has … Continue reading A new place to tee it up

Popularity of road trips strong despite gas prices

Voice of America reports: Surveys show that half of all Americans still prefer the car for summertime vacation travel — instead of a plane, bus, or train — despite rising gasoline prices. There appears to be a resurgent nostalgia for the great American road trip, a motorized odyssey that’s long been part of the popular … Continue reading Popularity of road trips strong despite gas prices

All aboard the neon tour

The Museum of Neon Art in Los Angeles conducts weekly nighttime tours of neon lighting in the area, including along old Route 66, using a double-decker bus. Cindy Chang tagged along on a tour for the Los Angeles Times. To get a taste, go to the museum's Web site, click on the button for the … Continue reading All aboard the neon tour

Library to occupy historical building

A library branch in Strafford, Mo., is set to move into the old MFA Feed Store at Pine and Madison streets, and the library will have a Route 66 theme, reports the Springfield (Mo.) News-Leader. Strafford native Mac Whitmore, along with a partner, was motivated to acquire the 145-year-old building. "This is an old building … Continue reading Library to occupy historical building

Grand opening set for Elk City museum

The Route 66 Transportation Museum in Elk City, Okla., will have its grand opening Aug. 5 from 7 to 9 p.m. It's reportedly going to be a casual event, and Borden's ice cream will be served. The Transportation Museum is next-door to the town's National Route 66 Museum. Kathy Anderson, former president of the Oklahoma … Continue reading Grand opening set for Elk City museum