The Route 66 Chamber of Commerce, based in New Mexico, has begun painting Route 66 shields on the roadway, including more obscure alignments like the one that runs south of Albuquerque to Los Lunas, according to the Valencia County News-Bulletin. The road stencils can be seen here. The main reason the group is painting the … Continue reading Route 66 shields being painted on New Mexico roads
Long line of cars for “Cars”
Ace Jackalope of The Lope blog drove to the 66 Drive-In in Carthage, Mo., on Friday night to see the premiere of Pixar's "Cars." The above photo is what he first encountered on the highway leading to the theater. The Lope reported that 200 cars had to be turned away. But Ace got in. Go … Continue reading Long line of cars for “Cars”
Open city
The Route 66 town of Elkhart, Ill., is only 450 people, and the townsfolk are concerned that it will eventually lose its grade school. So Elkhart is holding an open house this weekend for the entire town in the hopes it will entice more people to move there. Just about every business and public building … Continue reading Open city
“Cars” news roundup for June 10
The New York Times has an article about Pixar's research of Route 66 for "Cars," including Mother Road consultant Michael Wallis talking about "Okie hood ornaments" made during the trip. The Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum in Pontiac, Ill., expect to see a boost in visitors from "Cars," reports WHOI-TV in Creve Coeur, … Continue reading “Cars” news roundup for June 10
Funks Grove rest stop named best in Illinois
Normally, a interstate rest stop wouldn't get much attention on this site. But the Funks Grove rest stop on Interstate 55, near Funks Grove, Ill., is an exception. The Illinois Department of Transportation named it the best of the 30 in the state, according to the Bloomington Pantagraph. Here's why it's getting attention on this … Continue reading Funks Grove rest stop named best in Illinois
Route 66 mural vandalized
The "Route 66" mural on a wall of W&W Tire in Edmond, Okla., was vandalized with spray paint over the Memorial Day weekend, according to The Vista Online. A clear look at the vandalism can be seen here. The strange part is that the vandal seemed to have social justice in mind. The phrase "Fight … Continue reading Route 66 mural vandalized
Students will film Route 66 documentary
A summer course at the University of New Mexico, "Highway 66 Revisited: Documentary Contemporary Route 66," will fan out students with video cameras to find stories along Albuquerque's Central Avenue, reports UNM Today. Robert Russell is teaching the course.
Vega Motel needs help
Red Fork Hippie Chick here with a news bulletin and a request for help: I just became aware this morning of a situation that requires some assistance. The Vega Motel on Route 66 in Texas was forced to shut down for a while because one of the owners was seriously ill. He has recovered, thank … Continue reading Vega Motel needs help
“Cars” news roundup for June 9
"Cars" opens today. Have you purchased your tickets? The Reporter in Vacaville, Calif., has an excellent story about Pixar's research on the film, including a lot of details about Route 66's role. The Springfield Journal-Register interviewed author and Mother Road ambassador Michael Wallis about his role in the film and Route 66. Animated News has … Continue reading “Cars” news roundup for June 9
Ditty Bops will cycle part of Route 66
Abby DeWald and Amanda Barrett of the folk-rock band The Ditty Bops are embarking on a tour by bicycle to support their new album, "Moon over the Freeway," on Warner Bros. Records, according to the OutdoorNewswire. Part of their route will go on the Route 66 Bicycle Trail. The tour includes stops in the Route … Continue reading Ditty Bops will cycle part of Route 66