New murals being painted in Barstow

The San Bernardino County Sun has a story about a volunteer group called Main Street Murals and its efforts along the main drag of Barstow, Calif. Already, colorful murals in the area of Main Street depict the image of William Barstow Strong, for whom the city is named; the historic Harvey House depot, built in … Continue reading New murals being painted in Barstow

Columnist tells of Missouri Route 66’s scenery

In the wake of Missouri's Route 66 being declared a scenic byway, columnist Hank Billings of the Springfield (Mo.) News-Leader reflects on the scenery that once could be seen on the Mother Road.

About 700 participate in Arizona’s Fun Run

So much for high gas prices.  The Kingman (Ariz.) Daily Miner reports that about 700 vehicles participated in the Arizona Route 66 Association's 19th annual Fun Run. I don't know whether that's a record, but such healthy participation indicates that people are willing to get their kicks, high pump prices or not.

Yikes!

Here's a headline that will send a shiver: "Fatal truck accident involves radioactive waste materials" According to KPNX-TV in Phoenix, the accident happened on Interstate 40 in western Arizona and has forced traffic onto old Route 66 between Seligman and Ash Fork. Arizona Dept. of Public Safety Officer Tim Mason says two tractor-trailer rigs collided … Continue reading Yikes!

Here’s to roadside kitsch

Columnist Tom Wharton of the Salt Lake Tribune expresses his fondness for the weird and wacky in roadside attractions: I love everything about driving the older parts of Route 66, especially some of the classic old motels still standing in places including Flagstaff, Ariz., and Gallup, N.M. Besides, where else can you stay these days … Continue reading Here’s to roadside kitsch

You want fries with that?

Charlotte Observer columnist Jeff Elder's "Glad You Asked" feature asks the question of where the first drive-through windows originated. Although the answer isn't definitive, the first bank drive-through was in Dallas in 1938. For restaurants, the first drive-through is claimed on Route 66: Some say Sheldon "Red" Chaney -- a man of true genius -- … Continue reading You want fries with that?

Summerfest, where the living is easy

  The Rolla Daily News has just about everything you want to know about the Route 66 Summerfest in Rolla, Mo., on June 1-4. Check it out. The festival's official Web site is here. 

Energizer gets into the “Cars” act

A reader alerted me to some "Cars" movie products that Energizer batteries is offering, including a "Cars" flashlight, "Cars" squeeze lights and a "Cars" two-way light.  Those products can be viewed here. A screen capture is shown below:   Here's also a "Cars" launcher here. Below is another screen capture. In other "Cars" news, the … Continue reading Energizer gets into the “Cars” act

Acoma Sky City Center to open this month

When Route 66 travelers cruise through western New Mexico, one of the common stops just off the road is the amazing and beautiful Sky City of Acoma Pueblo. Today, the Gallup Independent reports that the news $10.4 million Sky City Cultural Center, which houses the Haaku Museum, is set to open May 27. The opening … Continue reading Acoma Sky City Center to open this month

Scenic Byway for Missouri’s Route 66 dedicated

The Springfield News-Leader has coverage of Friday's dedication ceremony in Springfield, Mo., for Missouri's Route 66 being designated a National Scenic Byway. Several prominent Route 66 aficionados and historians were interviewed. Also take note of the side story in the upper right about the historic Best Western Rail Haven motel offering special souvenirs to mark … Continue reading Scenic Byway for Missouri’s Route 66 dedicated