Filmmakers of a documentary on women of Route 66 to launch a summer tour on June 14

The creators of the "Route 66: The Untold Story of Women on the Mother Road" documentary film will launch a summer tour with a screening on June 14 in Springfield, Missouri. The 7 p.m. event at Duane Meyer Library, Room 101, in Missouri State University Libraries will include a panel discussion with filmmakers, the Chix … Continue reading Filmmakers of a documentary on women of Route 66 to launch a summer tour on June 14

Oklahoma unveils new U.S. Bicycle Route 66 bicycle signs that will be posted

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation recently unveiled a new U.S. Bicycle Route 66 that will be installed along nearly 400 miles of the historic highway in the state. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation debuted the newly approved road sign for U.S. Bicycle Route 66 in Oklahoma. Pictured, from left, are ODOT Multimodal Division Manager Jared … Continue reading Oklahoma unveils new U.S. Bicycle Route 66 bicycle signs that will be posted

Two Route 66 motels in Needles are forced to close within a year

Apparently, Gallup isn't the only Route 66 town that is closing its historic motels. The River Valley Inn along Route 66 in Needles, California, was ordered shut down earlier this month by the city's Buildings Department due to unsafe conditions. That's less than a year after the Best Motel, also along Route 66 in the … Continue reading Two Route 66 motels in Needles are forced to close within a year

Home movie footage from 1977 shows Fort Courage and Flintstones Bedrock City in Arizona

Steve Palmer recently posted online some film footage taken during a family vacation in 1977. It shows Fort Courage in Houck, Arizona, and Bedrock City north of Williams, Arizona. https://youtu.be/KaYmXc7EmSU Fort Courage has been abandoned for years and is deteriorating to the elements and vandals. According to Atlas Obscura, Fort Courage was built in the … Continue reading Home movie footage from 1977 shows Fort Courage and Flintstones Bedrock City in Arizona

Sunset Motel in Villa Ridge put up for sale for $1.1 million

The Sunset Motel, known for its location on Route 66 in Villa Ridge, Missouri, and its vibrant neon sign, recently was put up for sale for $1.1 million. Coldwell Banker Realty is the broker for the property. Here's what it stated in the description: The Business of Success. Make it yours with this strategically located … Continue reading Sunset Motel in Villa Ridge put up for sale for $1.1 million

Hickory House Bar-B-Q in Sapulpa soon will close after 41 years

The Hickory House Bar-B-Q restaurant in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, will close after serving residents and Route 66ers for 41 years. The restaurant at 626 N. Mission St. (aka Route 66) soon will be put up for sale after it serves its final meals Saturday. Co-owner Roberta Ortiz told the Sapulpa Times, which broke the story, that … Continue reading Hickory House Bar-B-Q in Sapulpa soon will close after 41 years

Lebanon motel on Route 66 renovated, rechristened as Maple Tree Inn

A motel along Route 66 known as Midwest Inn on the west side of Lebanon, Missouri, recently was renovated and renamed the Maple Tree Inn. According to a news release, the company that purchased the property at 2125 W. Elm St. (aka Route 66) gave it a freshening up: Travelers will be assured of a … Continue reading Lebanon motel on Route 66 renovated, rechristened as Maple Tree Inn

Amarillo’s Natatorium marks its 100th anniversary this summer

The Natatorium, also known as The Nat, in Amarillo, Texas, will mark the 100th anniversary of its completion in July. The approaching centennial first was flagged by Charlie, a Route 66 fan, at Mix94.1 radio in Amarillo. Natatorium is just a fancy word for swimming pool. It opened up in the summer of 1922.The Natatorium … Continue reading Amarillo’s Natatorium marks its 100th anniversary this summer

Oklahoma on verge of state Route 66 Commission, millions for development and preservation

A bill in the Oklahoma Legislature is on the cusp of creating an Oklahoma Route 66 Commission and earmarking up to $6.6 million in annual funding for the preservation and development of the historic highway. The Oklahoma House advanced the bill by a 72-6 vote, and the Senate advanced it to the governor by a … Continue reading Oklahoma on verge of state Route 66 Commission, millions for development and preservation

City of Wildwood wants a Route 66 roadside park before highway’s centennial

A historic preservation commission for the City of Wildwood, Missouri, wants to build a Route 66 roadside park before the centennial of the historic highway in 2026. West Newsmagazine reported some details about the commission's efforts to capitalize on the Mother Road: The Historic Preservation Commission has proposed to establish a Historic Route 66 Roadside … Continue reading City of Wildwood wants a Route 66 roadside park before highway’s centennial