Mark Hamilton, the creator of the Backroads66 website, stated in a recent post he is planning to revive the "Route 66 Dining and Lodging Guide" in November or December after updates on the publication ceased about seven years ago. Hamilton stated his guide would contain listings of only independently owned properties on or just off … Continue reading Revival of “Route 66 Dining and Lodging Guide” planned later this year
Castaneda Hotel wins state preservation award
The Castaneda Hotel of Las Vegas, New Mexico, recently won a 2022 CPRC Heritage Preservation Award for architectural heritage from the New Mexico Historic Preservation Commission. The state historic preservation office posted this on social media about the award: Affeldt and Mion also own the historic Plaza Hotel in downtown Las Vegas, New Mexico, and … Continue reading Castaneda Hotel wins state preservation award
Historic Herring Hotel in Amarillo will be restored and reopened
The historic but long-closed Herring Hotel in downtown Amarillo, Texas, recently landed new owners that plan to restore and reopen the 14-story building within the next three years. Tipped off by a reader, county property records indicate the building was acquired by Herring Hotel Development Co. LLC in October via a warranty deed. A new … Continue reading Historic Herring Hotel in Amarillo will be restored and reopened
Illinois announces $4 million in grants for projects along Route 66
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and Gov. JB Pritzker on Monday announced $4 million in grants for various projects along Route 66, including a visitors center in a former Edwardsville gas station, reopening the old Cannonball Jail in Carlinville and a new Muffler Man on a restaurant in Berwyn. According to Riverbender.com and … Continue reading Illinois announces $4 million in grants for projects along Route 66
Missy’s Sweet Shoppe soon will open in Palms Grill Cafe in Atlanta
The historic Palms Grill Cafe in downtown Atlanta, Illinois, soon will have a new tenant -- the Missy's Sweet Shoppe bakery. Missy Gaither is leasing the property from the owner, the Atlanta Public Library. She said in a phone interview she would open there in early June. "I was looking for a storefront, and it … Continue reading Missy’s Sweet Shoppe soon will open in Palms Grill Cafe in Atlanta
Drury University students build a unique shelter at Revive 66 Campground in Springfield
Students from Drury University earlier this month completed the construction of a distinctive-looking shelter at the Revive 66 campground in Springfield, Missouri. Revive 66 is a nightly stay campground for the homeless at 3839 W. Chestnut Expressway that is open to everyone, including the homeless. According to a news release from the university: The unique … Continue reading Drury University students build a unique shelter at Revive 66 Campground in Springfield
Son of Springfield Inn owner makes a documentary about motel’s sad decline
Shyam Rama, a son of the former owner of the Springfield Inn in Springfield, Missouri, has co-created a short documentary film about his childhood and his former home's sad and startlingly quick decline. A redeveloper of the Route 66 motel earlier this year announced plans to put a Whataburger restaurant and other businesses there. Rama … Continue reading Son of Springfield Inn owner makes a documentary about motel’s sad decline
Canyon Coaster Adventure Park’s mountain coaster opens in Route 66 town of Williams
Arizona's first mountain coaster has opened at Canyon Coaster Adventure Park in the classic Route 66 town of Williams, Arizona. Mountain coasters are somewhat like roller coasters, except the individual rider has the option to control his or her speed on the descent. The Williams park's coaster also contains an automatic braking system. Fox10 in … Continue reading Canyon Coaster Adventure Park’s mountain coaster opens in Route 66 town of Williams
Visitors center opens inside Shops at Mother Road Market in Tulsa
A new visitors center has opened inside Gambill’s Coffee at the Shops at Mother Road Market in Tulsa to take advantage of what's anticipated to be a record year for tourism in the city. Shops at Mother Road Market sits next to East 11th Street (aka Route 66) and the popular Mother Road Market, which … Continue reading Visitors center opens inside Shops at Mother Road Market in Tulsa
Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa opens to the public
The Bob Dylan Center, which houses a collection of the memorabilia and media the acclaimed musician collected over his 60-year career, held its ceremonial ribbon-cutting Tuesday at the site in downtown Tulsa. About 200 people attended the event. Dylan, a notoriously taciturn man, was not one of them. Tulsa People magazine published a gallery of … Continue reading Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa opens to the public