The Apache Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, which had been scheduled to reopen this year, will remain closed indefinitely after the operator apparently put the property up for sale. Here's the gist I wrote for the Quay County Sun: The Quay County Sun obtained a June email from operator Wade Dirr sent that stated the … Continue reading Apache Motel in Tucumcari won’t reopen anytime soon; property put on the market
Illinois Rock and Roll Museum to open later this year after first Hall of Fame induction
The Illinois Rock and Roll Museum on Route 66 in Joliet will open to the public later this year after it holds its first Hall of Fame ceremony on Aug. 31. Inductees of the inaugural class are Buddy Guy, Chicago, Cheap Trick, REO Speedwagon, Muddy Waters, The Buckinghams, The Ides of March and longtime disc … Continue reading Illinois Rock and Roll Museum to open later this year after first Hall of Fame induction
Data indicates surge of business at drive-in theaters may persist
Many drive-in theaters did a booming business during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, mostly because it was the only safe or open entertainment venue for people to watch movies and, in some cases, go to concerts. According to a story from CNN Business, the good times for the drive-ins may not be over: Last … Continue reading Data indicates surge of business at drive-in theaters may persist
Co-owner says Hill Top Motel in Kingman will reopen in one to two months
The co-owner of the Hill Top Motel in Kingman, Arizona, said the Route 66 landmark will reopen in one or two months after a lengthy rehabilitation of the site. I was prompted to contact co-owner Makenzie Baker after seeing photos and a comment thread (which I can't find now) about the apparent restoration of the … Continue reading Co-owner says Hill Top Motel in Kingman will reopen in one to two months
Tulsa Route 66 Commission requests $1.5M in federal funds for new signs, more parking
The chief of the Tulsa Route 66 Commission is requesting $1.5 million in funds from the coronavirus-related American Rescue Plan for new directional signs and more parking spaces along Route 66 in the city. Ken Busby, CEO of the commission, explained his reasoning to KTUL-TV in Tulsa: "One of the things that we still hear … Continue reading Tulsa Route 66 Commission requests $1.5M in federal funds for new signs, more parking
Needles Chamber breaks ground on a new office, visitors center in El Garces
The Needles, California, Chamber of Commerce last week broke ground to build a new office and visitors center in a seemingly ideal location -- the historic El Garces train depot. The Mohave Valley Daily News had more details about the 1,200-square-feet project, which had been years in the making: The chamber will operate a full-service … Continue reading Needles Chamber breaks ground on a new office, visitors center in El Garces
Couple plans to renovate Rack n’ Bull restaurant, Ponderosa Forest RV Park
The county zoning commission recently issued a conditional use permit to a couple who plan to renovate the closed Rack n' Bull restaurant and adjacent Ponderosa Forest RV Park and Campground off Route 66 in Parks, Arizona. Pete and Lisa Mulgrew of PLM Adventures, based in Sun Lakes, Arizona, recently acquired the Parks properties, according … Continue reading Couple plans to renovate Rack n’ Bull restaurant, Ponderosa Forest RV Park
Old Chain of Rocks Bridge gets $990,000 federal grant to improve visitors area
The owner of the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in St. Louis will receive a $990,000 federal grant from to improve the visitor area, including security enhancements. The National Park Service awarded the grant to the Great Rivers Greenway, which owns the bridge that once carried Route 66 over the Mississippi River, reported the St. … Continue reading Old Chain of Rocks Bridge gets $990,000 federal grant to improve visitors area
Man aims to ride his unicycle down Route 66 for charity
A man is riding his unicycle down Route 66 from Chicago to Flagstaff, Arizona, to raise money for a charity that helped his family when he was seriously injured as a youngster. According to KY3 in Springfield, Missouri, 19-year-old Peter Frank is trying to cycle 30 miles a day. A tracking device he wears indicated … Continue reading Man aims to ride his unicycle down Route 66 for charity
For sale: One slightly used Muffler Man
A Muffler Man that once stood at a firewood business in northern Illinois recently went up for sale for $29,000. The American Giants account on Facebook, which sprang from an interest years ago about the fiberglass giants, posted information on Aug. 6 about the latest one on the market: This newest arrival is the one … Continue reading For sale: One slightly used Muffler Man