Here's a new guidebook that takes on a previously unexplored aspect of Route 66 -- local sports teams that help unite those communities. Ron Clements' "A Sports Fan's Guide to Route 66" (Amazon link; Imbrifex Books, paperback, 352 pages, Kindle version available) takes the traditional east-to-west path on the eight states that Route 66 traverses … Continue reading Book review: “A Sports Fan’s Guide to Route 66”
Jubelt’s Bakery and Restaurant named Litchfield Business of the Year on eve of its centennial
Jubelt's Bakery and Restaurant in Litchfield, Illinois, has been named Business of the Year by that city's chamber of commerce, one year from Jubelt's 100th anniversary. Jeanmarie Jubelt, owner of Jubelt’s, told The Journal-News she was "shocked" by the honor and noted it wasn't easy staying in operation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The newspaper had … Continue reading Jubelt’s Bakery and Restaurant named Litchfield Business of the Year on eve of its centennial
Official expresses misgivings about possible demolition of Gasconade River Bridge
An official with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation expressed concerns about the process of possibly tearing town the Gasconade River Bridge in Hazelgreen, Missouri, that the Route 66 Association of Missouri wants to preserve. In a Facebook post on Saturday, association President Rich Dinkela posted a July 28 letter from Jaime Loichinger, assistant director … Continue reading Official expresses misgivings about possible demolition of Gasconade River Bridge
Unpaid taxes, lack of repairs put Donnay Building in Oklahoma City in jeopardy
Unpaid property taxes and deferred maintenance are jeopardizing the historic Donnay Building in Oklahoma City, just three years after the complex was saved from the wrecking ball due to planned redevelopment. The Oklahoman newspaper has the details: Josh Thomas, the building’s owner who saved the property from destruction when he bought it in 2018, hasn’t … Continue reading Unpaid taxes, lack of repairs put Donnay Building in Oklahoma City in jeopardy
City of Albuquerque breaks ground on Imperial Inn redevelopment plan
The City of Albuquerque this week broke ground on a $7.6 million redevelopment project for the Imperial Inn Motel along Route 66. According to KRQE-TV in Albuquerque: The plans for the Imperial Inn on Central, just west of I-25, include 52 guest rooms and 16 residential suites, along with space for a dozen businesses including … Continue reading City of Albuquerque breaks ground on Imperial Inn redevelopment plan
So who’s the big teddy bear walking along Route 66?
In the last few weeks, a dude in a big teddy bear costume has been walking east along Route 66. He's been posting on Facebook under the "I am Bearsun" account and also on Instagram. He also has a website. A couple of examples: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bearsun (@iambearsun) … Continue reading So who’s the big teddy bear walking along Route 66?
65-foot guitar unveiled at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Catoosa
The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa in Catoosa, Oklahoma, unveiled the lighting of a 65-foot-tall Gibson Les Paul electric guitar on Tuesday night. The big guitar is on the east side of the casino, along Route 66. Though the big unveiling was this week, the Hard Rock had been hinting at this for a … Continue reading 65-foot guitar unveiled at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Catoosa
Aztec Motel in Seligman likely to reopen as Airbnb, arts center by mid-August
The historic Aztec Motel in Seligman, Arizona, probably will reopen by mid-August after its new owners transform the renovated Route 66 property into an Airbnb site and arts center. Co-owner and operator Anna Marie Gonzales said in a telephone interview earlier this week she and her husband, Netherlands native Sebastiaan de Boorder, bought the property … Continue reading Aztec Motel in Seligman likely to reopen as Airbnb, arts center by mid-August
Next phase of Oklahoma Music Trail to launch at Route 66 Heritage Festival
The next phase of the Oklahoma Music Trail will be launched this weekend at the inaugural Route 66 Heritage Festival in downtown Miami, Oklahoma. The trail currently is a well-developed website shepherded by Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, who also is Oklahoma's tourism chief and a big Route 66 advocate. The Joplin Globe had details on … Continue reading Next phase of Oklahoma Music Trail to launch at Route 66 Heritage Festival
Kingman dedicates Route 66 drive-through shield
The Kingman Visitors Center in Kingman, Arizona, on Saturday night unveiled its new, lighted Route 66 drive-through shield during a ceremony, and dozens of classic-car drivers availed themselves of it. Smiley Ward posted dozens of photos from the event: Here's a video from the scene by the Kingman Visitor Center. If it won't allow embedding, … Continue reading Kingman dedicates Route 66 drive-through shield