The main neon sign for the defunct Bel-Aire Motel in Springfield, Illinois, now has resurfaced in a beer garden of the Route 66 Motorheads Bar, Grill and Museum in that city. The Facebook page for the Motorheads establishment announced the move of the sign: It previously had been reported in 2015 that Ron Metzger, who … Continue reading Bel-Aire Motel sign in ends up at Route 66 Motorheads Bar in Springfield
Historical society gives presentation on Route 66, New Mexico license plates
The East Mountain Historical Society earlier this spring gave an online presentation that couples the history of Route 66 in New Mexico and the state's license plates. Rick Holben, vice president of the society and a license plate collector, shares his knowledge of those license plates, going back to plates issued in 1912, the first year of statehood, with some facts about … Continue reading Historical society gives presentation on Route 66, New Mexico license plates
Albuquerque announces “ABQ 66” promotional campaign
The City of Albuquerque's Economic Development Department recently announced it was launching an "ABQ 66" comprehensive marketing campaign to revitalize Albuquerque’s historic Route 66 by boosting consumer activity and sales revenue along the corridor as the city and nation begin to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. Here's a video that touts the campaign: https://youtu.be/y3LAUu9Pc7s The … Continue reading Albuquerque announces “ABQ 66” promotional campaign
Del’s Restaurant in Tucumcari undergoes first ownership change in quarter-century
Del's Restaurant, which has served locals and travelers along Route 66 in Tucumcari, New Mexico, for more than 60 years, underwent an ownership change last week. Chase Waters, a Tucumcari native who first worked at Del's as a 15-year-old, on Wednesday took over the restaurant from sisters Yvonne Braziel and Yvette Peacock, who had run … Continue reading Del’s Restaurant in Tucumcari undergoes first ownership change in quarter-century
Photographer’s work of Route 66 decay will be showcased at Clear Lake Arts Center
An award-winning photographer's work that features decaying and ruined Route 66 businesses will go on display in mid-August at the Clear Lake Arts Center in Clear Lake, Iowa. Alexandra Buxbaum's "Wabi-Sabi: Beauty of Impermanence" show will be on display from Aug. 17 to Sept. 11. She said in an email the exhibit contains 12 images, … Continue reading Photographer’s work of Route 66 decay will be showcased at Clear Lake Arts Center
Box Car BBQ building in Sapulpa becomes a medical marijuana dispensary
The old Box Car BBQ building along Route 66 on the west side of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, recently reopened as a Cannected Dispensary to sell medical marijuana, according to the Sapulpa Times. The interesting twist is the dispensary's owner is the son of the restaurant's longtime proprietor, George Groenwold. Lance Groenwold made his intentions known for … Continue reading Box Car BBQ building in Sapulpa becomes a medical marijuana dispensary
Video explains why the Sky View Drive-In in Litchfield is seeking new owners
A reader flagged this recent four-minute video where the owners of the Sky View Drive-In theater in Litchfield, Illinois, is seeking new caretakers for their historic business along Route 66. The video also extols the virtues of the theater and the community. It does a really good job explaning why it might be a good … Continue reading Video explains why the Sky View Drive-In in Litchfield is seeking new owners
Cleanup effort scheduled for Shamrock Court near Sullivan
The new owner of the Shamrock Court motel near Sullivan, Missouri, has scheduled a one- or two-day volunteer cleanup effort and campout at the historic Route 66 property. The cleanup will begin at 9 a.m. July 10 and may end the evening July 11. Rich Dinkela, who announced in March he had the property under … Continue reading Cleanup effort scheduled for Shamrock Court near Sullivan
Doc’s Soda Fountain in Girard is up for sale
Doc's Soda Fountain in downtown Girard, Illinois, is on the market, according to a recent Facebook post from ROUTE Magazine. Here's what the post stated: ANOTHER GREAT ROUTE 66 SPOT IS UP FOR SALEDoc's Soda Fountain in the heart of Girard, Illinois, is up for sale. What a great opportunity for someone to own a … Continue reading Doc’s Soda Fountain in Girard is up for sale
Alanreed Travel Center for sale; operators say they’ll likely close it in late July
The Alanreed Travel Center in the tiny town of Alanreed, Texas, is for sale, and one of the complex's longtime operators said they'll likely close the business in late July. Century 21 Commercial lists the property for $300,000. It includes the gas station, RV park and motel that includes a post office. According to the … Continue reading Alanreed Travel Center for sale; operators say they’ll likely close it in late July