The founders of the iconic Frontier Restaurant along Route 66 in Albuquerque will be given the lifetime achievement award at the New Mexico Restaurant Association’s Hospitality Industry Awards. Larry and Dorothy Rainosek founded the Frontier near the University of New Mexico campus in 1971. They also later founded the small Golden Pride restaurant chain in … Continue reading Founders of Frontier Restaurant to be honored by New Mexico Restaurant Association
Chrysler Plymouth tower sign in Bristow dismantled for restoration
The 110-foot-tall Chrysler Plymouth tower sign in Bristow, Oklahoma, was taken apart Monday so it can be restored and then reassembled on Route 66 in the city. Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, snapped a few photos of the job: Encino Signs in nearby Tulsa has been contracted to restore the sign. … Continue reading Chrysler Plymouth tower sign in Bristow dismantled for restoration
The Landing Pad in Wilmington earns Bureau Innovation Award at regional conference
Heritage Corridor Destinations announced earlier this month that it was honored with the Bureau Innovation Award from the Upper Midwest Conference and Visitors Bureau for The Landing Pad, just a few steps from the iconic Gemini Giant in Wilmington, Illinois. The honor was given earlier this month at the Upper Midwest Conference and Visitors Bureau Fall Conference in … Continue reading The Landing Pad in Wilmington earns Bureau Innovation Award at regional conference
Route 66 photographer David Schwartz to hold exhibition in Wilmington next month
Photographer and storyteller David J. Schwartz will premiere his new Route 66 exhibition, "Roadwork Ahead: The Exhibition – A Future for the Mother Road," at the Art On 66 Gallery in Wilmington, Illinois. The show opens with a public reception on Oct. 12, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and will remain on view through … Continue reading Route 66 photographer David Schwartz to hold exhibition in Wilmington next month
Old firehouse in Clinton may be turned into a visitors center
The City of Clinton, Oklahoma, is applying for a state Route 66 centennial grant that could be used to convert its historic former fire station into a visitors center. The Clinton Daily News (subscription required) reported Thursday that the grant is due to be submitted on Sept. 30. Awards from the centennial grant program will … Continue reading Old firehouse in Clinton may be turned into a visitors center
Commission votes to install Route 66 neon boot at Cowboy Museum in Oklahoma City
The Oklahoma City Arts Commission this week approved an agreement to install the big Route 66 boot at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. The "Kicks 66" art project still requires approval from the city council before it can proceed, reported KOCO-TV in Oklahoma City. The original proposed location was on Classen Boulevard, on … Continue reading Commission votes to install Route 66 neon boot at Cowboy Museum in Oklahoma City
Five senators introduce bill to designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail
Five U.S. senators on Thursday introduced bipartisan legislation to designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail. According to the Amarillo Globe-News, the senators are Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Alex Padilla, D-Calif.; Eric Schmitt, R-Mo.; Mark Kelly, D-Ariz.; and Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill. -- all from states where historic Route 66 traverses. Similar legislation is being brought … Continue reading Five senators introduce bill to designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail
Crews at forthcoming Sapulpa park try to uncover sections of original Route 66 roadway
While the Route 66-themed View Stop Park is being built on the west side of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, workers are seeking to find the original Route 66 roadway that went through there. The park will include a Route 66 centennial marker, a bridge overlook plaza, parking, wildflower gardens, a boulder playground, a “Get Your Kicks” photo-op … Continue reading Crews at forthcoming Sapulpa park try to uncover sections of original Route 66 roadway
Robert Redford helped save Santa Monica Pier from demolition during the 1970s
In the wake of actor and director Robert Redford's death this week at age 89, a story emerged about how he helped save the decaying Santa Monica Pier from being torn down in the early 1970s. It's hard to believe now, but the pier was so dilapidated, the Santa Monica City Council voted to demolish … Continue reading Robert Redford helped save Santa Monica Pier from demolition during the 1970s
City of Albuquerque searches for new managers of historic KiMo Theatre
The City of Albuquerque is searching for new operators of a Route 66 landmark, the historic KiMo Theatre in the downtown area. KRQE-TV in Albuquerque reports that the city has issued a request for proposals to find new managers. The city’s Arts and Culture Department had run the venue for decades. City Councilor Joaquin Baca … Continue reading City of Albuquerque searches for new managers of historic KiMo Theatre