Dave Hoekstra has scheduled more screenings of his "The Center of Nowhere" documentary about the rich musical history of Springfield, Missouri, as he seeks to find digital distribution for his film. Hoekstra, a former Chicago Sun-Times columnist and longtime Route 66 enthusiast, has been working on the film for seven years. According to a feature … Continue reading More screenings scheduled for “The Center of Nowhere” documentary
New version of Red’s Giant Hamburg opens Monday
A new version of Red's Giant Hamburg opens Monday in Springfield, Missouri, decades after the original on Route 66 closed. The new Red's Giant Hamburg in south Springfield, Missouri. KY3-TV in Springfield posted a story over the weekend: The owner says he's been planning this restaurant for 25 years. Finding the right location and items … Continue reading New version of Red’s Giant Hamburg opens Monday
New Gasconade River Bridge reconnects Route 66 in region
The Missouri Department of Transportation on Friday opened the new, $4 million Gasconade River Bridge near Hazelgreen, thus reconnecting "eight or nine miles" of Route 66 interrupted when the old bridge was closed in late 2014. The old and still-closed Gasconade River Bridge can be seen in the upper right. Meanwhile, the president of the … Continue reading New Gasconade River Bridge reconnects Route 66 in region
Pecos Theatre plans grand reopening Sept. 7-8
The century-old Pecos Theatre in downtown Santa Rosa, New Mexico, will hold a grand reopening Sept. 7-8 after more than $1 million in renovations and improvements. The Communicator newspaper's current print edition said the Guadalupe County Commission, which owns the theater, announced the event. The gala will include a block party with live music and … Continue reading Pecos Theatre plans grand reopening Sept. 7-8
Chicago Route 66 expert writing his memoirs in serialized form
David G. Clark, known as the Windy City Road Warrior for his extensive knowledge of Route 66 in Chicago, is offering people a chance to read his in-progress memoirs in emailed, serialized form. Clark said he'll be sending out sections of the book by email every two or three weeks. The first installment was sent … Continue reading Chicago Route 66 expert writing his memoirs in serialized form
Santa Fe Bite will return to its namesake city in September
Less than a month after announcing it was opening a restaurant in Albuquerque, Santa Fe Bite announced last week it would reopen in its namesake city in a new location. Santa Fe Bite's signature green-chile cheeseburger. Santa Fe Bite will reopen in the former Tecolote Café at 1616 St. Michael’s Drive in mid-September, reported the … Continue reading Santa Fe Bite will return to its namesake city in September
Renovation of Red Cedar Inn into museum may take two years
Those who were planning a visit next summer to the Red Cedar Inn in Pacific, Missouri, after it's converted into a museum and visitors center probably should make other arrangements. City Administrator Steve Roth and aldermen Herb Adams and Andy Nemeth said the renovations on the former Route 66 restaurant may take as long as … Continue reading Renovation of Red Cedar Inn into museum may take two years
Arizona Route 66 association gives $10,000 to finish the restoration of Standin’ on a Corner wall
The Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona recently gave a $10,000 check to the Standin' on a Corner Foundation to finish a long-gestating restoration of the wall at that famed park in Winslow, Arizona. From left are Tommy Butler, a member of the Standin' on the Corner Foundation; Nikki Seegers, director of the Historic Route … Continue reading Arizona Route 66 association gives $10,000 to finish the restoration of Standin’ on a Corner wall
Beacon Car Wash comes up with novel punishment for teen’s flag theft
The Beacon Car & Pet Wash in Pacific, Missouri, known by roadies for its reuse of a long-defunct Route 66 motel's sign, came up with an imaginative way to punish a local teen who'd stolen one of its U.S. flags. According to a story in Yahoo!, car-wash owner Bill Hoaglin found one of three large … Continue reading Beacon Car Wash comes up with novel punishment for teen’s flag theft
Explosion damages Hiway House Motel in Albuquerque; 1 injured
An explosion blew out one portion of the Hiway House Motel. An explosion Friday night ripped off the side of one portion of the historic Hiway House Motel in Albuquerque, sending one person to the hospital. The blast at the motel, at 3200 Central Ave. (aka Route 66) near Kellys Brew Pub, prompted evacuations and … Continue reading Explosion damages Hiway House Motel in Albuquerque; 1 injured