The Gateway Arch Park Foundation recently closed on its acquisition of the long-closed Millennium Hotel in downtown St. Louis. The deal opens the door for the property to be redeveloped by the Ballpark Village and sparks hope for a resurgence in St. Louis' downtown. The Ballpark Village sits next to Busch Stadium, home of the … Continue reading Foundation closes deals on acquisition of Millennium Hotel in St. Louis
Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita soon will add a second Muffler Man
The Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita, Oklahoma, recently announced it had acquired a second Muffler Man that will be added to its premises. The Route 66 restaurant stated on Facebook that it will move its Big Bill fiberglass statue next door to its Western Motel and its fabulous neon sign. That's so it makes way for … Continue reading Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita soon will add a second Muffler Man
City of Flagstaff may acquire historic Orpheum Theatre
City councilors for Flagstaff, Arizona, recently expressed unanimous interest in possibly acquiring The Orpheum Theater soon. The Arizona Daily Sun newspaper published a recent account of the meeting: The agreement by the city council to “move forward” with conversations about the potential acquisition does not commit the city to a purchase. Members of the council … Continue reading City of Flagstaff may acquire historic Orpheum Theatre
Palmera Motor Court project in Tulsa falls through; “Cry Baby Cry” statue will be moved
The Palmera Motor Court hotel will not be built along Route 66, and a nearby "Cry Baby Cry" statue will be moved somewhere else, announced the City of Tulsa. The city also said last week that a Route 66 interactive experience also would not proceed in that area, reported the Tulsa World newspaper. According to … Continue reading Palmera Motor Court project in Tulsa falls through; “Cry Baby Cry” statue will be moved
Cole’s French Dip in downtown Los Angeles soon will close after 117 years
Cole's French Dip, a fixture in downtown Los Angeles for well over a century, will shutter permanently next month. Cole’s, one of two restaurants in the city that claim to have invented the French dip sandwich, will close on Aug. 3, reported the Orange County Register. The other is Philippe The Original, which continues to … Continue reading Cole’s French Dip in downtown Los Angeles soon will close after 117 years
California Route 66 Association warns of possible visa issues for travel to U.S.
The California Historic Route 66 Association recently issued a warning that visa problems may affect travel to the United States, including those who seek to be on Route 66. In a post on Facebook, the association stated "this is not a politcal post" and added it was sharing information because "the travel industry understands safety … Continue reading California Route 66 Association warns of possible visa issues for travel to U.S.
Does Albuquerque want a partial do-over with its Albuquerque Rapid Transit system?
An Albuquerque city councilor wants a change in federal rules so the city can make fixes with it long-cussed and discussed Albuquerque Rapid Transit system. City Desk ABQ reports that councilor Louie Sanchez seeks federal grant amendments in the 2025 transportation bill. He said the Albuquerque Rapid Transit bus line is harming businesses along Central … Continue reading Does Albuquerque want a partial do-over with its Albuquerque Rapid Transit system?
Expert: Muffler Men seeing a resurgence across the U.S.
Joel Baker, an expert on the Muffler Men made in the 1960s and '70s, reported something I've suspected for a few years -- that those fiberglass giants are seeing a big resurgence across the country. Baker in this recent video recounts all the activity seen with new and old Muffler Men, including along the Route … Continue reading Expert: Muffler Men seeing a resurgence across the U.S.
Petrified Forest Museum Association opens Route 66-themed store in Holbrook
A new Route 66-inspired store and visitor center opened in Holbrook, Arizona, on Friday. The Petrified Forest Museum Association, a partner of the nearby Petrified Forest National Park, opened its new office, warehouse and educational outlet called The Bend on 66 at 222 Navajo Blvd. (aka Route 66), reported the Havasu News (subscription required). The … Continue reading Petrified Forest Museum Association opens Route 66-themed store in Holbrook
Art Deco dairy building along Route 66 in Tulsa to be converted into a boutique hotel
The 75-year-old Hawks Dairy Building at 11th Street (aka Route 66) and Lewis Avenue will be converted into part of a 100-room, full-service boutique hotel. Local developer Kimberly Honea, along with her business partner, Daniel Dolins of Chicago, told the Tulsa World newspaper about her plans for the large building located almost directly across from … Continue reading Art Deco dairy building along Route 66 in Tulsa to be converted into a boutique hotel