Former Pixar Animation chief John Lasseter, director of the Route 66-inspired "Cars" film in 2006, recently was hired as chief of Skydance Animation. Lasseter -- along with the film's vision of the fictional Route 66 town of Radiator Springs -- is the figure most responsible for the Mother Road’s continued renaissance except perhaps Michael Wallis … Continue reading “Cars” director John Lasseter hired by Skydance Animation
Joshua Tree National Park closes today because of damage
Joshua Tree National Park in California, a common side trip for Route 66 travelers, will shut down today because of damage to the park and will remain closed until the government shutdown ends. The Los Angeles Times reported: Without rangers on hand, visitors created new roads by driving off pavement and defaced the park’s namesake … Continue reading Joshua Tree National Park closes today because of damage
Castaneda Hotel plans to fully reopen by June 21
Workers plan to finish a multiyear restoration of the historic Castaneda Hotel in Las Vegas, New Mexico, by spring and fully reopen it by June 21, according to a video posted Tuesday on the hotel's blog. The hotel hopes to have the south wing ready for overnight occupancy by March and will take reservations for … Continue reading Castaneda Hotel plans to fully reopen by June 21
Donations may help find new owner for Gasconade River Bridge
The Route 66 Gasconade River Bridge Guardians have gathered enough donations to help pay for an engineer's study for the bridge. Now, the nonprofit group is using the money to put together "pitch packets" for prospective new owners of the closed and endangered span near Hazelgreen, Missouri. In an article this week in the Rolla … Continue reading Donations may help find new owner for Gasconade River Bridge
“Breaking Dad” road-trip program on British TV has Route 66 stops
A new program, "Breaking Dad," on the British television channel ITV features at least one Route 66 stop and another that's a common side trip for Mother Road travelers. The program stars actor Bradley Walsh (a companion on the current "Doctor Who" series) and his 20-year-old son, Barney, who travel about 2,000 miles from Los … Continue reading “Breaking Dad” road-trip program on British TV has Route 66 stops
Congress fails to pass Route 66 bills before session ends
The 115th Congress failed to pass two Route 66-related bills into law before the legislative body's session ended Jan. 3, leaving Route 66 boosters the prospect of starting the process all over again with the new Congress. The Route 66 National Historic Trail Designation Act and the Route 66 Centennial Commission Act easily passed through the … Continue reading Congress fails to pass Route 66 bills before session ends
El Vado to host annual Route 66 Road Ahead reception, board meeting
The revitalized El Vado Motel in Albuquerque will host next month's Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership's annual board of directors meeting, plus a stakeholders reception that's open to all. The board of directors meeting will be from 9:30 to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 22 and from 9:30 a.m. to noon Feb. 23 at the motel at … Continue reading El Vado to host annual Route 66 Road Ahead reception, board meeting
Pops site closes in Nichols Hills area of Oklahoma City
A Pops satellite store in north Oklahoma City closed just before Christmas, although the original restaurant and convenience store that features 600 flavors of soda and a 66-foot-tall LED soda bottle along Route 66 in Arcadia, Oklahoma, continues to run. The Pops site at 6447 Avondale Drive in the Nichols Hills section of Oklahoma City … Continue reading Pops site closes in Nichols Hills area of Oklahoma City
How not to treat Route 66 tourists
This strange and unfortunate incident happened in Amboy, California, in November, but it surfaced earlier this week on the Historic Route 66 page on Facebook. The incident also largely was confirmed by Carlos Aceves, who was the town's manager, including at Roy's. Here's the Nov. 5 story by KCDZ, a community radio station that states … Continue reading How not to treat Route 66 tourists
Waylan’s Ku-Ku reopens after owner’s months-long medical leave
The Waylan's Ku-Ku restaurant in Miami, Oklahoma, recently reopened after its longtime owner shuttered it for months due to unspecified medical leave. The Joplin Globe reports owner Gene Waylan closed the Route 66 restaurant in July and reopened it just before Christmas. “I had to leave for medical reasons, but I’m doing better,” Waylan said. … Continue reading Waylan’s Ku-Ku reopens after owner’s months-long medical leave