The Ritz Theatre in downtown Baxter Springs, Kansas, during Easter weekend showed its first movie in more than 60 years with a screening of "Peter Rabbit." According to the Cherokee County News-Advocate: Theater owner Ron Puckett was busily getting everything ready and taking care of last minute issues prior to the Friday afternoon matinee, but … Continue reading Ritz Theatre in Baxter Springs screens first film in 62 years
Expanded Pulaski County brochure includes obscure Route 66 alignment
The Pulaski County Tourism Bureau in Missouri announced this week it expanded its Route 66 Driving Tour brochure for the first time since 2001, including adding an obscure Route 66 alignment of which few people are aware. The bureau stated the brochure offers more than 66 points of interest, 10 detour-worthy side trips and seven roadie-inspired … Continue reading Expanded Pulaski County brochure includes obscure Route 66 alignment
Relighting of The Tropics neon sign set for June 24
(UPDATE 4/10/2017: Because of a schedule conflict, the date of the relighting ceremony has been changed.) The restoration of the neon sign for The Tropics in Lincoln, Illinois, is far enough along that organizers have set a relighting date for Sunday, June 24, in a McDonald's parking lot where the Route 66 restaurant once stood. … Continue reading Relighting of The Tropics neon sign set for June 24
El Vado Motel inches closer to reopening
The historic El Vado Motel in Albuquerque is moving closer to reopening -- probably sometime in May -- after a lengthy redevelopment on the long-closed Route 66 property. While in Albuquerque earlier this week, we dropped by to check on progress on the property, which is being converted into a boutique motel with food pods, … Continue reading El Vado Motel inches closer to reopening
VIDEOS: De Anza Motor Lodge sign taken down for restoration
Workers on Wednesday took down the neon sign for the De Anza Motor Lodge in Albuquerque to be restored -- one of many steps to rehabilitate the long-closed historic Route 66 property into a boutique motel. Melissa Lea Beasley, president of the New Mexico Route 66 Association, wrote in that group's Facebook page: Today the … Continue reading VIDEOS: De Anza Motor Lodge sign taken down for restoration
Rebuilding of Parkview Inn in Bloomington begins next week
The owner of Parkview Food and Pub in Bloomington, Illinois, will start rebuilding the historic Route 66 restaurant after a fire destroyed it in 2016 and go back to its original name, Parkview Inn. The Bloomington Pantagraph talked to Rick McCormick, owner of the restaurant that once stood near Miller Park since 1928: "Hopefully, it … Continue reading Rebuilding of Parkview Inn in Bloomington begins next week
Eat-Rite Diner in St. Louis reopens Thursday
The Eat-Rite Diner near downtown St. Louis will reopen Thursday morning during the Cardinals baseball team's home opener, as hoped by the Route 66 restaurant's new owners several months ago. KMOX radio in St. Louis talked Monday to new owners Joel and Shawna Holtman: "Our counter top is in, we've got everything done, we've got … Continue reading Eat-Rite Diner in St. Louis reopens Thursday
Negro Motorist Green Book inspires photography book
The Negro Motorist Green Book played a key role in a fashion photographer's book, "Reclaiming the Mother Road," that portrays two stylish African-American women traveling Route 66 in Southern California. Photographer Ashley E. Osborne's eye, along with the charisma of models Tsola Akuya and Monia Hicks and their striking clothing, created dozens of images that … Continue reading Negro Motorist Green Book inspires photography book
Mitla Cafe featured in Netflix’s “Ugly Delicious” episode
The historic Mitla Cafe in San Bernardino, California, plays a vital role in the "Tacos" episode of the Netflix-produced "Ugly Delicious" documentary food series. The show stars chef David Chang and co-host Peter Meehan "on a mouth-watering, cross-cultural hunt for the world's most satisfying grub." The "Tacos" episode embarks on usual destinations such as Mexico … Continue reading Mitla Cafe featured in Netflix’s “Ugly Delicious” episode
Route 66 motels may help ease housing shortage in some areas
Old motels -- including those on Route 66 -- are being eyed as a solution for a growing housing shortage in parts of the United States. An article in Bisnow.com cites The Sundowner Motel and the Luna Lodge -- both on Route 66 in Albuquerque -- as examples of once-seedy properties recently converted by New … Continue reading Route 66 motels may help ease housing shortage in some areas