Songwriters who love the Mother Road, here's your chance. And there's money involved. Santa Monica Travel & Tourism has invited music artists to create an original song that celebrates the city's connection to Route 66 as part of the highway's centennial next year. The top prize is $10,000. The Route 66 Song Contest is open … Continue reading Santa Monica Tourism launches songwriting contest about city’s link to Route 66
OKPOP museum in Tulsa hits fundraising goal, gets state matching funds to finish project
The Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture, aka OKPOP, attained its $18 million fundraising goal a few days ago, activating $18 million in matching funds from the state government so the Tulsa facility can finish interior exhibits and construction. The museum has now set a goal for a grand opening celebration for the spring of 2028. … Continue reading OKPOP museum in Tulsa hits fundraising goal, gets state matching funds to finish project
The Road Crew booked for pre-party of 2026 Texas Old Route 66 Association Motor Tour
The Texas Old Route 66 Association announced this week that The Road Crew music group will perform on Oct. 1 at the pre-party of the association's 2026 Motor Tour in Shamrock, Texas. The fifth annual Route 66 Motor Tour will take place on Oct. 2-3, 2026, during the highway's centennial. The Nashville-based group, called "America's … Continue reading The Road Crew booked for pre-party of 2026 Texas Old Route 66 Association Motor Tour
Neon sign returned to Skyliner Motel in Stroud after its restoration
The owners of the Skyliner Motel in Stroud, Oklahoma, on Saturday celebrated the return and restoration of the vintage neon sign there. Here are some images from the event, via the Route 66 motel's page on Facebook: Earlier this summer, the motel posted images of the sign being taken down and its restoration: Charles Palmer … Continue reading Neon sign returned to Skyliner Motel in Stroud after its restoration
“Rediscovering Route 66 – One Miniature Mile at a Time” named an official centennial initiative
In celebration of the approaching centennial of the Mother Road, “Rediscovering Route 66 – One Miniature Mile at a Time,” by teen photographer Anthony Schmidt, has been designated an official Route 66 Centennial Project. The designation recognizes the project’s commitment to celebrating, preserving and reimagining the legacy of Route 66 as it enters its second century. … Continue reading “Rediscovering Route 66 – One Miniature Mile at a Time” named an official centennial initiative
Museum Club’s operations added to property sale listing; price is reduced
The historic Museum Club in Flagstaff, Arizona, has lowered its asking price by $100,000 and added its business operations to the listing. The Route 66 landmark closed after Halloween night. Da Vinci Realty is now listing the property at $2.2 million, which includes the trade name, furniture, fixtures, equipment, historic signage and the liquor license, … Continue reading Museum Club’s operations added to property sale listing; price is reduced
La Fonda president wins Hotelier of the Year award
Rik Blyth, president of La Fonda on the Plaza in Santa Fe, New Mexico, was recently given the Hotelier of the Year honor from Historic Hotels of America, a program for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The 27th annual honor is awarded to those who demonstrate "the highest contribution to furthering the celebration of … Continue reading La Fonda president wins Hotelier of the Year award
Route 66 gateway neon sign on Central Avenue in Albuquerque is restored
The large neon gateway sign on Route 66 on Albuquerque's west side recently received a facelift. KRQE-TV in Albuquerque reports that the city’s Department of Municipal Development joined with Zeon Signs to restore the sign at Central Avenue and 65th Street. The company said they cleaned out the whole sign, repainted it, and added new … Continue reading Route 66 gateway neon sign on Central Avenue in Albuquerque is restored
Oklahoma announces plans for Route 66 centennial celebration
As the Mother Road marks its 99th anniversary, Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell and the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission this week unveiled early plans and programming for the Route 66 centennial in 2026. The yearlong celebration will spotlight Oklahoma’s role in preserving and promoting one of America’s most storied highways. The announcement kicks off … Continue reading Oklahoma announces plans for Route 66 centennial celebration
Rand McNally named Official Map Provider for Route 66 Centennial
Rand McNally Publishing was recently named the Official Map Provider for the Route 66 Centennial. As North America's leading map and navigation company since 1872, Rand McNally will produce the Official Route 66 Centennial Anniversary Map — the definitive resource honoring the Mother Road's 100th Anniversary. This Centennial map will serve as both a travel … Continue reading Rand McNally named Official Map Provider for Route 66 Centennial