KC Keefer's 18-minute documentary, "Painted Desert Trading Post," about the long-closed Route 66 landmark of the same name in eastern Arizona, went live on YouTube at midday Sunday. The film, hosted by Route 66 researcher Nick Gerlich, is part history lesson and part contemplative atmosphere. And be sure to see the final few minutes of … Continue reading “Painted Desert Trading Post” documentary is online
Roy’s in Amboy hosting art installation
The landmark Roy's gas station and convenience store in Amboy, California, is hosting an art installation by a Swiss artist through at least the summer. The installation is called "Golden Smile Salty Tears" in six bungalows in the Roy's Motel part of the complex, using found objects. The artist, Severin Guelpa, explained on the installation's … Continue reading Roy’s in Amboy hosting art installation
Santa Monica Pier laying claim to Popeye’s inspiration
Compelling evidence exists that the inspiration to the Popeye the Sailor Man cartoon was inspired by a real-life sailor who hung around the Santa Monica Pier in California, reported the Santa Monica Daily Press newspaper. Trouble is, a small town on the Mississippi River in Illinois that is the creator's hometown also makes a strong … Continue reading Santa Monica Pier laying claim to Popeye’s inspiration
Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue includes a Route 66 section
Sports Illustrated's much-ballyhooed swimsuit edition this year includes a section that was shot on Route 66. That was confirmed by taking a gander at the magazine's cover that was revealed this week: If you can't see it, here's the relevant excerpt: The Route 66 section claims to cover seven of the Mother Road's eight states … Continue reading Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue includes a Route 66 section
Restoration planned for Tulsa’s Blue Dome
The owners of the Blue Dome gas station in downtown Tulsa want to restore it to its original look and open it as a special-events center, according to KOKI-TV in Tulsa. Chris and JoAnn Armstrong bought for former gas station about 18 months ago. Built in 1912 as a Gulf station (with an apartment in … Continue reading Restoration planned for Tulsa’s Blue Dome
Joliet church will be redeveloped into a restaurant, apartments
A developer is seeking to redevelop the historic but long-closed St. Mary Carmelite Church in Joliet, Illinois, into a large restaurant and apartments, according to the Joliet Bugle. “A loan has been secured, and they are going to close in April,” Mayor Tom Giarrante said on Friday. “I am very happy. It is a beautiful … Continue reading Joliet church will be redeveloped into a restaurant, apartments
Route 66 reopened from Ludlow to Amboy
A 28-mile stretch of Route 66 from Ludlow, California, to Amboy, California, that was closed in September because of flood damage reopened Thursday afternoon, according to a news release from San Bernardino County. Flash flooding Sept. 7-8 damaged the National Old Trails Road, aka Route 66, and about 40 bridges from Essex, California, to Ludlow. … Continue reading Route 66 reopened from Ludlow to Amboy
Albuquerque’s new shopping center sign is a throwback
Albuquerque has a new shopping center along its Route 66 corridor, but its main sign will spark memories of the previous business there. The Trade Winds Shopping Center recently finished construction, and it has a sign that's reminiscent of the original Trade Winds Motel sign at that location. It looks like neon, but it's actually … Continue reading Albuquerque’s new shopping center sign is a throwback
Rock Creek Bridge reopens to traffic
The historic Rock Creek Bridge near Sapulpa, Oklahoma, was reopened to traffic Wednesday morning after a ceremony marking the occasion attended by the state's lieutenant governor. Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb was there to cut the ceremonial ribbon to the bridge, then rode in an antique car across the historic span, along with several dozen other … Continue reading Rock Creek Bridge reopens to traffic
Association asks for help to open I-40 in California to cyclists
The Adventure Cycling Association is petitioning the California Department of Transportation to open Interstate 40 to cyclists because old Route 66 through the Mojave Desert is still closed due to flood damage and because the old Mother Road is too rough for most bicycles. So the association is taking for the public's help so that … Continue reading Association asks for help to open I-40 in California to cyclists