POPS opening a location in north Oklahoma City

POPS, which quickly became a Route 66 landmark after its opening in Arcadia, Oklahoma, in 2007, will open another restaurant in the north Oklahoma City suburb of Nichols Hills, reported the Edmond Sun newspaper. The new POPS will be in Nichols Hills Plaza on Avondale Drive near Western Avenue and Northwest 63rd Street. It would … Continue reading POPS opening a location in north Oklahoma City

Gasconade River Bridge to remain closed indefinitely

The Gasconade River Bridge that carried Route 66 near Hazelgreen, Missouri, will remain closed indefinitely because the state lacks the funds to repair or replace it, according to a news release Monday from the Missouri Department of Transportation. MoDOT officials closed the bridge in December after an inspection found worse-than-expected deterioration of the 90-year-old span. … Continue reading Gasconade River Bridge to remain closed indefinitely

Panel may advocate designating Route 66 a National Historic Trail

A national committee of Route 66 advocates is exploring the possibility of lobbying the federal government to permanently designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail under the auspices of the National Park Service, according to a news release Monday from the group. The group, which now calls itself Route 66: The Road Ahead Initiative, … Continue reading Panel may advocate designating Route 66 a National Historic Trail

A listing of Route 66 sites used in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue

The Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue -- which includes a prominent section about Route 66 -- hit the magazine's website Monday and was scheduled to be on newsstands this week. Here's a behind-the-scenes video from the magazine's Route 66 photo shoot: So far I've seen these landmarks in the shoot and other photos Sports Illustrated posted … Continue reading A listing of Route 66 sites used in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue

Couple marks 60th anniversary at Wigwam Motel

On Feb. 12, 1955, DeRoy and Rosemary Avila spent their first night as husband and wife at the Wigwam Motel in San Bernardino, California. On Sunday, the Avilas celebrated their upcoming 60th anniversary at the place where it started -- the Route 66 landmark that's changed little over the decades, reported the Inland Valley Daily … Continue reading Couple marks 60th anniversary at Wigwam Motel

A visit to Vega

This three-minute segment about the Route 66 town of Vega, Texas, was produced by Larry Lemmons for KVII-TV's "Panhandle Spirit" series. https://youtu.be/uE0-tyAMKLQ Featured are Deborah Sue McDonald of the Oldham County Chamber of Commerce, Dot's Mini Museum, Sheriff David Medlin, Miles Bell of Bell Leather Shop, Karen and Greg Conn of the Milburn-Price Culture Museum. … Continue reading A visit to Vega

“Painted Desert Trading Post” documentary is online

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