The Blue Swallow Motel of Tucumcari, New Mexico, recently was named one of the top 25 in the "Hotels with Exceptional Service -- United States" category in 2014 by TripAdvisor.com. The Blue Swallow was ranked No. 18 on the list and was the only Route 66 motel listed in that category. Of 822 ratings by … Continue reading Blue Swallow Motel named a top 25 U.S. hotel by TripAdvisor
Second-grader takes a cruise of Route 66 in Kansas
But the girl in Galena, Kansas, wasn't doing it for mischievous reasons. KOAM-TV in Pittsburg, Kansas, has the story: KOAM TV 7
Book review: “On Reading The Grapes of Wrath”
I have bad news and good news about Susan Shillinglaw's "On Reading The Grapes of Wrath," a behind-the-scenes look on the writing and marketing of John Steinbeck's classic and controversial novel that marks its 75th anniversary this year. The bad news is Shillinglaw's book (paperback, 206 pages, Penguin) delves very little into the Joad family's journey on Route 66 ("the road … Continue reading Book review: “On Reading The Grapes of Wrath”
The darker side of Route 66
The Autry Museum in Los Angeles recently uploaded a few more videos of interviews with longtime residents of Route 66. The museum is preparing for its "Route 66: The Road and the Romance" exhibit that starts June 8. But there's nothing particularly romantic about these clips. As a good museum should, these delve into the … Continue reading The darker side of Route 66
Restaurant’s actions leads to Albuquerque adding teeth to minimum-wage law
KOAT-TV in Albuquerque reported the city likely will approve enforcement measures for a minimum-wage increase approved by voters in 2012. The impetus to add teeth to the law was the Route 66 Malt Shop's refusal to comply with it last year. The owner's son also reportedly threatened an employee who blew the whistle on the restaurant's noncompliance … Continue reading Restaurant’s actions leads to Albuquerque adding teeth to minimum-wage law
Wigwam Motel owner: Route 66 needs a younger, more diverse crowd
The Los Angeles Times this week posted an interesting feature about Wigwam Motel operator Kumar Patel, who is trying to attract a younger and more diverse group of customers to ensure Route 66's survival. Route 66's future demographic problems are self-evident: about 97 percent of its travelers are white, with a median age of 55. … Continue reading Wigwam Motel owner: Route 66 needs a younger, more diverse crowd
Shea’s Route 66 Museum faces uncertain future
Shea's Gas Station Museum in Springfield, Illinois, faces a cloudy future since its longtime patriarch, Bill Shea, died in 2012 at age 91, according to a story in the Springfield State Journal-Register. Another Route 66 landmark in Springfield, Joe Rogers' The Chili Den Parlor, also faces an uncertain future since a "closed for repairs" sign was posted … Continue reading Shea’s Route 66 Museum faces uncertain future
Wedding scheduled on Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
A couple from Slovakia will be married on the Missouri side of the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in St. Louis at noon Saturday, May 31, as part of a tour and documentary film by the Czech Route 66 Association. And there's more, according to a news release about the event: The public is invited and … Continue reading Wedding scheduled on Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
A section of old road in western Oklahoma
This is fun. Hunter Bachrach posted this video of driving on an older section of Route 66 in western Oklahoma. This likely is the section east of Erick, that used to be part of a four-lane highway. I suspect a local periodically takes a Brush Hog or snowplow to it. Every so often, it becomes … Continue reading A section of old road in western Oklahoma
New Nat King Cole collection coming June 3
A new collection of Nat King Cole hits, including "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66," along with previously unreleased material, will arrive in stores June 3, according to a news release from Universal Music. The collection, titled "The Extraordinary Nat King Cole," includes the big hits "Mona Lisa," "Unforgettable," and "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66." "Route … Continue reading New Nat King Cole collection coming June 3