Recovering quadriplegic athlete and author Aaron Baker kicked off his global “Adversity Into Adventure World Tour” that includes him riding on Route 66. Baker began his trek today from Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare in Pomona, California. His journey along historic Route 66 will include meetups and stops in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, … Continue reading Quadriplegic athlete begins eastbound ride on Route 66 for charity
Wings of Freedom in Tulsa erects repurposed Saratoga Motor Hotel sign
A few days ago, the Wings of Freedom organization of Tulsa erected a repurposed Saratoga Motor Hotel sign made for its sober-living facility at the former motel site. Wings of Freedom posted images of the new sign being installed, along with an image of the old sign. Oklahoma Route 66 Association President Rhys Martin also … Continue reading Wings of Freedom in Tulsa erects repurposed Saratoga Motor Hotel sign
Amarillo City Council gives initial approval for Bug Ranch being in tax-increment finance zone
The soon-to-open Bug Ranch in Amarillo likely will be eligible for tax-increment financing for its move from Conway, Texas, and other improvements at the site. According to the Amarillo Globe-News, the City Council approved the development of the Big Texan Slug Bug Ranch project on its first reading as part of the East Gateway Tax … Continue reading Amarillo City Council gives initial approval for Bug Ranch being in tax-increment finance zone
Barc-ee’s — not Buc-ee’s — coming to Marshfield just off I-44
Barc-ee's -- not Buc-ee's just down the road -- is planning a pet-friendly development along Interstate 44 in Marshfield, Missouri, next month. According to a report in the Springfield News-Leader, the Barc-ees will include a dog park, a coffee shop, food, games and a Western-themed miniature city for children. Barc-ee's is the brainchild of John … Continue reading Barc-ee’s — not Buc-ee’s — coming to Marshfield just off I-44
Mr. Powdrell’s Barbecue House to close its final location in Albuquerque at end of this month
Mr. Powdrell's Barbecue House, an institution in Albuquerque for over 60 years, will shutter its final location just eight months after closing its Central Avenue (aka Route 66) restaurant. Mr. Powdrell's will close its location at 5209 Fourth St. (aka Route 66) on the city's north side on June 29, though it will host a … Continue reading Mr. Powdrell’s Barbecue House to close its final location in Albuquerque at end of this month
History Museum on the Square presenting a new exhibit about local Route 66 motels
The History Museum on the Square in downtown Springfield, Missouri, later this month will present a new exhibit, “Checking In: Route 66’s Iconic Hotels & Motels of Greene County." The exhibit will tell "the stories of iconic lodgings along Route 66 that shaped our region, from charming cabins to landmark hotels." It begins June 19 … Continue reading History Museum on the Square presenting a new exhibit about local Route 66 motels
Painted Desert Inn in eastern Arizona marks its 100th year
The Painted Desert Inn is celebrating its 100th year this month, though it started under another name and was in danger of being torn down during the mid-1970s. To celebrate the centennial, the surrounding Petrified Forest National Park in eastern Arizona will offer free activities for families on June 21-23 along with moonlight-guided tours of … Continue reading Painted Desert Inn in eastern Arizona marks its 100th year
Astro Motel in Amarillo to be converted into housing for homeless veterans
The Astro Motel off Route 66 on the west side of Amarillo, Texas, will become a housing complex for homeless veterans. The Amarillo Globe-News reported that Homeless Heroes of Amarillo had secured the $565,000 needed to purchase the property at 5703 W. Amarillo Blvd. (aka Route 66). The current 20-room configuration will be turned into … Continue reading Astro Motel in Amarillo to be converted into housing for homeless veterans
Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo marking its 50th anniversary this month
The landmark Cadillac Ranch on Amarillo's west side is celebrating its 50th year this month, with a show at the Amarillo Museum of Art through Aug. 15. Texas Highways published a terrific article about the Cadillac Ranch art installation off Route 66, including its genesis back in 1974 and photos from that time. I commend … Continue reading Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo marking its 50th anniversary this month
Professor seeks to document and preserve examples of giraffe rock architecture
A professor in Missouri wants to document and preserve so-called giraffe-rock architecture that's rapidly disappearing in the Ozarks region. For the uninitiated, giraffe rock describes colorfully built structures dating to the early 20th century that used native rock such as chert, limestone or sandstone. Several prominent examples of the architecture can be seen along Route … Continue reading Professor seeks to document and preserve examples of giraffe rock architecture