Here's the latest in a series of "Route 66 Stories" video interviews by the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway. The subject is Heleen Thanas, a longtime employee at Lou Mitchell's Restaurant in Chicago, near the start of Route 66. https://youtu.be/IgNAs6-fKuk Thanas claims she's a "neophyte" of Lou Mitchell's, but she knows a lot about the … Continue reading A chat with Heleen Thanas at Lou Mitchell’s Restaurant
Topock 66 Spa project resumes after delays
The Topock 66 Spa & Resort project in Topock, Ariz., announced with considerable fanfare more than two years ago, soon will resume construction after long delays, according to an announcement on its Facebook page. Owner Chet Hitt said the first phase of Topock 66 should be finished by March 2013. The announcement read: Many said … Continue reading Topock 66 Spa project resumes after delays
A chat with Rich Henry at Henry’s Ra66it Ranch
Here's the latest in a series of "Route 66 Stories" video interviews by the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway. This entry is about Rich Henry, proprietor of Henry's Ra66it Ranch in Staunton, Ill. https://youtu.be/j5elg_Rs-OA Henry's business is a recent inductee into the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame.
Get your kicks with a ukelele
Doug Frink is a ukelele maniac, and he's got plenty of videos of him performing on that toy guitar. Here's his take on Bobby Troup's "Route 66." https://youtu.be/w-WvdAS3zyw If Frink actually shot the video on Route 66, I'm betting it was in Illinois.
66-to-Cali may lose its lease within weeks
Dan Rice, owner of the 66-to-Cali souvenir kiosk on the Santa Monica Pier and an energetic advocate of Route 66, has learned in recent days that barring a late intervention, he likely will lose the lease on his business as soon as October. In a telephone interview over the weekend, Rice said his three-year lease … Continue reading 66-to-Cali may lose its lease within weeks
A glimpse of the Boots Motel’s past
One of the pleasures of a Route 66 restoration or preservation project is you occasionally get a look at the long-ago past. We had that unique opportunity over the Labor Day weekend when Emily (aka Redforkhippie), Ron Hart of the Route 66 Chamber of Commerce, and I embarked on a repainting of the historic Boots … Continue reading A glimpse of the Boots Motel’s past
Book review: “Route 66 Still Kicks”
You have to admire the nerve or foolishness of two pals who are so determined to travel old alignments of Route 66 that they get stuck not once, but twice, during their journey. That's what happens in Rick Antonson's "Route 66 Still Kicks" (Skyhorse Publishing, paperback, 336 pages, illustrated, e-book available). Although this book is … Continue reading Book review: “Route 66 Still Kicks”
Wilmington will buy buffalo sculpture for Route 66
The Chamber of Commerce in Wilmington, Ill., is buying a buffalo sculpture from a local folk artist's estate and may eventually install it on Route 66, reported the The Free Press of Wilmington. Noted folk artist Jack Barker of Essex, Ill., died on May 16. His family is planning to sell his unique artwork at … Continue reading Wilmington will buy buffalo sculpture for Route 66
A government program worth praising
Quite a few folks out there loathe to give praise to a government program, and often for good reason. But this joint effort with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency targets abandoned gas stations along Route 66 for cleanup so they can be reused. The Missouri DNR produced this … Continue reading A government program worth praising
El Trovatore Motel’s owner offering Route 66 tours
Sam Frisher, owner of the recently refurbished El Trovatore Motel in Kingman, Ariz., soon will offer day trips on Route 66 on a bus he purchased, according to Kingman-based writer and roadie Jim Hinckley. Hinckley wrote in an email: The centerpiece is twofold, as it will be a full Route 66 immersion that includes a … Continue reading El Trovatore Motel’s owner offering Route 66 tours