A road-tripping family spent the night at the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Ariz. The patriarch used his video camera to capture a lot of details about the historic Route 66 motel. https://youtu.be/iZXRtPrHGL8?t=37s
A visit to Doc’s Soda Fountain in Girard
Here's the latest "Route 66 Stories" video for the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway. It's an interview with the Deck brothers and their Doc's Soda Fountain in downtown Girard, about 1 1/2 blocks off Illinois Highway 4, the 1926-32 alignment of Route 66. It's also home to the Deck's Drug Store museum. The store's history … Continue reading A visit to Doc’s Soda Fountain in Girard
More Asleep at the Wheel
Heaven knows I've posted enough versions of Asleep At the Wheel's "Route 66." But this one is pretty special. It's an "Austin City Limits" taping during the western swing band's 25th anniversary. And you'll witness three piano players switching off on the boogie-woogie without a hitch. https://youtu.be/RZkiPRIcLD0
Aztec Hotel renovations will be “challenging”
The city manager for Monrovia, Calif., said the historic Aztec Hotel will undergo a "challenging" renovation in the coming months by its new owners. The report from City Manager Laurie Lile was posted by the Monrovia Patch. The most pertinent part: By all accounts, the future of the Aztec Hotel will be challenging. There are … Continue reading Aztec Hotel renovations will be “challenging”
Springfield festival in 3-D
Time to dig out those 3-D glasses you stashed away. William Turner, aka 3DMovieman, took his video camera to the recently completed Birthplace of Route 66 Festival in Springfield, Mo., and posted this video in 3-D. https://youtu.be/KVadlCTXX7Y If you don't like the 3-D effect, you can click "3D" on the lower right portion of the … Continue reading Springfield festival in 3-D
Rockwood Court restaurant reborn as Tubby’s Diner
A restaurant review in the Springfield News-Leader revealed that the historic Rockwood Court Restaurant in Springfield, Mo., recently was reborn as Tubby's Diner. The new owner, Jason Russell, remodeled the restaurant, improved the food, and restored its Route 66 charm, the newspaper reported. The site housed the first restaurant and motel on Route 66 in … Continue reading Rockwood Court restaurant reborn as Tubby’s Diner
70 minutes of Nat King Cole
Sit back and enjoy this 1 hour, 10-minute collection of performances by Nat King Cole and his band. Cole was known for his velvety singing voice, but a number of tracks also show his skills at jazz piano. Cole popularized Bobby Troup's "Route 66" when it became a big hit in 1946. You can skip … Continue reading 70 minutes of Nat King Cole
Mixed messages seen from Route 66 Rendezvous fundraising
The annual Route 66 Rendezvous in downtown San Bernardino, Calif., is halfway to its goal for donations, or it's in jeopardy of being canceled, depending on which regional newspaper report you read. The lead paragraph from today's San Bernardino County Sun: Without $36,000 in donations from the community, there will be no Stater Bros. Route 66 … Continue reading Mixed messages seen from Route 66 Rendezvous fundraising
Midpoint Cafe making improvements to midpoint sign
Dennis Purschwitz, new owner the Midpoint Cafe in Adrian, Texas, said on a Facebook post he's making improvements to the "midpoint of Route 66" sign across the road from his restaurant. The project involves installing paver stones to make a more park-like setting, wheelchair / ADA access to the sign, and a platform immediately behind … Continue reading Midpoint Cafe making improvements to midpoint sign
Motel 6’s Mother Road correspondent
You may remember that Dan Bakst won a Route 66 trip and a bunch of goodies from the Motel 6 chain in a contest. He was required to post his adventures from the road via video and social media. Roadies weren't thrilled that the trip would exclude historic Route 66 motels. But his posts on … Continue reading Motel 6’s Mother Road correspondent