I'm pleased to report that the Route 66 section of the newly published sixth edition of Jamie Jensen's popular "Road Trip USA" (Avalon Travel, 1,002 pages, paperback) contained no errors that I could detect. That seems an unusual way to begin a book review. However, longtime readers of Route 66 News may remember my 2009 … Continue reading Book review: “Road Trip USA” (sixth edition)
Unique art project makes its way down Route 66
A Canadian artist and his assistant are towing a uniquely designed art project down Route 66 with a 1989 Volkswagen Westfalia. The artist stopped at the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum on Thursday, reported the Pontiac Daily Leader. The sculpture made of a dozen angled mirrors, called Seed Engine. Artist Randall Anderson of Toronto … Continue reading Unique art project makes its way down Route 66
Was Depew the first Route 66 town to be bypassed?
The jury's still out on exact dates and other historical data. But a roadie has compiled compelling information that indicates Depew, Okla., was the first incorporated Route 66 town to be bypassed -- way back in 1928. When U.S. Highway 66 was certified in 1926, the road made a horseshoe-shaped loop through downtown Depew on … Continue reading Was Depew the first Route 66 town to be bypassed?
Santa Rosa fiscal crisis likely will impact its bid for museum
The City of Santa Rosa, N.M., faces a financial "catastrophe" after the state suddenly withheld $160,000 in gross receipts taxes in June, with an extra $240,000 reportedly withheld in the coming weeks, reported the current print edition of the Guadalupe County Communicator in Santa Rosa. The state abruptly withheld the money after an undisclosed business … Continue reading Santa Rosa fiscal crisis likely will impact its bid for museum
Jumpin’ Ack Flash
Putting this video together took some hard-core traveling: Jumpin Ack on 66 from Shaun Callahan on Vimeo. More about this journey can be read here.
New reality series takes a Route 66 road trip
Jeff Schroeder and Jordan Lloyd, who starred in the reality series "The Amazing Race" and "Big Brother," are starring in a new CBS.com web-only series, "Jeff & Jordan Do America," where they drive Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles to begin a new life. Here's a preview of the show, which begins July 18: … Continue reading New reality series takes a Route 66 road trip
Wigwam Motel featured on Route 66 Rendezvous T-shirt
The historic Wigwam Motel is featured on the official T-shirt of the annual Route 66 Rendezvous in San Bernardino, Calif., scheduled for Sept. 13-16, reported the Contra Costa Times. The T-shirt was unveiled Thursday. Kumar Patel provided this photo of the shirt: The newspaper reported: Owners of the Wigwam, Jack and his son, Kumar Patel, who … Continue reading Wigwam Motel featured on Route 66 Rendezvous T-shirt
The story behind Ambler-Becker Texaco
Here's the latest of the Route 66 Stories video series for Illinois. This one's an interview with Phil Becker, longtime operator of the Ambler-Becker Texaco station in Dwight. https://youtu.be/dBYY2Ze05x0 The station no longer operates as a gas station, but has been converted into a visitors center.
Mitla Cafe marking 75th anniversary
https://youtu.be/6xFn2iktFiw The historic Mitla Cafe in San Bernardino, Calif., is marking its 75th anniversary with a blues and jazz concert Saturday and another celebration in September, reported The Press-Enterprise newspaper. The key to its longevity has been the family atmosphere and a menu that is largely the same as when Lucia Rodriquez started the restaurant, … Continue reading Mitla Cafe marking 75th anniversary
Joliet theater expanding its tour hours
In response to demand from Route 66 tourists and other visitors, the historic Rialto Square Theater in Joliet, Ill., is greatly expanding its hours for tour groups, reported the Naperville Sun. The newspaper said the theater would expand its tour hours to 10 a week. In the past, the theater offered only one tour a week … Continue reading Joliet theater expanding its tour hours