More proof that the Route 66 influence ranges far -- the opening of a 66 Grill in Iceland. https://vimeo.com/40147446 The Icelandic description of the restaurant, via Google Translate: Grill 66 is a new barbecue place for the whole family. The brand refers directly to the labeling of the legendary "Route 66". Diverse restaurant offering hamburgers, steak sandwiches and other foods that are all named after cities and towns of the "Route 66".
Kickstarter campaign launched for “The Motels of Route 66” film
Simon Cantlon, who we previously reported was creating a documentary film and book called "The Motels of Route 66," has just launched a fundraiser on Kickstarter to cover the some of the expenses of the project. The money raised will cover a month-long journey down Route 66 with a full four-man film crew (director, cameraman, … Continue reading Kickstarter campaign launched for “The Motels of Route 66” film
Japanese woman traveling Route 66 solo
Suzi Leavens, a 69-year-old native of Japan, is traveling Route 66 by herself from Santa Monica to Chicago to realize a dream by her late husband, according to an email from Victorville (Calif.) Daily Press reporter Tomoya Shimura. According to Tomoya, Leavens has already stayed at the Wigwam Motel in Rialto, Calif., and the Ludlow Motel in … Continue reading Japanese woman traveling Route 66 solo
A visit to John’s Modern Cabins
Here's something shot just a few days ago -- a visit to the ruins of the long-closed John's Modern Cabins, off old Route 66 in rural Newburg, Mo. As a bonus, the videographer also visited the long-defunct Stoney Dell Resort, near Jerome, Mo. https://youtu.be/Yz0fN0dQymc
A peek inside the former Snuffy’s Grill
Last fall, we reported that the small, Chicagoland-based Steak N Egger restaurant group had purchased Snuffy's 24-Hour Grill along Route 66 in McCook, Ill. Steak N Egger owner Terry Carr said the exterior, constructed in 1929 with limestone cut from nearby quarries, would remain visible, and that the interior would contain 1950s decor. On Monday night, … Continue reading A peek inside the former Snuffy’s Grill
Advocates make effort to restore, reopen South Pasadena theater
Ever since officials a few weeks ago feared the large neon sign on the Rialto Theatre in South Pasadena, Calif., might be a safety hazard, local preservationists have moved quickly to see whether the historic building could be restored and reopened. According to a weekend story in the Pasadena Star-News: --- Landmark Theaters, which leases … Continue reading Advocates make effort to restore, reopen South Pasadena theater
Route 66 restaurant played vital role in rise of Mexican food
The Mitla Cafe, marking its 75th anniversary on Route 66 in San Bernardino, Calif., played a crucial role in the rise of Mexican cuisine in the United States and the Taco Bell restaurant chain, according to a new book by Gustavo Arellano. Arellano's book is titled "Taco USA: How Mexican Food Conquered America." It will … Continue reading Route 66 restaurant played vital role in rise of Mexican food
More about the 66 Motel sign project
About 10 days ago, Ed Klein at Route 66 World announced a fundraiser to help restore the historic neon sign at the 66 Motel in Needles, Calif. Here'a a video he posted today that explains more about the project: https://youtu.be/VWqexoBsgOI Klein has raised $1,120 as of Monday evening, but he's less than a third of … Continue reading More about the 66 Motel sign project
Cyclist soon will begin quest for Litchfield museum
Andy Ritchie, a 62-year-old city administrator for Litchfield, Ill., will begin his 2,300-mile cycling quest on Route 66 in early May to raise funds for a history and Route 66 museum in Litchfield, reported The Journal-News in nearby Hillsboro. The newspaper reported: Ritchie will be accompanied by his wife, Pam, who will fly to California … Continue reading Cyclist soon will begin quest for Litchfield museum
Memories of a road trip
A fan of Japanese singer and actor Yamashita Tomohisa has posted this slide show of images from his recently completed trip on Route 66. The video is in tribute to Yamashita's 27th birthday, which is today. https://youtu.be/nVDUG-mGnHo Someone on Vimeo was posting the full "Yamashita Tomohisa Route 66" episodes that aired on Japanese television. Alas, … Continue reading Memories of a road trip