Restoration work on the vintage neon sign at the Luna Cafe in Mitchell, Ill., began Thursday when it was removed and taken to a restoration shop in St. Charles, Mo. Jim Thole of the Route 66 Association of Missouri says it will take six to eight weeks to restore the sign. He thinks a relighting … Continue reading Restoration work begins on Luna Cafe sign
A bridge that died from a lack of upkeep
Big machines are tearing down the historic Bird Creek Bridge that carried U.S. Highway 66 near Catoosa, Okla. A more nondescript bridge will replace the deteriorated but distinctive 1936 truss bridge. Soon, one-half of the scenic Twin Bridges vista will be gone forever. It didn't have to be this way. A report by two engineers … Continue reading A bridge that died from a lack of upkeep
Sisters take possession of Boots Motel
Two sisters officially took over ownership on Wednesday of the Boots Motel in Carthage, Mo., pledging to reopen at least part of the 1939 property by spring. Debye Harvey of Georgia and Priscilla Bledsaw of Illinois had the electricity and water turned back on at the Route 66 property, and will spend the rest of this … Continue reading Sisters take possession of Boots Motel
Asleep will keep you awake
Here's a new YouTube clip of Asleep at the Wheel with a spirited performance of Bobby Troup's most famous song. The video probably was shot in the late 1970s to early 1980s. https://youtu.be/sUGEObpb5bg
Arcadia mayor voices concern over Route 66 changes
The mayor of Arcadia, Okla., is expressing concern about a number of improvements planned for Oklahoma Highway 66 (aka Route 66) through her town, reported The Oklahoman newspaper. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation plans to widen 66 to four lanes from Post Road near Edmond to about Winchester Westminster Road in Arcadia, which is right next … Continue reading Arcadia mayor voices concern over Route 66 changes
“Man vs. Food Nation” features Barstow restaurant
Wednesday night's edition of the Travel Channel's "Man vs. Food Nation" show will feature the Idle Spurs Steakhouse in Barstow, Calif., and other Route 66 restaurants and attractions, according to the Desert Dispatch newspaper. The TV show visited Barstow on July 17 as part of its Route 66 episode, which highlights food and activities along the … Continue reading “Man vs. Food Nation” features Barstow restaurant
Take a walk on the Arroyo Seco side
Most Route 66ers know about the historic Arroyo Seco Parkway in the Los Angeles area, which served as an alignment of Route 66 for many years. However, did you know the Arroyo Seco has a walking trail? The Los Angeles Times has the details: This is a lovely country-in-the-city walk, flat and undemanding, offering rare … Continue reading Take a walk on the Arroyo Seco side
Page created for music clubs, taverns
Due to popular demand, Route 66 News has created a Clubs page that lists music venues and taverns on or near Route 66. A few things about the page before you surf to it: --- The list is not all-inclusive, but tries to stick to establishments that are notable music clubs, microbreweries, or historic or … Continue reading Page created for music clubs, taverns
Book review: “The Road to Somewhere”
This is a story about being a man in America. More specifically, it's about me being a man in America. Or trying. With those opening words by James A. Reeves begins a most unusual memoir. The sprawling "The Road to Somewhere" (412 pages, $25 retail price, softcover, W.W. Norton) is part autobiography, part travelogue, part … Continue reading Book review: “The Road to Somewhere”
Admiral Twin’s reopening delayed to 2012
In what was increasingly apparent, the Tulsa World reported today that the Admiral Twin Drive-In theater would postpone its planned reopening to next year. The historic drive-in's fabled twin screens burned down during a fire in September 2010. After more than $30,000 in donations and securing a loan, co-owner Blake Smith announced the theater would … Continue reading Admiral Twin’s reopening delayed to 2012