The iconic Santa Monica Pier -- the traditional western endpoint for many Route 66 travelers -- nearly was destroyed by a severe storm and some bad decisions by a contractor 41 years ago. That factoid was revealed during a Santa Monica Daily News story about walking tours offered at the 115-year-old pier: Back in the … Continue reading Santa Monica Pier was nearly lost by a storm 41 years ago
Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership issues its fourth-quarter report
The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership recently released its report on its activities for the fourth quarter of 2023. Bill Thomas, chairman of the partnership, summarized highlights from the report in an email: The Route 66 Road Ahead State Associations Advocacy Working Group is discussing an informational piece that celebrates the upcoming Centennial and which … Continue reading Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership issues its fourth-quarter report
Distinctive muffler shop building in Holbrook torn down to make way for a dollar store
A distinctive but long-closed building that once housed a muffler shop in Holbrook, Arizona, was torn down in recent days. Local reports indicate the site will be used for a Dollar General store: It stood next to the landmark Wigwam Motel. As usual, the Route 66 Times website had information about the site at West … Continue reading Distinctive muffler shop building in Holbrook torn down to make way for a dollar store
Route 66 Navigation app adds several new features
The developers of the Route 66 Navigation app announced they have added some new features with the new year. Route 66 Navigation, offered by Touch Media since 2018, is available for both iPhones and Android operating systems. A news release detailed the improvements: A key update introduced early in 2024 is the enhancement of HERE's … Continue reading Route 66 Navigation app adds several new features
National Trust for Historic Preservation wants your Route 66 stories
The National Trust for Historic Preservation seeks to gather a total of 2,026 stories about Route 66 in time for the highway's centennial in 2026. "Route 66 is more than just a road; it's a tapestry of diverse cultures and histories. We want to showcase the people and places that make Route 66 special," the … Continue reading National Trust for Historic Preservation wants your Route 66 stories
Historic Luna Mansion in Los Lunas placed on the market for $1.8 million
The 140-year-old Luna Mansion, located prominently along the original alignment of Route 66 in Los Lunas, New Mexico, has been put up for sale for $1.8 million. According to Albuquerque Business First (subscription required), the 5,400-square-foot mansion at 119 Main St. (aka Route 66) was a restaurant until it closed in 2020 during the COVID-19 … Continue reading Historic Luna Mansion in Los Lunas placed on the market for $1.8 million
Route 66 enthusiast in Italy launches fundraiser to produce eight-episode documentary
Roberto Rossi, a Route 66 enthusiast and author in Italy, recently launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for an eight-episode documentary about Route 66 before the highway's centennial in 2026. Rossi wants to raise 25,000 euros for the production. Shooting would begin from Chicago to Los Angeles over 21 days this fall, with air … Continue reading Route 66 enthusiast in Italy launches fundraiser to produce eight-episode documentary
“Samantha Brown’s Places to Love” episode focuses on Route 66 in Illinois
A new episode of "Samantha Brown's Places to Love" series on PBS-TV concentrates on Route 66 in Illinois. Longtime Route 66ers will notice a few familiar faces, including John Weiss, Terri Ryburn, Debbie Funk and Buz Waldmire. Here's a description of the episode: The Illinois stretch of Route 66 is chock full of American history … Continue reading “Samantha Brown’s Places to Love” episode focuses on Route 66 in Illinois
Local preservation group wants to turn old El Reno jail into a museum
A local preservation group seeks to convert the old Canadian County Jail in El Reno, Oklahoma, into a museum and education center by 2026, which is Route 66's centennial. According to KOCO-TV in nearby Oklahoma City, the Preservation El Reno group's Jail Restoration Committee wants to restore the 1907 building. The group began leasing the … Continue reading Local preservation group wants to turn old El Reno jail into a museum
Free passport program launched for Horseshoe Trail in Springfield, Illinois
Visit Springfield, the tourism and destination marketing organization for the City of Springfield, Illinois, announced last week it is launching the Springfield Horseshoe Trail Passport, which aims to heighten awareness of the longstanding dish in the region. The free passport lists 20 local businesses, including several along the Route 66 corridor, For the uninitiated, the … Continue reading Free passport program launched for Horseshoe Trail in Springfield, Illinois