Route 66 boasts plenty of products named after it. But this is the first I've seen where a typeface is named after the Mother Road. The "Route 66 Regular" font was created by Thomas Wilson. It's derived from Wilson's earlier "Swizzle Sticks" font, which is apparent when you see the Route 66 font in the … Continue reading Route 66 gets its own font
Springfield applies for grant for Bel-Aire Motel rehab
The City of Springfield, Ill., is applying for a grant to repair the long-declining Bel-Aire Motel and eventually convert it into a Route 66 museum, reported the Springfield State Journal-Register. The grant sought for the Bel-Aire is $1 million from the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program. The city plans to cover the other $600,000 for the … Continue reading Springfield applies for grant for Bel-Aire Motel rehab
66-to-Cali owner has a story to tell
Most of you already know about Dan Rice, owner of the 66-to-Cali souvenir shack at the Santa Monica Pier who was the guiding force behind getting an "End of the Trail" Route 66 marker erected at the pier. However, a book coming out in the winter is going to tell another side of Rice's story: … Continue reading 66-to-Cali owner has a story to tell
An aerial view of Amboy Crater
I've been fortunate enough to hike inside the dormant volcano that is Amboy Crater, near Amboy, Calif. Many people have not because it's a long hike in often-dangerous heat. But, in case you haven't, here's another way to see what's inside. Here's the explanation behind this remarkable video: Jeff Parisse and Nick Ritter travel via … Continue reading An aerial view of Amboy Crater
Car-restoration TV show coming this spring
Greene HD Productions, which has produced previous programs about Route 66, has shot a reality-television series, "Reality Rides," about restoring a 1955 Buick Special. The program is set to air in spring 2011. Brian Greene says it's a 12-part series shot in high-definition video. A five-man team restored the Buick from the frame up, even … Continue reading Car-restoration TV show coming this spring
Frets and fingers
Classical guitarist Jane Rosenbohm shows some mighty impressive skills with her fingering and fretwork on this version of Bobby Troup's "Route 66."
“Interstate”
Here's a movie made a few years ago that took Route 66 elements as bits of inspiration. It's about 80 minutes, and a few breaks for advertising are sprinkled in. It's an early YouTube effort to stream movies. Fair warning: It's got a bit of adult language and adult situations, so it's probably not appropriate … Continue reading “Interstate”
Businesses urge cleanup of Amarillo Boulevard
Ordinarily I don't advocate viewing a video over a written story. But in the case of this KFDA-TV report about Amarillo Boulevard, aka Route 66, in Amarillo, Texas, it is an exception. Here's the gist: Business owners along Amarillo Boulevard are complaining about crime, crumbling sidewalks, prostitution and other alleged neglect. They think these things … Continue reading Businesses urge cleanup of Amarillo Boulevard
Route 66 photo exhibit on display near Detroit
If you live or pass through the Detroit area in the next week, you ought to go see Michael Campanelli's Rotue 66 photography exhibit in Royal Oak, Mich. According to the Detroit News, Campanelli's photos will be on display at the Shrine of the Little Flower Conference Center in Royal Oak (map here) through Aug. … Continue reading Route 66 photo exhibit on display near Detroit
Notes from the road
The documentary "Route 66: Ten Years Later" will have its debut at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 9 at the Portage Theater in Chicago. Writer Tim Steil and photographer Jim Luning collaborated on their "Route 66" book during a Mother Road trip in 1999. A decade later, they decided to revisit the places they saw and see … Continue reading Notes from the road