The owner of Gearhead Curios of Galena, Kansas, is commissioning a new, nearly 20-foot-tall Muffler Man called "Big A the Texaco Man" that he hopes will be standing at his business by summer 2024. "Big A" is being made by Enchanted Castle Studios, which has made other Muffler Men or fiberglass giants around the country … Continue reading Gearhead Curios in Galena plans a ‘Big A the Texaco Man’ fiberglass giant by summer
Five Beetles returned to former Slug Bug Ranch site, but new site will continue as planned
After the owner of Slug Bug Ranch moved the five Volkswagen Beetles south of the original site near Conway, Texas, the landlord claimed possession of them and they were moved back. The Texas Old Route 66 Association alluded to this fluid situation in a social media post about two weeks ago: Slug Bug Ranch, inspired … Continue reading Five Beetles returned to former Slug Bug Ranch site, but new site will continue as planned
Butcher BBQ Stand in Wellston secretly adds a 1970s-inspired bar
The acclaimed Butcher BBQ Stand in Wellston, Oklahoma, secretly constructed and recently opened a 1970s-inspired bar attached to its Route 66 restaurant. The bar is called Uncle Mark's -- a tribute to restaurant owner Levi Bouska's uncle and his mother's childhood home, reported KFOR-TV in nearby Oklahoma City. It’s a living room-size addition to take … Continue reading Butcher BBQ Stand in Wellston secretly adds a 1970s-inspired bar
Group’s development plan may save condemned Midtown Travel Inn motel in Clinton
The condemned Midtown Travel Inn in Clinton, Oklahoma, may be spared the wrecking ball after a local art community presented possible plans for the Route 66 motel in front of the city council. Clinton-based West OK Co-op officers Jason Smith and Andrew Stone asked the council to pause plans for demolition of the motel for … Continue reading Group’s development plan may save condemned Midtown Travel Inn motel in Clinton
Joplin may allow neon signs in its historic downtown districts
The City of Joplin, Missouri, is exploring a proposal to allow neon signs in its historic downtown districts. According to the Joplin Globe, city staff and the Joplin Historic Preservation Commission are seeking input for the plan at a public meeting at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, at the 530 Somewhere restaurant at 530 S. Main … Continue reading Joplin may allow neon signs in its historic downtown districts
Route 66 Podcast is offering scholarships for students from kindergarten through college
Anthony Arno of the Route 66 Podcast recently announced he is offering Route 66 scholarships ranging from $25 to $1,000 for students from kindergarten age through college. Here's what Arno stated in an email: Students simply need to show the spirit of Route 66 in their very own creative and expressive way. Past recipients can be … Continue reading Route 66 Podcast is offering scholarships for students from kindergarten through college
Oklahoma Tourism’s updated Route 66 Guide goes fully digital
The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department recently released an updated digital Route 66 Guide --- the first such publication to be re-released as fully digital. The updated guide is 63 pages. According to a news release from the department: “Going digital with our specialty publications gives us an exciting opportunity to make our guides more … Continue reading Oklahoma Tourism’s updated Route 66 Guide goes fully digital
Oklahoma Route 66 Association, Route 66 Association of Japan form an ambassadorship
The Oklahoma Route 66 Association and the Route 66 Association of Japan announced this week they had formed an ambassadorship. More information from a story from the Oklahoma association: Working together, the two associations hope to increase awareness of Oklahoma’s unique culture for Japanese travelers while also bringing opportunities to experience Japan’s cultural traditions to … Continue reading Oklahoma Route 66 Association, Route 66 Association of Japan form an ambassadorship
Local journalist acquires former Hazelgreen United Methodist Church
A local journalist recently acquired the former Hazelgreen United Methodist Church that stands along Route 66 near Hazelgreen, Missouri. The church not only is known for being right next to the Mother Road, but it also contains a still-working neon cross atop its steeple visible from nearby Interstate 44. The church only is about 1 … Continue reading Local journalist acquires former Hazelgreen United Methodist Church
Joliet Area Historical Museum interested in buying closed Launching Pad Drive-In restaurant
The Joliet Area Historical Museum is considering the acquisition of the closed Launching Pad Drive-In restaurant -- best known for its unique, 28-foot-tall Gemini Giant fiberglass statue -- in nearby Wilmington, Illinois. The Herald-News published the story Saturday less than a week after the Launching Pad was listed for $1.4 million on the Crexi commercial … Continue reading Joliet Area Historical Museum interested in buying closed Launching Pad Drive-In restaurant