If you see a big, scruffy-looking guy with a Triumph motorcycle and an English accent on the Mother Road, it just might be rugby star and World Cup winner Steve Thompson, according to the Daily Mail in London. The 31-year-old is tackling the fabled Route 66 on a Triumph motorbike which has been parked outside … Continue reading Rugby player rolls down 66
Rail Haven Motel listed to National Register
The Route 66 Rail Haven Motel of Springfield, Mo., now an independently owned part of the Best Western chain, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places effective May 10, according to an e-mail today from the National Park Service. The motel, at 210 S. Glenstone Ave., contains 93 rooms and has served travelers … Continue reading Rail Haven Motel listed to National Register
Drive-in theaters stage a small comeback
Julianne Glatz, writing for the Illinois Times and using the Route 66 Drive-In in Springfield as a focus, notes that drive-in theaters seems to have halted a long decline in popularity. But in the last decade, drive-ins have been making a comeback. Some old drive-ins have reopened, others have expanded and new ones are popping … Continue reading Drive-in theaters stage a small comeback
What’s next for closed Route 66 in McCook?
Berkeley (Ill.) Suburban Life published a follow-up story about the $40 million settlement between the Illinois Department of Transportation and Vulcan Materials over the closing of a one-mile stretch of Joliet Road (aka Route 66) in McCook. The state alleged that Vulcan, which operated two nearby quarry pits, dangerously destabilized the road by undermining it. … Continue reading What’s next for closed Route 66 in McCook?
Classic images
See scenes from Route 66 and images of classic vehicles during this video taken during an AIDS benefit at the original Barney's Beanery in West Hollywood, Calif.
Hiking for his fellow soldiers
Iraq War veteran Troy Yocum is hiking a small part of Route 66 during his cross-country quest to raise money for Soldiers’ Angels, a charity that provides financial aid to military families, according to the Bloomington (Ill.) Pantagraph. Yocum was hiking south and banging his drum on old Route 66 to Pontiac, Ill., on Monday, … Continue reading Hiking for his fellow soldiers
Put the lid back on!
Here's the latest video entry for "Route 66: A Road Trip through the Bible," from the Book of Zechariah. If a guy tells you that something's really bad, you'd better listen to him.
Nat King Cole revisits an old hit
Yes, it is Nat King Cole, and, yes, it is "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66." But there are subtle differences. I'll let Nocaro, the person who posted this to YouTube, explain: The Nat King Cole Trio was the first to record this Bobby Troup tune on March 15, 1946, and almost fifteen years to … Continue reading Nat King Cole revisits an old hit
Topock Marina will be replaced this fall
The Topock Marina on Old Route 66 in Topock, Ariz., will be replaced with a $14 million, 102-room hotel, spa, nightclub, microbrewery, restaurant, and conference center starting this fall, owner Chet Hitt told the Mojave Daily News. Based on the new website, it will be rechristened as Topock 66 Spa & Resort. Hitt plans to make … Continue reading Topock Marina will be replaced this fall
Arizona Route 66 passport locations
A few days ago, it was reported that a new Route 66 passport would be made available for travelers across Arizona. The passports won't be available until May 27, but Route 66 advocate Sharlene Fouser gave me a list of where you can pick them up at that time: Ash Fork Visitor Center, 901 W. … Continue reading Arizona Route 66 passport locations