Right now is one of the favorite times of year for residents of the desert Southwest -- when green chilis are freshly roasted and sold in the parking lots of grocery stores and farmers markets. In Flagstaff, Ariz., chilis are being roasted at the Flagstaff Farmers Market on Route 66, and customers are buying the … Continue reading It’s roasted chili season
Motel converted to housing for mentally ill soon will open
Nearly two years ago, it was announced that the old Village Motel at 2624 Santa Monica Blvd., aka Route 66, in Santa Monica, Calif., would be bought and converted into housing for youths with mental illness. Now, the Los Angeles Times reports, the motel will hold its grand opening Sept. 11 and be christened Daniel's … Continue reading Motel converted to housing for mentally ill soon will open
“Rhythms of the Road,” Episode One
As a follow-up to the story we had about Greene HD Productions and its efforts to get its musical series, "Rhythms of the Road," on television, the company has posted the show's first episode on Vimeo. Here it is:
Route 66 exhibit begins week of festival
For you folks who plan to attend the Route 66 Festival in Flagstaff, Ariz., Northern Arizona University is hosting the "Route 66 in Arizona: Don't Forget Winona!" exhibit that opens that week. According to the Rim Country Gazette, the university's Cline Library will hold a reception from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sept. 10. "The exhibit … Continue reading Route 66 exhibit begins week of festival
Harland Williams Route 66 film shelved
Comedian and actor Harland Williams' animated film for DreamWorks, "Route 66," apparently isn't going to be coming to theaters anytime soon. Williams initially announced the project in 2005. The synopsis was this: ROUTE 66 is the strange tale of Mulligan, a giant golf ball statue on the side of legendary Route 66, who sets off … Continue reading Harland Williams Route 66 film shelved
Programming note
I know a lot of roadies are planning to attend the Route 66 Festival later this month in Flagstaff, Ariz., including the Will Rogers Awards banquet that Saturday. Alas, I will not be one of them. This will be the first festival I've missed since 2001. I've attended consecutive galas in Springfield, Ill. (twice), Tulsa, … Continue reading Programming note
Please don’t feed the burros
For years, tourists to the Route 66 town of Oatman, Ariz., have been allowed to feed the wild burros that wander through the streets. Many of Oatman's merchants sell carrots for these critters, which are descendants of the animals that once toiled in the gold mines. The Oatman burros are a major draw for a … Continue reading Please don’t feed the burros
Cyclists urge construction of Route 66 bike path
A group of several dozen bicyclists are riding on or near Route 66 from the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge near St. Louis to Chicago to have fun. But they're also doing it to drum up support to build a bike path along the Mother Road in Illinois, reports the Bloomington Pantagraph. Their goal is … Continue reading Cyclists urge construction of Route 66 bike path
Crazy cars
Here's Nat King Cole's version of "Route 66," accompanying a collection of the craziest-looking cars you'll ever see.
66 Bowl marks 50th year
The Oklahoman has a feature article about 66 Bowl in Oklahoma City, which is marking its 50th year. Owner Jim Haynes, 77, a former bowling supply salesman, bought the bowling alley in 1978. "I see people all the time out there who take pictures of the sign and they do come in and talk,” Haynes … Continue reading 66 Bowl marks 50th year