Severe thunderstorms blasted southeastern Kansas and southwest Missouri, including parts of the Route 66 corridor, on Friday afternoon. I'm not aware of any damage to Route 66 landmarks. However, anyone traveling through the area should be aware of downed trees and other wind-blown debris on roadways. Joplin, Mo., especially got hammered, including the local TV … Continue reading Severe storms lash SE Kansas, SW Missouri
One family’s take on the Fun Run
Here's Jeff Rucker's video and slide show from last weekend's Fun Run by the Arizona Route 66 Association. A lot of swell-looking rides are featured. A bonus is a few pictures from Roy's in Amboy, Calif.
ABC anchor tours Mother Road
ABC's "GMA Weekend" anchorwoman Kate Snow and her sister traveled old Route 66 from Clinton, Okla., to Albuquerque. A bunch of photos from the trip are here. That's one heck of a nice Ford Fairlane they're driving. I appreciate the publicity the segment is generating. But something about it also rubs me the wrong way. … Continue reading ABC anchor tours Mother Road
Palms Grill resurrected
The historic Palms Grill Cafe in the Route 66 town of Atlanta, Ill., reopened last month after being shuttered for more than 30 years. I'm not sure who shot and edited this video of the Palms Grill operating again, but it's good. I hear a lot of folks complaining about how much Route 66 has … Continue reading Palms Grill resurrected
Bear killed near Route 66 in Kingman
Needless to say, this is quite unusual. From the Kingman (Ariz.) Daily Miner: Officers with the Kingman Police Department shot and killed a black bear in the 1700 block of Jefferson Avenue in Kingman Thursday morning, after the bear wandered into the city limits and reportedly attempted to break into residences, as well as one … Continue reading Bear killed near Route 66 in Kingman
Book review: “City Ubiquitous”
Andrew Wood is an associate professor in communication studies at San Jose State University. He's also a dyed-in-the-wool roadie. He's written two books about two-lane highways, "Motel America" and "Road Trip America." His Motel Americana site is an excellent thumbnail guide to vintage lodging. And Wood's blog, Woodland Shoppers Paradise, has become a catch-all for … Continue reading Book review: “City Ubiquitous”
A closer look at the U-Drop Inn
Here's a very nice photo slide show/video of the U-Drop Inn on Route 66 in Shamrock, Texas. It gives you an appreciation of how good the restoration is. A few years ago, when dozens of workers were doing long-awaited renovations of the structure, one of them told us that mushrooms two feet tall had been … Continue reading A closer look at the U-Drop Inn
Competitive eaters rejoice
Tucked into this feature story from The Ranger, based in Amarillo College, about the Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo is this item: Next summer, the meat mecca will have its biggest event ever. In 2010, the Big Texan will celebrate its 50th anniversary. The International Competitive Eaters Association will join in the fun. "There … Continue reading Competitive eaters rejoice
Welcome to the welcome center
The Missouri Department of Transportation has just posted this video from the dedication ceremony Monday of the new Route 66-themed welcome center near Conway. If you look close, you can see Tommy Pike, president of the Route 66 Association of Missouri, among those cutting the ribbon. The video also presents a nice overview of what … Continue reading Welcome to the welcome center
Twittering from the Gumball Rally
Skateboarding star Tony Hawk is participating in the coast-to-coast Gumball 3000 Rally, part of which goes on the western half of Route 66. Hawk has been writing posts on his Twitter account, including photos at the Big Texan Steak Ranch and Cadillac Ranch, both in Amarillo. On this video, you can see a busted-up ankle … Continue reading Twittering from the Gumball Rally