The Lubbock (Texas) Avalanche-Journal recently published a statistics-laden article about the iconic Big Texan Steak Ranch in nearby Amarillo. The gist -- a lot of big numbers are involved in running the former Route 66 restaurant. That's what happens when you feed 500,000 customers per year. The whole article is worth reading, but here are … Continue reading Big numbers exist around the Big Texan Steak Ranch
Further weight restrictions may curb access to Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in Illinois
A bridge leading to the iconic Old Chain of Rocks Bridge from Illinois may see additional weight restrictions, keeping only the smallest vehicles allowable to the site. According to St. Louis Public Radio, the Old Chain of Rocks Canal Bridge that runs to the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge has seen its weight limits plummet … Continue reading Further weight restrictions may curb access to Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in Illinois
Roadside marker in Bethany commemorates musician Tommy Collins
The Oklahoma City/County Historical Society and the City of Bethany, Oklahoma, recently placed a roadside marker on Route 66 to commemorate the late songwriter and singer Tommy Collins. Collins probably is best known for writing "If You Ain't Lovin' (You Ain't Livin'), which was a big hit both for Faron Young and George Strait. Here's … Continue reading Roadside marker in Bethany commemorates musician Tommy Collins
Weezy’s Route 66 Bar & Grill in Hamel put up for sale
The historic Weezy's Route 66 Bar & Grill in Hamel, Illinois, has been placed on the market for nearly $700,000. Andrew Milkovich of Milkovich Premier Realty is listing the property, which sits at 108 S. Old Route 66. Here is the description of the business: Take a look at this wonderful opportunity to own a … Continue reading Weezy’s Route 66 Bar & Grill in Hamel put up for sale
County approves engineering agreement for a segment of Route 66 bike trail near Funks Grove
The McLean County, Illinois, board recently approved an engineering contract to build a 4.5-mile addition to a Route 66 bicycling trail south of Funks Grove. According to the Bloomington Pantagraph, the county was chosen to receive state funds for the Route 66 bike trail starting in McLean and ending at an existing trail near Funks Grove. … Continue reading County approves engineering agreement for a segment of Route 66 bike trail near Funks Grove
La Posada museum in Winslow soon will display the world’s largest Navajo rug
A museum at the landmark La Posada hotel in Winslow, Arizona, will hold a grand opening from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 2 to mark the long-planned display of the world’s largest single-loom Navajo rug. The Hubbell-Joe Rug, originally created for the Hubbell Trading Post in Winslow in 1932 by Navajo weaver Julia … Continue reading La Posada museum in Winslow soon will display the world’s largest Navajo rug
Red Cedar Inn Museum and Visitor Center to hold its grand opening on Aug. 26
The Red Cedar Inn Museum and Visitor Center, housed in a former Route 66 restaurant in Pacific, Missouri, will throw a long-awaited grand opening celebration on Aug. 26. The museum, visitors center and children's museum at 1047 E. Osage St. (aka Route 66) will hold a ceremonial ribbon-cutting at 10 a.m. that day. Hours that … Continue reading Red Cedar Inn Museum and Visitor Center to hold its grand opening on Aug. 26
Route 66 town of Brooklyn, Illinois, added to Landmarks Illinois’ Most Endangered Places list
The oft-overlooked but historically rich town of Brooklyn, Illinois, recently was added to Landmarks Illinois' annual Most Endangered Places list. For the uninitiated, Brooklyn (aka Lovejoy) sits on Illinois Highway 3 between East St. Louis and Madison in the metro-east area of St. Louis. Illinois 3 was an alignment of Route 66 from 1929 to … Continue reading Route 66 town of Brooklyn, Illinois, added to Landmarks Illinois’ Most Endangered Places list
Fred & Red’s Chili in Joplin to celebrate its centennial next month
Fred & Red's Chili in Joplin, Missouri, will mark its 100th year in business with a vintage car show, giveaways and other events on Sept. 23. The number of restaurants on Route 66 that have hit the 100-year mark likely can be counted on one hand. Ike's Chili in Tulsa comes to mind, as do … Continue reading Fred & Red’s Chili in Joplin to celebrate its centennial next month
Albuquerque, county to move to revitalize an original stretch of Route 66
The City of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County each approved resolutions to improve an original stretch of Route 66 running south of the city before the highway's centennial in 2026. The Albuquerque Journal reported the efforts will involve Sunset Road and Isleta Boulevard, from Central Avenue to the Pueblo of Isleta. The two roads started as … Continue reading Albuquerque, county to move to revitalize an original stretch of Route 66