This sounds promising. A movie starring Renee Zellweger, "My One and Only," is at least partially set on Route 66, according to the Mountain View Telegraph in New Mexico. The movie, set in 1953, is based on the early life of actor George Hamilton, on the road with his mother and brother. Zellweger, as glamorous … Continue reading Movie’s setting is on Route 66
Kitschy restaurant in Amarillo reopens
Although it's no longer on Route 66, it was with sadness when it was reported last spring that the Beef Burger Barrel in Amarillo, Texas, was going to close after more than 50 years. Apparently reports of the uniquely shaped restaurant's demise were premature. According to the Austin American-Statesman, David White reopened the restaurant after … Continue reading Kitschy restaurant in Amarillo reopens
Williams in the spotlight
It's not often that a small Route 66 town gets prominent ink from two large daily newspapers in one day. But here it is, with Williams, Ariz., in the spotlight. First, the Arizona Republic is previewing the town's Cool Country Cruise-In and Route 66 Festival this weekend. It's co-sponsored by the chamber of commerce and … Continue reading Williams in the spotlight
Racino decision coming Aug. 25
The New Mexico Racing Commission said Wednesday it would announce on Aug. 25 which town would receive a license for a horse-racing track and casino, reported the Clovis News Journal. it's down to three finalists -- Santa Fe, Raton and the Route 66 town of Tucumcari. The time the announcement will be made is 1:30 … Continue reading Racino decision coming Aug. 25
Gun museum in jeopardy?
The future does not look bright for the J.M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum on Route 66 in Claremore, Okla., reported the Tulsa World. The museum's foundation is suing the state, which oversees the museum's massive collection that's valued at tens of millions of dollars. The foundation is citing neglect, mismanagement and theft. The worst-case … Continue reading Gun museum in jeopardy?
On the road again
I received word this morning that Tokyo photographer Hiroshi Hanamura is traveling Route 66 again. He met up with a bunch of Illinois roadies at the Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket in Willowbrook, Ill., on Tuesday night. Illinois Route 66 Association President Catherine Stevanovich wrote: Mr. Hanamura starts a 2 week trip down Route 66. Hiroshi has … Continue reading On the road again
Notes from the road
The Motel Safari in Tucumcari, N.M., has added another mural image, courtesy of local artist Doug Quarles. It's a 1953 Flxible Clipper bus. Motel owner Richard Talley also passed along this news: On another note, we just had our first celebrity guest check-in! No, it wasn't Sir Paul!!! During the annual Rattler Reunion weekend, a … Continue reading Notes from the road
More on the road with Sir Paul
NOTE: Bumped for updates below. The previous post about Paul McCartney traveling Route 66 with his girlfriend has become long, so here's a new thread to cover the new developments. McCartney and gal pal Nancy Shevell spent Wednesday night in Amarillo, Texas, at the Ambassador Hotel, according to a local NBC TV station and the … Continue reading More on the road with Sir Paul
Isaac Hayes, R.I.P.
Most of the younger set will remember Isaac Hayes for his part of Chef in "South Park" episodes. A few also might have heard his Oscar-winning soundtrack for the film "Shaft." But Hayes, who died Sunday at age 65, was so much more. He was a songwriter and producer for the Stax-Volt soul label in … Continue reading Isaac Hayes, R.I.P.
“The Business of Poverty”
This episode of the PBS-TV's "Bill Moyers Journal" begins on Albuquerque's Central Avenue, aka Route 66. In fact, the Route 66 shield can be seen in a couple of shots (one in the screen shot above). The program can be viewed online here. A podcast of "The Business of Poverty" also can be heard here: … Continue reading “The Business of Poverty”