Word came down Monday afternoon that the New Mexico Racing Commission approved a horse-racing and casino license application to Raton, and not the Route 66 town of Tucumcari, reports the Quay County Sun. It was a unanimous decision. Santa Fe also lost out on its bid to get a "racino" license. The Sun reported: In … Continue reading Tucumcari loses bid for ‘racino’
A crown on the Blue Dome
In a story by the Greater Tulsa Region Newspapers about Tulsa's preparations for the upcoming National Preservation Conference on Oct. 21-25, those who come to town during that time will be treated to a rare sight -- the copper spire that once graced the Blue Dome gas station on Route 66 near downtown will be … Continue reading A crown on the Blue Dome
Historic store in Victorville closes
Western Outdoor Equipment Co. in the Old Town section of Victorville, Calif., has closed after 85 years in business, reports the Daily Press. It was founded as Victorville Hardware in 1923 and moved to its current location on Seventh Street, aka Route 66, in 1938. It became a Western Outdoor store in 1950. This is … Continue reading Historic store in Victorville closes
Hello from France
This is a jazz group called Bather's Mood, doing Bobby Troup's "Route 66."
Pontiac tries to save its prison
The Associated Press has published a very good story about the Route 66 town of Pontiac, Ill., and its efforts to keep the state from shutting down its prison. The article spells out the stakes: The roughly 12,000 people here find themselves in a struggle for their economic lives as they try to talk Illinois … Continue reading Pontiac tries to save its prison
Jazz group will tour Mother Road
It looks like another band is touring Route 66 in a few days. Joel Clemons and the Lemons, a jazz-fusion group based out of the Los Angeles area, will be undertaking its Route 66 Music Tour (site best seen in Internet Explorer) in a matter of days. From the Web site: ROUTE 66 MUSIC TOUR, … Continue reading Jazz group will tour Mother Road
“Sh-Boom”
A great scene in "Cars" from the fictional Route 66 town of Radiator Springs. A lot of people who didn't understand the allure of neon lighting "got it" after that scene. Music by The Chords, on what is arguably the first rock 'n' roll song.
Taking the Big Texan challenge
Kevin Connolly of BBC News Magazine decides to take the 72-ounce challenge at the Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo, Texas. As I prepared for my own attempt to consume 72oz (that's 4.5lb or just over two kilos) of beef in less than an hour - together with a prawn cocktail, a roll, salad and … Continue reading Taking the Big Texan challenge
Band to embark on a Route 66 tour
The Lost Dogs, a country-rock band based out of Nashville, will take a road trip on Route 66 in September and play a few gigs along the way. A news release from the band explains things: While visiting some of the most interesting places in America, their experiences will be captured in music and film. … Continue reading Band to embark on a Route 66 tour
Supai attractions damaged by flood
No one was injured or killed in the flooding in the Grand Canyon earlier this week. But there's little doubt the damage caused will hurt tourism in the small canyon floor village of Supai, Ariz. Reports the Arizona Republic: The trails leading to the village are not passable. The bridges crossing Havasu Creek are washed … Continue reading Supai attractions damaged by flood