A church in a Tulsa suburb recently changed its lobby into a tribute to the Route 66-inspired Disney-Pixar animated film "Cars" from 2006. But you better hurry to see it -- it will be up only a couple of more weeks. Life.Church in south Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, annually changes its lobby to an "At the … Continue reading Oklahoma church pays tribute this month to Disney-Pixar film “Cars”
Small building in parking lot remains a vestige of a tourist camp in Springfield, Missouri
Tucked away in a city parking lot in Springfield, Missouri, is a small stone building that serves as the last vestige of a tourist camp that served travelers for years before Route 66 was federally certified. The building once was a bathroom for the long-gone Long Memorial Park, though it's slated to be used as … Continue reading Small building in parking lot remains a vestige of a tourist camp in Springfield, Missouri
Fire damages two guest rooms at Fender’s River Road Resort in Needles
A recent fire damaged two guest rooms at the Fender's River Road Resort in Needles, California, though the Route 66 landmark still is operating. Pat Bremer of the Road Trip Memories page on Facebook posted a photo of the damage during the July 4 holiday: A clerk who answered the phone at Fender's said the … Continue reading Fire damages two guest rooms at Fender’s River Road Resort in Needles
Kickoff party and lighting ceremony set for July 26 for Route 66 Experience in Springfield
A lighting ceremony on July 26 for the Route 66 Experience neon park at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield will include a pre-party at Route 66 Motorheads Bar & Grill on the city's south side. The Route 66 Experience at the fairgrounds will feature re-creations or restorations of the neon signs for the Bel-Air … Continue reading Kickoff party and lighting ceremony set for July 26 for Route 66 Experience in Springfield
Little America Hotel in Flagstaff marks its 50th anniversary
The popular and highly praised Little America Hotel in Flagstaff, Arizona, recently marked its 50th year in business. As the Arizona Daily Sun in Flagstaff tells it, the hotel is the second such hotel and resort built by the Holding Family in the Little America network that originated in 1952. There now are eight such … Continue reading Little America Hotel in Flagstaff marks its 50th anniversary
Griff’s Hamburgers abruptly closes down its Albuquerque Route 66 location
Griff's Hamburgers, a small regional chain that dates back more than 60 years, announced it was shutting down its Albuquerque restaurant along Route 66 after the end of the business day on July 6. This is what the company posted on its website for the Albuquerque location at 8516 Central Ave. (aka Route 66): “After … Continue reading Griff’s Hamburgers abruptly closes down its Albuquerque Route 66 location
Owner of Motel Safari in Tucumcari is putting it up for sale
The owner of the historic Motel Safari in Tucumcari, New Mexico, announced on social media this week he soon would put the Route 66 establishment on the market. Larry Smith, who has owned the motel at 722 E. Route 66 Blvd. for six years, stated he was "feeling that my time here at the Safari … Continue reading Owner of Motel Safari in Tucumcari is putting it up for sale
Arizona Route 66 Association gives grants to Grand Canyon Caverns, Snow Cap Drive-In
The Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona recently announced it had awarded a $10,000 grant to Grand Canyon Caverns and a $5,000 grant to the Snow Cap Drive-In. The association stated in its newsletter the grant to Grand Canyon Caverns will help the Peach Springs landmark repair its elevator. The elevator broke down in October, … Continue reading Arizona Route 66 Association gives grants to Grand Canyon Caverns, Snow Cap Drive-In
Two Route 66 sites named to Preservation Oklahoma’s Most Endangered Places
The 11th Street Bridge in Tulsa and the Rock Creek Bridge in Sapulpa were named to Preservation Oklahoma's Most Endangered Places list in 2023. The annual list by the nonprofit organization aims to promote jeopardized historic sites. "Although inclusion on the list does not guarantee protection or funding, recognition for these structures may increase restoration … Continue reading Two Route 66 sites named to Preservation Oklahoma’s Most Endangered Places
Fire destroys SK8 Liborius church skate park in St. Louis
A fire late Wednesday gutted the SK8 Liborius Social Club, formerly the historic St. Liborious Catholic Church, in north St. Louis. Drone footage on Thursday morning from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch showed the blaze destroyed everything inside, leaving only the walls standing. No injuries were reported, but the burning embers ignited fires on several other … Continue reading Fire destroys SK8 Liborius church skate park in St. Louis