The gas pumps at Roy's in Amboy, Calif., began working again in earnest on Thursday, reports the Inland Press-Enterprise. Hundreds of travelers, including motorcyclists on the annual Laughlin River Run, stopped in to cool off with sodas and water and to fuel their vehicles. Even before Okura formally reopened the restored gas station at 11:30 … Continue reading Prime the pumps
A taste of summer
Here's a video tribute to a Route 66 legend in St. Louis -- Ted Drewes Frozen Custard. It's the best place for frozen treats on the Mother Road, and maybe anywhere. Music is "The Sweetest Thing" by U2.
Nightclub on wheels
The Route 66 Casino Hotel near Albuquerque is constantly trying promotional gimmicks to draw customers. This one, I admit, is unique. It's a miniature replica of the casino's KXX nightclub -- complete with dancers, a bar, a dance floor, lounge chairs and disco lighting -- in a self-contained, street-legal truck. The party truck recently cruised … Continue reading Nightclub on wheels
A dining option?
The Springfield (Mo.) News-Leader published a review of a restaurant on Route 66 of which I was unfamiliar. It's the Rockwood Court Cafe at 2204 W. College St. in Springfield. The reviewer summed it up as: "Delicious home-style food at great prices in an eclectic atmosphere make the Rockwood Court and Café stand out on … Continue reading A dining option?
Endangered mansion has new owners
WJBC radio reports that the historic Duncan Manor mansion in Towanda, Ill., has new owners. Bud and Diane Sullivan are restoring the 1870s mansion that stands along I-55 and old Route 66. Diane told the crowd Tuesday night, the surrounding land is contracted to be farmed another two years. Then, residents will see more changes … Continue reading Endangered mansion has new owners
Thumbs down to poor tourism service
From the "Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down" column today in the Williams-Grand Canyon News in Williams, Ariz.: Thumbs down - Witnessed just last week - a tourist was asking a local store clerk for directions to westbound Historic Route 66 leading to Kingman. The store clerk was unable to provide the directions. Another one of our … Continue reading Thumbs down to poor tourism service
Young cats
Here are Moses and the Black Cats, a pop-rock group based on London, doing a tossed-off version of Bobby Troup's "Route 66." The lyrics are pretty mangled, but it's OK. The group's MySpace site has some good songs on it, by the way.
Soul singer Al Wilson dies
Soul singer Al Wilson, a longtime resident of the Route 66 town of San Bernardino, Calif., and a performer at its Route 66 Rendezvous, died Monday at an area hospital at age 68, reports the Inland Press-Enterprise. He also performed at the John Steinbeck Awards, a ceremony for Route 66's movers and shakers, in San … Continue reading Soul singer Al Wilson dies
La Posada chef will publish a cookbook
John Sharpe, chef and owner of the Turquoise Room restaurant housed in La Posada in Winslow, Ariz., announced Monday that he will be publishing a cookbook in October. According to the news release: The book will be available exclusively through the restaurant or on our website. This book will be more than a cookbook. The … Continue reading La Posada chef will publish a cookbook
Ambitious plans for Miami
This story from the Miami (Okla.) News-Record about the town's future tourism efforts caught my eye with this excerpt (boldface type is my emphasis): Oklahoma is already investing in international tourism as state tourism officials have partnered with the state of Kansas to commit a half-million dollars to target international travelers. Barger said the investment … Continue reading Ambitious plans for Miami