NPS honors Atlanta’s Route 66 efforts

Two program managers for the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program, under the auspices of the National Park Service, honored the town of Atlanta, Ill., for its ongoing Route 66 preservation efforts regarding the  historic Palms Grill, reported the Lincoln (Ill.) Courier. “When Route 66 was decommissioned in 1985,” a Park Service brochure explains, “many of … Continue reading NPS honors Atlanta’s Route 66 efforts

Notes from the road

A few things that should be of interest to most roadies: Roadside America has revamped its Web site. Not only did the purveyors of roadside oddities give it a spiffier design, but there's a new blog, more animation, new tools and more videos. Route 66 roadie Mark Potter reports that the Hot Dogs and Hot … Continue reading Notes from the road

POPS will be featured in Gordmans ad

POPS, one of Route 66's newest icons, will be featured in a national television advertisement for Gordmans, a clothing chain. The ad will begin airing Monday, but you can view it by going here at Gordmans Web site and clicking on the "Spring Fashion II, On the Road ... Oklahoma" icon under the "Television" listing. … Continue reading POPS will be featured in Gordmans ad

Automotive museum hosts “The Art of Cars”

Starting Saturday, the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles is hosting "The Art of Cars" -- an exhibition of artwork that was created while Pixar Animation Studios was producing the "Cars" movie. According to the museum: “When we started working on Cars, I knew that getting the details right would be essential to the story,” … Continue reading Automotive museum hosts “The Art of Cars”

Big Texan’s 72-ounce speed record is broken

For 21 years, former big-league pitcher Frank Pastore held the speed record for finishing the Big Texan Steak Ranch's 72-ounce steak meal in an eye-popping (and stomach-churning) time of 9 1/2 minutes. On Monday, his record was broken. By a professional eater, no less. Those unfamiliar with the 72-Ounce Challenge think you have to eat … Continue reading Big Texan’s 72-ounce speed record is broken

Death warrant for Seligman Harvey House

Donald Gray, who's been trying to save the historic Harvey House in Seligman, Ariz., from the wrecking ball, reported Tuesday that negotiations to buy or move the property broke down and that the structure will be razed within three weeks. Gray said he confirmed the bad news through Lena Kent, who is regional public affairs … Continue reading Death warrant for Seligman Harvey House

Clearer Cheetahs

Most of you have already seen this music video. But this high-quality clip of the Cheetah Girls' version of "Route 66" came over on YouTube today. The sound is clearer, and you can see the details in the film -- including a bunch of "Cars" movie highlights -- a lot better, too.

Extension denied for Eagle Hotel

After the Eagle Hotel's owner failed to show up, the Wilmington (Ill.) City Council unanimously voted to reject an 18-month extension that he requested for the historic property off Route 66, reports the Joliet Herald News. Eagle Hotel owner Bill Scales had been working to restore the property for seven years and had requested another … Continue reading Extension denied for Eagle Hotel

Unleash the money

Last August, the state of Illinois allotted $1 million to help Livingston County, Ill., to restore the old Illinois State Police Headquarters on old Route 66 in Pontiac. However, there's been a snag, reports the Bloomington Pantagraph. State Sen. Dan Rutherford, R-Chenoa, said the governor’s office has yet to provide Livingston County with either the … Continue reading Unleash the money

Three states may join forces on Route 66 tourism

Southwest Missouri, Kansas and far northeastern Oklahoma may collaborate on boosting Route 66 tourism in their respective areas with a 48-page brochure, reports the Joplin Globe. The city of Miami, Okla., is applying for a $50,000 grant from the National Scenic Byways Program to finance the brochure that would tout the Mother Road from Carthage, … Continue reading Three states may join forces on Route 66 tourism