Using the recent $300,000 grant for a bicycle trail as a springboard, the Bloomington (Ill.) Pantagraph's editorial board ponders why Route 66 has such an enduring appeal to tourists: What draws these people? Maybe it is John Steinbeck's reference to "The Mother Road" in his novel, "The Grapes of Wrath," or the old "Route 66" … Continue reading An interesting view
New paint job
We stayed at the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, N.M., just a few months after owners Bill Kinder and Terri Johnson put a new, old coat of paint on the historic Route 66 motel. Kinder said he wanted to bring back the Blue Swallow to its original shades, circa 1939. Much of the complex was … Continue reading New paint job
More Asleep at the Wheel
There's already a couple of Asleep at the Wheel videos and the band's version of Bobby Troup's "Route 66" on this site. But another dose of Western swing can't hurt. This performance is from a show in France in 2004.
Selling with video
Video is a fast-growing and often effective tool for businesses to sell their products on the Internet. The Saga Motor Hotel, which has graced Route 66 in Pasadena, Calif., since 1957, is making use of this tool. Check it out: We've stayed at the Saga. Not only is it a well-preserved Southern California motel, but … Continue reading Selling with video
One of my favorite things
Here is one of the most cherished sights of many Route 66 travelers -- the neon of the Blue Swallow Motel sign in Tucumcari, N.M. The sign was recently repaired after being damaged by a severe hailstorm this spring. As you can see, save for a slightly balky transformer in the "Motel" letters, it's looking … Continue reading One of my favorite things
Do you know the road?
To coincide with the International Route 66 Mother Road Festival this weekend, the Springfield (Ill.) Journal Register published a quiz to test your knowledge of America's most famous highway. I gained Big Daddy status (barely) by getting 12 of the 15 questions right. The Springfield questions might trip up even the most devoted roadies.
A stroll through Seligman
Here's a video of the funky sights of the quintessential Route 66 town of Seligman, Ariz. You'll see a lot of the Sno-Cap Drive-In, Angel Delgadillo's barbershop and other businesses along the main drag.
Will there be a “Cars” sequel?
I and some other bloggers have noticed a plethora of rumors that Disney/Pixar will make a sequel to its 2006 summer hit, "Cars." So I thought I'd e-mail Michael Wallis, who supplied the voice at the Sheriff of Radiator Springs in the animated film, and ask whether he's heard anything about a "Cars 2." He … Continue reading Will there be a “Cars” sequel?
Epcot Food Festival opens today
If you're a roadie who happens to be in Florida, you may want to stop at Walt Disney World's Epcot Center and check out the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, which starts today and runs through Nov. 11. And why would Route 66ers be interested? Well, there's this excerpt from a report by the … Continue reading Epcot Food Festival opens today
He’s a Pinto man
The Springfield (Ill.) Journal-Register, previewing the International Route 66 Mother Road Festival this weekend, published a great story about car exhibitor Tony Peterson of nearby Staunton, who collects Ford Pintos. Yes, Pintos. That car that safety advocates said was a fire trap. A model that contains as much infamy as the Edsel. Peterson has nine … Continue reading He’s a Pinto man