Amarillo City Council advances plan for Route 66 interactive mural

The Amarillo City Council recently held a first reading for a resolution that would allow a large, Route 66-themed "story wall" near downtown. The Amarillo Globe-News reported the interactive mural -- titled "66 Stories from Route 66" -- will be on an underpass by Transformation Park to better connect downtown to Sixth Street (aka Route … Continue reading Amarillo City Council advances plan for Route 66 interactive mural

Texas Highways magazine features Circus Room bar in Amarillo

Texas Highways magazine recently published a feature story about the Circus Room tavern along Route 66 in Amarillo, Texas. The Amarillo Convention and Visitors Bureau claims it is the "oldest continuous bar on all of Route 66." More on that later. But first, the magazine describes what it's like to stroll through the establishment's doors: … Continue reading Texas Highways magazine features Circus Room bar in Amarillo

Neon sign removed from Silver Spur Motel in Amarillo

The distinctive neon sign for the Silver Spur Motel along Route 66 in Amarillo was removed last week. It will be at least partially restored, but it won't be going back up at the property because it has new owners. James Benson, an apparent sign collector based on his Facebook account, posted photos of the … Continue reading Neon sign removed from Silver Spur Motel in Amarillo

19 Route 66 Preservation & Economic Development Grants announced

The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership recently announced the awarding of 19 grants totaling more than $40,000 to Route 66 businesses and attractions. Each recipient receives $2,125 from the Route 66 Preservation & Economic Development Grant Program. These are the recipients: VFW Post 6306 on Route 66 in Topock, Arizona, will commission the painting of … Continue reading 19 Route 66 Preservation & Economic Development Grants announced

$100 million restoration proposed for Herring Hotel in Amarillo

A new developer has recently come forward to propose spending about $100 million to renovate the long-closed Herring Hotel in downtown Amarillo and convert it into a boutique hotel. Todd Harmon, a developer with Herring Hotel Partners, and John Campo, founder of Campo Architecture, presented their plan during a recent Amarillo City Council meeting, reported … Continue reading $100 million restoration proposed for Herring Hotel in Amarillo

Route 66 art show opens at Amarillo Art Institute

The Amarillo Art Institute in Amarillo, Texas, is hosting an exhibit, "The Mother Road — Open Air, Open Road," of dozens of paintings of Route 66 landmarks and signs. The exhibit runs through Sept. 26 at AAI’s Vermillion Gallery at 3701 Plains Blvd. According to the Amarillo Globe-News: The show, the first joint effort between … Continue reading Route 66 art show opens at Amarillo Art Institute

New Route 66 sign project officially launched in Texas

The Old Route 66 Association of Texas and the Big Texan Steak Ranch launched the Texas Route 66 Signage Project on Thursday at Starlight Ranch, across from the Slug Bug Ranch in Amarillo. The collaboration, which includes the Texas Department of Transportation-Amarillo District, will restore historic Route 66 signage in communities from Glenrio to McLean. … Continue reading New Route 66 sign project officially launched in Texas

Texas announces initiative to beef up Route 66 signage, add special community signs

The Old Route 66 Association of Texas, in partnership with the Big Texan Steak Ranch, will host a ceremonial sign unveiling at 10 a.m. Aug. 21 at Slug Bug Ranch, 1414 Sunrise Drive in Amarillo, to celebrate the launch of a major sign restoration effort along the Route 66 corridor in the Texas Panhandle. The … Continue reading Texas announces initiative to beef up Route 66 signage, add special community signs

Barfield Hotel in Amarillo given a Texas Historical Commission marker

The once-neglected Barfield Motel in downtown Amarillo recently was recognized with a Texas Historical Commission marker as an official Texas Historic Site. The Barfield, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2020, sits along Polk Street and Sixth Street (aka Route 66) in the downtown area. The Amarillo Globe-News reported the 10-story structure, built … Continue reading Barfield Hotel in Amarillo given a Texas Historical Commission marker

Seven Route 66-based sites make Lovefood.com’s list of America’s best roadside restaurants

A total of seven restaurants with strong ties to Route 66 recently made Lovefood.com's list of the best roadside restaurants in the United States. A total of 44 restaurants across America were cited. Writer Miriam Carey wrote about the criteria: "Our selections are based on genuine user reviews, awards and accolades, and the first-hand experience of … Continue reading Seven Route 66-based sites make Lovefood.com’s list of America’s best roadside restaurants