225-foot-long Route 66 centennial mural completed in Arcadia

The owners of The Windmill Shops along Route 66 in Arcadia, Oklahoma, recently realized their dream of having a massive mural on their building for westbound Route 66 travelers. Danny and Vi Davis, who built the shops about 20 years ago, decided to commission a Route 66 centennial mural on the 225-foot-long wall of the … Continue reading 225-foot-long Route 66 centennial mural completed in Arcadia

New Mexico History Museum in Santa Fe unveils Route 66 centennial mural

The New Mexico History Museum in Santa Fe recently unveiled a mural that commemorates Route 66's centennial this year. Albuquerque artist Molly Mendenhall created the artwork, titled “Mother Road Coming into Color," reported KRQE-TV in Albuquerque. She came up with the idea to depict the changing landscape of New Mexico through time, largely defined by … Continue reading New Mexico History Museum in Santa Fe unveils Route 66 centennial mural

Six-story mural painted on building in Springfield, Missouri

A six-story mural was recently painted on an apartment building along Route 66 at a prominent intersection in Springfield, Missouri. KY3 in Springfield reported: The massive artwork stands on the east side of Jefferson Avenue at St. Louis Street, featuring elements that pay homage to both Route 66 and the region’s outdoor heritage. The mural … Continue reading Six-story mural painted on building in Springfield, Missouri

Doug Quarles, creator of dozens of murals in Tucumcari, dies of cancer at 72

Doug Quarles, creator of an estimated 50 murals -- many along Route 66 -- in Tucumcari, New Mexico, died of colon and rectal cancer last week. He was 72. Several muralists have followed in his footsteps in Tucumcari, but his efforts, starting in 2003, raised the city's tourism profile and led the chamber of commerce … Continue reading Doug Quarles, creator of dozens of murals in Tucumcari, dies of cancer at 72

Second round of applications opens for the National Trust’s grants for Route 66 businesses

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has opened its second round of applications for aid from the Preserve Route 66 Legacy Business Grant Fund. The fund provides financial support to businesses to preserve historic places and spur economic development along the Route 66 corridor, with an emphasis on projects that illuminate the narratives of communities whose … Continue reading Second round of applications opens for the National Trust’s grants for Route 66 businesses

New, history-themed mural dedicated in Baxter Springs

City leaders of Baxter Springs, Kansas, on Monday held a ceremonial ribbon-cutting to mark the completion of the enormous "The Baxter Springs Historical Mural" that features Route 66 and other touchstones of the city's past. A meet-the-artists event for the father-and-son team of A.J. and Jordan Wood also will be held from 10 a.m. to … Continue reading New, history-themed mural dedicated in Baxter Springs

Public art panel announces mural to highlight Baxter Springs history, including Route 66

The Public Art Committee of Baxter Springs, Kansas, announced a forthcoming public mural emphasizing the town's history, including Route 66. According to the Spring River Current and KSNF-TV, the mural will be funded by a $7,500 grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Office of Rural Development, with matching funds from the Ronald … Continue reading Public art panel announces mural to highlight Baxter Springs history, including Route 66

Mexican restaurant with Route 66 theme opens at the former site of Sonrise Donuts in Springfield

A Mexican restaurant called Lil Fiesta on Route 66 recently opened in the space that held Sonrise Donuts and its iconic sign for many years in Springfield, Illinois. Lil Fiesta on Route 66 opened Friday at 1101 S. Ninth St. (aka Route 66) in a space that also held another Mexican restaurant, for a few … Continue reading Mexican restaurant with Route 66 theme opens at the former site of Sonrise Donuts in Springfield

Large mural goes up along Route 66 in Wayneville

The Route 66 corridor of Waynesville, Missouri, recently saw a new, large mural painted on one of its buildings. Missouri-based outdoor artist Ray Harvey finished a postcard-inspired and Route 66-centric mural on the new Dollar General building at 1413 U.S. Route 66. According to the Pulaski County Weekly, Dollar General and the city came to … Continue reading Large mural goes up along Route 66 in Wayneville

Illinois awards $6.6M in Route 66 and tourism marketing grants

The governor of Illinois and the state's Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced last week it would give 58 awards totaling $6.6 million through the Route 66 and Tourism Marketing Grant Programs to boost Route 66 tourism. The Route 66 grant program is awarding $3.7 million to seven recipients for the development of tourism, … Continue reading Illinois awards $6.6M in Route 66 and tourism marketing grants