Historic Hotels of America announced its Great American Road Trip Hotels list for 2026, including seven along Route 66. It recognized a total of 25 authentic historic hotels "that have shaped the American road-trip experience along scenic byways, historic highways, national park routes, coastal drives, and legendary corridors," according to a news release. The motels … Continue reading Seven Route 66-related businesses make Great American Road Trip Hotels list for 2026
Tag: Oklahoma City
Future of Gold Dome in Oklahoma City uncertain after it unexpectedly lands another buyer
The historic Gold Dome in Oklahoma City faces an uncertain future after another party unexpectedly bought the property during a sheriff's auction. The sale occurred the same day the city council approved $3 million in tax incentives for another developer who wanted to turn it into a music venue. The Journal-Record has a good summary … Continue reading Future of Gold Dome in Oklahoma City uncertain after it unexpectedly lands another buyer
Gold Dome in Oklahoma City may get $3 million loan to convert it into music venue and restaurant
The historic Gold Dome in Oklahoma City may receive a $3 million loan to help convert the former bank into a music venue and restaurant. KOCO-TV in Oklahoma City reported: The Oklahoma City Economic Development Trust approved a deal this week that could provide $3 million in funding for the project. The money would come … Continue reading Gold Dome in Oklahoma City may get $3 million loan to convert it into music venue and restaurant
Cruise Route 66 from El Reno to Tulsa during the mid-1960s
Bruce Clark recently posted this six-minute home video (with no sound) from the mid-1960s of a Route 66 trip from El Reno, Oklahoma, to Tulsa. In it, you'll see a lot of cool neon signs and plenty of Space Age architecture. Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, in the comment thread, narrowed … Continue reading Cruise Route 66 from El Reno to Tulsa during the mid-1960s
“Kicks 66” sculpture dedicated near National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City
The 35-foot-tall "Kicks 66" illuminated sculpture near the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City was dedicated on Thursday. The artwork, designed by Cameron Eagle, pays tribute to Bobby Troup's iconic song “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66" and Route 66's centennial this year. Eagle also designed the “Welcome to Luther” neon sign along Route … Continue reading “Kicks 66” sculpture dedicated near National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City
Asleep At the Wheel announces Route 66 Centennial Tour
The iconic western swing band Asleep At the Wheel this week announced a Route 66 Centennial Tour in August and September, where it will perform at selected Route 66 cities. "Come Get Your Kicks on Route 66!" the band stated on its Facebook page. Here is the list of dates, cities and venues: Aug. 20: … Continue reading Asleep At the Wheel announces Route 66 Centennial Tour
Swadley’s Bar-B-Q owner convicted of criminal fraud, faces up to 10 years in prison
Brent Swadley, owner of the Oklahoima-based Swadley's Bar-B-Q restaurant chain, was found guilty Thursday by a jury in an Oklahoma City courtroom of committing criminal fraud involving millions of dollars of state taxpayer money. Swadley was accused of creating fake invoices and overbilling the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department at state parks. The overbilling, which … Continue reading Swadley’s Bar-B-Q owner convicted of criminal fraud, faces up to 10 years in prison
Oklahoma History Center opening its Route 66 exhibit on Saturday
The Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City is opening its "The Longest Stretch: Route 66 in Oklahoma" exhibit on Saturday. Here's what the Oklahoma Historical Society, which runs the center, stated about the exhibit: Oklahoma proudly claims the longest drivable stretch of Route 66 in the nation, spanning more than 400 miles. This legendary highway … Continue reading Oklahoma History Center opening its Route 66 exhibit on Saturday
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City opens new Route 66 exhibit
The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City recently opened a new exhibit that focuses on Route 66 during its centennial year. "Route 66: From Trails to Truck Stops" runs through May 3. Tickets are available here. Here's what the museum says about the exhibit: From horses and covered wagons to riverboats, steam … Continue reading National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City opens new Route 66 exhibit
Restored Western Trail Motel sign will be displayed at National Cowboy Museum show
The long-dark Western Trail Motel neon sign was recently restored and will be put on display at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. The Billboard Museum reports the sign is on loan from the Oklahoma Historical Society and eventually will become part of a neon park at a yet-to-be-announced location. The … Continue reading Restored Western Trail Motel sign will be displayed at National Cowboy Museum show