Santa Monica Pier was nearly lost by a storm 41 years ago

The iconic Santa Monica Pier -- the traditional western endpoint for many Route 66 travelers -- nearly was destroyed by a severe storm and some bad decisions by a contractor 41 years ago. That factoid was revealed during a Santa Monica Daily News story about walking tours offered at the 115-year-old pier: Back in the … Continue reading Santa Monica Pier was nearly lost by a storm 41 years ago

Santa Monica Pier probably will replace its bridge in a few years

The City of Santa Monica, California, edged closer last week to a much-delayed project to replace the bridge leading to the iconic Santa Monica Pier. The city council approved an environmental document required for the $27 million project, reported the Santa Monica Daily Press. The Santa Monica Pier Bridge was built in 1939 and serves … Continue reading Santa Monica Pier probably will replace its bridge in a few years

Four of the 16 “Most Iconic Old-Fashioned Diners in America” are found on Route 66

Recently, Eat This, Not That! compiled a list of the "16 Most Iconic Old-Fashioned Diners in America." In what shouldn't be a surprise, four of them are on old Route 66. Without further ado, here are the website's four diners with extensive ties to the Mother Road: Lou Mitchell's, Chicago Clanton's Cafe, Vinita, Oklahoma Mr. … Continue reading Four of the 16 “Most Iconic Old-Fashioned Diners in America” are found on Route 66

Santa Monica Pier was saved from destruction 50 years ago

It's unthinkable now, but the iconic Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, California, once was very much in danger of being torn down a half-century ago. The Santa Monica Daily Press recently published an article about the history of the pier, including a successful grass-roots effort in 1973 to preserve it after the city council … Continue reading Santa Monica Pier was saved from destruction 50 years ago

Mel’s Drive-In restaurant marks its 75th anniversary

Mel's Drive-In restaurants, which includes a location at the actual western terminus of Route 66 in Santa Monica, marked its 75th birthday on Dec. 14 at its eight locations in the San Francisco and Los Angeles regions. On its birthday, the regional chain offered 75% off classic food items, including the Mel burger, country eggs, … Continue reading Mel’s Drive-In restaurant marks its 75th anniversary

Route 66-related stop included in “The Price Is Right’s” 50-anniversary tour

To celebrate its 50th anniversary, "The Price Is Right" television game show is embarking on a nationwide tour that includes at least one Route 66-related stop. "The Price Is Right" tour begins Friday with current host Drew Carey at the Santa Monica Pier -- the traditional western endpoint for many Route 66 travelers -- during … Continue reading Route 66-related stop included in “The Price Is Right’s” 50-anniversary tour

Route 66-themed roller coaster coming to Santa Monica Pier by summer

Pacific Park amusement park at the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, California, is bringing a new concept to its steel roller coaster, called Route 66 West Coaster, which is set to debut this summer. According to a news release from Pier Communications: The reconcepting of Pacific Park’s steel roller coaster that races 55 feet … Continue reading Route 66-themed roller coaster coming to Santa Monica Pier by summer

Santa Monica library hosting Historic Route 66 Information Fair next weekend

If you happen to be checking out the western terminus of Route 66 in Santa Monica, you've got another reason to hang around an hour or so next weekend -- a Historic Route 66 Information Fair. The Santa Monica Public Library will host the event from 11 to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5. And the … Continue reading Santa Monica library hosting Historic Route 66 Information Fair next weekend

Santa Monica History Museum hosting Route 66 exhibit through mid-October

The Santa Monica History Museum in Santa Monica, California, is hosting a new exhibit, "California's Route 66: Hiding in Plain Sight," through Oct. 19. The museum explains what's in store with the exhibit on its website: To illustrate the Route’s history, the exhibition will feature artifacts such as early driving guides, iconic signage and ephemera, … Continue reading Santa Monica History Museum hosting Route 66 exhibit through mid-October

Mel’s Drive-In earns Santa Monica preservation award

The Mel's Drive-In restaurant that opened a year ago at the true western ending of Route 66 earned a historic preservation award from the Santa Monica Conservancy. The conservancy stated in a news release Sunday: The 1959 Armet and Davis-designed Penguin Coffee Shop was restored to its original use by Mel’s Drive-In owner Steven Weiss, … Continue reading Mel’s Drive-In earns Santa Monica preservation award