The good folks at the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, flagged this video the other day on Facebook, saying: Giacomo and Giulia from Italy traveled Route 66 on their Honeymoon earlier this year, and we were honored to have them as our guests. They've just released this fun video of their trip. I … Continue reading Honeymooners’ trip down Route 66
Tag: Springfield IL
Tony Waldmire of Cozy Dog Drive-In dies
Tony Waldmire, 31, a co-operator of the landmark Cozy Dog Drive-In in Springfield, Illinois, and grandson of its founder, died Saturday, according to a post from the restaurant's Facebook account. The post read: This is the hardest post I have ever had to make. With a heavy heart I am sad to announce the passing of my … Continue reading Tony Waldmire of Cozy Dog Drive-In dies
Mexican restaurant moves into Sonrise Donuts building
An authentic Mexican restaurant becomes the latest tenant to move into the building in Springfield, Illinois, that contains the historic Sonrise Donuts neon sign on its roof. Taqueria Moroleon opened in the building at 1101 S. Ninth St. (aka Route 66) that contains a horseshoe-shaped Formica counter and red counter stools, reported the State Journal-Register. The … Continue reading Mexican restaurant moves into Sonrise Donuts building
Governor signs Illinois Route 66 motorcycle plate bill
Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner signed a bill Saturday that allows motorcyclists to buy a special Illinois Route 66 license plate that benefits the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway fund. Rauner signed the bill at the historic Mahan service station at Fulgenzi's Pizza and Pasta on Route 66 in Springfield, Illinois. Fulgenzi's purchased and moved the … Continue reading Governor signs Illinois Route 66 motorcycle plate bill
Springfield may add TIF district to section of Route 66
Springfield, Illinois, may add a tax-increment financing district to declining Peoria Road, which is historic Route 66 in the town's north side. TIF districts are where taxes from rising property-tax values are used to pay a part of renovation costs or infrastructure improvements for businesses. Anecdotal evidence existed the Peoria Road district was in decline, but WRSP-TV had … Continue reading Springfield may add TIF district to section of Route 66
The home of the Bel-Aire Motel Sputnik
I missed this when it happened last summer, but Ace Sign Co. of Springfield, Illinois, restored the Sputnik sign that stood atop the Bel-Aire Motel and displays it in its museum. The Bel-Aire, a longtime Route 66 motel, was torn down last year after hundreds of code violations. According to a story on the Illinois Route 66 … Continue reading The home of the Bel-Aire Motel Sputnik
Mahan gas station moved to restaurant
The historic Mahan gas station that sat at the now-closed Shea's Gas Station Museum in Springfield, Illinois, was moved Sunday about a quarter-mile north to its new owner, Fulgenzi's Pizza and Pasta, reported the State Journal-Register. Owner Jeff Fulgenzi told the newspaper he plans to restore it as much as possible to its original state. It was placed … Continue reading Mahan gas station moved to restaurant
100 years of drive-in theaters in one map
The first of many drive-in theaters opened in New Mexico in 1914. More than 100 years later, someone has compiled an interactive map that shows more than 4,600 drive-in theaters built in the United States. Below is a screen capture of the map, but the direct link to it is here (the map may take several … Continue reading 100 years of drive-in theaters in one map
Local businessman buys Shea’s Mahan gas station
The historic Mahan gas station that Bill Shea restored at his Shea's Route 66 Museum in Springfield, Illinois, before his death was bought at auction by a local business owner and will be moved in the next month to his property -- also on Route 66. Jeff Fulgenzi of Fulgenzi's Pizza & Pasta at 1168 Sangamon Ave. in … Continue reading Local businessman buys Shea’s Mahan gas station
A word from our sponsor …
If you're not already stuffed from your Thanksgiving dinner, you might have an appetite after viewing this advertisement from a Route 66 classic in Springfield, Illinois. https://youtu.be/Jc38qN0VMrw The Cozy Dog Drive-In has operated along Route 66 on Springfield's south side since 1949. although it dates back further than that. More about the restaurant's history and … Continue reading A word from our sponsor …