First Buc-ee’s store along Route 66 corridor opens in Springfield, Missouri

The first Buc-ee's mega-convenience store along the Route 66 corridor opened Monday on the northeast side of Springfield, Missouri. The Springfield Buc-ee's sits just north of Interstate 44 and Old Route 66, off Exit 84. Here's a report from OzarksFirst.com on the opening day: Here's a video report from opening day: https://youtu.be/Bxw3dprUsN8?si=ZRvkhgJHF4AY8h1x When we call … Continue reading First Buc-ee’s store along Route 66 corridor opens in Springfield, Missouri

Buc-ee’s store may open in Springfield later this year; Amarillo site to break ground this month

The first Buc-ee's store on Route 66 reportedly is set to open late this year in Springfield, Missouri. Another Buc-ee's site in Amarillo, Texas, will break ground on Oct. 26. The Springfield News-Leader reports the Buc-ee's on the northeast side of the city is holding a mass hiring event this week. The company expects to … Continue reading Buc-ee’s store may open in Springfield later this year; Amarillo site to break ground this month

Moxy Hotel opening in February in 1930 Medical Arts Building in downtown Springfield

A new hotel called The Moxy will open in February in downtown Springfield, Missouri, in the Medical Arts Building that was built in 1930. According to the Springfield Daily Citizen, the hotel at 430 South Ave. is a partnership between O’Reilly Hospitality Management and Marriott International, Inc. The eight-story boutique hotel will offer 98 rooms, … Continue reading Moxy Hotel opening in February in 1930 Medical Arts Building in downtown Springfield

Springfield’s Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Mosque marking its 100th anniversary this month

The fabled Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Mosque along Route 66 in Springfield, Missouri, is holding a 100th birthday celebration party on Oct. 21. According to an excellent article in the Springfield News-Leader (including cool photos of the shrine's construction), the shrine's recorder says it's the only building along Route 66 in Springfield being used for … Continue reading Springfield’s Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Mosque marking its 100th anniversary this month

Retro-styled coffee shop opening Sept. 18 at the former site of Red’s Giant Hamburg

Trailer Perk Coffee of Springfield, Missouri, is graduating from a trailer operation to a retro-styled permanent location at the former site of Red's Giant Hamburg restaurant. The Springfield Daily Citizen reported Trailer Perk will hold a grand opening on Sept. 18 at its new spot at 2848 W. Chestnut (aka Route 66). Owner Amber Ottoson … Continue reading Retro-styled coffee shop opening Sept. 18 at the former site of Red’s Giant Hamburg

History Museum on the Square to hold an exhibit about gas stations along Route 66

The History Museum on the Square in downtown Springfield, Missouri, soon will launch a three-month exhibit about gas stations along Route 66. "Service with a Smile" will run at the museum from Aug. 9 to Nov. 5. It's the second of five annual exhibits featuring Route 66's history, running up to the highway's centennial in … Continue reading History Museum on the Square to hold an exhibit about gas stations along Route 66

Small building in parking lot remains a vestige of a tourist camp in Springfield, Missouri

Tucked away in a city parking lot in Springfield, Missouri, is a small stone building that serves as the last vestige of a tourist camp that served travelers for years before Route 66 was federally certified. The building once was a bathroom for the long-gone Long Memorial Park, though it's slated to be used as … Continue reading Small building in parking lot remains a vestige of a tourist camp in Springfield, Missouri

Coffee shop coming to long-vacant Red’s Giant Hamburg property

A Trailer Perk Coffee shop is under construction at the lot that contained Red's Giant Hamburg restaurant in Springfield, Missouri, nearly 40 years ago. Route 66 News reader and Springfield resident Mark Mahy sent over a recent photo of the construction of the coffee shop underway. Despite the location being the home of Red's for … Continue reading Coffee shop coming to long-vacant Red’s Giant Hamburg property

Springfield, Missouri, poised to break record for hotel stays in 2022

The city of Springfield, Missouri, is on track to break its record of hotel stays in 2022 -- a mark set a year ago. The Springfield News-Leader reported the numbers via Tracy Kimberlin, leader of the city's Convention and Visitors Bureau:  In 2021, Springfield set a record with 1,439,619 occupied hotel rooms. And the city … Continue reading Springfield, Missouri, poised to break record for hotel stays in 2022

About 65,000 people attend Birthplace of Route 66 Festival, tying its record

Organizers for the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival in Springfield, Missouri, say the recent event drew about 65,000 people, which tied the record set in 2019. No festival occurred in 2020 and 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Organizers during previous festivals had projected attendance of 70,000 to 80,000 people. According to the Springfield Business … Continue reading About 65,000 people attend Birthplace of Route 66 Festival, tying its record