A couple of weeks ago, the Oklahoma Route 66 Association uploaded a 25-year-old promotional video about the Will Rogers Highway Memorials that are sprinkled along Route 66 and the memorials' namesake. The association wrote: In the 1990s, Darrell Ray of Joplin had an idea to help promote the revitalization of Historic Route 66 by reviving … Continue reading Old promotional video for Will Rogers Highway Memorials is uploaded
Tag: Vinita
Planned $2 billion theme park near Vinita may not happen at all
Two years ago, a $2 billion theme park off Route 66 in Vinita, Oklahoma, was announced with much fanfare from the principals and area officials. Now, the Tulsa World reports that an apparent falling out between two of the project's principals has placed it in limbo. The newspaper reported the American Heartland theme park may … Continue reading Planned $2 billion theme park near Vinita may not happen at all
Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita soon will add a second Muffler Man
The Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita, Oklahoma, recently announced it had acquired a second Muffler Man that will be added to its premises. The Route 66 restaurant stated on Facebook that it will move its Big Bill fiberglass statue next door to its Western Motel and its fabulous neon sign. That's so it makes way for … Continue reading Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita soon will add a second Muffler Man
Popular social influencer tries iconic restaurants along Route 66
Dylan Huynh, who has amassed quite a following on several social media accounts, recently traveled Route 66 with his pal Jim to try several iconic restaurants along Route 66. Huynh boasts well over 700,000 subscribers on YouTube, 91,000 on Instagram and 135,000 on X. So it's safe to say his travels expose a lot of … Continue reading Popular social influencer tries iconic restaurants along Route 66
National Trust announces a total of 25 Route 66 Legacy Business Grant awards
The National Trust for Historic Preservation on Wednesday announced the latest selections for its Route 66 Legacy Business Grant Program, part of its Preserve Route 66 initiative. Twenty-five grants were awarded in all eight states that Route 66 goes through for a total of $227,323. Here is the list of awarded projects and dollar amounts: … Continue reading National Trust announces a total of 25 Route 66 Legacy Business Grant awards
New neon sign dedicated at Western Motel near Vinita
The Western Motel near Vinita, Oklahoma, flipped the switch Saturday on a vibrant, new neon sign that replaces a more nondescript backlit sign at the Route 66 business. The sign features a hand-painted image of a cowboy on a horse twirling a lasso. At night, the cowboy, horse and lasso are outlined in neon, with … Continue reading New neon sign dedicated at Western Motel near Vinita
Nearly century-old Clanton’s Cafe of Vinita put on the market for $1.9 million
Clanton's Cafe, a family-owned landmark on Route 66 in Vinita, Oklahoma, since 1927, has been put up for sale for the first time, with an asking price of $1.9 million. The restaurant at 319 E. Illinois Ave. (aka Route 66) is listed by K. Abbott Realty Group: Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 … Continue reading Nearly century-old Clanton’s Cafe of Vinita put on the market for $1.9 million
Neon sign lighting ceremony for Western Motel in Vinita set for April 12
The owners of the Western Motel along Route 66 in Vinita, Oklahoma, announce a lighting ceremony for its new neon sign. The new sign will be unveiled at 7 p.m. on April 12. The event will include live music, food and more. The Western Motel last fall received a neon-sign grant through the Oklahoma Route … Continue reading Neon sign lighting ceremony for Western Motel in Vinita set for April 12
Huge theme park near Vinita likely will be delayed for three years
To no one's surprise, a multibillion-dollar theme park along Route 66 near Vinita, Oklahoma, probably will be delayed for three years. Mansion Entertainment, a company with ties to Branson, Missouri, announced in summer 2023 that it would build the American Heartland theme park and RV park by Route 66’s centennial year in 2026 and draw 5 million visitors annually. … Continue reading Huge theme park near Vinita likely will be delayed for three years
New Oklahoma Route 66 grants go to Blue Whale improvements, giant dinosaur, neon projects
The Oklahoma Route 66 Commission announced more than $6.6 million in grants, including improvements to the Blue Whale in Catoosa, a 66-foot dinosaur in Tulsa and multiple neon-sign initiatives. The grants, initially reported by the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, cover 13 Route 66-related projects in the Sooner State. More about the grants can be found … Continue reading New Oklahoma Route 66 grants go to Blue Whale improvements, giant dinosaur, neon projects