Vega restaurant set to open in June

Rory Schepisi, the runner-up on the CMT reality show "Popularity Contest," told me today that her Boot Hill Saloon & Grill on Route 66 in Vega, Texas, will tentatively open on June 3 for a private party and on June 4 to the public. Schepisi said the only thing needed are private-club permits, and she … Continue reading Vega restaurant set to open in June

Route 66 license plates from New Mexico are available

If you're licensed to drive in the state of New Mexico, now's your chance to acquire the state's new Route 66 plates. The plate has "Get Your Kicks on Route 66" written on the top. A New Mexico "U.S. 66" seal is also on it. The design was submitted by Route 66 preservationist Bob Audette. … Continue reading Route 66 license plates from New Mexico are available

Hesperia’s Old Town Shops being renovated

Hesperia, Calif., is growing quickly, but a developer is seeking to preserve at least part of the town's roots by renovating the dilapidated Old Town Shops that were built in the 1950s, according to the Victorville Daily Press. (Hesperia is just south of Victorville.) Roofing work on the buildings began earlier this spring, and plans … Continue reading Hesperia’s Old Town Shops being renovated

Preserve those gas stations

The Joplin (Mo.) Globe has a story about how Route 66 communities in southwest Missouri, southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma are making greater efforts to restore their vintage gas stations. The story goes over territory that Route 66 News has already covered, but it does confirm that there indeed seems to be a movement afoot. … Continue reading Preserve those gas stations

Not just a “morgue”

Here's a story from The Oklahoman about the Saturday opening of the Route 66 Interpretive Center in Chandler, Okla. Choice excerpt: Anthony McDermid, principal designer at Tap Architecture of Oklahoma City, said they didn't want the center to be a morgue for old memorabilia. It was designed to complement other Route 66 stops, but be … Continue reading Not just a “morgue”

Same as it ever was

One time, while dining at a dairy bar on Route 66 in Commerce, Okla., I chatted with this older gentleman who was traveling through the region. We started talking about vintage businesses along the Mother Road. "Just down the street, there's a place that when I walked in, it was like being in my hometown's … Continue reading Same as it ever was

Preservation — $2 at a time

There's been a lot of discussion on the Internet about the Associated Press story about neglected historic motels along Route 66. Yesterday came this plea on the Route 66 yahoogroup from Bob Kelley, owner of the Grand Motel in Williams, Ariz.: I have seen the same problems others have that own older Route 66 motels. … Continue reading Preservation — $2 at a time

Riding for charity

Mark Schultz is a platinum-selling and Dove Award-winning Christian musician. Right now, he is undertaking a bicycle tour across America -- part of it on Route 66 -- to raise money for the James Fund to help orphans and widows. The Gallup (N.M.) Independent caught up with him over the weekend. Apparently the bicycle trip … Continue reading Riding for charity

Pedal power

The publicity machine is gearing up for the Route 66 Trail-Breaking along the Route 66 bicycle trail in Illinois on June 2. Here's a story from the Edwardsville Intelligencer about the event. Edwardsville is one of the six gathering points along the route. Here's another one from the Pontiac Daily Leader. Pontiac also is a … Continue reading Pedal power

Route 66 Interpretive Center opens

The Daily Oklahoman has a story about the new Route 66 Interpretive Center in Chandler, which opened Saturday in an old National Guard Armory. For more on the Armory restoration, check out our earlier sneak preview.