Route 66 association re-formed in Kingman

MohaveBusiness.com has details about the newly formed Kingman Route 66 Association, based in Kingman, Ariz. And it's interesting what the association's president has to say: One of our primary goals is to create attractions for people instead of just being a stopover,” association president Tim McDonnell said. “Our motel occupancy is off the chart, but … Continue reading Route 66 association re-formed in Kingman

Tri-state marathon delayed a year

The inaugural Route 66 Mother Road Marathon, set to take place Oct. 3 on Route 66 from Miami, Okla., through Kansas to Joplin, Mo., will be delayed until 2010 because of a weak economy and problems with certifying the race, reported the Joplin Globe. According to the Globe, organizers were worried about attracting enough sponsors … Continue reading Tri-state marathon delayed a year

New Mexico lodging-tax proposal is killed

The Tourism Association of New Mexico reports that a bill in the state legislature that would have imposed a 10 percent tax on all lodging establishments, including RV parks, was tabled in committee on Wednesday night, essentially killing the measure. The bill, SB 595, was tabled by a 4-3 vote in the state senate's Corporations … Continue reading New Mexico lodging-tax proposal is killed

A Route 66 shield made of Legos

Here's a time-lapse video of Bricks 2 Pics making an image of a Route 66 shield entirely from Lego pieces. Most impressive. According to the video, more than 4,000 pieces were used to make the shield. The Route 66 piece can be purchased on eBay; starting bid is $100, with a reserve. Bricks 2 Pics … Continue reading A Route 66 shield made of Legos

Roy’s in Amboy seen in J. Crew catalog

The March 2009 catalog of J. Crew features photos of models posing on the grounds of Roy's, the Route 66 landmark in Amboy, Calif. According to the fashion company, the catalog is "dedicated to celebrating America." An online link to the catalog is here. You'll see images from Roy's or Amboy on Pages 98-99, 104-105 … Continue reading Roy’s in Amboy seen in J. Crew catalog

POPS revamps menu

POPS, the Route 66 landmark in Arcadia, Okla., that's best-known for its 66-foot-tall pop bottle and more than 500 brands of soda it sells, recently revamped the menu of its cafe, reports the Daily Oklahoman. Oklahoma City restaurateurs Keith and Heather Paul were hired to make the changes after discussing the idea with POPS owner … Continue reading POPS revamps menu

Big rocker is certified as world record

The gigantic rocking chair at the Fanning Outpost General Store in the Route 66 hamlet of Fanning, Mo., was certified as an official Guinness World Record as the largest such piece of furniture, according to a news release Wednesday. The chair was custom-built for store owner Dan Sanazaro last April. Officially, the chair measures 42 … Continue reading Big rocker is certified as world record

Roads to Lincoln

A lot of people are going to explore Illinois this year because this is the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth. During a recent presentation, Chicago Route 66 expert David G. Clark explained how to get the most mileage out checking historical sites within the Land of Lincoln, according to Shopper Source Online: By following Route … Continue reading Roads to Lincoln

Bid approved to move historic depot

A bid of $25,000 from Odie Construction of Kankakee, Ill., was approved by the City of Braidwood, Ill., to move its 1867 historic railroad depot to Main and Center streets this spring, reported the Joliet Herald News. The depot had been at Route 66 and Illinois 113, but a nearby grocery store wanted the property … Continue reading Bid approved to move historic depot

Smithsonian takes a dour look at the Mother Road

Megan Gambino in the March issue of Smithsonian magazine takes a somewhat dour look at the Mother Road. Here's an excerpt: Writing about the Joad family's journey from the Dust Bowl of Oklahoma to the promised land of California in The Grapes of Wrath, John Steinbeck famously called Route 66 the "mother road." But today … Continue reading Smithsonian takes a dour look at the Mother Road