The owner of Clifton's, a landmark in downtown Los Angeles, has given up on reopening the restaurant and nightclub because of too many difficulties in that area. The Los Angeles Times broke the story a few days ago: Andrew Meieran bought Clifton's on Broadway in 2010 and poured more than $14 million into repairs, renovations … Continue reading Clifton’s closes for good in downtown Los Angeles
Category: History
“Submerged Route 66” boat tours in Springfield will start in June
Visit Springfield (Illinois) and Lake Springfield Marina, starting in June, will offer "Submerged Route 66" tours of the highway that was inundated by the creation Lake Springfield in the 1930s. Tours will start on Mondays and Fridays three times a day in early June and will run through early October. Those who wish to participate … Continue reading “Submerged Route 66” boat tours in Springfield will start in June
Michael Wallis, Rhys Martin, Ken Busby to be part of latest Route 66 Centennial Speaker Series
"Route 66: The Mother Road" author Michael Wallis, Route 66 Alliance Executive Director and CEO Ken Busby and Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association and National Preserve Route 66 manager with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, will preside over this month's edition of the Route 66 Centennial Speaker Series. The livestream … Continue reading Michael Wallis, Rhys Martin, Ken Busby to be part of latest Route 66 Centennial Speaker Series
Elm Street in Lebanon renamed Route 66 as part of highway’s centennial
Elm Street in Lebanon, Missouri, officially was renamed Route 66 on April 1 -- and it's not an April Fool's Day joke. The city's Street Department on that day began installing the new Route 66 signs along that corridor. "This project honors Lebanon’s history while helping visitors and travelers better follow the historic Route 66 … Continue reading Elm Street in Lebanon renamed Route 66 as part of highway’s centennial
Lindy’s Diner building in Albuquerque up for sale for $1.275 million
The Bliss Building in downtown Albuquerque that houses the historic Lindy's Diner was put on the market in late March for $1.275 million. Owners Steve and Dawn Vatoseow told the Albuquerque Journal that though business is good at the landmark restaurant, they are ready to retire. The diner will remain open while it's for sale. … Continue reading Lindy’s Diner building in Albuquerque up for sale for $1.275 million
Route 66 traveling exhibit coming to Springfield, Missouri
A traveling exhibit commemorating the centennial of Route 66 will arrive in downtown Springfield, Missouri, on April 30. The “Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit” will debut at the Gillioz Gallery, 325 Park Central East, in Springfield, reported the Springfield News-Leader. The exhibit features nearly two dozen large-scale interpretive panels, audiovisual mini-documentaries and educational components highlighting the diverse … Continue reading Route 66 traveling exhibit coming to Springfield, Missouri
Watson’s BBQ in Tucumcari closes after its building comes under contract
The owners of the acclaimed Watson's BBQ in Tucumcari, New Mexico, housed in Tucumcari Ranch Supply, closed Saturday after the building they had for sale for several years came under contract last week. Jimmy and Stella Watson, who owned Tucumcari Ranch Supply since 1980 and opened Watson's BBQ there in 2008, are in their 70s … Continue reading Watson’s BBQ in Tucumcari closes after its building comes under contract
Amarillo City Council advances plan for Route 66 interactive mural
The Amarillo City Council recently held a first reading for a resolution that would allow a large, Route 66-themed "story wall" near downtown. The Amarillo Globe-News reported the interactive mural -- titled "66 Stories from Route 66" -- will be on an underpass by Transformation Park to better connect downtown to Sixth Street (aka Route … Continue reading Amarillo City Council advances plan for Route 66 interactive mural
Texas Highways magazine features Circus Room bar in Amarillo
Texas Highways magazine recently published a feature story about the Circus Room tavern along Route 66 in Amarillo, Texas. The Amarillo Convention and Visitors Bureau claims it is the "oldest continuous bar on all of Route 66." More on that later. But first, the magazine describes what it's like to stroll through the establishment's doors: … Continue reading Texas Highways magazine features Circus Room bar in Amarillo
Weatherford oilman giving away a 1966 Chevelle to mark his 66th birthday
An oilman and entrepreneur based in Weatherford, Oklahoma, with substantial roots on Route 66 is giving away a vintage car to celebrate his forthcoming 66th birthday. Rick Koch is giving away the 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle to also celebrate Route 66's centennial. The giveaway will be held on Aug. 6, Koch's birthday, at his Lucille's Roadhouse … Continue reading Weatherford oilman giving away a 1966 Chevelle to mark his 66th birthday