Highland Theatre in Los Angeles closes after almost a century of operation

The Highland Theatre, which operated for 99 years along the Figueroa Street alignment of Route 66 in Los Angeles, unexpectedly closed its doors a few weeks ago. The EastsiderLA initially reported the shuttering of the theater, the last remaining movie house on Figueroa. On Thursday night, the theater was dark, the gate drawn closed, the … Continue reading Highland Theatre in Los Angeles closes after almost a century of operation

Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission launches Kickstart 66 Tour on Thursday

The Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission is starting a Kickstart 66 Tour this week with the goal to spark development along the highway before its centennial in 2026. According to the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, staff from the Oklahoma Arts Council and Oklahoma Main Street Center will make a series of stops in communities along … Continue reading Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission launches Kickstart 66 Tour on Thursday

Aussie eats 13 1/2 pounds of fudge at Uranus Missouri contest

James Webb of Sydney, Australia, devoured 13 1/2 pounds of chocolate fudge in eight minutes to win the title and $2,500 in prize money during the inaugural Eating Uranus Fudge Galactic Championship at the Uranus Missouri complex. James Webb prepares to devour a piece of fudge from Uranus. The contest took place last week at … Continue reading Aussie eats 13 1/2 pounds of fudge at Uranus Missouri contest

Clines Corners marking its 90th anniversary

The venerable Clines Corners convenience store, restaurant and trading post about halfway between Santa Rosa and Albuquerque is marking its 90th year in operation this year. The anniversary was duly noted by a photo essay in the Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper over the weekend. TheRoute_66.com website contains this history of the place: Roy E. … Continue reading Clines Corners marking its 90th anniversary

Apache Motel sign in Tucumcari taken down; motel’s new owner wants it repaired

The new owner of the closed Apache Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, took down its neon sign on Thursday, though she didn't plan to do so. Joanne Thompson, who in February acquired the Route 66 motel from her former business partner Wade Dirr, noticed the sign had twisted at an angle. Upon closer inspection, she … Continue reading Apache Motel sign in Tucumcari taken down; motel’s new owner wants it repaired

Dream Maker Station opens in Adrian on April 1

The Dream Maker Station, formerly the Sunflower Station next to the Midpoint Cafe in Adrian, Texas, will open to the public on April 1. Hours will be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Grilling times for visitors will be from 4 to 8 p.m. starting May 1. Those times were chosen so … Continue reading Dream Maker Station opens in Adrian on April 1

Restoration of Herring Hotel paused amid owner’s bankruptcy filing

The restoration of the historic but long-abandoned Herring Hotel in downtown Amarillo, Texas, appears to be on hold indefinitely after its owner filed for bankruptcy this month. According to the Amarillo Globe-News, the Herring Hotel Development Company LLC filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection on March 5. That's about three years after the company purchased … Continue reading Restoration of Herring Hotel paused amid owner’s bankruptcy filing

What in the world is going on with the New Mexico Route 66 Association?

The question in that headline isn't easy to answer right now. Nor is it easy to answer these related questions: Who is in charge of the association? Why are there two Facebook pages for the association? What's happening with the big project in Tucumcari regarding the association and the Fast TV Network? What's happening with … Continue reading What in the world is going on with the New Mexico Route 66 Association?

Renovations of Old Courthouse in St. Louis get an additional $17 million

Renovations of the iconic Old Courthouse in downtown St. Louis received another boost last week when the federal government announced another $17 million in funding. According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said the additional funds will pay for work on the courthouse’s upper floors and exterior, including the dome. The repairs … Continue reading Renovations of Old Courthouse in St. Louis get an additional $17 million

Jamil’s Steakhouse in Oklahoma City marks its 60th year

Jamil's Steakhouse in Oklahoma City, located on Route 66 just north of the Oklahoma Capitol, is marking its 60th year this year. Jamil's is one of the last few surviving Lebanese steakhouses in Oklahoma. Many Lebanese immigrated to the Sooner State during its oil boom days of the 1920s and brought their cuisine with them. … Continue reading Jamil’s Steakhouse in Oklahoma City marks its 60th year