National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum draws nearly 10,000 monthly, makes huge economic impact

The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City commissioned an economic impact study to help justify a forthcoming $40 million capital investment campaign. It's safe to say the results from the subsequent study from RegionTrack are eye-opening, which initially was reported by The Oklahoman newspaper. Some highlights from the report: The museum drew … Continue reading National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum draws nearly 10,000 monthly, makes huge economic impact

26 business owners complain about Birthplace of Route 66 Festival, may want it moved

More than two dozen business owners in downtown Springfield, Missouri, complained about the effect of the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival and asked for changes that might include moving it. The Springfield Daily Citizen obtained a copy of the letter to the city and festival organizers signed by the 26 owners. They claimed the August … Continue reading 26 business owners complain about Birthplace of Route 66 Festival, may want it moved

New, retro-styled neon sign goes up in downtown Joplin

A new but throwback-looking neon sign -- with a Route 66 shield featured prominently -- was installed Thursday for the forthcoming House of Speed shop at 610 S. Main St. (aka Route 66) in Joplin, Missouri. Here's a video of the sign being installed: The sign was designed by Sign Brothers of nearby Pittsburg, Kansas, … Continue reading New, retro-styled neon sign goes up in downtown Joplin

Tin Can Alley overnight lodging to open in downtown Kingman in early 2025

Tin Can Alley, an Airbnb site consisting of vintage Airstream trailers, will open in downtown Kingman, Arizona, in early 2025. Proprietor Stephanie Weaver told Route 66 News in an email this week that it will begin taking reservations in four or five weeks and will open it early next year. According to The Standard Newspaper, … Continue reading Tin Can Alley overnight lodging to open in downtown Kingman in early 2025

Route 66 Christmas Tree Farm coming to Tulsa in early November

An art project called the Route 66 Christmas Tree Farm will be open to the public in early November in a long-vacant space in the Red Fork Historic District in southwest Tulsa. The space will consist of hundreds of decorated artificial Christmas trees donated since January, plus a 1951 Ford Deluxe. The project also will … Continue reading Route 66 Christmas Tree Farm coming to Tulsa in early November

Holiday drive-through light show coming to Admiral Twin Drive-In in Tulsa

The Admiral Twin Drive-In theater, which sits along an alignment of Route 66 in Tulsa, will host its inaugural Jolly Lane Lights drive-through display during the Christmas season. According to News on 6 in Tulsa, the owners of the light display hope to have 1 million lights erected when it opens on Nov. 22. It's … Continue reading Holiday drive-through light show coming to Admiral Twin Drive-In in Tulsa

Historic military vehicle convoy will stop in Joplin on Oct. 16

The Military Vehicle Preservation Association Convoy Command will stop the morning of Oct. 16 in the Route 66 city of Joplin, Missouri, while on a monthlong, 2,500-mile journey on the Jefferson Highway. According to the Joplin Globe, the convoy of 40 vehicles will visit the old Joplin airport terminal on Missouri Highway 171 at Dennis … Continue reading Historic military vehicle convoy will stop in Joplin on Oct. 16

La Hacienda Motel in Albuquerque being converted into a food court, shopping center

La Hacienda Motel, which dates to the 1950s along Albuquerque's Route 66, is being converted into a food court and shopping center. Albuquerque Business First reported the property at 6214 Central Ave. (aka Route 66) will be rechristened as Hacienda Shopping Center and is expected to open by spring 2025. Karina Chavez, one of the … Continue reading La Hacienda Motel in Albuquerque being converted into a food court, shopping center

Quinta Scott, contributor to two prominent Route 66 books, dies at 83

Quinta Scott, a historian and photographer of Route 66 years before the highway's renaissance that started in the 1990s, died on Sept. 24. She was 83. Her obituary states: As a celebrated photographer and author, her work left an indelible mark on the world of art and storytelling. Through her lens and her words, she … Continue reading Quinta Scott, contributor to two prominent Route 66 books, dies at 83

Developer chosen for Route 66-inspired hotel-restaurant complex in Tulsa

The City of Tulsa chose a local developer to build a hotel, restaurant, bar and pool near Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza and Cry Baby Hill that would "enhance Route 66." According to a news release from the city, Sharp Development was picked to develop the site at 815 Riverside Drive, less than a block from … Continue reading Developer chosen for Route 66-inspired hotel-restaurant complex in Tulsa