Less than two weeks ago, Dutch Route 66 enthusiast Dries Bessels announced on Facebook he would forego travel to the United States because of the policies of President Donald Trump's administration. Bessels is not a Johnny-come-lately. He's made 15 full-length trips on Route 66 since 2009, and he wrote a Dutch-language guidebook to the Mother … Continue reading Will Route 66 see a downturn of foreign travelers?
Construction work begins on Blue Whale Park in Catoosa
The City of Catoosa, Oklahoma, announced that construction has begun on the transformation of the Blue Whale site, a Route 66 landmark. The city stated in a Facebook post that the dilapidated Ark structure near the whale would be disassembled and stored for future relocation. The gigantic mushrooms behind the Ark were moved off-site so … Continue reading Construction work begins on Blue Whale Park in Catoosa
Historic Nob Hill Business Center in Albuquerque lands new owner
The Nob Hill Business Center, a fixture along Albuquerque's Route 66 for more than 75 years, recently landed new owners. Albuquerque-based Heritage Real Estate Co. closed on the property at 3500 Central Ave. (aka Route 66) in mid-March, reported Albuquerque Business First. No purchase price was revealed, but the county assessor's office valued the property … Continue reading Historic Nob Hill Business Center in Albuquerque lands new owner
New 30-foot-tall neon sign erected on Route 66 in Luther
The City of Luther, Oklahoma, last week received an eye-popping, 30-foot-tall neon sign along its stretch of Route 66. The city received a grant from the Oklahoma Route 66 Commission to fabricate the midcentury-style sign with an arrow that points to downtown, reported the Luther Register. The newspaper hailed the addition: For decades, Luther’s charming … Continue reading New 30-foot-tall neon sign erected on Route 66 in Luther
Allan Affeldt putting Castaneda Hotel, Plaza Hotel on the market
About a decade after he purchased two historic hotels in Las Vegas, New Mexico, owner Allan Affeldt is putting both up for sale. The Las Vegas Optic newspaper reported Affeldt wants to “pass the torch” to the new owners of the Castaneda Hotel and Plaza Hotel as he settles down. Affeldt told the Optic that … Continue reading Allan Affeldt putting Castaneda Hotel, Plaza Hotel on the market
Route 66 Mother Road Museum in Barstow reopens
The Route 66 Mother Road Museum in Barstow, California, reopened Saturday after the facility closed last summer. The museum hosted a ceremonial ribbon-cutting that day that included local and federal officials, plus an appearance by a tribute to a band known in "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66" musical circles. The museum closed last summer … Continue reading Route 66 Mother Road Museum in Barstow reopens
Arcadia Lodge motel in Kingman deemed uninhabitable by city
City officials declared the Arcadia Lodge in Kingman, Arizona, uninhabitable last week after the utility shut off electricity to the Route 66 motel due to apparent non-payment. According to a report last week in the Kingman Daily Miner newspaper: City and county officials went door to door around 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, telling residents at … Continue reading Arcadia Lodge motel in Kingman deemed uninhabitable by city
Oklahoma Route 66 Guide, Passport to be unveiled on March 29 at Meadow Gold Mack’s in Tulsa
The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department and Oklahoma Today magazine will release the 2025 Route 66 Guide and Passport during a special event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 29, at Meadow Gold Mack Route 66 Outpost in Tulsa. The event will feature acclaimed Tulsa-area recording artist JD McPherson spinning vintage vinyl, food … Continue reading Oklahoma Route 66 Guide, Passport to be unveiled on March 29 at Meadow Gold Mack’s in Tulsa
Roy’s Motel & Cafe in Amboy featured in “Today” show segment
Kyle Okura and the Roy's Motel & Cafe site in Amboy, California, recently were featured in a segment on NBC-TV's "Today" show. It delves into Kyle's father, Albert Okura, who purchased the entire Route 66 town 20 years ago. After Albert's death, Kyle has been trying to fulfill his father's vision. Kyle said in an … Continue reading Roy’s Motel & Cafe in Amboy featured in “Today” show segment
Buc-ee’s files trademark infringment lawsuit against Barc-ee’s of Marshfield
The popular Texas-based convenience store chain Buc-ee's recently filed a lawsuit against Barc-ee's dog park, coffee and food shop in Marshfield, Missouri, alleging trademark infringement. Barc-ee's is just off Route 66 in Marshfield, about 17 miles from a Buc-ee's in Springfield, Missouri. The logo for Barc-ee's in Marshfield, Missouri. According to the Springfield News-Leader: The … Continue reading Buc-ee’s files trademark infringment lawsuit against Barc-ee’s of Marshfield