Fire damages Iron Hog Restaurant and Saloon in Oro Grande

An early morning fire Friday gutted the kitchen of the Iron Hog Restaurant and Saloon, a favorite watering hole for motorcyclists and Route 66 travelers going through Oro Grande, California. According to the Victorville Daily Press: The blaze erupted at the shuttered saloon, located at 20848 National Trails Highway, at 5:39 a.m. Friday. It spread … Continue reading Fire damages Iron Hog Restaurant and Saloon in Oro Grande

Jim Hinckley stars in an upcoming travel video series

Longtime readers will know of Jim Hinckley, an author based out of Kingman, Ariz., who wrote “The Route 66 Encyclopedia” and other related books. This video popped up in my feed over the weekend. Apparently Hinckley is getting into video as well: https://youtu.be/guH1CnEjaxM The video was uploaded by Norman Fisk of Diamond Valley Productions, which … Continue reading Jim Hinckley stars in an upcoming travel video series

A Route 66 guide to the “Cars” movie

Updated June 17, 2018 If you just saw the “Cars” movie and want to find more information about Route 66, welcome. First, the Radiator Springs shown in “Cars” is a fictional town. Historic Route 66 exists. On the real Route 66, there is a Baxter Springs in Kansas and a Peach Springs in Arizona. But … Continue reading A Route 66 guide to the “Cars” movie

Secluded Newberry Springs ranch used as movie set

I didn’t know a ranch in the Route 66 town of Newberry Springs, Calif., has been often used as a movie set. I’ll bet you didn’t, either. But, according to the Victorville Daily Press, Spike Lynch’s hidden Roughout Ranch (between Interstate 15 and I-40) has been used as a film-shoot location in each of the … Continue reading Secluded Newberry Springs ranch used as movie set

Notes from the road

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has nominated the Route 66 city of St. Louis as one of its Dozen Distinctive Destinations, it was announced this week. Such destinations “offer cultural and recreational experiences different from those found at the typical vacation destination. From dynamic downtowns and stunning architecture to cultural diversity and a commitment … Continue reading Notes from the road