Clanton's Cafe, a family-owned landmark on Route 66 in Vinita, Oklahoma, since 1927, has been put up for sale for the first time, with an asking price of $1.9 million. The restaurant at 319 E. Illinois Ave. (aka Route 66) is listed by K. Abbott Realty Group: Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 … Continue reading Nearly century-old Clanton’s Cafe of Vinita put on the market for $1.9 million
Fire prompts indefinite closing of Kix on 66 restaurant in Tucumcari
A fire early Friday heavily damaged the roof of Kix on 66 in Tucumcari, New Mexico. The restaurant will be closed indefinitely, but its owners have vowed to rebuild. A local firefighter shot this photo of the fire shortly after it was reported. Co-owner Donna Halfhill was in the kitchen about 4 a.m., getting ready … Continue reading Fire prompts indefinite closing of Kix on 66 restaurant in Tucumcari
Mural that depicts 25 sites on Route 66 to be unveiled in Joplin today
A mural titled "Route 66 Tri-State Corridor" that shows 25 landmarks along the Mother Road in Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma will be unveiled at 1:30 p.m. today in Joplin, Missouri. The Joplin Globe reported the artwork has been installed at Route 66 Mural Park, at 619 S. Main St. (aka Route 66) on the south … Continue reading Mural that depicts 25 sites on Route 66 to be unveiled in Joplin today
Native American fiberglass statue in Minnesota heading to American Giants Museum
A Native American fiberglass giant that stood in Bemidji, Minnesota, for more than 60 years is on its way to the American Giants Museum along Route 66 in Atlanta, Illinois. The so-called Big Indian has been Morell’s Chippewa Trading Post since 1963. According to the Bemidji Pioneer newspaper, which had photos of the giant being … Continue reading Native American fiberglass statue in Minnesota heading to American Giants Museum
Will Route 66 see a downturn of foreign travelers?
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