Great magazines about Route 66 are out

In recent weeks, there has been not one, but two, terrific magazines that have focused on Route 66.

The first is Oklahoma Today, which is devoting its entire July/August issue to Route 66 in the Sooner State. It will be out on newstands in July, but subscribers are getting it in the mail now.

The issue features a Q&A with Michael Wallis, Route 66 travel tips from Jim Ross, a story about the Deep Fork Tree Farm in Arcadia, a preview of the Vinita Summer Fest Car Show, five don’t-miss restaurants on Route 66 in Oklahoma, photo essays, and lots more.

I’ve perused the magazine, and it’s a terrific issue that all roadies will enjoy.

The second standout is the Summer 2006 issue of Route 66 Magazine, which features a scene from “Cars” on its cover. I meant to pick up a copy when it appeared on local newstands shortly after the release of the movie, but I got too busy. I picked up my copy at the U-Drop Inn in Shamrock, Texas, on the way to the Route 66 Festival in Albuquerque. I’m glad I did.

Executive editor Bob Moore’s interview with “Cars” director John Lasseter about the making of the movie is one of the best of many I’ve read.

Here’s what Lasseter said about one of the key inspirations to the film:

Probably one place that affected us the most was Glenrio, Texas / New Mexico. You can’t help but stand there, right in the middle of the street, and marvel at what used to be. The road is four lanes wide, two in each direction with an island in the middle. You can tell this was a vibrant place with thousands of cars passing through it every day. Now it’s a ghost town.

And that great motel! With the First in Texas on the sign if you were coming in from Tucumcari or Last in Texas if you were coming in from Amarillo. As you walk through the abandoned motel and cafe it is just kind of heartbreaking.

In the film we have a scene were Sally takes McQueen for a drive and they wind up at a place called the Wheel Well Motel. That location was inspired by Glenrio, just imagining what it must have been like in its heyday.

The interstate came along and just killed the town.

Also choice are Johnnie Meier’s piece about the new owners of the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, N.M., a story about Airstream trailers, and an article about the planned restoration of the Pecos Theatre in Santa Rosa, N.M.

It’s one of Route 66 Magazine’s best-ever issues. Get it before it’s gone, as I hear it’s been a fast seller in some areas.