I missed this the first time this was announced, but someone built a 20-foot-tall revolver on the northwestern edge of Amarillo, Texas. Texas-based ESTN-FM mentioned the non-functional firearm Thursday in a post: It was constructed by Darrel Podzemny, who shared pictures of it on his Facebook page and described it as "a new landmark for Amarillo … Continue reading Someone built a big revolver northwest of Amarillo
Author: Ron Warnick
I'm the editor and publisher of Route 66 News, a clearinghouse of events, information, and entertainment pertaining to historic U.S. 66, the Mother Road.
West End Service Station in Edwardsville hosting a display on local Black history
The West End Service Station on Route 66 in Edwardsville, Illinois, is hosting a display on local Black history -- including a bit of the city's own -- through the end of this month. The former gas station at 620 St. Louis St. (aka Route 66), converted into a visitor's center in 2023, presents Black … Continue reading West End Service Station in Edwardsville hosting a display on local Black history
Ground broken on Petrol Motor Quart project in Galena
The principals behind the Petrol Motor Quart in Galena, Kansas, held a ceremonial groundbreaking for the project on Tuesday. Aaron Perry, owner and operator of Gearhead Curios in Galena, presided over the brief event and the overturning of the earth at the site in the 300 block of South Main St. (aka Route 66). Here's … Continue reading Ground broken on Petrol Motor Quart project in Galena
Ole Mule Axes n’ Fun moves into Mule Trading Post building in Rolla
A new business, Ole Mule Axes n’ Fun, is occupying the formerly closed Mule Trading Post building east of Rolla, Missouri. The business offers a dozen axe-throwing games, a full-size NASCAR simulator, a restaurant, a bar, farm-fresh food and plenty of Route 66 souvenirs, reported the Phelps County Focus. “We are trying to tie into … Continue reading Ole Mule Axes n’ Fun moves into Mule Trading Post building in Rolla
Texas Route 66 Festival in Amarillo to remain an annual event after 2026
The City of Amarillo's tourism department recently announced the Texas Route 66 Festival, which began last summer, will continue to be an annual event after the highway's centennial in 2026. The decision from Visit Amarillo came after the 2024 event proved to be a success and had a good effect on local businesses, reported KVII-TV … Continue reading Texas Route 66 Festival in Amarillo to remain an annual event after 2026
Hacienda Motel in Gallup torn down
The Hacienda Motel along Route 66 in Gallup, New Mexico, was torn down late last month, according to eyewitness accounts from travelers. A poster on a Gallup page on Facebook uploaded a photo of the demolished motel. The Hacienda was one of six vintage Route 66 motels in Gallup closed in 2022 by the city … Continue reading Hacienda Motel in Gallup torn down
Illinois lawmaker files resolution to celebrate a century of Route 66 next year
A state lawmaker in Illinois has filed a resolution that would celebrate Route 66's centennial next year. State Sen. Chris Balkema (R-Channahon) filed the resolution that would officially designate 2026 as the Illinois Route 66 Centennial Year, reported WCIA-TV. Route 66 goes through Balkema's 53rd Senate District, including the towns of Dwight, Odell, Pontiac and Chenoa. Balkema touted the … Continue reading Illinois lawmaker files resolution to celebrate a century of Route 66 next year
M’tucci’s restaurant in Albuquerque receives $10,000 grant to upgrade its patio
M'tucci's Bar Roma restaurant, located in the iconic Jones Motor Co. building in Albuquerque, received a $10,000 grant from the city's tourism bureau to upgrade its patio. Howie Kaibel of M'tucci's told KRQE-TV in Albuquerque the upgrades via the Visit Albuquerque grant would allow it to be an all-weather patio with misters and a water … Continue reading M’tucci’s restaurant in Albuquerque receives $10,000 grant to upgrade its patio
U-Drop Inn Cafe in Shamrock to hold grand reopening on Feb. 15
The U-Drop Inn Cafe, housed in the landmark U-Drop Inn building in Shamrock, Texas, will hold its grand reopening with its new operators from 4 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 15. The restaurant will serve a smoked brisket dinner with samples of new menu offerings for $25 per person. The operators ask prospective customers to … Continue reading U-Drop Inn Cafe in Shamrock to hold grand reopening on Feb. 15
Ace Sign Co. in Springfield featured in Google Workspace’s Super Bowl ad campaign
The historic Ace Sign Co. of Springfield, Illinois, is being featured in a Super Bowl ad campaign for Google Workspace. The shot ad includes footage from the neon signs at the Illinois Route 66 Experience at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. https://youtu.be/XB6hXGpHLyA?si=ovaxYFlQ4-whRLnY Ace has fabricated a lot of neon signs in Springfield and the … Continue reading Ace Sign Co. in Springfield featured in Google Workspace’s Super Bowl ad campaign