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
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.
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
New bill would create revolving loan fund for Route 66 in Oklahoma
A bill has been introduced in the Oklahoma Legislature that would end the expiration date of the Oklahoma Route 66 Commission and create a revolving loan fund for the highway. State Rep. Mark Lawson (R-Sapulpa), who also is House Majority Leader, introduced House Bill 1571 for the legislature's 60th session. He also wrote the bill … Continue reading New bill would create revolving loan fund for Route 66 in Oklahoma
Royale Cinema Lounge offers vintage feel along Route 66 in Joplin
The Royale Cinema Lounge, located along Route 66 in Joplin, Missouri, contains a lot of things for lovers of all things vintage -- VHS tapes shown on analog televisions, a jukebox, board games, puzzles and a small theater to screen films. Joplin Globe columnist Marta Churchwell recently wrote about the venue, formerly the Bookhouse Cinema … Continue reading Royale Cinema Lounge offers vintage feel along Route 66 in Joplin
Amarillo approves up to a $500,000 grant to restore three historic neon signs on Route 66
The Amarillo City Council accepted a grant of up to $500,000 from the Texas Historical Commission to restore three historic neon signs along that city's Route 66 corridor. Citizen Portal reports the signs in Amarillo earmarked for restoration are The Nat, Cattlemen's Club and Eastridge Lanes. More from the report: This funding is specifically earmarked … Continue reading Amarillo approves up to a $500,000 grant to restore three historic neon signs on Route 66
Oklahoma City approves funds to convert Gold Dome into a concert venue
The Oklahoma City Council this week approved $3 million in tax-increment financing money to help convert the iconic but long-closed Gold Dome bank building into a concert venue. According to The Oklahoman newspaper, the council voted 7-1 to make the money available through a loan to Mike Brown of Tulsa-based Kismet Koncerts. During a presentation … Continue reading Oklahoma City approves funds to convert Gold Dome into a concert venue
Groundbreaking set for Feb. 6 for Hydro Route 66 Bridge Monument
The chamber of commerce of Hydro, Oklahoma, recently announced a groundbreaking for the Route 66 Bridge Monument project. The event will be at 11 a.m. on Feb. 6, where old Route 66 intersects with Highway 58 on the south side of town. The town will relocate and restore a decommissioned Route 66 bridge at the … Continue reading Groundbreaking set for Feb. 6 for Hydro Route 66 Bridge Monument