Joel Baker, a Muffler Man enthusiast and preservationist, recently completed a 30-minute documentary film about the late Glenn Good, a Texan who spent decades repairing or salvaging the fiberglass giants back in the days when they weren't popular. One of Good's projects still stands at the Cadillac Ranch RV Park on Amarillo's west side, right … Continue reading New documentary tells about an early champion of Muffler Men
Category: Attractions
Springfield, Missouri, poised to break record for hotel stays in 2022
The city of Springfield, Missouri, is on track to break its record of hotel stays in 2022 -- a mark set a year ago. The Springfield News-Leader reported the numbers via Tracy Kimberlin, leader of the city's Convention and Visitors Bureau: In 2021, Springfield set a record with 1,439,619 occupied hotel rooms. And the city … Continue reading Springfield, Missouri, poised to break record for hotel stays in 2022
“Today” show to feature Route 66 Christmas Chute in Sapulpa
NBC's long-running morning "Today" show will feature the inaugural Route 66 Christmas Chute in downtown Sapulpa, Oklahoma. The Tulsa World had some of the details: Filming will be at 6:15 a.m. Friday, according to an event posting for the attraction. Those interested in taking part are asked to wear warm attire and gather at the … Continue reading “Today” show to feature Route 66 Christmas Chute in Sapulpa
Conceptual plans unveiled for Center of the Universe site in Tulsa
The Tulsa Downtown Partnership recently showed conceptual plans for the Center of the Universe, an odd echo-bounceback site in downtown that's near an old alignment of Route 66. According to the Tulsa World: The proposed improvements include a shade structure over the Center of the Universe, shaded seating near the north and south entrances to … Continue reading Conceptual plans unveiled for Center of the Universe site in Tulsa
Mel’s Drive-In restaurant marks its 75th anniversary
Mel's Drive-In restaurants, which includes a location at the actual western terminus of Route 66 in Santa Monica, marked its 75th birthday on Dec. 14 at its eight locations in the San Francisco and Los Angeles regions. On its birthday, the regional chain offered 75% off classic food items, including the Mel burger, country eggs, … Continue reading Mel’s Drive-In restaurant marks its 75th anniversary
The backstory of the Eagles’ seminal hit “Take It Easy”
Recently, Professor of Rock took a deep dive behind the genesis of "Take It Easy," the 1972 song co-written by Jackson Browne that became a key hit single for the Eagles and their first. The host touches on obscure facts behind the tune, then wraps it up in a poignant way with memories about his … Continue reading The backstory of the Eagles’ seminal hit “Take It Easy”
The man behind the scrap-metal elephant sculpture in Lexington
Along the side of Route 66 in Lexington, Illinois, is an 11-foot-tall elephant sculpture made of scrap metal, titled "American Standard." It's become a photo-op, as it's listed on the Roadside America website and the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway site. According to a recent profile by NPR affiliate WGLT Radio, the artist behind the … Continue reading The man behind the scrap-metal elephant sculpture in Lexington
Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau honored for Route 66 mural trail
The Illinois Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism recently honored the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau with a Cooperative Partnership award for The Last 100 Miles of Route 66 Postcard Mural Trail. More about the honor from The Alton Telegraph newspaper: Working with 12 different Route 66 communities to create a vivid Route 66 … Continue reading Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau honored for Route 66 mural trail
U.S. senators introduce bill to designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail
Three U.S. senators announced last week they proposed legislation to designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail, though its prospects for passage in the lame-duck session of Congress are uncertain. U.S. Sens. Jim Inhofe and James Lankford of Oklahoma and Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, all Republicans, stated in a news release they introduced … Continue reading U.S. senators introduce bill to designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail
Recent example of Uranus Missouri shows why Route 66 sites shouldn’t ignore tour buses
The Uranus Missouri complex near St. Robert, Missouri, recently hosted 17 tour buses in 12 days -- another sign that Route 66 sites should ignore that tourism sector at its own risk. A news release earlier this month contained a smidge of Uranus owner Louie Keen's usual and unapologetic juvenile humor: The industry has been … Continue reading Recent example of Uranus Missouri shows why Route 66 sites shouldn’t ignore tour buses