Book review: “100 Things to Do on Route 66 Before You Die” (second edition)

If you think there are a lot of "100 Things to Do" books on the market, you wouldn't be wrong. A perusal of the Reedy Press website reveals more than 80 of them, detailing U.S. destinations from Amarillo to the Wisconsin Dells. And that doesn't even count the copycat books or clickbait articles. Reedy Press … Continue reading Book review: “100 Things to Do on Route 66 Before You Die” (second edition)

Meadow Gold Mack Route 66 Outpost in Tulsa opening on May 18

Tulsa Route 66 booster Mary Beth Babcock this week announced the imminent opening of another venture -- the Meadow Gold Mack Route 66 Outpost that will feature another Muffler Man fiberglass statue. Babcock stated on Facebook: "Over 16 artists and shops will be under 1 roof. The ultimate mix of merch, vinyl, books and gifts. … Continue reading Meadow Gold Mack Route 66 Outpost in Tulsa opening on May 18

American Giants Museum’s grand opening will include installation of two Muffler Men

The American Giants Museum's grand opening on May 24-26 will include the installation of two Muffler Men on the site in downtown Atlanta, Illinois. According to a news release, featured activities on May 24 will include the arrival and installation of a 24-foot-tall Texaco Big Friend giant, one of only six surviving from the original … Continue reading American Giants Museum’s grand opening will include installation of two Muffler Men

City of El Reno receives $1.2 million state grant to revitalize historic gas station

The City of El Reno, Oklahoma, recently announced it had landed a $1.2 million grant from the state's Route 66 Commission to restore a historic gas station. "This Route 66 project aims to enhance the appeal of Route 66 for both locals and visitors and will prepare Downtown El Reno for the Route 66 Centennial … Continue reading City of El Reno receives $1.2 million state grant to revitalize historic gas station

Bug Ranch moving to Big Texan RV Ranch in Amarillo

The Texas Old Route 66 Association announced last week the Bug Ranch installation in Conway, Texas, will be moved near the Big Texan RV Ranch in Amarillo. The association stated in a Facebook post: So happy our Association worked with Mrs Crutchfield the Conway location owner and Bobby Lee of the Big Texan, Who stepped … Continue reading Bug Ranch moving to Big Texan RV Ranch in Amarillo

City of Albuquerque applies for $500,000 grant to build a Route 66 gateway on its east side

The City Council of Albuquerque recently approved an application to New Mexico's tourism department for a $500,000 grant to build a Route 66-themed gateway on the east side of town. The resolution notes the gateway would be similar to a west-side structure at 64th Street and Central Avenue (aka Route 66), and that the east … Continue reading City of Albuquerque applies for $500,000 grant to build a Route 66 gateway on its east side

Sapulpa gets $2 million state grant to build a Route 66-themed park

The City of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, will receive a $2 million state grant to construct a Route 66-themed park near the historic Rock Creek Bridge on the city's west side. Fox 23 in nearby Tulsa reports the city had been seeking to build such a park for a decade. Plans include benches, walking trails, a water … Continue reading Sapulpa gets $2 million state grant to build a Route 66-themed park

Chain of Rocks Bridge Park in St. Louis opens to the public

The Chain of Rocks Bridge Park in north St. Louis opened to the public after about a year of construction for much-needed upgrades. The ribbon-cutting event included live music, food trucks, exercise classes, and a pet-adoption event. Earlier in the day, visitors participated in a bike ride starting from nearby Chouteau Island, reported Newsbreak.com. The … Continue reading Chain of Rocks Bridge Park in St. Louis opens to the public

Totem Pole Park near Foyil lands new directors, $20,000 grant

The landmark Totem Pole Park near Foyil, Oklahoma, recently received new directors, plus a $20,000 grant to restore its Fiddle House. The Claremore Daily Progress reports Wes and Jennifer Cantwell are the park's new overseers, replacing the retiring David and Patsy Anderson after 14 years. The Cantwells grew up just a few miles from the … Continue reading Totem Pole Park near Foyil lands new directors, $20,000 grant

City of Chandler to build a park next to Route 66 Interpretive Center

The City of Chandler, Oklahoma, announced last week it would build a new park next to the Route 66 Interpretive Center, including a "66 Man" statue developed by resident and Route 66 artist Jerry McClanahan. The city stated in a Facebook post it had been awarded $650,000 from the state's Route 66 grant program for … Continue reading City of Chandler to build a park next to Route 66 Interpretive Center