After losing his job and marriage, William Least Heat-Moon and his Ford Econoline van (dubbed Ghost Dancing) embarked on a 13,000-mile journey around America. He avoided the interstates and drove two-lane highways and country roads. He eschewed chain restaurants for mom-and-pop eateries. And he met a lot of interesting people. "Blue Highways: A Journey into … Continue reading Book review: “Roads to Quoz”
Category: Books
Book review: “Route 66 Backroads”
Jim Hinckley's gorgeous new book, "Route 66 Backroads" (Voyageur, 208 pages, $24.99), is a guide to more than 40 side trips that use historic Route 66 as a jumping-off point. The book's initial focus remains on 66, with seven chapters on each of the states the Mother Road traverses (the 13 miles of Kansas is … Continue reading Book review: “Route 66 Backroads”
La Posada chef readies cookbook
John Sharpe, chef/owner of the acclaimed Turquoise Room restaurant attached to the historic La Posada hotel in Winslow, Ariz., recently announced that the cookbook he's been working on will be hitting bookstores next month. The book launching will be at the historic La Posada at 3 p.m. Nov. 16. Please RSVP your intention to attend … Continue reading La Posada chef readies cookbook
“Route 66 Railway” book is out
Railroad buff Elrond Lawrence long-gestating book about Route 66 and its historical relationship with Santa Fe/BNSF, "Route 66 Railway" (176 pages, $49.50, Los Angeles Historical Railroad Foundation) is now being shipped. An article in the Salinas Californian, Lawrence tells about how and why the book came about: "My goal was to recall the days when … Continue reading “Route 66 Railway” book is out
William Least Heat-Moon writes another road-trip book
Back in 1982, William Least Heat-Moon wrote one of the great books about the road, "Blue Highways: A Journey into America." The 13,000-mile itinerary of "Blue Highways" didn't follow Route 66. But the author's willingness to explore the nation's backroads and its people -- and his refusal to patronize the interstates and fast-food joints -- … Continue reading William Least Heat-Moon writes another road-trip book
A Route 66 tribute to St. Louis
St. Louis roadie Joe Sonderman has put together this video tribute to the Mother Road in the Gateway City. A lot of the images come from his postcard collection and the archives of the Missouri Department of Transportation. Most of these photos also can be found in his book, "Route 66 in St. Louis."
Twin Arrows may be restored
It appears the logjam regarding the abandoned Twin Arrows complex off Route 66 in eastern Arizona finally has been cleared. A agreement has been struck between the state and the Hopi Indian tribe, which leases the land, to reinvigorate the property, reports Sharlene Fouser. She is a member of the Historic Route 66 Association of … Continue reading Twin Arrows may be restored
Artist is writing a book about Route 66
In a story from the Edmond (Okla.) Sun about artist Hall "Dr. D" Duncan being given Special Recognition by Gov. Brad Henry at the 33rd Annual Governor’s Arts Awards later this month is this little tidbit: He currently is writing a book that will allow children to enjoy learning about the history of Route 66. … Continue reading Artist is writing a book about Route 66
Book review: “The Complete Route 66 Lost & Found”
For those who don't have either of Russell Olsen's excellent books, "Route 66 Lost & Found" and "Route 66 Lost & Found, Vol. 2," Voyageur Press has published a new volume, "The Complete Route 66 Lost & Found" (hardbound, 320 pages, $25), that combines the two. For those who are unfamiliar, Olsen's books are a … Continue reading Book review: “The Complete Route 66 Lost & Found”
Revamped edition of “Dining & Lodging Guide” is out
For a number of years, we've been among the Adopt-A-Hundred volunteers (as in "adopt a 100 miles of Route 66") for the National Historic Route 66 Federation's "Route 66 Dining and Lodging Guide." So when we submitted our sections' recommended restaurants and motels earlier this summer, we knew we'd get a courtesy copy within a … Continue reading Revamped edition of “Dining & Lodging Guide” is out