Former Station 66 Airbnb site in Vega put up for sale

The Station 66 Airbnb site in Vega, Texas, that closed in late 2022 has been put on the market for $225,000. The former gas station at 719 Vega Blvd. (aka Route 66) owned by Karen Fangman operated as an Airbnb site for about 4 1/2 years to rave reviews. Fangman said at the time of … Continue reading Former Station 66 Airbnb site in Vega put up for sale

Albert Okura’s son tries to keep his father’s dream alive at Amboy

A few days ago, the Los Angeles Times (via AOL) published a lengthy story about how the son of the late Albert Okura, owner of the Route 66 town of Amboy, California, is trying to keep that dream alive. The story by Alex Wigglesworth is worth reading in its entirety. But a few nuggets stand … Continue reading Albert Okura’s son tries to keep his father’s dream alive at Amboy

Barc-ee’s — not Buc-ee’s — coming to Marshfield just off I-44

Barc-ee's -- not Buc-ee's just down the road -- is planning a pet-friendly development along Interstate 44 in Marshfield, Missouri, next month. According to a report in the Springfield News-Leader, the Barc-ees will include a dog park, a coffee shop, food, games and a Western-themed miniature city for children. Barc-ee's is the brainchild of John … Continue reading Barc-ee’s — not Buc-ee’s — coming to Marshfield just off I-44

Gearhead Curios gets $12,500 state grant to help build “Big A the Texaco Man” fiberglass giant

Aaron Perry, owner of Gearhead Curios in Galena, Kansas, recently received a $12,500 tourism attraction development grant from the state to help build his planned "Big A the Texaco Man" statue at the site. "Everything is on target for a July installation," Perry wrote in a Facebook post. An outsized check was presented to Perry … Continue reading Gearhead Curios gets $12,500 state grant to help build “Big A the Texaco Man” fiberglass giant

Shea’s Route 66 Museum in Springfield reopens Monday for the first time in over a decade

The Shea's Route 66 Museum along Route 66 in Springfield, Illinois, will reopen at 4 p.m. Monday after receiving extensive renovations at the former gas station. According to the Springfield State Journal-Register (subscription required), Scott Dahl of the city's convention and visitors bureau said it would be the first time the site, now owned by … Continue reading Shea’s Route 66 Museum in Springfield reopens Monday for the first time in over a decade

Gearhead Curios wins first Outstanding Attraction honor from Jefferson Highway Association

Gearhead Curios of Galena, Kansas, and its owner Aaron Perry recently received the inaugural Outstanding Attraction award from the Jefferson Highway Association during its 11th annual conference in Alexandria, Louisiana. Gearhead Curios is best known for being on Route 66. The Jefferson Highway, which ran from New Orleans to Winnipeg, Manitoba, also went through Galena … Continue reading Gearhead Curios wins first Outstanding Attraction honor from Jefferson Highway Association

Restoration of West Winds Motel sign in Erick among Oklahoma Route 66 Commission grants

The restoration of the neon sign for the closed West Winds Motel in Erick, Oklahoma, is among the $6 million in grants recently awarded by the Oklahoma Route 66 Commission. A list of the funds given from the state's Route 66 Revitalization Grant Program was posted in a document on the commission's website. Several grant … Continue reading Restoration of West Winds Motel sign in Erick among Oklahoma Route 66 Commission grants

Former Lebanon gas station owner who recalls briefly meeting Pretty Boy Floyd dies at 98

Tommy Speaker, likely the oldest surviving businessman from the peak Route 66 era of Lebanon, Missouri, who as a child encountered outlaw Pretty Boy Floyd, died last Tuesday. He was 98. Speaker ran the now-vacant Speaker's Mobil station, an operation that had been owned by his family since Route 66 was built in the 1920s. … Continue reading Former Lebanon gas station owner who recalls briefly meeting Pretty Boy Floyd dies at 98

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

Clines Corners marking its 90th anniversary

The venerable Clines Corners convenience store, restaurant and trading post about halfway between Santa Rosa and Albuquerque is marking its 90th year in operation this year. The anniversary was duly noted by a photo essay in the Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper over the weekend. TheRoute_66.com website contains this history of the place: Roy E. … Continue reading Clines Corners marking its 90th anniversary