Michael Wallis talks about Route 66, “Cars” film and writing career in a recent TV interview

Bestselling author Michael Wallis recently sat down with a Tulsa TV station to talk about his long writing career, the "Cars" movie and his personal and professional connection to Route 66. Wallis, 77, was plugging an appearance at the recently completed Route 66 Road Fest in Tulsa. A lot of young people remember his small … Continue reading Michael Wallis talks about Route 66, “Cars” film and writing career in a recent TV interview

Food not being served at Bagdad Cafe as the owner approaches her 83rd birthday

The California Historic Route 66 Association reports the Bagdad Cafe in Newberry Springs, California, currently is not serving food but is open for visits by tourists and is selling T-shirts, Route 66 souvenirs, soda, beer and coffee. The association and her son also plan something special for owner Andrea Pruett on her 83rd birthday on … Continue reading Food not being served at Bagdad Cafe as the owner approaches her 83rd birthday

New Mexico PBS stations air a documentary about La Fonda Hotel in Santa Fe

New Mexico PBS stations a few days ago broadcast a new 21-minute documentary about La Fonda on the Plaza, the storied and highly influential hotel in the middle of downtown Santa Fe. You can watch the film below. It's also available for viewing on the PBS app. According to a recent article in the Albuquerque … Continue reading New Mexico PBS stations air a documentary about La Fonda Hotel in Santa Fe

Skyview Drive-In theater in Litchfield undergoes ownership change

The historic Skyview Drive-In theater in Litchfield, Illinois, landed a new owner earlier this month, and the operators pledge no big changes. Gene Hebenstreit closed on the purchase of the Route 66 theater on April 14, according to his daughter Chelsey Semplowski during a phone interview Friday. The purchase price was not disclosed. Hebenstreit owns … Continue reading Skyview Drive-In theater in Litchfield undergoes ownership change

Plaque installed at Admiral Twin Drive-In to mark its role in “The Outsiders” movie

About 80 people watched the installation of a plaque Friday at the Admiral Twin Drive-In theatre in Tulsa to commemorate its use as a location in "The Outsiders" movie. The film also is marking the 40th anniversary of its release this year. That weekend, the Admiral Twin also screened "The Outsiders" and "Rumble Fish" -- … Continue reading Plaque installed at Admiral Twin Drive-In to mark its role in “The Outsiders” movie

Tee Pee Drive-In theater in Sapulpa holds its grand opening

The historic Tee Pee Drive-In theater in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, held its grand opening -- or, more accurately, grand reopening -- that included a classic-car show, a double feature and a marriage proposal. Here are photos from the big event: The theater will show "Back to the Future" Part 1 and 2 next weekend. Tickets are … Continue reading Tee Pee Drive-In theater in Sapulpa holds its grand opening

Trailer for “One Day as a Lion” film features Clanton’s Cafe in Vinita

The historic Clanton's Cafe in Vinita, Oklahoma, makes a prominent appearance in the trailer for the forthcoming crime film "One Day as a Lion." You'll spot the interior and exterior of the Route 66 restaurant almost right away, including its neon "EAT" sign: https://youtu.be/2jgPyzRdlUo The film was shot in various towns in northeast Oklahoma, including … Continue reading Trailer for “One Day as a Lion” film features Clanton’s Cafe in Vinita

Tee Pee Drive-In theater in Sapulpa to hold its grand opening on April 15

The Tee Pee Drive-In theater along old Route 66 in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, will hold its grand opening on April 15 with a free car show before its movie screenings. The remaining tickets for the opening-night movie screenings of "The Super Mario Brothers Movie" and "Despicable Me" are fast running out. They can be ordered here. … Continue reading Tee Pee Drive-In theater in Sapulpa to hold its grand opening on April 15

Documentary about Route 66 women now being aired for free on TubiTV

Filmmaker Katrina Parks announced her three-part "Route 66: The Untold Story of Women on the Mother Road" and the documentary "The Harvey Girls: Opportunity Bound" now are available to audiences for free on the streaming platform TubiTV. According to a news release from Parks: These films, which have been broadcast through American Public Television, explore … Continue reading Documentary about Route 66 women now being aired for free on TubiTV

Notable Route 66 enthusiast and educator Becky Ransom dies at 61

Becky Ransom, a Route 66 fan who used that enthusiasm for years in the classroom and at the Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo, died suddenly in Wyoming on Feb. 8. She was 61. According to her obituary, a joint celebration of life will be held for Ramsom and her father, Wayne Ransom, on July … Continue reading Notable Route 66 enthusiast and educator Becky Ransom dies at 61