Songwriter records an ode to the Allsup’s burrito

A Texas-based songwriter a few months ago recorded a tribute to Allsup's burritos, a staple at the regional convenience-store chain primarily in Texas, New Mexico, plus a few in Oklahoma. Allsup's are littered along two states on Route 66 corridor, with Shamrock, Texas, at the most eastern point and Gallup, New Mexico, at the westernmost, … Continue reading Songwriter records an ode to the Allsup’s burrito

Nat King Cole among new inductees at Illinois Rock and Roll Museum on Route 66

The Joliet-based Illinois Rock and Roll Museum on Route 66 recently announced its third class of inductees, and one of them made a key impact on Route 66 itself. That would be Nat King Cole, who was born in Alabama but spent his formative years in Chicago. He popularized "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66" … Continue reading Nat King Cole among new inductees at Illinois Rock and Roll Museum on Route 66

Coffee shop coming to long-vacant Red’s Giant Hamburg property

A Trailer Perk Coffee shop is under construction at the lot that contained Red's Giant Hamburg restaurant in Springfield, Missouri, nearly 40 years ago. Route 66 News reader and Springfield resident Mark Mahy sent over a recent photo of the construction of the coffee shop underway. Despite the location being the home of Red's for … Continue reading Coffee shop coming to long-vacant Red’s Giant Hamburg property

Former Christian Science church in Tulsa to be converted into a concert venue

A historic church in downtown Tulsa that once was part of the Christian Science denomination will be converted into a modern concert venue and recording studio. GH2 Architects of Tulsa made the announcement this week on Facebook and included artist's renderings of the transformed space: The former First Church of Christ, Scientist at 924 S. … Continue reading Former Christian Science church in Tulsa to be converted into a concert venue

Staff, management shake-up hits Tower Theatre in Oklahoma City

The historic Tower Theatre along Route 66 in Oklahoma City recently saw layoffs and a big management shake-up. The Lost Ogle, an OKC-based website that has broken a number of big stories over the years, reported at least nine people at the theater were laid off, others were forced to reapply for their jobs, and … Continue reading Staff, management shake-up hits Tower Theatre in Oklahoma City

Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway announces $6,000 worth of grants

The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway this week announced the latest round of the Byway Project Funds program to provide financial assistance to byway members. Byway Project Funds are meant to support events, marketing and advertising efforts, and projects that help preserve the heritage of Illinois Route 66 and promote travel to Illinois Route 66 … Continue reading Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway announces $6,000 worth of grants

Giant guitar added to the side of Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 in Joliet

Gigantar, a 24-foot-long guitar that was fashioned for the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 in downtown Joliet, was installed and later dedicated during a lighting ceremony attended by hundreds of people on Friday evening despite near-freezing temperatures. Cheap Trick guitarist and co-founder Rick Nielsen, a member of both the Illinois Rock & … Continue reading Giant guitar added to the side of Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 in Joliet

New music video shows dozens of Tulsa attractions, including those on Route 66

Tulsa-based musician Charlie Redd recently released an animated music video, "Tulsa Hills," described as "a love letter to Tulsa." The video contains images of nearly 150 sites in Tulsa, including quite a few along the city's stretch of Route 66. https://youtu.be/IIhZlo4ZDbA Mort Johnson, a Tulsa native, did the animation. In an article in the Tulsa … Continue reading New music video shows dozens of Tulsa attractions, including those on Route 66

City of Clinton approves authority’s purchase of Trade Winds Inn and its future demolition

The City of Clinton, Oklahoma, recently approved the Clinton Economic Development Authority's purchase and future razing of the now-closed Trade Winds Inn motel, known for preserving a room where Elvis Presley stayed four times on cross-country trips. According to the Clinton Daily News (subscription required): “The Tradewinds has closed and we are in the process … Continue reading City of Clinton approves authority’s purchase of Trade Winds Inn and its future demolition

Trade Winds Inn in Clinton, best known for its Elvis Room, may be demolished

The Trade Winds Inn motel in Clinton, Oklahoma -- best known for its Elvis Room where Elvis Presley stayed during his cross-country road trips -- may be demolished with the possibility the local school district might use the property. The Clinton Daily News (subscription required) reported last week the Clinton Economic Development Authority will discuss … Continue reading Trade Winds Inn in Clinton, best known for its Elvis Room, may be demolished