Illinois announces $4 million in grants for projects along Route 66

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and Gov. JB Pritzker on Monday announced $4 million in grants for various projects along Route 66, including a visitors center in a former Edwardsville gas station, reopening the old Cannonball Jail in Carlinville and a new Muffler Man on a restaurant in Berwyn. According to Riverbender.com and … Continue reading Illinois announces $4 million in grants for projects along Route 66

Missy’s Sweet Shoppe soon will open in Palms Grill Cafe in Atlanta

The historic Palms Grill Cafe in downtown Atlanta, Illinois, soon will have a new tenant -- the Missy's Sweet Shoppe bakery. Missy Gaither is leasing the property from the owner, the Atlanta Public Library. She said in a phone interview she would open there in early June. "I was looking for a storefront, and it … Continue reading Missy’s Sweet Shoppe soon will open in Palms Grill Cafe in Atlanta

Visitors center opens inside Shops at Mother Road Market in Tulsa

A new visitors center has opened inside Gambill’s Coffee at the Shops at Mother Road Market in Tulsa to take advantage of what's anticipated to be a record year for tourism in the city. Shops at Mother Road Market sits next to East 11th Street (aka Route 66) and the popular Mother Road Market, which … Continue reading Visitors center opens inside Shops at Mother Road Market in Tulsa

New owners of Sunflower Station in Adrian reveal more plans for the site for 2023

The new owners of Sunflower Station next door to the landmark Midpoint Cafe in Adrian, Texas, announced plans for the site when they plan to reopen it in spring 2023, including placing guest cabins in the back of the property. Jason and Kelly Snyder, enthusiasts of Route 66 and motorcycles, acquired the property last year … Continue reading New owners of Sunflower Station in Adrian reveal more plans for the site for 2023

Oklahoma Tourism leader resigns, state files suit against Swadley’s Bar-B-Q over park contract

The state of Oklahoma last week filed a breach-of-contract lawsuit against Swadley's Bar-B-Q, and Oklahoma Tourism chief Jerry Winchester resigned after he and the small restaurant chain were implicated over allegations of fraud and overspending with concessions at six state parks. The contract is being investigated by state police and is undergoing an audit by … Continue reading Oklahoma Tourism leader resigns, state files suit against Swadley’s Bar-B-Q over park contract

Texas Old Route 66 Association officers freshen up the midpoint of Route 66 in Adrian

Officers of the Texas Old Route 66 Association this week repainted the on-road markers of the so-called midpoint of Route 66, directly across from the Midpoint Cafe in Adrian, Texas. The association posted a bunch of photos of those members repainting the midpoint stripe on the road and its nearby Route 66 shields. I'm sure … Continue reading Texas Old Route 66 Association officers freshen up the midpoint of Route 66 in Adrian

Oklahoma Tourism axes contract with Swadley’s Bar-B-Q due to suspected fraud

The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department this week canceled a state parks contract with Swadley's Bar-B-Q -- a regional chain with Route 66 roots -- “due to suspected fraudulent activity and questionable business practices.” The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation has been investigating the contract for several weeks. The local district attorney and state auditor … Continue reading Oklahoma Tourism axes contract with Swadley’s Bar-B-Q due to suspected fraud

Pappy’s Soda Jerk restaurant in Amarillo is housed in a rare 1929 Ford Model AA

The next time you're in Amarillo looking for a meal during the weekend, keep your eyes peeled for a restored 1929 Ford Model AA that now houses Pappy's Soda Jerk restaurant. Robert Rowley's vehicle often can be found parked on Fridays and Saturdays at his wife's business, Amarillo Developmental Gymnastics Center; Tripp's Harley Davidson, or … Continue reading Pappy’s Soda Jerk restaurant in Amarillo is housed in a rare 1929 Ford Model AA

Clinton group passes measure to begin rehab of Glancy Motel, rebuilding Pop Hicks

The Clinton Economic Development Authority board of trustees in Clinton, Oklahoma, during a special meeting Tuesday passed a three-part motion designed to advance the planned rehabilitation of the Glancy Motel and the resurrection of the long-closed Pop Hicks restaurant. The Clinton Daily News (subscription required) on Thursday had details behind the move: The motion, made … Continue reading Clinton group passes measure to begin rehab of Glancy Motel, rebuilding Pop Hicks

Former Howard Johnson hotel in Flagstaff to be converted to emergency housing

A former Howard Johnson hotel in Flagstaff, Arizona, has been purchased by a local entity so it can be converted into emergency housing for senior citizens, local families and the medically vulnerable. The Arizona Daily Sun reported the 58-room hotel at 3300 E. Route 66 Blvd. -- which opened as The Crown in 1967 -- … Continue reading Former Howard Johnson hotel in Flagstaff to be converted to emergency housing