From the holiday playlist: “Santa’s Got a Mean Machine”

So I recently did a little Google searching, trying to find any sort of song about Route 66 and Christmas together. I utterly struck out with that quest. So you budding songwriters, here's your chance to fill a niche. In the meantime, I did find this gem by Tulsa-based rockabilly artist JD McPherson, who a … Continue reading From the holiday playlist: “Santa’s Got a Mean Machine”

Five Beetles returned to former Slug Bug Ranch site, but new site will continue as planned

After the owner of Slug Bug Ranch moved the five Volkswagen Beetles south of the original site near Conway, Texas, the landlord claimed possession of them and they were moved back. The Texas Old Route 66 Association alluded to this fluid situation in a social media post about two weeks ago: Slug Bug Ranch, inspired … Continue reading Five Beetles returned to former Slug Bug Ranch site, but new site will continue as planned

Route 66 Association of Missouri now is selling a special black Route 66 license plate

The Route 66 Association of Missouri recently announced it is offering an exclusive black Route 66 license plate, in conjunction with the Missouri Department of Revenue. The plate can be ordered online here. Once ordered, it will arrive in your mailbox in four to six weeks. The association passed along this information about the plate: … Continue reading Route 66 Association of Missouri now is selling a special black Route 66 license plate

Slug Bug Ranch will move to a different location by January

The whimsical Slug Bug Ranch near Conway, Texas, will pick up and move to a new location shortly after New Year's Day, its owner said in a phone interview. Slug Bug Ranch, which was inspired by the internationally famous Cadillac Ranch 35 miles to the west in Amarillo, is a site where five vintage Volkswagen … Continue reading Slug Bug Ranch will move to a different location by January

Kingman Route 66 Fest next month is adding a Cadillac Ranch Experience

Want to spraypaint one of the cars at the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, but can't get there? The third annual Kingman Route 66 Fest in Kingman, Arizona, on Oct. 13-14 offers a facsimile of that. The festival is offering a Cadillac Ranch Experience. The news release explains: Brand new to the Fest this year! … Continue reading Kingman Route 66 Fest next month is adding a Cadillac Ranch Experience

Unser Racing Museum leaving Albuquerque for a new spot in Nebraska

Apparently the Unser racing family's deep roots in Albuquerque weren't deep enough to keep its museum in the Duke City. The Unser Racing Museum announced Friday it would close and move its massive collection to the Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed in Lincoln, Nebraska. The move is occurring despite the city offering $4 million … Continue reading Unser Racing Museum leaving Albuquerque for a new spot in Nebraska

Developer withdraws plans for Route 66 mixed-use project in Tulsa, citing construction costs

A developer that sought to build an ambitious Route 66-themed mixed-use project in Tulsa told the city this week it has withdrawn the proposal, citing a rise in construction costs that made it unfeasible. Sharp Development of Tulsa pulled out of the project this week after the city selected it from four proposals a year … Continue reading Developer withdraws plans for Route 66 mixed-use project in Tulsa, citing construction costs

Local historian talks about Mrs. Orcutt and her home and driveway near Newberry Springs

Andy Jones interviewed local historian Paul Deel about his experiences with Bonnie Margaret Orcutt of Newberry Springs, California, as they explored the remains of her long-abandoned home. Jones said he was prompted to interview Deel after viewing a Sidetrack Adventures video, posted on this website, about Orcutt's infamous 4-mile-long driveway. Here's Jones' interview, which contains … Continue reading Local historian talks about Mrs. Orcutt and her home and driveway near Newberry Springs

Illinois awards $6.6M in Route 66 and tourism marketing grants

The governor of Illinois and the state's Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced last week it would give 58 awards totaling $6.6 million through the Route 66 and Tourism Marketing Grant Programs to boost Route 66 tourism. The Route 66 grant program is awarding $3.7 million to seven recipients for the development of tourism, … Continue reading Illinois awards $6.6M in Route 66 and tourism marketing grants

Route 66 Fun Run will feature an ideal spot to view its 850 vehicles

The 34th annual Route 66 Fun Run next weekend from Seligman to Topock, Arizona, will have an interesting new twist that will provide the best seat in the house to see the hundreds of vehicles in the cruise. Nikki Seegers, director of operations for the Arizona Historic Route 66 Association that puts on the event, … Continue reading Route 66 Fun Run will feature an ideal spot to view its 850 vehicles