A Tulsa-based music promoter wants to buy the closed Gold Dome building in Oklahoma City and transform it into a live music venue. Mike Brown, president of Kismet Koncerts, has requested $3 million in public assistance for the project, reported The Oklahoman (subscription required). The money would come from tax-increment financing. Kismet owns and operates … Continue reading Promoter wants to buy Gold Dome in Oklahoma City, turn it into a music venue
Claremore to host Andy Payne Route 66 Race in April
The Route 66 town of Claremore, Oklahoma, will host the Andy Payne Route 66 Race 5K and fun run on the morning of April 12 as part of the highway's centennial celebrations. The Claremore Daily Progress reports that proceeds from the race will benefit the Claremore Museum of History. Those who sign up by March … Continue reading Claremore to host Andy Payne Route 66 Race in April
Trader Vic’s returning to Southern California next year, this time on Route 66
Trader Vic's, a famed Polynesian restaurant chain that dates back at least 70 years, is returning to Southern California next year with a location on Route 66. The famed Trader Vic's at the Beverly Hilton closed in 2007, but a new one is slated to open in West Hollywood, reported Los Angeles Magazine. Rhett Rosen, … Continue reading Trader Vic’s returning to Southern California next year, this time on Route 66
Remaining bridge over Bird Creek near Catoosa will be torn down
The other half of the Route 66 Twin Bridges that once stood near Catoosa, Oklahoma, will be torn down starting sometime next year. KJRH-TV in nearby Tulsa reported the Oklahoma Department of Transportation awarded a $7.2 million contract to replace the 1956 bridge on eastbound Route 66. The bridge replacement project is expected to begin … Continue reading Remaining bridge over Bird Creek near Catoosa will be torn down
Puzzle features work of late Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire
A new creation by the Hart Puzzles company features a collage of the work of deceased Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire. Waldmire's brother Buz flagged the company's offering: The 1,000-piece puzzle can be ordered directly here for $24.99. Bob Waldmire, a self-avowed hippie who also was the unofficial inspiration to Fillmore in the movie “Cars,” died in … Continue reading Puzzle features work of late Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire
Rose Bowl’s marquee sign part of $80 million renovation effort
The century-old Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, soon will undergo an $80 million renovation before the 2028 Olympics, including its iconic sign. The San Gabriel Valley Tribune gave the details of the forthcoming work: Phase 1 is estimated to cost $30-35 million and aims to be completed in 2026. Planned projects include a full refurbishment of … Continue reading Rose Bowl’s marquee sign part of $80 million renovation effort
Retro diner going into former Sonrise Donuts building in Springfield
After being a Mexican restaurant for years, the former Sonrise Donuts building along Route 66 in Springfield, Illinois, will be transformed into a retro diner called The Fountain on 66. The Springfield State Journal-Register (subscription required) reports that Tom Hart signed a lease effective Jan. 1 to take over the building, Hart will have to … Continue reading Retro diner going into former Sonrise Donuts building in Springfield
Ida Red General Store in Tulsa is selling a Route 66 snow globe
Ida Red General Store, specializing in Oklahoma-made gifts, is selling a handpainted, Route 66-themed snow globe featuring several Route 66 landmarks in the Sooner State. Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association who helped get clearances for the creation, showed the snow globe in a video: The landmarks I spotted in the snow … Continue reading Ida Red General Store in Tulsa is selling a Route 66 snow globe
Munger Moss Motel founders among those going into Laclede County Route 66 Wall of Fame
A husband and wife team who moved the Munger Moss restaurant to Lebanon, Missouri, and built a famous motel of the same name were among those who will be inducted into the 2025 Laclede County Route 66 Wall of Fame. Pete and Jessie Hudson moved the Munger Moss Sandwich Shop from Devils Elbow, Missouri, to … Continue reading Munger Moss Motel founders among those going into Laclede County Route 66 Wall of Fame
Route 66 Christmas Tree Farm in Tulsa opens to the public
Part art installation and roadside attraction, the Route 66 Christmas Tree Farm in southwest Tulsa opened to the public last weekend. It is the brainchild of Josh and Amanda Stout, who own an art gallery across the street. Last winter, they put out a call for artificial Christmas trees -- not expecting they would receive … Continue reading Route 66 Christmas Tree Farm in Tulsa opens to the public