While Airbnb has been controversial in larger cities for years, the use of people's homes for overnight lodging is being cussed and discussed in smaller cities -- including those on Route 66. WGLT, a public radio station at Illinois State University, recently dived into the issue and the case of Kevin Lewis' 103-year-old house in … Continue reading Should Airbnb sites on Route 66 undergo more regulation?
Tag: Bloomington
Rebuilding of Parkview Inn in Bloomington begins next week
The owner of Parkview Food and Pub in Bloomington, Illinois, will start rebuilding the historic Route 66 restaurant after a fire destroyed it in 2016 and go back to its original name, Parkview Inn. The Bloomington Pantagraph talked to Rick McCormick, owner of the restaurant that once stood near Miller Park since 1928: "Hopefully, it … Continue reading Rebuilding of Parkview Inn in Bloomington begins next week
Route 66 visitors center in Bloomington sees 50 percent increase in attendance
The Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center in Bloomington, Illinois, saw a 50 percent increase in attendance from April 2016 to April 2017. The visitors center, on the ground floor of the McLean County Museum of History, recorded 27,173 visits in the past year, compared to just over 18,000 the year before. From the … Continue reading Route 66 visitors center in Bloomington sees 50 percent increase in attendance
Fire-damaged Parkview Pub in Bloomington may reopen by summer
Parkview Food & Pub, better known as the Parkview Inn, in Bloomington, Illinois, may reopen by summer after a fire in October virtually destroyed the historic establishment. Owner Rich McCormick told the Bloomington Panatagraph he's taking the opportunity with the rebuilding process to make some changes so its customers will face Miller Park across the … Continue reading Fire-damaged Parkview Pub in Bloomington may reopen by summer
Former Parkview Inn in Bloomington damaged by fire
A fire Friday night extensively damaged the historic Parkview Food and Pub restaurant, formerly the Parkview Inn, in Bloomington, Illinois, but its owners vowed to rebuild. A fire in the exhaust hood caused $300,000 in damage, reported the Bloomington Pantagraph. The Parkview sits on a 1930 to 1940 alignment of Route 66 at 1003 Morris Ave. (map here). … Continue reading Former Parkview Inn in Bloomington damaged by fire
Speakers lineup announced for Miles of Possibility Conference
The Route 66 Miles of Possibility conference recently announced its speakers for the Oct. 20-23 event at the McLean County Museum of History/Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center and the Ensenberger Building in downtown Bloomington, Illinois. Last year's Miles of Possibility in Edwardsville, Illinois, contained a slew of speakers, and this lineup looks no less abundant. Cory … Continue reading Speakers lineup announced for Miles of Possibility Conference
L&L Motel in Bloomington torn down for more parking
Steve Vogel, a columnist for the Pantagraph newspaper in Bloomington, Illinois, had this startling piece of news in a recent column: Did you notice part of Bloomington-Normal’s link to Route 66 just disappeared? ... the L&L Motel on Morrissey Drive has been leveled … the new property owners are the folks at Grady’s Pizza and Family Fun … Continue reading L&L Motel in Bloomington torn down for more parking
City may buy Sprague Super Service station
The city of Normal, Illinois, will vote Monday on whether to buy and keep up Terri Ryburn's historic Sprague Super Service station on old Route 66. The Bloomington Pantagraph reported: The council will consider a $458,000 investment, including $229,000 to buy the property, $200,000 to improve the building and $172,000 to buy and renovate an … Continue reading City may buy Sprague Super Service station
Springfield, Missouri, sees boom in hotel business
Springfield, Missouri, is experiencing a boom in hotel business so far in 2016, and it appears one big reason for it is Route 66. According to the KY3 station in town: The Convention and Visitors bureau says the number of visitors so far...and the number of hotel rooms occupied, has surpassed last year. Tracy Kimberlin … Continue reading Springfield, Missouri, sees boom in hotel business
Illinois county seeks another expansion of Route 66 bicycle trail
McLean County, Illinois, is seeking a federal grant to help add seven miles to a Route 66 bicycle trail outside of the Bloomington-Normal metro area. According to WJBC radio: The McLean County Board is expected to apply for federal funds to add a 4-mile stretch of the trail between Lexington and Towanda and a 3.25-mile … Continue reading Illinois county seeks another expansion of Route 66 bicycle trail