Two initiatives by the City of Albuquerque reportedly have helped businesses along the Central Avenue (aka Route 66) corridor during the holiday season. Craig Turpin of Empire Board Game Library told KOB-TV the city's Route 66 Shop & Glow, which featured light sculptures, helped keep his sales the same as last year, if not higher. … Continue reading Shop-local initiative helps Route 66 businesses in Albuquerque during holiday
Tag: Coronavirus
Sapulpa lights up its first Tree of Hope for the holiday
The city of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, held a ceremonial lighting Tuesday evening of its inaugural, 26-foot-tall Tree of Hope and other Christmas-themed decor in its downtown area. About 100 people attended the event for the tree-lighting, which featured a Route 66-themed topper, reported the Sapulpa Times. Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, who oversees the state's tourism department, … Continue reading Sapulpa lights up its first Tree of Hope for the holiday
New Mexico adds new COVID-19 restrictions for two weeks starting Monday
The state of New Mexico will add new restrictions effective Monday because of soaring coronavirus cases there, and more states are likely to join it as the virus reaches a dangerous stage in the growth of infections and overwhelmed hospitals. Four other states on Friday also added COVID-19 restrictions. USA Today, which published a handy … Continue reading New Mexico adds new COVID-19 restrictions for two weeks starting Monday
Lou Mitchell’s, other restaurants in Illinois close indefinitely because of COVID-19
Lou Mitchell's, a traditional starting or ending point in Chicago for Route 66 travelers, and other Windy City restaurants have closed indefinitely because of restrictions imposed by the governor among an upswing of coronavirus cases there. In a Facebook post, Lou Mitchell's stated it was only its second closure in 98 years. "We hope to … Continue reading Lou Mitchell’s, other restaurants in Illinois close indefinitely because of COVID-19
Admiral Twin Drive-In used for an immigration naturalization ceremony
Drive-in theaters this year have been used for several new purposes, including concerts and church services, because of their ability to foster social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last week, the Admiral Twin Drive-In in Tulsa found another new purpose -- a site for an immigration naturalization ceremony. According to a Tulsa World report, 55 … Continue reading Admiral Twin Drive-In used for an immigration naturalization ceremony
Galaxy Diner in Flagstaff reopens after a one-year closure
The historic Galaxy Diner in Flagstaff, Arizona, recently reopened after it shuttered in August 2019 during a supposedly temporary closure for renovations. The restaurant's longtime manager, Will Pillen, reopened the diner after previous owner JB's Family Restaurants Inc. declared bankruptcy and shut it down. The Arizona Daily Sun, based in Flagstaff, reported: Pillen continued managing … Continue reading Galaxy Diner in Flagstaff reopens after a one-year closure
Launching Pad Drive-In will remain closed until spring due to COVID-19 pandemic
The owners of the revived Launching Pad Drive-In in Wilmington, Illinois, said they would keep their Route 66 restaurant closed until spring "to protect our family, employees and patrons" from COVID-19. Tully Garrett and Holly Barker made the announcement Friday on Instagram and other social media. It stated, in part: We have carefully watched this … Continue reading Launching Pad Drive-In will remain closed until spring due to COVID-19 pandemic
Future home of Illinois Rock and Roll Museum on Route 66 given landmark status
The historic building that will house the Illinois Rock and Roll Museum on Route 66 in downtown Joliet was given landmark status by the city council. The Herald-News had some details about the landmark designation: The building at 9 W. Cass St. was the original home of the White Store and later housed the local … Continue reading Future home of Illinois Rock and Roll Museum on Route 66 given landmark status
Steak ‘n Shake uses Route 66 shield in conjunction with its revived car-hop service
Talk about a retro revival: The old-school Steak 'n Shake restaurant chain brought back its long-dormant car-hop service, along with a Route 66 shield painted onto the pavement to designate a picnic section. The move comes at a time when outdoor dining is safer and fosters social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic. The Huntsville Business … Continue reading Steak ‘n Shake uses Route 66 shield in conjunction with its revived car-hop service
Route 66 Marathon in Tulsa goes virtual because of COVID-19 pandemic
The annual Route 66 Marathon in Tulsa announced a few days ago it is going virtual in November because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The race announced on its website: While we know it’s not quite the same as an in-person race, we believe that the best way to keep everyone safe and still experience … Continue reading Route 66 Marathon in Tulsa goes virtual because of COVID-19 pandemic