GlassBoy Studios opens in Arcadia

Joel Rayburn's GlassBoy Studios neon-lighting company -- also home to Tourist Trap Tees --opened for business last week in downtown Arcadia, Oklahoma, next to Route 66 and the town's famous Round Barn. The above photo is shows the business and the custom-painted Route 66 van driven by GlassBoy Studios' first customer, Greg Gaszak. The business is housed in the nearly-century-old Brooks … Continue reading GlassBoy Studios opens in Arcadia

What is the length of Route 66?

The length of the original U.S. 66 is commonly cited as 2,448 miles (although Wikipedia lists it as 2,451 miles). Stefan Joppich's research indicates through bypasses and improvements, the length of Route 66 dropped in miles to 2,278 by 1947 -- much of it through the bypass of Santa Fe, which lopped off almost 120. How long … Continue reading What is the length of Route 66?

12 useful tips for traveling Route 66

By Emily Priddy During the recent Miles of Possibility conference in Edwardsville, Illinois, guidebook authors Jim Ross and Jerry McClanahan offered advice for travelers planning a trip on the road. Here are some of the suggestions they offered during the hourlong session: Do your homework ahead of time, and go beyond guidebooks — learn the … Continue reading 12 useful tips for traveling Route 66

Kingman Route 66 Walk of Fame inductees announced

Four inductees for the Route 66 Walk of Fame in Kingman, Arizona, during the Best of the West on Route 66 Festival on Sept. 25-27 recently were announced. The inductees also will be recognized as King of the Road, an honorary position that includes being as grand marshal of the festival's parade. The inductees are: … Continue reading Kingman Route 66 Walk of Fame inductees announced

A chat with Jerry McClanahan

KC Keefer adds to his "Genuine Route 66 Life" video series with a talk with Route 66 artist, author and researcher Jerry McClanahan at his studio in Chandler, Oklahoma. https://youtu.be/ISZLdWzTx2o McClanahan has been traveling regularly on Route 66 for more than 30 years, and his memories of the Mother Road date back even further. Novice … Continue reading A chat with Jerry McClanahan

New road would partly restore old section of Route 66

The Phelps County commissioners may apply for a grant to build a north outer road near Interstate 44 that would partially restore an old section of Route 66 near Rolla, Missouri, according to The Leader Journal newspaper in St. James, Missouri. The new section of road would run between U.S. 63 and Missouri Highway V. The board would … Continue reading New road would partly restore old section of Route 66

Artist dedicates Gay Parita painting at its namesake

Artist Jerry McClanahan on Saturday unveiled a newly commissioned painting of Gary Turner's Gay Parita gas station on Route 66 west of Halltown, Missouri, at the station itself. A recent news release explained how the painting came to be: On June 6 of 2013, Curtis Gobeli, celebrating having turned 66 years of age with a dream … Continue reading Artist dedicates Gay Parita painting at its namesake

Artist will hold public unveiling of Gay Parita painting

Route 66 artist Jerry McClanahan will have a public unveiling of his newest painting of Gary Turner's Gay Parita gas station at the station near Halltown, Mo., on Saturday, May 17. According to a news release from the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, a meet-and-greet with hot dogs and soda will be at noon, with the official unveiling at … Continue reading Artist will hold public unveiling of Gay Parita painting